Courier - Metis Museum

JULY 2009

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VOLUME 12 - NUMBER 7

Huge graduation at SIIT

Welcome to ourGraduation IssueComing InAugust :

Justice IssueCPMA #40027204

VICTORIOUSWOMANDoreenPooyakenduredtheresi-dential school experience andhascomeoutastrongperson.

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THEY’REPREPAREDMembers of Cowessess FirstNation are preparing for apandemic.

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NEVERTOOOLDHe may be 54, but JohnnieMarcelandwentback toschoolandhasnowgraduated.

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BACKTOBATOCHEIt’s that time of the year! Morethan 10,000 people areexpected to visit Batoche.

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IN THERUNNINGFormer FSIN Chief Perry Belle-garde is hoping to become thenextchiefof theAFN.

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RIDING IN STYLEThese SIIT Grads decided to go big for theirspecial day and rented themselves a limousine.From left are Colleen Dieter, Karen Pinacie,Karen Kishayinew, Tennille Bear, andCharmaine Pinacie.

(Photo by Mike Gosselin)

By Mike GosselinFor Eagle Feather NewsItwas a Thursday afternoon outside TCU Place in

Saskatoon, the first hot and sunny day of June.Throngs of eager spectators filed into the building,

anxious for the show to start. But they weren’t there tosee a Broadway musical, big-time band or a famouscomedian.

They were there to see hundreds of graduates fromthe Saskatchewan Indian Institute ofTechnologies (SIIT)walk across the stage.

“This year we had 432 graduates. The most we’veever had,” said SIIT President Randell Morris.

“Fortunately not all of our grads could make it ...Because they’re already working.”

In fact, for many SIIT students the offers startpouring in long before they’re done school.

“As soon as I finished my classes I started to workfor SaskTel” said Management Studies grad TennilleBear.

“I took a day off to come to my grad.”Bear attended an assortment of different programs

and educational institutions, including theU of S, beforefinding a home at SIIT.

“I strongly believe attending SIIT prepared me for

theworkforce. I completed seven classes in one semesterand it was very challenging. But also very rewarding,”she said as she prepared to hop into a limo rented by herfriends and fellow grads to celebrate their achievement.

“Being up there on that stagewas one of the proudestmoments of my life and I’m not stopping there. I’mhoping to attend Edwards School of Business in the fall.I am eager to finishmyB.Admin, and eventuallyMBA!That’s my goal.”

And the Province of Saskatchewan is happy to hearit. SIIT has long been training its students to fill voidsin the labour market and the government has takennotice.

“The government are big supporters of SIIT,” saidPresident Morris. “They bring us to the table to discussways to address labour market needs in the province.”

And SIIT’s ability to train and graduate hundreds ofqualified students each year has evolved into a strongworking relationship with the Ministry of AdvancedEducation, Employment and Labour.

In fact, last January the government announced SIITwould receive capital funds to upgrade its downtownSaskatoon campus. SIIT also receives operating fundsfrom the Province each year.

• Continued on Page 13

JULY 2009Eagle Feather News2

ByAndrea LeddingFor Eagle Feather NewsOnarainy NationalAboriginal Day, Elders and

families gathered at Wanuskewin HeritagePark to commemorate the first anniversary

of the Government of Canada’s apology to the FirstNations people of Canada for the residential schoolsystem and the impact that it had on the communityand the culture.

Many survivors and descendants of survivorswere in the audience for the Grand Entry.

Noel Starblanket, Master of Ceremonies, spokebriefly of his 11 years at Lebret Residential School,crediting his survival to the traditions of hisancestors.

“As we’re moving toward a settlementagreement, we have been told to share with the publicthe secret that has been plaguing us,” noted Star-blanket.

“As we go on in this process, the truth comes out.But we are looking for reconciliation.”

He noted that although the apologies have askedfor forgiveness, it is up to each individual to lookinto their own hearts as to what they feel.

“Healing can only begin when the hurting stops,”Starblanket quoted, adding that if someone actswrongly it is important to talk about it to the otherand to oneself in order to avoid repeating it, and thenfind a way to make meaningful restitution.

Elmer Crane, another survivor, performed a songfor the gathering, many of whom were visibly movedto tears. The song he composed, ‘Look What They

Done To Us’ is a moshum explaining the pain andsadness of the wounded child within, to his grandson.

All of the survivors and speakers for the dayreceived a CD copy of his recording. Despite poor

health, he is trying to finish recording an entire albumof his works, many of which explore the ResidentialSchool era and experiences.

• Continued on Page 3

Aboriginal Day celebration took on a serious note

FSIN Chief Lawrence Joseph with his sister, Doreen Pooyak, at the National Aboriginal Day celebrationsheld atWanuskewin Heritage Park.

JULY 2009 3Eagle Feather News

This is the season for graduationsand academic honours, but notall students or recipients are 20

somethings eager to join the labour force.Often, peoplewho have been exemplaryin their occupation are given honourarydegrees.

This year, none other than languagechampion Freda Ahenakew had theUniversity of Manitoba confer anHonourary Doctor of Laws Degree onher, May 27 inWinnipeg.

This accomplished woman had 12children when she received a Bachelorof Education from the University ofSaskatchewan in 1979. From 1976 to1981, she taught at the SaskatchewanIndian Cultural College, the Lac LaRonge Band, and the SaskatchewanSurvival School.

In 1984, she received a Master ofArts in Cree linguistics from theUniver-sity ofManitoba. From1983 to 1985, shewas an assistant professor at theUniver-sity of Saskatchewan. From 1985 to1989, she was the director of theSaskatchewan Indian LanguagesInstitute. From 1989 to 1996, she was aprofessor in native studies at theUniver-sity of Manitoba.

In 1998, shewasmade aMember ofthe Order of Canada. In 2005, she was

awarded the Saskatchewan Order ofMerit. In 1997, she was awarded anhonorary Doctor of Laws from theUniversity of Saskatchewan.

She currently resides on theMuskegLake Cree Nation.

“One ofmy sisters put up a beautifulsaying in our house: All that I am, orhope to be, I owe to myMother.

I think that puts our esteem for ourmother’s gifts to us of unconditional loveand a wonderful example very simply,”said Dolores Sand, one of Freda’s 12children.

Aboriginal Day included culturalteachings and demonstrations

ElmerCrane, a residential school survivor, delivered amovingmessage throughhis music. He is working on an album that will deal with the school experience.

Freda Ahenakew received anhonourary Doctor of Laws degreefrom the University of Manitoba.

• Continued fromPage 2Moss bag teachings have some things in common – in other ways, they are unique

to regions and First Nations. Monique Sylvestre, an elder of Buffalo Narrows DeneFirst Nation, talked about the importance of gathering the right kind ofmoss, drying it,using it, and returning it to the earth again. Her job as one of the oldest children andyoung women in her family was to carry the used moss out to a special place a fewminuteswalk from their home– in all types ofweather. Her daughter, Jessie,whoworksat the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre, said she is trying to bring more Deneteachings and exposure to the south of the province.

Currently, Cree is predominant. Besides moss bag teachings, Sylvestre showedhandwork, sewing, beadwork, and other arts and traditions, includingminiature replicasof the dogsleds used.

Federation of Saskatchewan IndianNationsChiefLawrence Joseph’s sister,DoreenPooyak, emphasized the importance for survivors to prepare before telling their stories– many have told their stories for the first time during a commission hearing, and thenbeen rushed to the hospital as they encounter the physical shock and distress.

“I am a hero – a victorious woman of the residential school,” said Pooyak, but shehasworked hardwith a psychologist over the years and urges others to dowhatever theyneed to for healing – with Elders, therapists, counselors.

“Iwant to leave apowerful legacy– that Iwas a strongpowerful FirstNationswomanwhowent through hell and back.”

She also spoke of the motives of parents, who wanted their children to be able tosurvive in the outside world and have the opportunities for education and careers.

“My mother put me there to help me survive – it is part of a sacred journey,” saidPooyak. “Andwe’re still here today – they haven’t been able to destroy us.

“We are strong and powerful men andwomen.

Honourary degree for Freda Ahenakew


Kids these daysInour travels thissummerwestoppedbytheMuskegLakeCreeNation

17thAnnualTraditionalPowwow.Byallaccounts itwasafine time.Greatdrums, lotsofdancers,SanfordandHowardwereemceeingandtherewerehundredsofpeople,evensomefromFranceandAlgeria, forgoodnesssakes.

Thekidsgotafewtoysoutofthefishingpond,weatesomereallygreasyfries andwatched a coolBBQfire, propane tank be darned.Of course,wetook lots of pictures of healthy young people participating in their culture.Took pictures of lots of old people. too.We ran into some old friends andvisited and itwasgreat.

We all had a chuckle over the fact a young teenage boy had his pantsliterallyhalfwaydownhisbuttwithhispastywhite jockeysshowing. Itwassilly and kind of gross. Our friendwas going to go over and “pull up histrousers” but resisted theurge to proper up theboy.

