Published January 13, 2000   Champion traditional dancer Doug Rain was one of many performers who brought in the new millennium in style at Edmonton's city hall. Rain entertained at the World Beat Powwow, just one of many activities at the city's annual First Night Festival which attracted about 50,000 spectators. Photo Credit: Terry Lusty Alberta cowboys rake in most of the big bucks by Terry Lusty Natives celebrate turn of millennium by Terry Lusty Laura Vinson: Changing folks' attitudes Interview by Wally Desjarlais. Terrying About - Dancing in the New Year by Terry Lusty Short Subjects: Inspired Ready, set, sew Date extended for feedback Alternative sought Crazy Horse tells the truth Take a new look at education New honor for star Edmonton man named to new post Good Cause Click here for Alberta Sweetgrass subscription information. Inspired EDMONTON-Aboriginal women who have a story to tell about rising above or overcoming some obstacle in life now have an opportunity to see their words in print. The Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women (IAAW) is collecting first-person accounts written by Aboriginal women, which they plan to publish at the end of the year. The idea sprung from the Esquao Awards, where a lot of ideas were generated about giving Aboriginal women a voice. What they're looking for are stories that reflect the unique experience of individuals and that each writer feels is significant and meaningful. It might be an important event in your life that you remember because it has left its mark on you or changed you in some way. It could be some change you have brought about through your struggles and effort. According to IAAW president Muriel Stanley Venne, the purpose of creating this book is to reflect the beauty and worth of Aboriginal women, an objective that is consistent with other projects undertaken by the organization. Stanley Venne says they will accept stories up to Oct. 1 for the book project. About 20 stories are in the hands of IAAW editor Ruth Bertelsen so far. There is no restriction on length, Stanley Venne says, but submissions are subject to editing. If they get a lot of stories, some may have to be shortened. Venne suggested a couple of pages is about right. Handwritten stories are acceptable, but typewritten is preferred. When you send in your story, try to find three pictures of yourself to go with it. They would like photographs of the contributors that were taken in their youth, photographs of them growing up, and finally, current snapshots. Because this is not a profit-making venture, there will be no payment for articles. To keep publication costs down, the book will probably be produced in black and white. Copies of the book will be distributed to appropriate locations, undecided as yet, and it will also be kept in IAAW archives. Contributors will be asked to sign a waiver giving IAAW permission to publish and distribute their work. For more information about sharing your story call their toll-free number 1-877-471-2171. Ready, set, sew EDMONTON-Ladies, sharpen those scissors and dig out the short quilting needles. The project is called a Healing Blanket and the idea for it is contained in a report produced as a result of the Gathering our Strength, Violence Against Aboriginal Women conference held in May 1998. The blanket is meant to commemorate Aboriginal women who have died violently by suicide, domestic violence or otherwise. The Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women is promoting this project as a way to help women express their grief. According to IAAW president, Muriel Stanley Venne, the older women who organized the Voice of Alberta Native Women organization contributed a lot to the idea of a healing blanket. Sewers will embroider the names of deceased loved ones on the quilt blocks they make. All the planning has not been worked out yet, such as size and number of quilt blocks and pick-up points for completed blocks, but the blanket is on the agenda of the next IAAW meeting this month. The institute is looking for co-ordinators and sewers in as many communities as possible. The actual creation of the healing blanket will be undertaken by Aboriginal women, but support in the form of stitching instructors or other helpers is welcome. The Catholic Women's League has offered their assistance to the project. Anyone interested in getting involved can call toll free 1-877-471-2171 and speak to Dawna. Date extended for feedback EDMONTON-The deadline has been extended a month for the Alberta government to receive feedback from the public on its draft Aboriginal Policy Framework. The new date is Jan. 31. The government reports it's had more than 35 meetings with Aboriginal, industry and government groups since the document was released for review on Sept. 15, 1999. The three main areas addressed by the framework are socio-economic opportunities, natural resource management, and "clearer" government roles and responsibilities. It sets out the principles of the province's dealings with Aboriginal people and proposes a process whereby the parties will work together on resource and economic development to the benefit of all. The consultative process is to improve Aborginal peoples' well being and self-reliance by raising their living standard to that of mainstream society and to manage natural resources and revenues from these resources in a manner that both recognizes Aboriginal rights and quells resource industry uncertainty regarding these rights and land management issues. Alternative sought