The Kehewin Tribal Counselling Services celebrated its 25th anniversary on Saturday, Nov. 23. Honored for their efforts to start the program in 1971 were five individuals. Lloyd Poitras, Eric Cardinal, John Parker, and representatives each for the late Eugene Steinhauer and Albert Lapatac, were each presented with plaques from the organization. Also honored were staff members, both past and present, who have worked for community growth either by taking training or choosing to live an alcohol and drug-free lifestyle.
The event was a success with as many as 200 people attending, some from as far away as the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Fort McMurray and Saskatchewan.
Archie Simpson, 79, a veteran trapper, respected Elder and great-grandfather, met an unkind fate Nov. 24 when fire broke out in his small trailer home at Peace Point. It claimed his life. Simpson was a product of the bush, and could leave it alone. It always was his life and love. Even when others advised him not to venture out on his trapline alone, he could not resist. His line, northwest of Peace Point, extended for more than 100 miles in Wood Buffalo National Park. He came from an age when dog and sled were his mode of travel, wood his only source of heat and wildlife his only companions. Simpson was a devoted family man and provider who enjoyed a good game of cards or cribbage. He will be missed by all family members, but particularly, his great-granddaughter Kandi. (TL)
Chipewyan Prairie First Nation will receive $2 million for a water treatment plant upgrade. Chief Walter Janvier and Mayor Guy Boutilier of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo attended the dec. 2 sod-turning ceremony. The project is jointly funded by the Department of Indian Affairs and the municipality The new water plant replaces existing facilities which are no longer adequate for the 500 people in the area - 300 First Nation members and 200 Janvier hamlet residents. "This water treatment facility is one important project because it forms part of the foundation of the community's infrastructure," said Janvier. "A strong basic infrastructure facilitates other progress in the first nations and contributes to economic renewal in the community."
The Canadian Native Friendship Centre is currently seeking facilitators for a series of Native Awareness Workshops. The workshops are aimed at both the Native and non-Native communities. The workshops will be about two hours long and will take place in the evening at the centre. The workshops are tentatively scheduled to start in January 1997. The facilitators should have extensive knowledge or practical experience in the following areas: spirituality, women's issues, health, Natives and the media, Native education, Native communities, communication, Native art, family structure or child rearing, Native justice, Native healing, social issues, Natives and the law, Native youth issues, and differences between First Nations. Previous public speaking experience would also be an asset. Direct your inquiries and correspondence to Audra Andrews at The Canadian Native Friendship Centre; 11205-101 St., Edmonton, Alta. T5G 2A4 or phone 479-1999.
By R John Hayes
Sweetgrass Writer
BANFF
With the first year of the Aboriginal Dance project at the Banff Centre for the Arts under their belts, organizers are looking at building on what is already being widely celebrated as a success. The six-week project consisted of an intensive series of workshops followed by public performances, called Chinook Winds, in September.
Designed for professional dancers after they've begun to establish themselves, the program had 12 participants and seven instructors in 1996.
"One thing to look at is that all our participants are working professionally in dance now," said Marrie Mumford, the Banff Centre's director for Aboriginal arts programs. "We have triggered or inspired a search for our roots. It's a paradox, but we have discovered - and it's what an Elder told me - that you have to go back to go forward."
The program at Banff is based on one at the Native Theatre School, now called the Centre for Indigenous Theatre, established in Owen Sound, Ont. in 1972. Mumford, who was a producer there, explained that it was that project where the fusion of traditional and contemporary dance now seen in Banff was first practiced.
"James Buller, who was originally from Edmonton and moved to Ontario, visioned singing, dance and acting being combined," she said. "Given the best of our cultural teachings and incorporating the best of western culture, he said that we would be winning awards within 20 years."
Mumford said that the time wasn't right then for it all to come together, but that the right time is now.
In 1993, the Aboriginal Film and Video Art Alliance and the Banff Centre for the Arts formed a cultural partnership so that Aboriginal artists could develop their skills and technological expertise. One of the alliance's operating goals was "to practice self-governance in art and explore traditional story-telling principles in contemporary expression." The partnership led to the creation of the Aboriginal Arts program, which includes the Winter Village projects, Aboriginal Dance project, Aboriginal Women's Voices projects and work studies in arts management, audio, curatorial and media production and post-production. The approach is collective and multi-disciplinary in the various forms, and encompasses both traditional and contemporary voices.
"Traditional dancers wanted to learn about contemporary dancing, and contemporary dancers want to learn about traditional dance," Mumford said. "We have had very little contemporary dance in our community, although powwow and traditional dance has been strong.
"The root of our cultural art is storytelling," she continued, "whether it's pictographs, speakers, our painted art or our dance, and that's the root of our dance here."