Just after that, a young lad standing in front of us conversingwith hispal, rippedupapieceofpaper,andthenjustcasuallytosseditontotheground.I hate litterbugs. I bitmy tongue and turned back towatch all the youth ondrum and dancing. Thankfully, there werewaymore of them than litter-bugs.

Exactly who do the Conservatives care about?Weknow for a fact the federal Conservatives have a policy of active

disengagementwith theAboriginal People ofCanada.As a party, they arenot necessarily glowing indiversity, nor do they seem to care to be.

Nowwe hear that they are demoting a cabinetmember because theyokayedfundingthroughtourismdollars for thegayprideparadeinToronto.TheMinister has had her approval authority revoked. That is quite harshand indicative of their narrowmindedness, especially tominority groups.

Have you ever been to a gay pride parade? The one in Saskatoon isgrowing, but onlygoes a fewblocks.We trippedacross agayprideparadeon a recent trip toVegas and itwasquite the sight.

Nameagay typepersonorpersonaand theywere there.Leather, lace,feathers,youngorold, skinnyor fat, tallor shortandyes,even littlepeople,theywere there.And the impact of the tourismdollarwas fantastic.

You knowhowwomen like to shop, well so do gaymen. Double thespending! Here’s to a smart investment by recently demotedMinister ofState andTourismDianeAblonczy for stimulating the City ofToronto inmoreways thanone.

Andhere’s to theConservatives forbeinganequalopportunitystick inthemud.Why treat just one group badlywhen you can treat themallwithdisdain.

Big show in Regina next yearIthasbeenannouncedthat theNationalAboriginalAchievementAwards

willbeheld inReginaMarch26,2010.Asusual, there ispromiseofareallybig show.With it being inSaskatchewannextyear, itwouldbegreat to seearepeatperformanceof thisyearwhensixpeoplewith ties toSaskatchewanreceivedawards.How’s that foraprovincewithoneof thesmallestAborig-inal populations inCanada?Make sure younominate someoneyouknowwhohasdone a fantastic job.

Not tobe leftout, theNAAFannouncedthat theywillholdaBluePrintfor theFuturecareerfair inSaskatoononNovember10atTCUPlace.Thesecareer fairs attract great employer booths andover a thousandyouth.

Next month in Eagle Feather NewsAugust isour justice issue.SomestudentsofJoriCachene’sphotojour-

nalism class at Regina’s Scott Collegiate did a set of articles onmissingAboriginalwomen.Theyneededaplace tohave their articles read andwehad the space so theirworkwill be featured.

Wealsohavesomethingonapeacekeepersproject inPiapotandotherjustice related articles. Lots of pictures fromBatoche too.

WiththeSummerGamesrunningonbothsidesofourpublicationdate,wewillbringyouwhatwecanof the results fromOnionLake.TheGamesrun fromAugust 9-13.

Some short summer snippets

Heyall you shutterbugsout there. Summeris the best time to take pictures. Your cameradoesn’t freeze toyourface, it is often sunnyandthe kids are oh so cutewhen they are dirty andup to no good.

Wewant you to capture that summer shotand send it in to us for our first ever summerphoto contest. The winner will get $100. Yes,$100!And second place will get $50. Yes, tentreatypayments all at once!Canyoubelieve it?

So get that camera out and shoot your

kohkum at the pow wow, your uncle chasingcattle, some beautiful nature shot or yourchildren at the spray park. Then email it as anattachment to [email protected] sure to includea little captionaboutwhoorwhat is in the shot andabsolutelymake sureyournameandaddress are onyouremail.AndinAugust we will run the best of the best foryourenjoymentandall photos that are enteredwill go on ourwebpage.

Have fun.

Readers Forum

Take your best shot ... there’s money up for grabs!

These young ladies were ready to go for the Muskeg Lake Traditional Powwow Grand Entry.From left are Kamron Greyeyes, Rainan Courchene, Alexandra Tawpisin and Trinity Taw-pisin. (Photo by John Lagimodiere)


July always brings people Back toBatoche. Like many others, over theyears I have tried to get there when I

could. It is not news that commemorativeevents like this are part of the social glue ofour common belonging to a distinct people.

Distinct peoples have distinct historiesand distinct memories that bind. Events likeBack to Batoche allow us to remind ourselvesof our roots and who we are.

Batoche brings many local Métis andFirst Nation people, folks from otherprovinces, some from far away. It is anoccasion for journalists to get interviews andfor film-makers and photographers to takeshots at Métis people without worrying aboutany shooting back.

I find that over the years there has beena wide range in both the quality and the varietyof events featured in a field away from the oldvillage site, the Church and the battle sitesnear the modern federal governmentbuildings that house a museum. And the atten-dance has fluctuated widely.

What happened at Batoche? Who wasthere? What is being remembered and why?I was not there and so I do not know. I haveread a number of written accounts andlistened to some stories. There are manyothers that deserve to be heard and read.

It seems undisputed, though, that it had

been a hard time in the prairies for Métis andFirst Nation people. There was lots of star-vation in 1884 and the government in Ottawasaw no reason to pay much attention to thedemands from the people out here until it sawits own interests being threatened.

Métis scrip was first handed out atQu’Appelle in the spring of 1885, too late andtoo little to alter theflowing of events thatled to a skirmish atDuck Lake betweenGabriel Dumont’smen and the North-West MountedPolice. Things thengot on fast-forward,with troops and the militia called in to fightunder the leadership of a British general whowas later convicted of theft back in England.

The success at Fish Creek, which hasrecently garnered new attention, was followedby the Canadian military fiasco at Batochethat led to the defeat of the Métis fighters.

Into this whirling kaleidoscope of eventswe can add the Canadian government’sshameful actions against local First Nations,ignoring earlier Treaty promises, waging war,taking political prisoners and hanging someof them and sending others including thelegendary leader Mistahi Musqua to federal

prison at Stony Mountain. That notorious Canadian institution is

located just north of Winnipeg and todayboasts a large population of Indigenousresidents. You can tell who is running things.

Batoche beckons our memories,reminding us of the last time when the nativepeoples still had a good measure of political

and economicfreedom before thegreat collapse.

In the opinion ofJoseph K. Howard,the American writerwho authored TheStrange Empire ofLouis Riel, the best

book ever written on the subject, the times ofthe mid-1880s were the last chance for thepeoples to set up an Aboriginal State inCanada.

The ‘time when things went wrong’ astranslated from the Cree reference to thesetimes, is remembered by Canadians as partof the mythic history of the building of theCPR, portrayed in the popular mind by PierreBerton’s book entitled The Last Spike.

But from the side of the Indigenous folks,these events were the Last Spike in the daysof freedom and the possibilities of getting aworking accommodation with Canada on a

sharing of political and economic power. It is the same everywhere … economic

advantage benefits those who have politicalpower and the subjugated peoples get povertyand criminalization.

Those who died at Batoche are remem-bered in a small cemetery near the Church.There are Métis people and there are FirstNations people, some from One Arrowreserve and some from Sioux territory, menwho came to aid Gabriel Dumont because ofa treaty between Dumont’s and their people.

The story of Batoche draws in stories ofold rivalries and old alliances amongst ourpeoples. I heard some of those stories frommy father and from Elders near and far.

The site evokes memories and feelings.Here events may be called out of the darknessof time and feelings may be stirred that maylead to action. Batoche has the potential todevelop into a quality event of national signif-icance, attracting visitors with quality accom-modations, well-run events and nutritiousfoods, and showcasing talent in the arts andother areas.

The federal museum shows the interestof Canadians in the site. The interest of ourpeoples is evident.

Batoche is a part of the history of theMétis and First Nations and part of the historyof Canada.

Batoche evokes memories for Métis people

JULY 2009Eagle Feather News 6

It’s a long hot and dusty drive northof Flagstaff, Arizona to the southrim of the Grand Canyon. There’s

no grass to speak of, only baked pinksand, rocks and scrubby bushes on a farhorizon. Here and there strangetowering pink whirlwinds dance acrossthe plain.

The only building along the way isan aging trading post in the middle ofnowhere.

I consider buying a clear luciteplastic belt buckle with a real tarantulaspider or a scorpion entombed within.

The owner said he collects themhimself and dunks them into plasticonsite. He says I can watch if I want.

He and they both give me thecreeps so I thank him for the invite, buya cold Coke and head back on the roadwithout the buckle.

The Sonora Desert was much hotterthan the high Kaibab plateau I nowcross.

Just north of Tucson in the heart ofthe desert I experienced a sandwichdrying out in my hand as the tempera-ture soared to 42 Celsius. I watched heatwaves distort a forest of tall Saguarocactus. They appeared to dance. In sodistant a land things are not always whatthey seem.

The Yaqui Indians live wherever thelong armed Saguaro cactus grows. Theytold me of a time the Saguaro protectedthem. Mexican soldiers were pursuinga band of guerrilla fighters across thehigh sierra of northern Mexico.

