James W. Bourque, an Métis activist who was appointed to Canada's Privy Council in 1992, died in Ottawa at the age of 60. Bourque was born in Wandering River. He became president of the local hunters and trappers association in Fort Chipewyan at age18, was president of the Northwest Territories Métis Nations from 1980 to 1982, deputy minister of renewable resources in the territories from 1982 to 1991 and chairman of the commission for constitutional development until 1992. Bourque founded the Fur Institute of Canada and served as its chairman for four years. He was named co-director of policy for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in 1994. "Jim had a gift for bringing together people who had opposite points of view. He was an excellent statesman, and this is evident in his involvement in the politics of the Northwest Territories and internationally," said Gary Bohnet, president of the Métis Nation of the Northwest Territories. "He was as comfortable in the bush as he was in the boardroom. He is lost to us at a time when we most needed his guidance, especially now with his constitutional work becoming a reality," Bohnet added. (DL)
A former Tsuu T'ina police officer was among the 18 police officers and
private citizens singled out for honor at the Calgary Police Services Chief's
Award ceremony held on Oct. 8. Travis Gariepy received a chief's plaque
- the highest award the police service gives - from Police Chief Christine
Silverberg. The award was given to Gariepy for coming to the aid of a fellow
officer. In October 1995, Gariepy put himself at risk to aid an officer
trying to make an arrest following a bar fight. (DF)
Native American Public Telecommunications, Pacific Islanders in Communications and the Nebraska ETV Network bring Storytellers of the Pacific to PBS audiences this December. Storytellers of the Pacific was a major winner at the Dreamspeakers Annual Aboriginal Film Festival in Edmonton, receiving four awards: Best of Festival, Outstanding Series, Best Global Indigenous Production and Best Documentary over 30 Minutes. The series won the People's Choice Award for Best Film at the 1996 Northern Lights Film Festival in Anchorage, Alaska. The two hours of Storytellers of the Pacific examine the identity and self-determination of the Native people of the Pacific Rim. The programs depict the impact of colonization in the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Rim through contemporary personal stories of Native Americans, Pacific Islanders and others. The program's storytellers share with audiences their spirituality, histories, cultures and ability to survive in the face of colonizers' policies and customs.
Native American Public Telecommunications, Pacific Islanders in Communications and the Nebraska ETV Network bring Storytellers of the Pacific to PBS audiences this December. Storytellers of the Pacific was a major winner at the Dreamspeakers Annual Aboriginal Film Festival in Edmonton, receiving four awards: Best of Festival, Outstanding Series, Best Global Indigenous Production and Best Documentary over 30 Minutes. The series won the People's Choice Award for Best Film at the 1996 Northern Lights Film Festival in Anchorage, Alaska. The two hours of Storytellers of the Pacific examine the identity and self-determination of the Native people of the Pacific Rim. The programs depict the impact of colonization in the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Rim through contemporary personal stories of Native Americans, Pacific Islanders and others. The program's storytellers share with audiences their spirituality, histories, cultures and ability to survive in the face of colonizers' policies and customs.
The Edson Native Interpretive Trail opened to the public on Oct. 5 with
a tour guided by Dan Martel. The trail is a unique Aboriginal awareness
initiative and a gateway to other tourist and interpretive adventures in
the Edson area. The tour group experienced the hide tanning rack, trappers
cabin, and storytelling circle, complete with Native drumming and bannock
with fresh homemade jam. Also on location is the Visitor Centre with its
exhibit of original Aboriginal arts and crafts. The trail will be expanded
in 1997 to include a Tipi Village of Nations, children's playground, picnic
area and more exhibits. (DL)
By R John Hayes
Sweetgrass Writer
EDMONTON
After just over two years in existence, Edmonton's Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee is finding its niche. With a few projects under its belt and an established structure, the committee is beginning to fill its mandated role.
"The one thing we didn't want to do was to duplicate the services provided by other agencies to Aboriginal people in Edmonton," said Jane Woodward, a committee member and chair of the communications sub-committee. "Over the last year, we've tried to concentrate on what we can do. We had no budget of our own, but we have been able to do a few things with money from other sources."