LETHBRIDGE-An effort to keep some claims out of court may see a small number of residential school students from either the Blood or Peigan reserves enter an alternative dispute resolution program with the Anglican Church of Canada. Representatives from St. Paul residential school on the Blood Reserve met with representatives from the Anglican Church and the Canadian Department of Justice in Lethbridge in September to discuss taking part in a national pilot project that would see a negotiated settlement for wrongs perpetuated while in attendance at the school. The status of those discussions is uncertain, said Ellie Johnson, director of partnerships with the Anglican Church. It's unclear as to which residential school students in the two southwestern reserves the church may be dealing with, she said. When the response came from the claimants' lawyers, the lawyers expressed interest in representing a group that attended St. Cypran residential school on the Peigan Reserve. However, said Johnson, the church doesn't know how many claimants are involved in the St. Cypran group. In the summer of 1998, the Anglican Church was invited by the Assembly of First Nations to meet with the AFN and federal government to discuss a way of keeping residential school claims out of court. Alternative dispute resolutions were suggested. "It's a way to address the broader issues," said Johnson, "symbolic actions that would help people come to closure." Those who participated in the program were not giving up their rights to seek a court settlement. If claimants felt the ADR didn't serve their purposes, they could seek court action upon completion of ADR negotiations. Among the possible ADR actions are public apologies from the church and actions to help recover lost culture and language. Financial compensation will also be addressed. "In instances where criminal law was broken and damage resulted, in particular, sexual and harsh physical abuse, if it can be validated, it would be eligible for financial compensation," said Jim Boyles, national general secretary with the Anglican Church. Story by Shari Narine. Crazy Horse tells the truth CALGARY -Only Drunks and Children Tell the Truth, a play by Drew Hayden Taylor, will run from Jan. 19 to 29 at the Pumphouse Theatre in Calgary. The play is presented by Crazy Horse Theatre, the mandate of which is to run plays that will reflect the diversity and reality of Aboriginal people. The play is based on a young girl who was taken from her biological family when she was six months old. It's about the impact of a scoop-up adoption that happened in Ontario when Aboriginal children were removed from their homes and placed in foster homes. "In the context of this play we are talking about two children and their mother who has passed on. It's about two sisters, one who was raised on the reserve and the other one, who was adopted out of the reserve, who now lives in the city. In the second act, the children are adults. They drink a fair amount of wine, end up being drunk, and in that stage they finally break down their barriers and tell the truth while sharing stories with each other. By doing this they begin to heal," said Taylor. "I would say that it is 50 per cent hilarious and 50 per cent drama. It is an awesome play," said Robin Melting Tallow, director of Crazy Horse Theatre. Take a new look at education SASKATCHEWAN - The Battleford Tribal Council presents First Nations Education in the New Millennium at the Don Ross Community Centre in North Battleford on Feb. 14 and 15. Comedian Don Burnstick will perform, as will singer Lori Church. Featured speaker on Feb. 14 is Barbara Coloroso with a presentation called Kids Are Worth It: Parenting with Wit and Wisdom. Raising responsible, resourceful, resilient, caring children. This is a two-hour information session "packed with solid practical advice for parents of children from toddlers to teenagers." Day two features an address by Phil Fontaine, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. Professional education workshops will interest anyone in the education field. Call Patricia Atcheynum at (306) 445-9400 for information. New honor for star ONTARIO-Governor General Adrienne Clarkson announced about 80 appointments to the Order of Canada, including actor-musician Tom Jackson, and educator Helen Manyfingers of Cardston, Alta. Manyfingers, named a Member of the Order of Canada, is discribed in a news release from the Governor General as "a leader amongst her people." After teaching for many years, she went back to school to further her education at the University of Lethbridge, where she was one of only a handful of single, Aboriginal parents attending university. She has been a strong supporter of First Nations control over their own education and has encouraged Native adults to continue their studies. In addition, she has served with many academic institutions. Jackson was named an Officer of the Order of Canada, and is discribed as "a popular television, film and musical artist." Jackson has used his talents to help many people in need across Canada. Through his annual Huron Carol Benefit Concert series, he has raised funds for various food banks, soup kitchens and charities. In addition, through his Dreamcatcher tour, he educates people about the impact of suicide within a community. Along his personal journey, he has never forgotten his Aboriginal roots and persons in need. Edmonton man named to new post SASKATCHEWAN- Wanuskewin Heritage Park near Saskatoon has a new chief executive. George