The army was closing in and theYaquis were tiring. The army stoppedfor the night surrounded by hills andsaguaros. In the night the cactus walked.In the morning the Mexicans were lostand confused.

The landmarks had changed. TheYaqui then made good their escape.

I like stories where not only do apeople protect their land but their landprotects them.

Some New Age lady gave menighthawk feathers and baggie full ofpeyote. She said the feathers wouldprotect me from police radar and thepeyote would keep me awake all theway back to Canada if I wanted.

I didn’t want to hurt her feelings soI accepted.

Somewhere near the Salt RiverCanyon I buried the peyote beingcareful not to insult the medicine.

The feathers must have workedbecause no State Trooper stopped meall the way home.

Visitors to the South Rim reallydon’t see much until they park their carand walk past the visitor center to theedge.

There is no railing only a long row

of stones. A look over the edge bringsabsolute terror to a native from the flatlands of the northern plains.

The canyon drops almost a mile tothe Colorado River far below. I havenever watched a hawk soar below me.The cliff drops straight down for half amile. All rational thought screams “get

away from the edge.” There are a bunch of kids scamper-

ing along the precipice, their obliviousparents intent on picture taking. I can’thandle this so it’s into the visitor centerI go.

The tour guides are very friendly. Iask an obvious question. “Has anybodyever died here?”

“Every year,” the guide replies.“Some suicidal people even drive longdistances just so they jump into thecanyon.”

He said there are often a lot ofchartered helicopters carrying touriststhrough the canyon. One year twocollided and everyone died. He said theyextract bodies in the early morningbefore the air is too turbulent.Sometimes they can’t find the remains.

Then there’s the people who followthe trails down into the canyon but areovercome by the heat and the exertionof climbing back out. Heat stroke andheart attacks take their roll.

I am advised not to stick my handsunder rocks if I’m going to wanderabout. There’s rattle snakes, scorpions,black widow spiders and fire ants not tomention Gila Monsters which are the pitbull of the reptile world.

Once they bite they don’t let go andsquirt massive amounts of venom intoyour limbs. They can only be removedby cutting their heads off with amachete. I suspect at this point he wasstretching it some.

Waskesiu was never this horrific.You’d have to cover yourself in peanutbutter and crawl into a bear den to getaction anywhere like this back home.

He added that not too long ago aretiree peered over the edge near whereI had been standing.

She fainted, tipped over the edgeand shot down like a shooting star to therocks below.

“Don’t worry,” he said, “Only thestupid people die.” I left soon after.

A Saskatchewan flatlanderexperiences the Grand Canyon

Pow wow goers crowd around the drum of Cree Spirit as they play at the MuskegLake Cree Nation 17th Annual Veterans Memorial Traditional Pow Wow.

(Photo by John Lagimodiere)

7Eagle Feather NewsJULY 2009

JULY 2009Eagle Feather News - Health 8

By Desarae EashappieFor Eagle Feather NewsCowessess First Nation is ready,with a fully developed pandemicplan, to prevent the spread of the

H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu) in theircommunity.

The World Health Organization(WHO) website says there is no cause forpanic. However, they also say thatpandemic influenza planning has“immediate and lasting benefits, forincreasing overall response capacity forall threats to public health.”

Cowessess is leading the way andmany other communities are followingclosely.

According to Gary Holub, a HealthCanada representative, over 96 per centof First Nations in Saskatchewan havestarted pandemic planning, and 61 of themare at least three quarters complete.

FSIN vice-chief Glen Pratt, who isresponsible for the health portfolio,believes that First Nations should be “asprepared as possible.” He saidSaskatchewan reserves are on the righttrack.

“The more prepared they are, thebetter the outcomes,” he said.

The example of Cowessess is verypositive. The Cowessess Pandemic Plan2009 is detailed and elaborate. It includessections on pre-pandemic, pandemic andpost-pandemic situations. Each sectioncontains unique information for eachsituation about communication, surveil-lance, vaccination, anti-viral drugs, healthcare services and infection control.

“If you know more about it and arebetter prepared for it, there’s less to fear,”says Alyssa Lerat, co-chairperson of theCowessess pandemic committee, andcommunity health educator on thereserve.

Their pandemic plan was developedin consultation with representatives ofHealth Canada, and the First Nations andInuit Health Branch. The Cowessesspandemic committee worked closely with

Thea Jacobs, the Saskatchewan regionalpandemic coordinator for the FirstNations and Inuit Health Branch.

The committee is dedicated toensuring the safety of band members and

they have already prepared pandemic carepackages to distribute to each household.

The packages include information forinfection control and include colouredflags, which will be used as a means ofcommunication. The coloured flag systemhas been developed for use in the mostextreme circumstances. Blue flags are tobe hung on the door if the home is need ofwater; yellow for food; red if a memberof the home is sick; and black if someonehas passed away.

The reserve is divided into 12sections, each with its own area captain.The area captains play a prominent rolein being responsible for supplies, commu-

nication, and organization within theirdesignated area.

Community members will be trainedas peacekeepers and will have animportant role providing security and

reassurance for people on the reserve.One of the reasons that the committee

is taking the risk of a pandemic seriouslyis because they understand the impactsthat epidemics have had on First Nationsin the past, said Alvin Delorme, themanager of urban services for Cowessess.

In a recent StarPhoenix column,Doug Cuthand wrote, “The Spanish flu

(of 1918) took a terrible toll on the Aborig-inal population in Canada, leaving in itswake only 105,000 Indian people – thelowest population in our history.”

However, today, First Nations are

being pro-active in their response to thepossibility of an influenza pandemic.

“The world is better prepared for aninfluenza pandemic than at any time inhistory, thanks, in part, to your vigilanceand diligence,” said Dr. Margaret Chan,the director-general of the World HealthOrganization, in an address to healthorganizations.

Cowessess First Nation ready for pandemic

Tilly Desnomie (front on the left) Renee Lerat, Deanna Lerat, Desmond Desnomie, Kelly Girioux and Alvina Akapeware some of the Cowessess residents who are preparing for a pandemic.

JULY 2009 9Eagle Feather News - Health

Well folks – it’s flu season andnot just your seasonal fluoutbreak but a more serious

strain that has nothing to do with pigs. The Centre for Disease Control is

busy this summer with H1N1 (referredto as swine flu, early on). This newvirus was first detected in people in theUnited States in April 2009 and hasmade its way into Canada – it has nowmade its way into the First Nationscommunities.

This flu virus is spreading fromperson-to-person, probably in much thesame way that regular seasonal fluviruses spread.

The symptoms of the H1N1 fluvirus in people are similar to thesymptoms of seasonal flu and includeheadache, chills and fatigue, fever,cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose,and body aches.

Many people who have beeninfected with this virus also havereported diarrhea and vomiting. Also,like seasonal flu, severe illnesses anddeath have occurred as a result ofillness associated with this virus.

Spread of the H1N1 virus isthought to be happening in the sameway that seasonal flu spreads, and is

spreading fast particularly amongyoung people (from ages 10 to 45). Theseverity of the disease ranges from verymild symptoms to severe illnesses thatcan result in death.

The majority of people whocontract the virus experience the milderdisease and recoverwithout antiviraltreatment ormedical care. Ofthe more seriouscases, more thanhalf of hospitalizedpeople had under-lying health condi-tions or weakimmune systems.

Flu viruses are spread mainly fromperson to person through coughing orsneezing by people with the flu.Sometimes people may becomeinfected by touching something withflu viruses (door knobs, grocery carts,telephones or computer key boards) onit and then touching their mouth ornose.

With seasonal flu, studies haveshown that people may be contagiousfrom one day before they developsymptoms to up to seven days after they

get sick. Children, especially youngerchildren, might potentially be conta-gious for longer periods.

Do everyone a favour and stayhome if you’re having any of thesesymptoms. In the meantime there are afew things that you can do to prevent

the spread. Coveryour mouth andnose with a tissuewhen you coughor sneeze. Throwthe tissue in thegarbage after youuse it. Wash yourhands with soapand water, espe-

cially after you cough or sneeze(alcohol-based hand cleaners can alsobe used).

Avoid touching your eyes, nose ormouth, try to avoid close contact withsick people and stay home if you aresick for at least seven days after yoursymptoms begin or until you have beensymptom-free for 24 hours, whicheveris longer.

Most people experience mildillness and recover at home. If you’rehome sick with this flu virus, rest, drinkplenty of fluids and use pain reliever

for aches. A person should seek medicalcare if they experience shortness ofbreath or difficulty breathing, or if afever continues more than three days.

For parents with a young child whois ill, seek medical care if your child hasfast or laboured breathing, continuingfever or convulsions (seizures).

So there you have it folks – carefulon the pow wow trail, at sporting eventsor any other large gathering over thenext few months.

The flu isn’t the only thing we haveto think about during the summer.Remember that long periods of timespent in the sun can produce a nastysunburn so don’t forget your sun screen.

Parents, if you’re going to chase thekids outside during the summer monthsdon’t forget to slather them with sunblock.