The committee has met once a month for the past two years and, in addition to the communications sub-committee, has established committees dealing with family, health and justice issues. Members expect that most initiatives of the committee will take place in these areas.
"[The committee] has had a tough time getting off the ground," said city councilor Larry Langley, an ex-officio member of the committee. "We seem to have trouble hanging onto committee members, but the people involved have worked very hard and the committee has been instrumental in getting, for example, the June 21 Aboriginal Day going in the city."
The committee has been active in a number of other events in Edmonton over the last two years, including organizing aspects of the Veteran's Day celebrations in 1995, hosting meetings of the National Aboriginal Head Start program and the Aboriginal Business and Professionals Association, and planning for the centenary celebrations for the St. Paul des Métis settlement.
"The first year of operation was getting the committees set up and doing a few projects," said Dorothy Daniels, first chairperson of the committee. "One of the main things we want to do is encourage two-way communication. That includes both getting Aboriginal people involved in city events and getting non-Aboriginal people involved in Aboriginal events around the city."
"Aboriginal people have not as a rule sat on city committees," said Woodward. "That is changing, although not as quickly as I would like to see it change."
The committee is now focusing on becoming a presence in justice, health and family issues in the city. Presence on committees will help that, but committee members see education of the community as central to the mandate of the committee.
"We prefer to educate people so that they can address services and facilities on their own," said Woodward. "We see ourselves as helping Aboriginal people understand the services that the city has for all people to be full participating members of the city."
"We try to get people from all aspects of the community," Langley said. "We've had teachers, union representatives, Native affairs activists, lawyers, social services workers, students. This is the time of year that committees are considering new members for all city committees. Anyone interested should look into it now."
"We've got a lot of people involved - people you never hear about because they're not high-profile people," Daniels said. "That's something that we wanted to do, not that there's anything against high-profile groups and people, but we wanted to get average people involved."
One of the difficulties faced by this committee, or by the well-established Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee, is lack of accurate population data on urban Native people.
"We have no numbers of how many Aboriginal people there are in Edmonton," Woodward confirmed. "The census just doesn't represent an accurate count. For example, Métis people are not listed there. We don't even use the census numbers."
"Even Statistics Canada doesn't have any real accurate numbers," agreed Daniels. "It's difficult to pin down, perhaps because it's a transient population, with students in Edmonton to study, but returning home to reserves the rest of the time. Aboriginal people visit relatives in the city very often and come to the city to work. I've heard estimates of 40,000 to 45,000 people, but I'm more comfortable with an estimate of 35,000 or so."
Committee members are looking forward to a year of growth and service to the large population, whatever the exact numbers.
"We've had to take a difficult track to set up because we don't have the corporate support and the support of the Chamber of Commerce that [Calgary] had when they started," Woodward said.
"Things haven't been as successful as we'd hoped," Langley
said, "but this year is shaping up to be very positive, very successful."
Bingo fever hits the airwaves
Oki.
I've been so busy with bingo I haven't had a chance to go anywhere or see anyone this month. Being the backbone of CFWE Radio bingo has been quite the experience. Now I can imagine what the bingo coordinators in regular bingo halls go through every night. I'm really glad we only have bingo twice a week or I would just go 'dabbers'! That reminds me. I would like to congratulate all winners we've had since our first bingo was held on Oct. 7. If I list them I'll be here all night. One virtue is we both - the listeners and I - have learned patience!
*****
Would you like to experience television? Do you know Josie Auger? You can volunteer your time to help with a show called Aboriginal Expressions. You can be a reporter or a cameraman or lighting woman or whatever. Josie asked me to help her out to give the show a different outlook than what it has now. The people who she has volunteering are good, but she just wants fresh minds and ideas. So if you would like a taste of TV, call her at 451-0398
*****
On the Oct. 18 weekend, Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton had a conference for Aboriginal youth. Organizers put up many displays and held workshops that dealt with issues that youth are concerned about and offered information to help youth plan for future endeavors. My best buddy and pal, Shirley Hill, facilitated a workshop, which she enjoyed very much.
