Future Leaders
Program goes a long way for youth
By Terry Lusty
Sweetgrass Writer
DEVON
The Alberta Sports, Parks, Recreation and Wildlife Foundation
is walking around with its chest puffed out just a little more
this fall thanks to what it bills as a successful conclusion
to this year's Future Leaders Program.
The 1998 program was in more than a dozen Aboriginal communities
in Alberta. Programs included sports, recreation and outdoor
adventures for Aboriginal youth during the summer months.
A September golf-meet at the Westridge Golf Club was held
for organizers and the community staff workers.
The programs help to develop confidence, sports and leadership
in our youth. It also provides much-needed summer employment
to post-secondary students.
Foundation Chairman Orest Korbut hailed the project as "a
successful completion."
He said these types of programs are never easy and could not
have been the success they were had it not been for corporate
sponsorship.
The encouragement, support and guidance of special projects
co-ordinator Jack Monaghan and project co-ordinator Eddie Gillis
was praised at the reception.
Gillis explained that the goal of the program was "to
demonstrate how we can change and motivate positive change in
the lives of the community people."
Alberta MLA Pearl Calahasen was a guest speaker at the supper
and said she was impressed with the program and what it offers
the youth.
"Our kids need that help, direction and support,"
she said.
"The impact we make on these communities is beyond words,"
said James Kopec, who co-ordinated his youth summer program near
Fort Vermillion in the Tall Cree area. He applauded the youth
for being responsible and taking part in activities.
Lisa McGillivray took 18 youth from Sarcee on a three-day
camping trip in the mountains. The response was so good that
she has had indications that the Blood Reserve would like to
have the program in their community next summer.
Assumption kids aged eight to 16 had youth program workers
Carmen Lissel and Trent Kenyon.
"At first it was difficult to tell if I was making a
difference, but I did find out I did by the end," said Lissel.
"You get so much bang for your buck," said James
Lamouche, former president of the Aboriginal Students Club at
the University of Alberta, and program co-ordinator for the Kikino
Métis Settlement.
The communities, he said, are starving for activity and don't
have the role models and don't see that there are others just
like them who are successful outside their communities.
Over at Wabasca, Marion Bell and Dale Auger put together a
ball team that placed second in an inter-agency slow-pitch league.
Bell said how good it was to watch them improve, come together
and watch their self-confidence grow."
She also co-ordinated soccer, volleyball, basketball, golf,
an art camp and even took a handful of youth to canoe, kayak
and rock climb.
Karla Moir who worked in the northeastern Alberta community
of Conklin for the summer, said mountain biking, horseback riding,
basketball, baseball and canoeing was just part of her program
which included a field trip south to the Nordegg region of the
province. When she left the Conklin area at the end of the summer
program, it was with happy memories of a job that was challenging
and very enjoyable
"I really believe in this program, it works . . . it
not only lessens crime, it instills values and goals," she
said.
Moir recalled some of the "little moments" like
the young girls who presented her with flowers as she left the
community, and just talking to the youth.
CFL father and
son tackle Native issues
By Rob McKinley
Sweetgrass Writer
EDMONTON
Jed Roberts, a nine-year veteran with the CFL's Edmonton Eskimos
uses just as much energy wrangling with monster-sized football
players on the line of scrimmage as he does teaching Native youth
about the importance of self worth and education.
Roberts, a defensive
lineman has traveled to hundreds of schools and community centres
across the province making presentations to his younger fans.
Roberts, who has some Sioux blood cursing through his towering
frame, said he owes much of his desire to help people to his
father.
Jay Roberts, who played for the Ottawa Rough Riders in the1960s
as a tight end, helped his team to back-to-back Grey Cups in
1968 and 1969. He also helped his impressionable son to see not
only football as a potential career, but also the importance
of his Native ancestry.
Jed said his dad used to work for the Métis Association
of Ontario and would travel to many settlements.
Before that, Jed said, he didn't know much about Aboriginal
culture or the people as he was brought up in a predominantly
white society.
"I had no Native awareness," he said.
His Dad agreed.
Born in Ottawa, his son was "basically raised in a city
culture," he said.
And despite an admittedly loose relationship with their Sioux
ancestry, Jay said he knew he and his son had a lot to offer
Aboriginal people.
"We have something to give and always have felt that
we have had something to give," said Jay, who now works
for the department of Indian Affairs in Ottawa and assists Aboriginal
businesses attain government contracts.
"I've always felt that Aboriginal people in Canada who
have made it to some degree of success have a role to throw the
rope back down," hoping that others will take that rope
and climb to their own successes.
Jed, following in his father's footsteps, not only teaches
young Native kids to grab that rope, he has taken hold of it
himself.