Currently, the Banff Centre Aboriginal Arts program is taking applications for 1997's version of the Aboriginal Dance project; and for Tahpahchimoona . . . a screenwriters workshop and an Aboriginal electronic publishing-multimedia workshop; and the centre has called for exhibition proposals for the Walter Phillips Gallery of Aboriginal arts. For information on these, or on other programs offered at Banff, contact 1-800-565-9989 or look on the internet at <http://www.banffcentre.ab.ca/>.
Christmas is a time for love and family
Oki.
I have many things to tell you, but first I have a big birthday greeting to Brenda Dalla Costa of CFWE - The Native Perspective on 89.9 FM. She is 25 years old with a few years experience, if you know what I mean. Also, a congratulations to James Blackman and Trina Janvier on their new addition.
Going onto other things, I went to the Knowing Your Spirit Conference on Nov. 28 to 30. I was talking up a storm with whoever I bumped into. My big ears heard about a fashion show happening here in the city to promote the up and coming Aboriginal fashion designers. Sweetgrass will tell you all about it next month.
I met a woman from Muskeg Lake, Sask. and she was giving me the scoop on a dance troupe that went to Singapore to film commercials. Wow, that's a trip of a lifetime for anyone.
The different races sometimes share a common bond. In this case, it is disabilities - whether it be mental or physical. There is one group who is working with the Native people who have disabilities. This group is called Aboriginal Disabilities Society of Alberta. They create awareness within the communities by having workshops, meetings and assemblies. They also provide counselling for disabled people.
To be honest, I do react differently towards disabled people. I guess the only way to combat this form of prejudice is awareness. The next time you see a person with a disability, say hi and you'll do them the world of good.
*****
Round dances are coming aROUND. There were a couple of round dances here in the city. One was to celebrate National Addictions Awareness Week. The other was held at the Canadian Native Friendship Centre. The Blackfoot people of southern Alberta really never had round dances. I would like to ask people of the north on how round dances were introduced and what is the significance of them? Anyone out there, please give me the scoop.
*****
Christmas is upon us. I would like to wish everyone a safe and wonderful Christmas. We celebrate Christmas for one reason and that is for the man named Jesus. I watch TV and I see all the commercials about Christmas. They're not about why we have Christmas, but what to buy for our loved ones. Sure it's nice to give a present and feel that you have given, but what is better is when you have your family there and the love in the room is overwhelming. That is Christmas to me.
I'll tell you a story. When I was about eight years old my grandmother died three days before Christmas. Our Christmas was sad and full of grief. My grandmother was a strong woman who saw everything from the world wars to epidemics to residential schools. She had never spoken English. At the cemetery, my grandfather made a speech in four languages saying that the Creator had taken her to end her suffering. She had stomach cancer. "We must grieve and not be angry with him for taking her," he said. "Christmas is a time to give love and share all what we have."
I remember that speech, even though I was young, but it seemed to bring people together. After the burial, all the adults came together and made a Christmas for us youngsters.
You can have everything your little old heart desires for Christmas,
but what is important is family, friends and the love they give throughout
the year.
Tansi!
Christmas is a-comin' Christmas is a-comin' . . . Well, it's not far off now 'til jolly old St. Nick comes crashing down the chimney to leave behind gifts for all those who have been good over the past year, eh? Here at Sweetgrass, we really do hope you all have a wonderful and fun-filled Christmas.
Up at Driftpile, there was a very close race on Nov. 29 for chief. The final count saw Clifford Freeman win by a single vote. To demonstrate just how close the race was, former chief Eugene Laboucan lost by only four votes.
Plagued by floods over many years, the community has been actively constructing a superior dike thanks to an infusion of $2 million from the feds.
*****
Further northwest, way up at Assumption, sports enthusiasts are gearing up for a volleyball tournament to determine who will qualify for the 1997 North American Indigenous Games in the bantam (ages 13 and 14) and midget (ages 15 and 16) categories. The trials go Jan. 31 to Feb. 1.
*****
East of Assumption, the town of Fort Chipewyan can hardly wait for the winter road to open up, but travellers are being cautioned that one snowmobile has already gone through the ice.
*****
Mikisew Cree Chief Archie Waquan reports that the community's business enterprises are doing well and they have just signed a transfer agreement with Indian Affairs Minister Ron Irwin.
According to a press release from the department, the five-year, $25.7 million agreement enables the Mikisew Cree First Nation to manage their affairs with greater independence, while meeting responsible accountability requirements. The FTA spans several program areas, including elementary through post-secondary education, which will be newly administered by the First Nation.
The agreement was finalized within a very short time frame, six months, and is another stepping stone for the First Nation in its move towards self-sufficiency, said the release.
Waquan said the community is also working towards a self-government process which paves the way for negotiations on a number of subject areas, including the governance of reserve lands, citizenship, education, culture, language and heritage and public works and community infrastructures.