*****
Have you heard about that great powwow called Schemitzun held in Hartford, Connecticut? The people of Mashantucket Pequot have hosted this powwow for about three years now. They wanted to host a powwow to celebrate their own self-sufficiency. It was held way back in September, but I just found out that there were winners from our great province of Alberta. And here there are:
Blackfoot Crossing of Siksika Nation came back with a third place in the drumming contest. Maggie Black Kettle, also from Siksika, won in the seniors ladies northern traditional event. Congratulations!
*****
The City of Saskatoon is hosting the Indian National Finals Rodeo. A bunch of brown cowboys will ride or wrestle cows, horses or bulls for the prize money totalling $200,000. Maybe a bit of sour grapes is coming out, because I wanted to go! Anyway, good luck to all the contestants for the great Alberta. Yee ha!
*****
Sam and Edna Sinclair are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 30 with a dinner and dance at the Polish Hall in Edmonton. Entertainment scheduled for the evening includes George Tuccaroo, Winston Wuttunee and the Pierce Bros. Tickets are being sold to the event. Contact Linda at 962-4817, Gord at 849-2580 or Sam at 452-3147 for information.
*****
The high instances for suicide, abuse, addictions and other negative issues in Indian Country are sad, but all too true. I don't mean any harm by saying this, because we all have to talk about it at some time. If we don't say anything, these issues will never resolve themselves. It is even worse when someone you know becomes one of the statistics.
One person I knew since he was a little kid was Mervin Good Eagle. He passed away at the end of October, becoming another victim of suicide. If you don't know who he was, he played Joey on the series North of 60. He had long hair and hung around with Tee Vee on the series. He used to dance traditional in the powwow circle too.
People may go through some hard times in their lives and many don't have the strength to live through it. Some choose suicide, others by the grace of the Creator are saved. Mervin wasn't saved. I would like to send out my condolences and prayers to the Black Kettle family and the Good Eagle family.
Every time I think about the incidents of suicide, I feel sad and helpless. At one time in my life, I had thoughts of it. I know about wanting to give up and not being able to reach out. The moment I was going to do it, one of my mother's friends called and told me her daughter had committed suicide and she needed someone to talk to. I thought to myself, if the Creator wasn't there for me, my mother would have called her with the same news.
For the people who are thinking of suicide, please talk to someone, reach out and ask for help. There are phone numbers in your area that you can call to talk to people.
Hiy-hiy, maci cho, ish-nish and thank you for listening.
Tansi!
How are you all? Me? I'm kinda fine. Strugglin' on crutches after being the victim of a hit and run in Edmonton. Ligament damage is all I'm suffering with. Hey, at least I've still got my life. Seven more left!
Hoo-boy! I tell you, I was so darned happy for all of our young ones. For the first time in many years, they got to go Halloweening in much better weather conditions than what has been the norm over recent years.
Reasons to celebrate? Yes, there are others as well. One of these occasions was the recent induction of 21 members to the Indigenous Sports Hall of Fame (Alberta) - see article on page 1. The ceremony took place at Red Deer. That event coincided with Alberta's Indigenous Sport Council's first annual conference which was highly praised by many people for its quality and for the headliners who spoke.
Up at High Prairie, folks were whoopin' it up at the grand opening of the Dreamcatcher Inn. The establishment is owned and operated by Ray and Diane Willier from the Sucker Creek Reserve. All the best to you two. Hope you enjoy the experience and make oodles of moolah!
Talk about celebrating? Why not try Fort Chip. The community is mere days away from signing an agreement with Indian Affairs Minister Ron Irwin as it progresses to the point of taking over control of their self-governing dollars via the Financial Transfer Agreement. The historic occasion is set to occur on Nov. 17. Only when a community has control over its funds will it come anywhere near true self-government.
It is not too often that one gets to attend a 50th wedding celebration, but that's what's comin' up Saturday, Nov. 30 for Sam and Edna Sinclair at Edmonton's Polish Community Hall beginning at 5:30 p.m. Music will be by that great group the Pierce Brothers. A meal is included for the price of $15. But, wait! George Tuccaro and Winston Wuttunee, two fine comics and entertainers, will perform and when they start cuttin' up it's non-stop laughter. Call 452-3147 or 962-4817.