On a personal note; I was so sad tohear of Michael Jackson’s passing. Ihave been a huge fan all my life. Restin peace Michael.

Keep your emails and letterscoming – it’s always nice to hear fromthe readers. Write to Sandee Sez C/OEagle Feather News PO Box 924Station Main, Saskatoon S7K 3M4 oremail [email protected]

Wise to be on guard against threat of H1N1

Since taking over the Federation of Saskatchewan IndianNations’ (FSIN) Urban Development file in November 2008,Vice Chief Glen Pratt has worked hard to address the plethoraof issues that face First Nations people who make their homesin one of Saskatchewan’s cities.

Under the direction of the FSIN’s Health and Social De-velopment Commission Chiefs, and with the excellent techni-cal support of the FSIN Urban Development Working Group,Pratt’s office has worked to bring about coherence and coordi-nation in the delivery of services to urban First Nations people.

“There are literally hundreds of Community Based Or-ganizations (CBO) in each urban centre that provide servicesfor urban First Nations people,” Pratt says, “and this leaves thefunding and the services fragmented, duplicated and ineffi-cient.”

According to Pratt, this fragmentation leaves the First Na-tions person feeling isolated, abandoned and helpless in theface of crisis, and must be unified into a coherent model underthe authority of First Nations Tribal/Grand/Agency Councilsand Independent Bands.

The province’s 10 Tribal/Grand/Agency Councils andrepresentatives of the Independent Bands have come togetherand developed a protocol agreement that will aid in the coordi-nation of service delivery in the cities. The protocol recognizesthat Treaty rights are portable, and each party to the protocolagrees to assist any First Nation person who lives in the city,regardless of what Tribal Council area the person’s home com-munity lies in.

“This is a huge step forward for urban First Nations peo-ple and agencies,” Pratt says. “Our Tribal Councils have the

skills, expertise, training and ability to service our members ina culturally appropriate way.”

The next step, according to Pratt, is to unify the fundingprocess for service delivery to First Nations people in the ur-ban centers.

“There are way too many CBOs operating in the cities,each with funding based on how many clients they service,”Pratt says. “This creates a situation where funding is spreadtoo thin across too many organizations, and no one is fundedin an adequate way.”

Further, according to Pratt, many First Nations people, es-pecially those who are newly arrived in a city, are forced todeal with upwards of 27 agencies simply to get the basic serv-ices they need to establish themselves.

The Urban Protocol Agreement is designed to eliminatethe need to access dozens of agencies, and to centralize serv-ices in the Tribal/Grand/Agency Councils where they belong.

Once First Nations people realize that they can go to thelocal Tribal Council for services, the need for multi and frag-mented CBO services will dissolve. The Tribal/Agency/GrandCouncils offer programming and services in many areas, in-cluding:

• Youth• Special needs/disabilities • Women and children’s issues • Education and Training Services • Health Services• Economic and Employment Development• Lands Protection and Development• Market Housing and Social Housing

Initiatives

• First Nations Child and Family Protection Services

• Social Assistance Programs• Justice and Just Relations• Sports, Recreation, and Culture Programs• Other mutually agreed upon areas of

service delivery programming.Vice Chief Pratt says he is putting the province and the

federal government on notice that it is the First Nation govern-ments of Saskatchewan’s intention to make theAgency/Grand/Tribal Councils the first point of access for allservices for First Nations people in the urban centers.

“We want all levels of government and the funding agen-cies to understand that we are more than capable of seeing tothe needs of our own people,” says Pratt. “Our front-lineworkers are skilled and trained and, more importantly, theAgency/Grand/Tribal Councils are uniquely positioned to un-derstand the needs of First Nations people within a Treaty andcultural context.”

All First Nations people who are in the urban centers areencouraged to contact the localAgency/Grand/Tribal Councilfor services and programs.

“Our Tribal Councils arethe local First Nations ‘WelcomeWagon’ for First Nations peo-ple,” Pratt says.

“I sincerely hope that wecan get the word out to our peo-ple that they are welcome in thecities, and that there is help andhope for them in our urban cen-ters.”

Message from Vice Chief Glen Pratt

Vice Chief Glen Pratt

JULY 2009Eagle Feather News - Health 10

Peace Keepers turn attention to health issueBy John LagimodiereOf Eagle Feather NewsFour years ago, a couple of Saskatoon Police Service

members wanted to do something for the FirstNation community. Sgt. Tony Nadon and Sgt.

Keith Salzl had been working closely with the Aborigi-nal community in their roles with the Peace Keepers andthey realized the impact that Type 2 Diabetes was havingon their friends and colleagues.

They decided to make diabetes awareness their cause,and to do so they created Peacekeepers Pedaling forAboriginal Diabetes (PPAD), with the intent of bikingacross Canada, stopping in Aboriginal communities andspreading the word.

Finally, after five years of spring time riding, this yearseven members of the Saskatoon Police Service pedaledinto St. John’s, Newfoundland to complete their coast-to-coast odyssey. They were met at Mile Zero bySaskatoon Police Chief Clive Weighill, the Deputy Mayorof St. John’s and members of their support team includingElders Florence Highway and Evelyn Linklater, who areboth diabetics.

“Biking into St. John’s gave us a real sense of accom-plishment,” said Sgt. Nadon. “It was a long five years andover 10,000 kilometers but it was very worthwhile.”

The team would stop in First Nation communitiesthey came to in their travels and would give presentationsto the communities about diabetes and healthy living.

“Giving the presentations was my favourite part,”said Elder Evelyn Linklater, who, on the last leg of thetour, would drive ahead of the bikers with cohort FlorenceHighway and then walk on average six kilometers daily.

“The officers were great. Just before we left this year,one of the officers was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetesas well,” Linklater said. “This allowed us to really bondand to share with him tips about diet, activity and makingbannock with whole wheat flower and healthy portioneating.”

Const. Matt Maloney was the officer diagnosed withdiabetes and the bike ride and time with Evelyn and Flochanged his life.

“Presenting in the communities and sitting andlistening to Evelyn and Flo was very humbling,” saidMaloney.

He found out he had Type 2 Diabetes in January,shortly after his dad had a diabetes related heart attack.

“This disease affects people, but it also connectspeople. We had such an amazing experience in NewBrunswick at a reserve school. The kids were amazingand the school was urging them to drop the pop.

“And Flo and Evelyn, I tell you are lovely people.They taught me not to give up and to believe in myself.Don’t judge, just do. Those ladies just made us happy theentire trip.”

In all, well over $10,000 was raised for research, butmost important, there was lots of awareness raised aboutthe disease.

“It was amazing how the communities welcomedus,” said Nadon. “They opened their houses to us, fed usand often tears were shed. We developed some great part-nerships.”

On any trip that spans 10,000 kilometers of biking,you are going to see lots and have some highs and lows.For Nadon, the highs and lows were easy to take.

“I tell you, the biking is a lot easier to deal with thandiabetes. People dealing with it go through highs andlows, just like us through the mountains. So when we gotdown, we remembered who and what we were biking forso that helped us keep perspective.”

Evelyn will be keeping good memories of the trip,but the odyssey is far from over for her and other diabetics.

“I told them, that the trip will never be over for me,”said Linklater. “There is no cure for diabetes and I haveto work at my diet and health everyday, always be awareof it and live well. But still, what these police officers didfor the community and diabetes awareness was a reallygood thing.”Fast facts from Tony Nadon on a 10,000 km. bike ride

Highest speed? 92 kilometers an hour down hill …hang on and pray

Flat tires? 25 total … average 6 minutes to fixRoadkills? Over 100. The worst are the moose in

Ontario. You smell them before you see them. We saw 20or so.

Bottles of water?Over 15,000Saddlesores?None (good equipment!)Equipment?Norco Road Bikes

Elders Florence Highway and Evelyn Linklater werean integral part of the PPAD team. And they averagedover six kilometers walking daily. Below they arejoined, from left, by Sergeant Tony Nadon, Sgt. KeithSalzl, Const. Wade Bourassa, Const. Matt Maloney,Const. Todd Bayly, Chief Clive Weighill and WarrenIsbister, City of Saskatoon in St. John’s at the end ofthe journey. (Photo supplied)

JULY 2009 11Eagle Feather News - Arts & Entertainment

Wow! Just when I thought no onereads the words I work so hardto produce each month for my

beloved Eagle Feather News, I finallyreceived some backlash.

At last I have managed to piss somepeople off for praising the one-hour docu-mentary Dogzlyfe: Burdens of a GangstaRapper by Cory Generoux in last month’scolumn.

In the words of Pulp Fiction characterJules Winfield, please “allow me to retort.”

I have had discussions and tradedemails with a few concerned readers whofeel praising a film about Robin Favel, awell-known Regina rapper with a historyin gangs, sends the wrong message to ouryouth. The film, they say, glorifies gangsand makes it even more appealing foryoung people to get involved in a life thatincludes addiction, crime and violence.