"I do this as much for myself as I do for the kids,"
he said, explaining that the visits allow him to see more of
the Aboriginal culture which he missed when he was growing up.
The visits help to fill a void in himself. "It's good for
me to experience. There's a lot of lost time."
Roberts has done a lot with his life, including a near-completed
Education degree, his football career, raising a family, working
at Edmonton's Stan Daniels Centre and talking to thousands of
children. Roberts has done all that and done it with a smile.
And he has done it while being deaf.
Although he didn't touch on it, his dad said Jed's deafness
is just another hurdle his son had overcome which has made him
stronger.
"It's always been a motivator for him to overcome things,"
said Jay.
Jed just hopes to motivate some young minds to stay in school
and respect their Aboriginal culture.
"I want to let them know what's important in life and
to respect their Elders and stay in school, because that's what
my father taught me," said Jed.
And despite his successes, Jed also tells them they don't
have to run for touchdowns or sack a quarterback to be positive
role models.
"Sometimes they are surprised to hear that they are already
a role model - to their little brothers or sisters," Jed
said.
Next up for Jed, after his career in football, may be a teaching
job. He left school just shy of his Education degree, but is
planning to take up where he left off and teach English or History
- and of course coach a football team.
But his career isn't quite over yet. He'd like to put a second
Grey Cup ring on his finger before he hangs up his helmet for
good.
That desire may be another goal spurred by his dad's influence,
this time in the form of good-natured ribbing.
"I won two, in `68 and `69, which is still one more than
Jed's one," said Jay.
CN scholarship
makes it three for Métis student
By Rick Lauber
Sweetgrass Writer
EDMONTON
If you ever want proof that hard work and a little luck pays
off, just ask Joseph Sillito. The 26-year-old Métis Grant
MacEwan Community College student was recently awarded with a
$1,500 scholarship from CN Rail. The generous assistance is his
third scholarship.
In addition to CN's Native Educational Awards Program scholarship
which supports Native students pursuing post secondary training
relating to careers in transportation, Sillito has received funding
from Amoco and Alliance Pipeline for scholarships of $2,000 and
$1,600 respectively.
Sillito, who is in his first year of Bachelor of Science studies,
explained that after meeting with his college awards counselor
he read that a total of $2.7 billion in scholarship money is
left unclaimed every year.
Many different criteria exist for applicants to fulfill before
any funds are awarded. Sillito did question why this happens
and decided to request the additional support which was potentially
available.
He plans to remain realistic in regards to spending his awards.
"I will continue to keep my costs low, living with a
roommate in cheap accommodation just a few blocks from the college,"
he said. "I might be buying a computer soon to do school
work at home but I'll entrust the money to Mom for safekeeping.
If I keep it I'll nickel-and-dime it away."
Ironically, his only expense incurred to date was a new suit
which he found necessary for the evening of the CN award presentation.
Sillito is excited about his education and the potential for
a career in environmental engineering.
"I am looking at this for two reasons; to do something
enjoyable and useful as well as focusing on the oil and gas industry
and remaining in Alberta."
This new job field is considerably different from his past
work experience in the area of Humanities.
Sillito was on staff at the Boyle Street Co-op and has worked
as a massage therapist before returning to school.
CN President and Chief Executive Officer, Paul Tellier, said
the scholarships help First Nations communities grow and develop
to their full potential. He is pleased that so many Aboriginal
people take advantage of the opportunity to pursue their dreams
through colleges and universities.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of CN's scholarship program.
Sillito has some advice for others who are looking at entering
school and embarking on a new career. He says to take a look
at what scholarships and bursaries are available and then, "apply
for everything!"
Scholarships are based on academic achievement, financial
need, related business training and living in a distant location.
Further information is available through post secondary schools,
the public library and bookstores.
Bell
speaks to Aboriginal health careers students
By Marie Burke
Sweetgrass Writer
EDMONTON
The subject of capitalism is not what you'd expect to hear
at a lecture on Aboriginal health care.
But John Kim Bell, the president of the Aboriginal Achievement
Foundation, did just that in his guest lecture to University
of Alberta students in the Aboriginal Health Care Careers Program
in the Faculty of Medicine and Oral Health Sciences on Sept.
28.
"In Aboriginal culture, capitalism is not prevalent,"
said Bell.
He pointed out thatr ,historically, most Aboriginal societies
operated in a collective way. But with the new world "globalization"
forcing society to be more competitive, every market is being
explored. As a result, the belief of a totally collective society
today can no longer be afforded by Aboriginal people, he said.
Bell stated there is a need for a greater contribution by
Aboriginal people to the economy. Aboriginal people are naturally
competitive as a result of the rigors of nature that were imposed
on them for survival, he said.
Bell pointed to education as one of the keys for Aboriginal
people to become more competitive in the world.
"One of these people may find the cure for cancer,"
he said.