Brosseau, a Métis from Edmonton, assumed the park's top position earlier this month. Brosseau has 22 years experience in tourism, business and economic development. Before going to Wanuskewin, Brosseau served as program manage and chief administrative office with the Kootenay Regional Métis Association in Cranbrook, B.C. He also served as executive director of economic development for the Athabasca Tribal Council in Fort McMurray. Brosseau was born in Calgary, raised in Edmonton. The Wunuskewin Heritage Park is one of the most well-known Aboriginal cultural exhibits in Western Canada and expects to attract upwards of 70,000 visitors this year. Good Cause ALBERTA-The Calgary Urban Aboriginal Outreach Project, which deals with many high risk people, is planning a night of entertainment as a fundraiser. The Feb. 19 event is called Strengthening Our Relations. The non-profit group deals primarily with AIDS/HIV issues, but also does referrals, advocacy, crisis and career counselling, education training and cultural advising. Doors for Strengthening Our Relations open at 6 p.m. at Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Association and performances commence at 7 p.m. Included in the line-up is three-time world champion hoop dancer Quentin Pipestem. Singer Wendy "Oti" Walker, and musicians Naomi Saulteaux and Walter MacDonald are also on the agenda. The evening is free, but donations will be gratefully accepted. Call (403) 262-5963. Alberta cowboys rake in most of the big bucks By Terry Lusty Sweetgrass Writer HOBBEMA It has been a long drought for the national Indian rodeo scene in Alberta. In fact, 20 years have lapsed since Hobbema, long considered the rodeo capital in Indian Country, played host to any major Indian rodeo. Back then, it was the Indian Rodeo Cowboys Association that was going strong. Nonetheless, the long dry spell of some 20 years came to a conclusion following the Nov. 18 to 21 Canadian Indian Finals Rodeo at Hobbema's Panee Memorial Agri-plex. According to Shellie Yellowbird of YB Consulting and Promotions that co-ordinated the rodeo, the event was a resounding success with attendance up, tons of visitors and Albertans taking most of the prize money. Backed by corporate sponsors - Peace Hills Trust, Saskatchewan Indian Gaming, Alberta Indian Investment Corp., Scotia Bank, Velvet Exploration, Alberta Sports, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation, as well as the Samson, Ermineskin and Siksika First Nations - the rodeo attracted cowboys primarily from the western provinces, as well as folks from Arizona, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and South Dakota. Heck, one contestant had to sell some of his horses to make it to the rodeo, but it paid off big as Alison Red Crow from Siksika combined his talents with good draws to win every go-round of the Bareback Bronc Riding and rode off with more than $3,200. Placing was Montana's Bill Olinger and Kainai's Kevin Fox. The rodeo attracted top cowboys from all over, including world champions from the 1999 Indian National Finals Rodeo, like Hank Bruisedhead (bulls) and Jay Crawler (roper and all around cowboy) in addition to former and current world champions Sharon Small, Leslie Stang, Wylie Wells and Traci Vaille. And there were other household names, names synonymous with Indian rodeo over the past quarter of a century - Blackwater, Creighton, Dixon, Littlebear, Louis, Martineau, McLean, Pickens, Youngpine and others. The entire affair was kicked off with a special recognition of veterans and Elders. Young people also played prominent roles in the opening ceremonies. Only the top two cowboys from the six different Indian rodeo associations and from Alberta's top two Indian rodeos were eligible to compete in the 10 categories. Raf Deguevara from Vernon, B.C., managed to squeeze by Montana's Jason Lawrence and Ben Louis, also from the Okanagan, to win the Saddle Bronc. Northern Métis, Derek Martineau, out-pointed Greg Louis from Montana, as well as British Columbia's Dion Williams, to capture the bull riding event. In calf roping, it was Dwight Bruisedhead from Kainai who came out on top as he narrowly defeated John Pickens from Oklahoma. Only one point separated the third- and fourth-place finishers, Slim Creighton and Levi Blackwater, both from Kainai. As for the team roping, the swiftness demonstrated by the duo of Boyd Wesley and Elliot Benjamin was sufficient to beat out Slim Creighton and John Pickens who tied for second and third place with Troy and Jay Crawler. In the ladies' division, the breakaway roping was won by Henny Bruisedhead from Kainai,followed by Montana's Barb Reagan and Sharon Small. In steer wrestling, Shane Littlebear from Kainai endured by a mere two points over Tom Dixon from Morley. Finishing third was yet another Littlebear by the name of Lewis. The boys' steer riding was won by Thomas Chiefmoon from Kainai, while fellow residents Lane Littlebear and Wacey Big Throat placed second and third. Yvette Fangsrud from California turned the barrels faster than the second- and third-place finishers, Jackie Blackwater and Joanne Blood from Kainai, to take the ladies barrel racing. In the junior division, two Montana gals, Megan Lunak and Shanna Johnson, ran one-two, while Crystal Potts drew up third for some of the cash. The all around cowboy went to Dwight Bruisedhead, who's had a tremendous season this past year, and the all around cowgirl title went to Montana veteran, Traci Vaille. With the success of this rodeo and the apparent renewed interest from contestants and sponsors alike, Shellie and Marvin Yellowbird say they hope to see national and international Indian rodeos back on the road in a more permanent fashion.