The fear is Favel is made out to be ahero; a man who achieved notoriety andfame due to his shady past. Favel has beenin and out of jail for much of his life,convicted of various offenses includingphysically abusing his girlfriend.

Cory Generoux, who directed thefilm, constantly finds himself defendingthe film for ‘glorifying’ gang life. But hedid his homework before makingDogzlyfe – which won Best AboriginalProduction at this year’s Yorkton FilmFestival.

“Before I set out to make this film, Ispoke with several Elders about how bestto approach this subject,” Generouxexplains. “This is what was told to me andwhat was always in my head throughoutthe entire making of it:

“When we are asked to pray for thosewho have wandered off the red road –those on the streets, those in the jails, those

in gangs, those who are living a negativelifestyle – this film is a window into aman’s life that represents those we areasked to pray for. Like him (Robin Favel)or not, or like him even less at the end (ofthe film), he still embodies those we areasked to pray for, be it a certain individ-ual, or a small group, or a community, wewill get a better understanding of those weare praying for.”

Favel, whose stage name is Burden,raps about the trials and tribulations ofbeing a gang member. In Dogzlyfe, heclaims to be a storyteller and nothing more.Just an artist singing songs about the worldhe knows, the worldhe grew up in.

And his lifeisn’t pretty. Nor isthe documentaryabout him. It’sgritty, honest andsometimes difficultto watch – that’swhat makes it sucha good film. Ifnothing else, I feelDogzlyfe is anexample of the lifeour youth shouldn’twant.

In fact, I thinkyoung peopleshould watchDogzlyfe. The filmdoesn’t make jaillook cool or Favel look like a hero. Itdocuments the hardship and constantmisery associated with gang life.

And nowhere in the film does Favelprofess to be a role model. He’s not. It’sobvious. If people want to blame a filmlike Dogzlyfe for attracting our youth to

join gangs then I think it’s obvious there’sa much bigger problem at hand. Generouxagrees.

“We all know gangs are a reality in ourlives, whether we like it or not. If we sitback, judge and do nothing, we are equallyas guilty as those we judge, because we arecondoning it by our inaction. When wetake action, through the various methods,we are taking responsibility, acknowledg-ing and moving forward. This is healing.”

Instead of damning a film likeDogzlyfe for damaging our youth, maybewe should watch it with them. If given thechance, they would discuss the film,

critique it and tellus what they think.As a formerteacher and youthworker, I havelearned a thing ortwo about ouryoung people. Firstand foremost, theyare smart, articu-late and observant.

Too oftenadults write youthoff as sheep whocannot think forthemselves. Soinstead ofscreening ordiscussing a filmlike Dogzlyfe tocreate awareness,

many adults will hide it from them. Butthat is often an adult’s mistake.

The second thing I learned aboutyouth: if you hide something from them,they will find out on their own. So why nottake a proactive step and allow them toformulate their own opinion in a safe,

positive setting. Heck, watching this remarkable film

might even inspire them to become film-makers, rappers or even counselors. Ayouth worker in Dogzlyfe, who’s nameescapes me, said rapping is a positive thingbecause it encourages youth to expressthemselves about the negative world theysee around them instead of gettinginvolved in it. Favel said he wished hewould have discovered rapping a lot earlierthan sitting in a jail cell – it would havesaved him a lot of grief.

So, do I think our youth should aspireto be Robin Favel? No. I don’t think Favelhimself would want young people to gothrough what he has. But do I think ouryouth should be exposed to the reality ofwhat goes on around them in the streets,absolutely.

And I believe Dogzlyfe: Burdens of aGangsta Rapper, demonstrates how thechoices we make today affect us for therest of our lives. I think our youth wouldsee it that way too. Especially if a positiverole model took the time to talk to themabout it.

Generoux doesn’t feel all the nega-tivity regarding his film hurts his intent, itjust spreads more awareness.

“I know in my heart from where thisfilm is coming from. The negativity onlystrengthens it. It is making things moreaware than they were, that this is an inter-generational problem and not a suddenstatistic. Like Robin Favel or not, more orless, everyone will learn something in agood way.”

Dogzlyfe has a positive message for youth


• Continued from Page One“Two years ago the government said they were committed to addressing labour opportunities for Aboriginal

people. So far they have delivered on that promise.”But it’s not just the government’s help that drives SIIT’s success. They are innovative, proactive and dedicated

when it comes to spreading the message of advanced education.“We recently unveiled our new RV’s,” said Morris. “We’re calling them the SIIT Career Coaches.”The units will travel as far as the roads will take them throughout our fair province. They are equipped with

work stations to help prospective students figure out their career path.• Continued on Page 16

Waylon Whitstone from Onion Lake was the Vale-dictorian for this years SIIT graduation. Whitstonegraduated from the First Nations Child Care 1 coursewith Great Distinction. (Photo by Mike Gosselin)

SIIT works with gov’t to 7ll labour shortages


Management Studies& Information TechnologyPrince AlbertManagement Studies IIBrass, Cheryl G. Peter BallantyneCaisse, Joy M. Lac La RongeClarke, Clinton J. James SmithClarke, Florence S. Peter BallantyneDavidson, Amanda M. MetisJobb, Bella C. Peter BallantyneMacDonald, Cheyenne Black Lake (Stoney Rapids)Merasty, Brian T. Peter BallantyneMerasty, Trevor S. Peter BallantyneOpikokew, Marilyn Canoe LakePeekeekoot, Chad M. AhtahkakoopSewap, Sarah L. Peter BallantyneTaypotat, Leigha R. KahkewistahawTurner, Sean-MacGregor Lac La RongeUmpherville, Corry L. MetisRegina AccountancyDesnomie, Sharidy M. Star BlanketIron, Greg A. Canoe LakeLerat, Gina M. CowessessPascal, Shelley L. KahkewistahawPratt, Roberta Gordon’s Sparvier, Jessica R. CowessessValley, Terrence J. Cowessess

Management Studies IIAsapace, Sheena D. PasquaBitternose, Evelyn Gordon’s Campeau, Renita L. MuskowekwanCote, Karen L. CoteCote, Rochelle L.CoteHotomani, Kimberly H. Carry the KettleIronstar, Luellan K. Carry the KettleIronstar, Terilyn Carry the KettleMissens, Errol B. CowessessPelletier, Audrey M. Star BlanketPelletier, Pauline R. PasquaSabit, Shelley R. Fishing LakeTaypotat, Kim L. MuscowpetungYasinowski, Dana R. Muskowekwan

Saskatoon AccountancyChamakese, Tyrone B. Pelican LakeCheckosis, Hermalene Little PineHead, Selina C. [DISTINCTION] Red EarthKing, Kendra R. Lucky ManPambrun, Rema M. MuskowekwanYoung, Bernelda D. Shoal Lake First Nation

Information Technologies IIBueckert, Dale E.Harris, Jake W. Pelican LakeMetsikassus, Ambrose Little Red River Cree NationNawakayas, Roxanne T. Red EarthWhitehawk, Antoine A. Cote

Management Studies IIAngus, Donna M. Red PheasantBear, Tennille J. Big RiverChurchill, Joanne L. Peter BallantyneDaigneault, Sheena J. MetisGopher, Mavis J. SaulteauxIron, Larry A. Canoe LakeKim, Yangsook (GREAT DISTINCTION)Kishayinew, Karen Yellow QuillMartel, Cherrilynn J. (GREAT DISTINCTION) MetisMcCallum, Ashley B. Peter Ballantyne

McKay, Kimberly M. KeeseekooseMoccasin, Arthur N. SaulteauxOkemow, Richard J. Lucky ManPinacie, Charmaine MuskowekwanPoorman, Darin KawacatooseQuewezance, Willard Yellow QuillRoss, Mark M. Lac La RongeStandingready, Dez WhitebearStushnoff, Michael W.Sutherland, Ashley C.E. Beardy’s & OkemasisTousaint, Tiffany A. Fond du LacWiens, Larry J. KahkewistahawWuttunee, Daryl C. Red PheasantWuttunee, Ida M. Red Pheasant

Health & Community StudiesOnion Lake First Nations Child Care 1 Cardinal, Duane H. Onion LakeChocan, Courtney KawacatooseChocan, Loralee J. (GREAT DISTINCTION) Onion LakeCook, Judy G. Onion LakeDillon, Carrie A. Onion LakeLewis, Nikita D. (GREAT DISTINCTION) Onion LakeMacDonald, Kara A. Onion LakePahtayken, Andrea L. Onion LakeStanley, Pamela A. Frog Lake, ABWhitstone, Davalynne (GREAT DISTINCTION) Onion LakeWhitstone, Waylon (GREAT DISTINCTION) Onion Lake