His own organization can work in partnership with students
to better compete in an ever changing word, he said. As programs
like the Aboriginal health care careers give opportunities to
Aboriginal people, and through the National Aboriginal Achievement
Foundation, students can get the financial support they need
to succeed.
Dwaine Larose, 28, is one of those students. The Métis
man is in his second year of medicine at the university in the
Aboriginal health care careers program.
"In medicine you can never stop learning. You can never
sort of sit still," said Larose.
He credits the Aboriginal health program for the support he
receives. Currently Larose is deciding what area of medicine
he will specialize in.
Following the lecture, Larose presented Bell with a blanket
on behalf of the faculty and he said it was also in thanks for
the scholarship he received from the achievement foundation this
year. Larose expects to complete his studies by the year 2001.
He hopes his hard work and achievements in his schooling may
serve as a n example for other Aboriginal people.
Northern Alberta
traditional chief passes away at 89
By Rob McKinley
Sweetgrass Writer
CHATEH
Alberta lost what is believed to have been its last traditional
chief when Harry Gabriel Chonkolay passed away on July 30 in
the Dene Thá community of Chateh (Assumption) in the northwestern
part of the province.
In 1938, Chonkolay was selected by community Elders to be
chief of his people. He was selected for his courage, honesty
and strong work ethic. He remained chief until 1994 when, due
to poor health, he stepped down from office after 55 years of
service.
At his retirement party, Chief Chonkolay wore the same chief
suit he was presented by the federal government in 1938.
At his funeral, Chief Chonkolay was laid to rest in the same
suit.
His family and his many friends from the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal
community remember him as a man who lived the traditional life.
As traditional chief, he was not paid for his leadership. He
hunted, trapped, fished, ranched, and logged.
A spiritual man, in the eulogy, Chonkolay was described by
the Latin name, "Sui Generis," which means "one
of a kind." It was a name given to him by the Oblate missionaries.
Born in 1909, Chonkolay married Elizabeth Mercredi in 1928
and raised eight children.
For the next 55 years, Chief Chonkolay brought many changes
to the people of the north.
When he became chief, there were no reserves in the northwestern
part of the province, said his grandson Will Willier.
With persistence and a lot of hard work, Chonkolay led the
way in lobbying the provincial and then federal governments for
the granting of reserve land. In 1957 Chief Chonkolay's work
paid off as the government granted the request.
While he was pursuing reserve land, Chonkolay was also looking
for more ways to improve the way of life for his people, said
Willier.
As economic development with oil and gas began to be recognized
and grow in the northern part of the province, Chonkolay knew
the Dene Thá must also develop and grow.
Willier said his grandfather was leading the push to bring
roads, schools, churches and hospitals to the steadily growing
area.
He did all that, said Willier, while continuing to be the
head of his family and the head of the Dene Thá people.
"He was saint-like. He was gentle, smart, always available,
funny. . . He wasn't scared of anything and we all respected
him in those ways," said Willier.
Current Dene Thá chief, James Ahnassay, was elected
to the position in 1993, after Chonkolay's traditional position
was not passed on.
Ahnassay has a great deal of respect for the man who helped
to sculpt the lives and future of the 4,000 people living within
the three main reserves making up the Dene Thá band.
"He came through an era of great change," said Ahnassay.
Chonkolay was the fourth traditional chief to guide the Dene
Thá people.
Chiefs Chateh, Zama, and Talley led the people before him.
All four chiefs are remembered in stories, legend and through
the memorial naming of the band's administrative offices, said
Ahnassay.
The Four Chiefs Complex was named to show the respect the
community has for it's traditional leaders.
Chief Harry Gabriel Chonkolay was 89 when he passed away.
For the last two years of his life, failing health, including
a series of strokes, kept him in hospitals for extended periods.
Chief Chonkolay was predeceased by his wife and four of his
children. He leaves behind four children, 20 grandchildren, 30
great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.
by Ethel Winnipeg
Sweetgrass Columnist
Oki.
· I haven't done too much traveling lately, but I did
go to the Drumheller Institution to attend their 30th annual
powwow.
I didn't know what to expect. I was nervous, but as soon as
I arrived, they gave me the royal treatment.
They had 30 dancers at the powwow. The drummers were inmates.
The attendance was the most they had ever had. They had invited
Elders and a lot of the support from people on both sides of
the prison walls.
I had a chance to talk with Rusty Noskiye, secretary treasurer
for the Native Brotherhood. He told me how much time and effort
was put into organizing this event. He also introduced me to
Clarence Boucher. Clarence set up the fundraising and got the
dancers to take part. The major fundraiser was the Tipi Project,
where the guys made tipis and sold them to places outside of
the prison.
As well as the
powwow, there was a feast and giveaway.