Natives celebrate turn of millennium By Terry Lusty Sweetgrass Writer EDMONTON While thousands of Albertans hunkered down in the shelter of their homes waiting to see whether the New Year would unleash the fury of the dreaded Y2K bug, Edmonton's Aboriginal people were dancing the night away. For the first time in its 12-year history, Edmonton's First Night Festival included an Aboriginal component. Billed as the World Beat Powwow, First Nations and Métis people took over city hall on New Year's Eve, and what a reception they received from the thousands of spectators that packed the civic centre. Largely coordinated by Cecil Nepoose and emceed by Jason Goodstriker, the Native program kicked off with a noon-hour grand entry. Hobbema drum group, High Noon, sang an honor song followed by Northern Cree who performed a victory song. The last formality was a prayer that was offered by Elder Tom Cranebear. The grand entry was led by flag bearers, followed by Edmonton Mayor Bill Smith, Leduc MLA Albert Hapstein, and other special guests and dignitaries. Linda Brenneman-Snider, the director of First Night, described the powwow as " a new concept that we hope will continue and be expanded upon." She further credited the powwow with being an attraction that helped raise the attendance at this year's festival. The Edmonton Métis Cultural Dancers performed in mid-afternoon, then it was back to First Nation dancing from 7:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. with individual demonstrations of the traditional dance, the fancy, jingle, buckskin and grass dances. At one point, the jingle dancers got some audience participation happening when they coaxed two women to try jingle dancing. In similar fashion, two male dancers got three men up from the crowd to try their skills at traditional dancing. The eventful evening was capped by a round dance. Changing folks' attitudes Who: Laura Vinson and Free Spirit. What: Launch of a new CD called Point of the Arrow Interview by Wally Desjarlais- CFWE-FM Question: I noticed the new album has a lot to do with Aboriginal issues. Is this something you always wanted to do? Answer: I've always been inspired by people like Buffy Sainte-Marie. She was my original inspiration, and Joan Baez and people that do message songs. I've always thought that was important to do with music. And, you know, when I did country for all those years, it was more your commercial country music, except for songs like "Mes amis o Canada", which is very much a message song. This is the first time it has ever been on an album. It was written over 20 years ago, but it's about Quebec separating and unfortunately it is still relevant. I started doing some writing for film and using the Native imagery and poetry in the lyrics and it was so easy and beautiful to work with and it was like, "Yeah, this is, artistically, what I've been missing as a songwriter." Plus the fact that there is just a lot of things people don't know about our culture and our people and what's happened to them that would bring about a lot more understanding. Like when we perform "Voices" live on stage, we talk about losing 10 million people in the 100 years after white contact and people don't even know that their was that many people here. And that kind of generational loss has created immense problems for our people and they try and cure it with alcohol and drugs and it doesn't work. It makes it worse. And when you talk about that to a predominately white audience, I've had people come back and say "You know, I never understood that. I didn't know that that many people had died. I didn't know that that created that kind of a problem." And it really turns their head around to looking at if they see somebody on the street that's down and out and it's a Native person, then they go, "oh, maybe that person has a reason to be like that," instead of going "oh, just another dirty, drunken Indian." So its that kind of thing that I think is really important, as well as, our own people don't know some of their own stories and their own histories, and why we are what we are. And what a great culture we have. . . There's lot of messages that can be presented through music, other than, "Oh, have another beer." Question: If you were to narrow it down, what would be your favorite song off the album? Answer: Well, I guess, my current favorite to do is "Petite Marie." It's such an emotional tune and it just came off so good, I enjoy singing it. I probably will always love "Voices on the Wind." It will probably be one of my favorites songs forever, but it's always your newest, freshest ones that are your favorites. It's hard to be objective and pick one. They're all my babies. Question: Any plans for the new year? Answer: We're hoping to get things rolling in Europe, 'cause that's a really great market for us. All of our things abroad are a little more well received than here, because of the novelty. People see Native dancers and everything here all the time and its kind of "Oh, ho, hum," but when you do something over there, they are just blown away. They are just fascinated by anything you can tell them. Question: Where do you see yourself in 10, 20 years from now? Answer: Well, it would surprise me if I wasn't still writing songs and I hope to perform as long as I can. But it's very hard work to sell yourselves, and right now we're doing