Up at Peerless Lake last month, people had cause to kick up their heels. They had a celebration for sobriety and organizer Jane Okemow saw to it that plaques from the Neeyanan Community Association were done up for the strong ones who defied the pull of the bottle and have maintained a sober lifestyle. We at Sweetgrass are right proud of each and every one of you. The community also thanks Family and Community Support Services for contributing to 50 per cent of the cost.
A couple more goodies from Peerless. The community is going to finally get a Head Start Program, likely in early December. Next door, at Trout Lake, they are already in operation. A final item - the community association offices, which currently consist of four offices, a storage room and a staff room, will expand by three or four more offices, plus a board room. The original offices were built by local people, and the same will apply to the additions. Hooray! Now there'll be more elbow room.
Before I run out of space here, let me give a little plug for the kids in Edmonton and for those people trying to help them. Crystal Kids Drop-In Centre director Gordon Russell tells me they will host a fundraiser at Rosario's Bar and Grill on Dec. 2. Word is that, for $10 a pop, you can rub elbows with Oiler goalie Cujo (Curtis Joseph), sports reporters John Short from the Edmonton Journal and Graham Hicks from the Edmonton Sun and many other news types. There will be a terrific silent auction too, just like last year. Call (403) 479-5283 now.
Congrats are also in order for all those oilfield trainees who were taught
by Ernie Grant during the Peace Arch Project up in the back lakes. The grad
ceremony was held at Slave Lake. Good goin' people.
By R John Hayes
Sweetgrass Writer
MULHURST BAY
The Four Nations administration and Imperial Oil Resources Limited held a joint ceremony to commemorate the blow-down of the Bonnie Glen oil and gas field. The event signals a continuation of resource revenue for the Four Nations at Hobbema from the productive field for another 10 years.
A blow-down is the process of switching a field from oil to natural gas production. In a reservoir, oil floats on water, and gas fills the reservoir above the oil. It is the pressure of the gas vapor that forces the oil up the well. As oil is removed, the space is filled with water from the surrounding aquifers. What is left, when the oil is exhausted, is a pool of water below some untouched, highly pressurized gas, separated by a metre or two of oil. It is at this time that production shifts from oil to gas, and this is called the blow-down.
The Bonnie Glen project started up on Nov. 1, but ceremonies were held at the Mulhurst Legion hall and the Bonnie Glen plant on Oct. 30, and were attended by representatives of all four Hobbema nations - Ermineskin, Louis Bull, Montana and Samson - and representatives of the oil company, including Bryce Sonnenberg, Dave Boone, Mel Benson and Roy Steinhauer.
Imperial Oil has agreed to set up direct employment and contracting service benefits for Four Nations members.
"In previous negotiations with the operator, we were unable to get any [employment] concessions," said Lester Bull, director of oil and gas for the Four Nations administration. "Since Pigeon Lake at one time represented 90 per cent of the oil and gas revenues on Indian lands for all of Canada, we took it upon ourselves to ensure that there are concessions there.
"Amoco was able to commit to an exact amount of work," he continued. "As we speak today, our members have realized up to half a million dollars worth of spinoffs. But Amoco and Imperial are two different operators."
In addition to employment, revenues will continue to pour in to Four Nations coffers.
"It's difficult to do a revenue projection strictly because the price of oil and gas fluctuates quite a bit," said Richard Velhat, a petroleum evaluation specialist for Calgary-based Advanced Energy Management Inc. "However, it will be in the several tens of millions of dollars, in terms of net revenue.
"The Four Nations are allotted a little over 30 per cent of the
net gas production that comes out of the field," he continued. "This
will be kind of unique because the Four Nations are seriously considering
taking their portion of the royalty 'in kind.' In other words, they'll be
taking the gas that is allotted to them and then marketing it perhaps on
their own behalf. Of course, this opens up many interesting possibilities
because of the fact that the nations are in a non-taxable position, and
many business arrangements can be set up as a result."
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