The minister also was on hand to officially open the Allison Bay Reserve subdivision near Fort Chip. The new subdivision is part of the First Nation's overall long-term community plan and is intended to be the centre of the Mikisew community in the future.
The department provided $300,000 for the development of the subdivision. An additional $566,800 was provided under the new federal housing policy.
*****
People are being asked by the RCMP to exercise safety in regards to the storage and handling of rifles. Recently, Wabasca's 14 year-old Tammy Cardinal lost her life in an accidental shooting.
*****
Mel Benson of Drayton Valley will soon head for warmer climes. Always close to and supportive of numerous Native causes, he and his family are relocating to Houston, Texas in January. A party was held for him Nov. 29 with relatives, friends and associates on hand to bid the family a fond farewell.
*****
Word comes from Quentin Crowshoe that the folks down at Brocket are preparing for the 7th Annual Cross-Cultural Conference to be held Jan. 22 to 24. All kinds of good things are planned. Interested parties are asked to call 627-4224.
*****
Russell Whitford, in program development for the friendship centre at Lac La Biche, said a number of good things are occurring. A recent venture they are proud of is their creation of the Waskasoo Food Bank which helps the less fortunate. It is co-sponsored by the province and municipality. The centre is also conducting a major fund drive in its attempt to buy out the building they are in.
Volunteers, adds Whitford, are a huge asset to the centre. That's why, when the centre hosts its Dec. 14 Christmas party, it will include a volunteer appreciation dinner and sober dance.
The centres always seem to play a vital role at this time of the year, as they host Christmas parties for children and provide food hampers for the needy families.
Sadly, there is no word on the status of the centre at Calgary which has been shut down for an indefinite period of time. If you call them, you'll get the following message, "Greetings. The Calgary Native Friendship Centre is presently closed until further notice."
Things have been rather quiet up at Horse Lake Reserve which celebrated National Addictions Awareness Week with its own sobriety walk and workshops. There, Bob Horseman is in his second year as chief.
*****
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE . . . from all of us at Sweetgrass to all of you. May you and yours have a super-fine Christmas and New Year.
By R John Hayes
Sweetgrass Writer
COLD LAKE
School Remembrance Day ceremonies are attended around the country with less and less understanding of the sacrifices of war, organizers of a special ceremony in the Cold Lake First Nations said. That's why the ceremony held at Le Goff School was a little different, connecting the students' concerns with the sacrifices made in the world wars 50 and 80 years ago.
"The kids experienced the day themselves in modern terms," said teacher Reuben Bauer, the coordinator for the Remembrance Day programs. "Our kids, even myself, don't remember the war, or any war, really. We wanted to get that feeling across of a shared experience. The soldiers were 18 and 19 years old, then. Many died at the same age, or nearly the same age, as these kids."
Following a welcome by Bauer and a prayer by Elder Nora Matchatis, six Le Goff students shared their feelings with the student body of 140, gathered in a circle along with six representatives from the Royal Canadian Legion, the school staff and representatives of the First Nation.
Gina Jacob spoke about the meaning of hurt, Jillian Machatis about the meaning of anger, Homer Janvier about the meaning of pain, Melodie Martial about the meaning of suffering, and Rachel Janvier and Gloria Martial both spoke about the meaning of disappointment.
Each of the youthful presenters described a personal or family experience which had significance for them. In this way, the young people today were able to understand something of what the youth of earlier generations felt when they went off to war or came back to find that many of their friends would not.
With everybody standing, a eulogy was given by Father Leon Desjardin, then Bauer read the roll call of those who fell in the wars from the Cold Lake First Nations. Corporal Robert Harper then played the last post. The traditional moment of silence was followed by reveille, again played on the trumpet by Harper.
Then wreaths were laid in the centre of the gymnasium at the foot of a white wooden cross decorated with poppies: veteran Charlie Metchewais laid a wreath on behalf of the Cold Lake First Nations veterans, John Hicks on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion, Sam Metchewais on behalf of the chief and council at Cold Lake, principal Joe Redillas on behalf of Le Goff School, Sheena Harty on behalf of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, students' union vice-president Melodie Martial on behalf of the students' union and then representatives from each of the eight grades at Le Goff moved forward in unison to lay their class wreaths.
"The ceremony brings back memories of what you did on active service," said Charlie Metchewais, a Cold Lake First Nations veteran who took part in the ceremony. He saw post-war peacekeeping duty in the Korean Crisis, the Berlin Crisis and the Baltic countries. "This makes you hope that wars will eventually end.
"When I was serving, after the war, the third world war was close," he continued. "It felt like it could happen at any time. Now, the kids don't have that sense about war that we had then, but this ceremony today is an inspiration. You get a better feeling that you've been considered."
"In order to keep young people interested in Remembrance Day, interested
in celebrating the veterans and avoiding future wars, we need to make it
relevant today," Bauer said. "I want Remembrance Day to be relevant,
something they can remember."
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