that, and go out and hussle gigs. The market is very small and, like even the festivals don't have a lot of money, so to try and bring a seven piece show along it makes it quite difficult. What I would really like to see in the next few years, I'd love to see what's happened with an African band in Europe. They spend 200 dates in Europe in one theatre and they do their shows every night for 200 nights, and it's jammed every night and then they go back home to Africa for a little holiday and then they come back and they do it again the next year. And I thought "Wow, would that ever be fabulous." Dancing in the New Year By Terry Lusty Tansi! TSUU T'INA-Wow! It was quite a deal at the Tsuu T'ina First Nation. I am speaking of course about their two-day New Year's powwow that drew people by the hundreds. In fact, dancers numbered close to 600! Included in these figures were participating visitors from such distances as Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona and Washington. The event had 15 registered drum groups with Red Bull as the host drum. On opening day, two Elders, a youth and a visitor prayed to the four directions and at midnight, explained band researcher Cheryl Big Plume, the people circled the arena for a round dance to signify the unity of the people. Honoring their best FORT MCMURRAY-This northern city is scheduled to host its annual Regional Aboriginal Recognition Awards (RARAs), which pays tribute to Aboriginal people who have personally excelled in the arts, business or any one of a number of other categories. They will also recognize individuals who have contributed to the betterment of the quality of life in Alberta's northeast. The Feb. 12 event will be held at the Mackenzie Inn with the hilarious George Tuccaro as the master of ceremonies. More information can be had by calling (780) 791-3045. Come on down EDMONTON-There is an open house slated for Jan. 21 from noon until 3 p.m. at the Native Healing Centre located at 18813-123 St. It will feature a variety of entertainment, including the Red River Wheelers (jigging, square dancing), powwow dancers, flutist Eagle Child and others. Chow for literacy EDMONTON-Co-ordinator Sarah Skwarchuk and Dr. Cora Pillwax, both with the Métis Literacy Project in Edmonton, were surprised when their last meeting attracted 22 individuals. The monthly get-togethers are held in the basement of Sacred Heart Church and this last one included a pot luck supper. It went so well, the organizers are considering doing it again. Sarah, incidentally, is available to meet with individuals or groups who have any interest at all in Metis literacy. She can be reached at (780) 944 - 9288. The next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 19 and the third Wednesday of every month after that. No surrender FISHING LAKE FIRST TION-The people over at Fishing Lake are looking very closely at a situation dear to their hearts and souls. They recently held a meeting to discuss their pursuit of 13,200 acres of additional lands through a land entitlement claim. It stems from a land surrender of 1907. This promises to be a long, drawn-out process of reclaiming land owed. Interested parties can call Lynette at (306) 338-3460 or 1-888-931-2211. ST. ALBERT-Irene Morin, executive assistant to Senator Thelma Chalifoux, informs me that they are planning a Jan. 25 roast of the Métis woman who has been busier than all get-out since assuming her duties with federal government. The roast is slated for 6 p.m. at the Canadian Native Friendship Centre in Edmonton. For further information, call Irene at (780) 459- 3312. No surrender EDMONTON-Earth Magic Media Inc., which is operated by Raymond Yakelaya and Bill Stewart, got the official green light to begin televising a new series entitled "Earth Voices " which will come to your home via ACCESS TV beginning April 1. The first series will be in 13 parts, a half-hour long and run every Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Next door, in Calgary, a furious Muriel Stanley Venne, who had been denied the right to speak on Dec. 9 before Judge Thomas Goodson who is conducting the Connie Jacobs Fatality Inquiry, finally got her way on December 16. Mind you, she had to tone down her message. Nonetheless, her point was certainly made and Stanley-Venne held fast to the fact that she had earlier been granted intervenor status. Her main gripe as explained in a Jan. 5 press release, is that Aboriginal women often encounter "discrimination, racism and hurtful stereotypic labels and attitudes" from law enforcement officers. Stanley-Venne is a known factor in the Edmonton area - in particular for her work in the arena of human rights. As well, she is president of the Alberta Native Human Rights Committee. For those who do not know, Jacobs and her son, Ty, were felled by a shotgun blast from RCMP Const. Dave Voller's rifle on March 22, 1998 at the family's home on the Tsuu T'ina Reserve. Roasted senator ST. ALBERT-Irene Morin, executive assistant to Senator Thelma Chalifoux, informs me that they are planning a Jan. 25 roast of the Métis woman who has been busier than all get-out since assuming her duties with federal government. The roast is slated for 6 p.m. at the Canadian Native Friendship Centre in Edmonton. For further information, call Irene at (780) 459- 3312. Fire on ice PROVINCE-WIDE-The Alberta Native provincial hockey tournament is scheduled for April 6 to 9, with 120 teams entered so far. This leaves only 30 spots open. It is sure to be fire on ice at various Edmonton arenas.