Health Care Aide Buffalo, Phyllis R. Onion LakeCannepotato, Chantelle Onion LakeCardinal, Jolene P. Onion LakeChief, Carmella R. Onion LakeChief, Pamelyne R. Onion LakeDillon (Naistus), Angie Onion LakeFox, Emily N.M. Onion LakeLewis, Geraldine R. Onion LakeNaistus, Janet Onion LakeNaistus, Tammy L. Onion LakePahtayken, Lara B. Onion LakeThompson, Vanora W. Onion LakeTootoosis, Valerie Onion LakeTrottier, Tatum (GREAT DISTINCTION) Onion Lake

Prince Albert Educational AssistantBarrone, Tammy M. MetisBoyer, Susanne R. (GREAT DISTINCTION)Kuppenbender, BonnieLaSalle, Valerie E. (DISTINCTION)MetisRichard, Sandra K. MetisWerminsky, Tenille C. Metis

Saskatoon Community Health RepresentativeApesis, Veronique English RiverBill, Bernice Big Island LakeDesjarlais, Karen M. MuskowekwanFourhorns, Dawn M. (DISTINCTION) PiapotGamble, Jasna R. Beardy’s and OkemasisMcDonald, Mary Anne Fond du LacMcKay, Donna P. (DISTINCTION) James SmithMorningchild, Doris Makwa SahgaiechanPoitras, Brenda M. MuscowpetungSylvestre, Renita M. Buffalo RiverWhitecap, Belinda L. Carry the KettleYew, Florence M. Canoe Lake

Health Care Aide Chief, Diane R. (DISTINCTION) Onion LakeContreras, Zenaida B.Daniels, Karen L. (DISTINCTION) Sturgeon Lake

Dhuez, Vicki R. (GREAT DISTINCTION)Dinanga, Agnes T.Javinal, Rosalie L.Mann, Marla R. (GREAT DISTINCTION)Mastin, Lisa A.Okemaysim, Freida Beardy’s and OkemasisPaddy, Cote L. ThunderchildPenner, Vanessa A. (GREAT DISTINCTION)Peters, Bobbie L. (GREAT DISTINCTION)Powers, Dorothy M. ( DISTINCTION)Reyes, YesseniaSchuett, Deana R. (GREAT DISTINCTION)Tomkewich, Kathleen (GREAT DISTINCTION)

Community Services - Addictions IBildfell, Kara D. ( DISTINCTION)Campbell, Arlene L. English RiverDimond, Laurie J. (DISTINCTION)Fiddler, Ruby A. Waterhen LakeFraser, Gladys R. (GREAT DISTINCTION)Gerard, Faye K. Cumberland HouseGiles, Jillian (DISTINCTION)Hunter, Lisa G. Sturgeon LakeLarocque-Ekvall, MaureenLambert, Raquel L. Peter BallantyneNippi, Patrick KinistinOlfert, Kimberly A. (DISTINCTION)Schaan, Kareena D. (GREAT DISTINCTION) MetisSpyglass, Matthew E. Mosquito-Grizzly Bear’s HeadVinterlik, Beverley Gordon’s

Community Services - Addictions IIAcoose, Amber SakimayBarr-Lafond, Hope G. Muskeg LakeBelanger, Julia K. OchapowaceBird, Mavis E. Montreal LakeBird, Wanita AhtahkakoopCoustin, Gabrielle C. Little PineJohn, Shelley One ArrowKahnapace, Miranda R. PasquaMarceland, Johnnie A. Birch Narrows First NationMerasty, Charlotte L. Peter BallantyneNovakovski, Kristy J.Shortt, Agnes D. Whitecap Dakota/SiouxTootoosis, Clint J. Poundmaker

Educational AssistantBear, Angelique C.Bighetty, Brenda L. Peter BallantyneBob, Myron E. KahkewistahawChicoose, Ashley N. PasquaGreyeyes, Andrea M. Muskeg LakeMcKay, Gertrude M. Rolling River, MNNighttraveller, Judy Red PheasantPechawis, Kayla M. MistawasisSvoboda, Alexandra M. (GREAT DISTINCTION) MetisToulejour, Janice Clearwater River Dene NationWright, Bobby-Lee R. Onion Lake

Practical NurseAubichon, Cheryl M. MetisDurand, Janice A.MetisEwashko, Michael J. MetisKut, Joely-Anne Samson, ABPedersen, Michelle R. MetisSemook, Maxine F. Fishing LakeTarasoff, Julie A. Kispiox, BCWilliams, Carin B. Muscowpetung

Addictions/Mental Health (Applied Certificate)Allary, Freida P. OchapowaceBadger, Delores J. CoteBird-Halkett, Theresa Montreal LakeCaldwell, Ketha E. Cote

Cameron, Thelma D. Beardy’s and OkemasisFox, Rueben E. Onion LakeFriday, Calvin L. CoteFriday, Ervin D. CoteGeddes-McNabb, Iva M. Gordon’sHyman, Marjorie AhtahkakoopKayseas, George Fishing LakeKeepness, Joyce E. MuscowpetungKing, David D. MetisMachiskinic, Joan M. KawacatooseMcArthur, Wayne M. Pheasant RumpMcKay, Dianne L. Standing BuffaloMontgrand-Kiezie, Delores Birch NarrowsNahnepowisk, Luanne PiapotPachapis, Violet Big Island LakeQuewezance, Zelda M. KeeseekooseRussell, Grace A. KeySeveright, Sharon P. CoteWhitehawk, Wilfred K. CoteWhitehead, Marlene G. Pelican LakeWindigo, Ramona M. Gordon’sWolfe, Leon I. MuskowekwanWolfe, Shirley A. Mistawasis

Career Development (Applied Certificate)Charles, Grace J. Lac La Ronge

Aboriginal Employment DevelopmentAubichon, KarenYew, Sheena

Trades & IndustrialMeadow Lake Process Operation Technician 2Alexander, David M. Makwa SahgaiechanAlmightyvoice, Dorothy G. James SmithBiller, Kurt J. (GREAT DISTINCTION) English RiverCooney, Justin P. (DISTINCTION)Gower, Devin G. (DISTINCTION) MetisHavlicek, Anthony J. (GREAT DISTINCTION) MetisLafleur, Martina L. (GREAT DISTINCTION) MetisMcLeod, Waylon J. James SmithOuellette, Patricia (DISTINCTION) MetisVilleneuve, Christopher (GREAT DISTINCTION) Sweetgrass

Ahtahkakoop Carpentry Level 1 Ahenakew, Jared AhtahkakoopAhenakew, Trent R. AhtahkakoopJohnstone, Dale S. AhtahkakoopLittle, Bobby E. AhtahkakoopLittle, Brooks A. AhtahkakoopMasuskapoe, Vincent AhtahkakoopPeekeekoot, Lenny S. AhtahkakoopWilliams, Evan AhtahkakoopWilliams, Kenneth D. Ahtahkakoop

Carry the Kettle Carpentry Level 1Haywahe, Elton Carry the KettleIronquill, Tyson J. OkaneseJack, Jason C. Carry the KettleKennedy, Jaydee Carry the KettlePasap, Chad D. White BearPasap, Daniel W. Carry the KettlePasap, Doylen W. Carry the KettleFort Qu’Appelle Welding (Applied Certificate)Betham, Matthew T.J.Clement, Seamus J.Dustyhorn, Garry J. KawacatooseGoodwill, Derek R. Standing BuffaloKoochicum, Jade PeepeekisisNelson, Mark A.

Skene, CarterKawacatoose Carpentry Level 1 Assoon, Gregory P. KawacatooseBrass, Annie R. KawacatooseDustyhorn, Cory D. KawacatooseDustyhorn, Thomas L. KawacatooseDustyhorn, Vanessa M. KawacatooseKay, Sharon L. KawacatooseLittletent, Morley KawacatooseLittletent, Randy P. KawacatooseMachiskinic, Derrick KawacatooseMachiskinic, Sheldon KawacatooseMachiskinic, Utin S. KawacatoosePoorman, Allan D. KawacatooseWorme, Dennis E. Kawacatoose

North Battleford Welding (Applied Certificate)Arcand, Aaron Beardy’s and OkemasisArmstrong, Isabel R. Mosquito-Grizzly Bear’s HeadArmstrong, Randy K. SweetgrassAtcheynum, Joanna D. Onion LakeBird, Denise M. Mosquito-Grizzly Bear’s HeadBull, Bradan R. Little PineGardiner, Dillan J.Nicotine, Vernon I. Red PheasantPeyachew, Ricky L. Red PheasantPooyak, David R.SweetgrassPritchard, Ryan G.K. Mosquito-Grizzly Bear’s HeadShingoose, Donlee CoteSwiftwolfe, Jeconiah Thunderchild

Prince Albert Carpentry Level 1 Charles, Jennifer T. Lac La RongeDaniels, Robert V. Red EarthErmine, Christopher Sturgeon LakeFelix, Roland R.Head, Harris S. Red EarthJobb, Stacey C. Peter BallantyneMcKay, Corey C. James SmithNontell, Chad P. MetisWhitecap, Dennis R. Red EarthWhitehead, Ricky Red Earth

Regina Carpentry Level 1Bellegarde, Greg R. Little Black BearKetchemonia, Glen A.Leggott, Justin C. OchapowaceLonechild, Lindon B. White BearO’Watch, Delanie M. Carry the KettleOakes, Randy D. NekaneetPepequash, Jason T. KeyPeters, Stacey D.Tanner, Richard K.J. CowessessThompson, Clifford L. Carry the KettleWilson, Ashley M.