I had a positive feeling all around, because I know these
guys are paying the price of their faults, but they need at bit
of positive fun to go on.
One of the guys I was thoroughly impressed with was Rick No
Name. Originally from Piapot, Sask. His creativity is with paints.
His natural talent shows his Native background in all of his
work. He paints seeking the Native spirituality within himself.
You can see it in his work.
I was thinking to myself before I went in that I would probably
have to give them a run down on who I am and why I'm there, but
they all knew who I was beforehand. I was flattered because they
treated me like a little sister. I haven't been received like
that anywhere else before.
I had a very nice time and I'll be sure to attend another
one of their events.
· Since I was that far south, I thought I should go
and surprise my friend, Sherry. She was getting married the same
day as the powwow. So right after the powwow, I went straight
to the rez. I had a short but great time. Congratulations Sherry
and Donovan!!
How was Thanksgiving? Mmmmturkey and stuffing. Maybe, I shouldn't
say any more, I'm getting hungry again.
· In Indian Country, I am known as the bingo queen.
I have no problem with being called that. I only get upset when
I go to regular bingo, thinking because I'm the Bingo Queen,
the bingo gods would give me special treatment and shine on my
cards. They ignore me. I seem to walk out of the bingo hall,
saying the famous line, "I just needed one more number."
(I try not to say the other famous bingo line, you know, the
one with the four letters.)
So, to all you bingo players out there, even the Bingo Queen
does not qualify for any special treatment.
Terrying About -
Events change with the seasons
By Terry Lusty
Tansi!
Now that the summer powwows have come
and gone, we are fast entering the fall-winter and season, and
that of course means round dances and more round dances.
· One of the first to kick into
gear was the Oct. 2 Red Road Healing Society Round Dance in Edmonton
which drew a capacity crowd that enjoyed the evening. It included
a feast and giveaway as well as raffles and 50/50 sales to help
the organization generate some extra capital for its programming.
A number of round dances are upcoming
this month in Alexander, the Slave Lake Friendship Centre, and
at Saddle Lake. So get out there, enjoy the good company, the
drum groups and the exercise.
· On a sadder note, there have
been some recent tragedies in our communities which have left
heavy hearts and sorrow.
On Sept. 30, Hobbema parents, Betty
and James Buffalo, buried their 17-year-old son, Jordie Buffalo,
the victim of a traffic accident along Highway 2A, south of Wetaskiwin,
that also sent two other people to hospital in critical condition.
His funeral packed the Howard Buffalo Memorial Arena where several
hundred, many of them youth, paid their final respects.
Much further north, in the first week
of October, police charged a High Level man with second degree
murder in connection with the death of 12-year-old April Lambert.
She disappeared after a Aug. 29 party on the Bushie River Reserve.
Just a week or so earlier, 46-year-old
Marvin Beauregard of Wabasca was walking home from a wedding
reception when he was struck down by a vehicle driven by a Camrose
resident.
These two unfortunate and untimely deaths
serve notice to all of us that we must take more precautions
and exercise preventative measures. You have to be the judge
of your own situation because they all vary and are not all the
same. Please, think before you act and if you are in doubt, it
may be better not to proceed with the action you intend to take.
Life is far too precious not to heed precaution.
· The Slave Lake Native Friendship
Centre has just completed their annual Multi-cultural Fall and
Food Fest, from Oct. 1 to 3. The event included a Chili War contest
won by Bernard Menary, Sr. a jigging contest won by Jenny Sinclair
and a moose calling contest won by Walter Sinclair. In the singing
category, the female vocal winner was Carol Baker and the male
singer honors went to Richard Davis. The best amateur crooner
was Rose Sawan, and youth category finishers were Katy Cardinal
in first, followed closely by Jayline Wolf.
The friendship centre's director, Lynne
Bird, informs us that there will be a children's Halloween party
on Oct. 30 for children 12 and under. The town hosts one elsewhere
for 13 to 18-year-olds. As well, the centre is hosting traditional
dance classes on Mondays and Thursdays, and youth night on Tuesdays
and Thursdays.
· Oct. 23 is the date for the
grand opening of an infants' receiving home on the Montana Reserve
at Hobbema. Marianne Strongman continues as the director of the
new home which is co-sponsored and used by the Louis Bull Band.
The new facility was constructed thanks to the Central Mortgage
and Housing Corporation.
· The Siksika Nation, which now
numbers about 5,000 population,is coming off a huge Sept. 22
Blackfoot Days celebration that featured a commemorative signing
of Treaty No. 7 with representation from all Treaty 7 groups
as well as outside visitors and guests.
Upcoming at Siksika is a an Oct. 15
open band meeting regarding the distribution of funds (i.e. Christmas
bonus).
Published Oct. 13, 1998