Carpentry Level 3Alexson, Trevor L. KahkewistahawBedard, Paul Peter BallantyneBrittain, Marius J. James SmithEvans, Samantha J.Fuchs, Brendon J.George, Jonathan M. English RiverIronchild, Sheldon F. PiapotLeggott, Tara OchapowaceMcNab, Shane Gordon’sO’Callaghan-Allary, DanielObey, Keith A. PiapotRobin, Aaron S.

Welding (Applied Certificate)Dustyhorn, Jordan KawacatooseKendi Blair J.LaFrance, Ira Siksika First Nation, ABMcNab, Ira J. Gordon’s Nashacappo, Emerson KawacatoosePelltier, Dylan D.Redman, Warren PeepeekisisStonechild, Nina A. Peepeekisis

Saskatoon Carpentry Level 1 Bear, Ivan W. MuskodayBear, Kevin L. MuskodayBear, Leonard E. MuskodayBear, Robert S. MuskodayGreyeyes, Christopher Muskeg LakeLangan, Ryan J. KeeseekooseSmith, Howard H. Montreal LakeSutherland, Kevin J. Beardy’s and OkemasisThomas, Terrance Witchekan Lake

Carpentry Level 2Campbell, Anthony English RiverChief, Darin P. Onion LakeFiddler, Byron J. Waterhen LakeOkanee, Gerald J. ThunderchildPeeace, Brett M. Yellow QuillPugh, Nathan S. MetisRedbear, Wendell C. Whitecap Dakota/SiouxStovall, Matthew A. NekaneetThomas, Diana M.A. Squamish

Welding (Applied Certificate)Adam, Marty S. Fond du LacDreaver, Sheldon MistawasisMorin, Valerie Big RiverMorrison, Angus J.Ross, Wilfred J. Montreal LakeWapass-Lafond, Denny

Journeyperson CarpenterMcNabb, Thomas PeepeekisisSquirrel, Eric Yellow Quill


Management Studies& Information TechnologyPrince AlbertManagement Studies IIBrass, Cheryl G. Peter BallantyneCaisse, Joy M. Lac La RongeClarke, Clinton J. James SmithClarke, Florence S. Peter BallantyneDavidson, Amanda M. MetisJobb, Bella C. Peter BallantyneMacDonald, Cheyenne Black Lake (Stoney Rapids)Merasty, Brian T. Peter BallantyneMerasty, Trevor S. Peter BallantyneOpikokew, Marilyn Canoe LakePeekeekoot, Chad M. AhtahkakoopSewap, Sarah L. Peter BallantyneTaypotat, Leigha R. KahkewistahawTurner, Sean-MacGregor Lac La RongeUmpherville, Corry L. MetisRegina AccountancyDesnomie, Sharidy M. Star BlanketIron, Greg A. Canoe LakeLerat, Gina M. CowessessPascal, Shelley L. KahkewistahawPratt, Roberta Gordon’s Sparvier, Jessica R. CowessessValley, Terrence J. Cowessess

Management Studies IIAsapace, Sheena D. PasquaBitternose, Evelyn Gordon’s Campeau, Renita L. MuskowekwanCote, Karen L. CoteCote, Rochelle L.CoteHotomani, Kimberly H. Carry the KettleIronstar, Luellan K. Carry the KettleIronstar, Terilyn Carry the KettleMissens, Errol B. CowessessPelletier, Audrey M. Star BlanketPelletier, Pauline R. PasquaSabit, Shelley R. Fishing LakeTaypotat, Kim L. MuscowpetungYasinowski, Dana R. Muskowekwan

Saskatoon AccountancyChamakese, Tyrone B. Pelican LakeCheckosis, Hermalene Little PineHead, Selina C. [DISTINCTION] Red EarthKing, Kendra R. Lucky ManPambrun, Rema M. MuskowekwanYoung, Bernelda D. Shoal Lake First Nation

Information Technologies IIBueckert, Dale E.Harris, Jake W. Pelican LakeMetsikassus, Ambrose Little Red River Cree NationNawakayas, Roxanne T. Red EarthWhitehawk, Antoine A. Cote

Management Studies IIAngus, Donna M. Red PheasantBear, Tennille J. Big RiverChurchill, Joanne L. Peter BallantyneDaigneault, Sheena J. MetisGopher, Mavis J. SaulteauxIron, Larry A. Canoe LakeKim, Yangsook (GREAT DISTINCTION)Kishayinew, Karen Yellow QuillMartel, Cherrilynn J. (GREAT DISTINCTION) MetisMcCallum, Ashley B. Peter Ballantyne

McKay, Kimberly M. KeeseekooseMoccasin, Arthur N. SaulteauxOkemow, Richard J. Lucky ManPinacie, Charmaine MuskowekwanPoorman, Darin KawacatooseQuewezance, Willard Yellow QuillRoss, Mark M. Lac La RongeStandingready, Dez WhitebearStushnoff, Michael W.Sutherland, Ashley C.E. Beardy’s & OkemasisTousaint, Tiffany A. Fond du LacWiens, Larry J. KahkewistahawWuttunee, Daryl C. Red PheasantWuttunee, Ida M. Red Pheasant

Health & Community StudiesOnion Lake First Nations Child Care 1 Cardinal, Duane H. Onion LakeChocan, Courtney KawacatooseChocan, Loralee J. (GREAT DISTINCTION) Onion LakeCook, Judy G. Onion LakeDillon, Carrie A. Onion LakeLewis, Nikita D. (GREAT DISTINCTION) Onion LakeMacDonald, Kara A. Onion LakePahtayken, Andrea L. Onion LakeStanley, Pamela A. Frog Lake, ABWhitstone, Davalynne (GREAT DISTINCTION) Onion LakeWhitstone, Waylon (GREAT DISTINCTION) Onion Lake

Health Care Aide Buffalo, Phyllis R. Onion LakeCannepotato, Chantelle Onion LakeCardinal, Jolene P. Onion LakeChief, Carmella R. Onion LakeChief, Pamelyne R. Onion LakeDillon (Naistus), Angie Onion LakeFox, Emily N.M. Onion LakeLewis, Geraldine R. Onion LakeNaistus, Janet Onion LakeNaistus, Tammy L. Onion LakePahtayken, Lara B. Onion LakeThompson, Vanora W. Onion LakeTootoosis, Valerie Onion LakeTrottier, Tatum (GREAT DISTINCTION) Onion Lake

Prince Albert Educational AssistantBarrone, Tammy M. MetisBoyer, Susanne R. (GREAT DISTINCTION)Kuppenbender, BonnieLaSalle, Valerie E. (DISTINCTION)MetisRichard, Sandra K. MetisWerminsky, Tenille C. Metis

Saskatoon Community Health RepresentativeApesis, Veronique English RiverBill, Bernice Big Island LakeDesjarlais, Karen M. MuskowekwanFourhorns, Dawn M. (DISTINCTION) PiapotGamble, Jasna R. Beardy’s and OkemasisMcDonald, Mary Anne Fond du LacMcKay, Donna P. (DISTINCTION) James SmithMorningchild, Doris Makwa SahgaiechanPoitras, Brenda M. MuscowpetungSylvestre, Renita M. Buffalo RiverWhitecap, Belinda L. Carry the KettleYew, Florence M. Canoe Lake

Health Care Aide Chief, Diane R. (DISTINCTION) Onion LakeContreras, Zenaida B.Daniels, Karen L. (DISTINCTION) Sturgeon Lake

Dhuez, Vicki R. (GREAT DISTINCTION)Dinanga, Agnes T.Javinal, Rosalie L.Mann, Marla R. (GREAT DISTINCTION)Mastin, Lisa A.Okemaysim, Freida Beardy’s and OkemasisPaddy, Cote L. ThunderchildPenner, Vanessa A. (GREAT DISTINCTION)Peters, Bobbie L. (GREAT DISTINCTION)Powers, Dorothy M. ( DISTINCTION)Reyes, YesseniaSchuett, Deana R. (GREAT DISTINCTION)Tomkewich, Kathleen (GREAT DISTINCTION)

Community Services - Addictions IBildfell, Kara D. ( DISTINCTION)Campbell, Arlene L. English RiverDimond, Laurie J. (DISTINCTION)Fiddler, Ruby A. Waterhen LakeFraser, Gladys R. (GREAT DISTINCTION)Gerard, Faye K. Cumberland HouseGiles, Jillian (DISTINCTION)Hunter, Lisa G. Sturgeon LakeLarocque-Ekvall, MaureenLambert, Raquel L. Peter BallantyneNippi, Patrick KinistinOlfert, Kimberly A. (DISTINCTION)Schaan, Kareena D. (GREAT DISTINCTION) MetisSpyglass, Matthew E. Mosquito-Grizzly Bear’s HeadVinterlik, Beverley Gordon’s

Community Services - Addictions IIAcoose, Amber SakimayBarr-Lafond, Hope G. Muskeg LakeBelanger, Julia K. OchapowaceBird, Mavis E. Montreal LakeBird, Wanita AhtahkakoopCoustin, Gabrielle C. Little PineJohn, Shelley One ArrowKahnapace, Miranda R. PasquaMarceland, Johnnie A. Birch Narrows First NationMerasty, Charlotte L. Peter BallantyneNovakovski, Kristy J.Shortt, Agnes D. Whitecap Dakota/SiouxTootoosis, Clint J. Poundmaker

Educational AssistantBear, Angelique C.Bighetty, Brenda L. Peter BallantyneBob, Myron E. KahkewistahawChicoose, Ashley N. PasquaGreyeyes, Andrea M. Muskeg LakeMcKay, Gertrude M. Rolling River, MNNighttraveller, Judy Red PheasantPechawis, Kayla M. MistawasisSvoboda, Alexandra M. (GREAT DISTINCTION) MetisToulejour, Janice Clearwater River Dene NationWright, Bobby-Lee R. Onion Lake

Practical NurseAubichon, Cheryl M. MetisDurand, Janice A.MetisEwashko, Michael J. MetisKut, Joely-Anne Samson, ABPedersen, Michelle R. MetisSemook, Maxine F. Fishing LakeTarasoff, Julie A. Kispiox, BCWilliams, Carin B. Muscowpetung

Addictions/Mental Health (Applied Certificate)Allary, Freida P. OchapowaceBadger, Delores J. CoteBird-Halkett, Theresa Montreal LakeCaldwell, Ketha E. Cote

Cameron, Thelma D. Beardy’s and OkemasisFox, Rueben E. Onion LakeFriday, Calvin L. CoteFriday, Ervin D. CoteGeddes-McNabb, Iva M. Gordon’sHyman, Marjorie AhtahkakoopKayseas, George Fishing LakeKeepness, Joyce E. MuscowpetungKing, David D. MetisMachiskinic, Joan M. KawacatooseMcArthur, Wayne M. Pheasant RumpMcKay, Dianne L. Standing BuffaloMontgrand-Kiezie, Delores Birch NarrowsNahnepowisk, Luanne PiapotPachapis, Violet Big Island LakeQuewezance, Zelda M. KeeseekooseRussell, Grace A. KeySeveright, Sharon P. CoteWhitehawk, Wilfred K. CoteWhitehead, Marlene G. Pelican LakeWindigo, Ramona M. Gordon’sWolfe, Leon I. MuskowekwanWolfe, Shirley A. Mistawasis

Career Development (Applied Certificate)Charles, Grace J. Lac La Ronge

Aboriginal Employment DevelopmentAubichon, KarenYew, Sheena

Trades & IndustrialMeadow Lake Process Operation Technician 2Alexander, David M. Makwa SahgaiechanAlmightyvoice, Dorothy G. James SmithBiller, Kurt J. (GREAT DISTINCTION) English RiverCooney, Justin P. (DISTINCTION)Gower, Devin G. (DISTINCTION) MetisHavlicek, Anthony J. (GREAT DISTINCTION) MetisLafleur, Martina L. (GREAT DISTINCTION) MetisMcLeod, Waylon J. James SmithOuellette, Patricia (DISTINCTION) MetisVilleneuve, Christopher (GREAT DISTINCTION) Sweetgrass

Ahtahkakoop Carpentry Level 1 Ahenakew, Jared AhtahkakoopAhenakew, Trent R. AhtahkakoopJohnstone, Dale S. AhtahkakoopLittle, Bobby E. AhtahkakoopLittle, Brooks A. AhtahkakoopMasuskapoe, Vincent AhtahkakoopPeekeekoot, Lenny S. AhtahkakoopWilliams, Evan AhtahkakoopWilliams, Kenneth D. Ahtahkakoop

Carry the Kettle Carpentry Level 1Haywahe, Elton Carry the KettleIronquill, Tyson J. OkaneseJack, Jason C. Carry the KettleKennedy, Jaydee Carry the KettlePasap, Chad D. White BearPasap, Daniel W. Carry the KettlePasap, Doylen W. Carry the KettleFort Qu’Appelle Welding (Applied Certificate)Betham, Matthew T.J.Clement, Seamus J.Dustyhorn, Garry J. KawacatooseGoodwill, Derek R. Standing BuffaloKoochicum, Jade PeepeekisisNelson, Mark A.

Skene, CarterKawacatoose Carpentry Level 1 Assoon, Gregory P. KawacatooseBrass, Annie R. KawacatooseDustyhorn, Cory D. KawacatooseDustyhorn, Thomas L. KawacatooseDustyhorn, Vanessa M. KawacatooseKay, Sharon L. KawacatooseLittletent, Morley KawacatooseLittletent, Randy P. KawacatooseMachiskinic, Derrick KawacatooseMachiskinic, Sheldon KawacatooseMachiskinic, Utin S. KawacatoosePoorman, Allan D. KawacatooseWorme, Dennis E. Kawacatoose

North Battleford Welding (Applied Certificate)Arcand, Aaron Beardy’s and OkemasisArmstrong, Isabel R. Mosquito-Grizzly Bear’s HeadArmstrong, Randy K. SweetgrassAtcheynum, Joanna D. Onion LakeBird, Denise M. Mosquito-Grizzly Bear’s HeadBull, Bradan R. Little PineGardiner, Dillan J.Nicotine, Vernon I. Red PheasantPeyachew, Ricky L. Red PheasantPooyak, David R.SweetgrassPritchard, Ryan G.K. Mosquito-Grizzly Bear’s HeadShingoose, Donlee CoteSwiftwolfe, Jeconiah Thunderchild

Prince Albert Carpentry Level 1 Charles, Jennifer T. Lac La RongeDaniels, Robert V. Red EarthErmine, Christopher Sturgeon LakeFelix, Roland R.Head, Harris S. Red EarthJobb, Stacey C. Peter BallantyneMcKay, Corey C. James SmithNontell, Chad P. MetisWhitecap, Dennis R. Red EarthWhitehead, Ricky Red Earth

Regina Carpentry Level 1Bellegarde, Greg R. Little Black BearKetchemonia, Glen A.Leggott, Justin C. OchapowaceLonechild, Lindon B. White BearO’Watch, Delanie M. Carry the KettleOakes, Randy D. NekaneetPepequash, Jason T. KeyPeters, Stacey D.Tanner, Richard K.J. CowessessThompson, Clifford L. Carry the KettleWilson, Ashley M.

Carpentry Level 3Alexson, Trevor L. KahkewistahawBedard, Paul Peter BallantyneBrittain, Marius J. James SmithEvans, Samantha J.Fuchs, Brendon J.George, Jonathan M. English RiverIronchild, Sheldon F. PiapotLeggott, Tara OchapowaceMcNab, Shane Gordon’sO’Callaghan-Allary, DanielObey, Keith A. PiapotRobin, Aaron S.

Welding (Applied Certificate)Dustyhorn, Jordan KawacatooseKendi Blair J.LaFrance, Ira Siksika First Nation, ABMcNab, Ira J. Gordon’s Nashacappo, Emerson KawacatoosePelltier, Dylan D.Redman, Warren PeepeekisisStonechild, Nina A. Peepeekisis

Saskatoon Carpentry Level 1 Bear, Ivan W. MuskodayBear, Kevin L. MuskodayBear, Leonard E. MuskodayBear, Robert S. MuskodayGreyeyes, Christopher Muskeg LakeLangan, Ryan J. KeeseekooseSmith, Howard H. Montreal LakeSutherland, Kevin J. Beardy’s and OkemasisThomas, Terrance Witchekan Lake

Carpentry Level 2Campbell, Anthony English RiverChief, Darin P. Onion LakeFiddler, Byron J. Waterhen LakeOkanee, Gerald J. ThunderchildPeeace, Brett M. Yellow QuillPugh, Nathan S. MetisRedbear, Wendell C. Whitecap Dakota/SiouxStovall, Matthew A. NekaneetThomas, Diana M.A. Squamish

Welding (Applied Certificate)Adam, Marty S. Fond du LacDreaver, Sheldon MistawasisMorin, Valerie Big RiverMorrison, Angus J.Ross, Wilfred J. Montreal LakeWapass-Lafond, Denny

Journeyperson CarpenterMcNabb, Thomas PeepeekisisSquirrel, Eric Yellow Quill

Kimberly McKay of Keeseekoose graduated fromSIIT’s Management Studies II program.


Never too old tolearn or earn anSIIT certi7cate • Continued from Page 13

“It’s our way of taking SIIT to the people ofSaskatchewan. A way to show them what we offer andhelp them identify a career they’re interested in. Fromthere we can assist them in taking the necessary steps tobecome trained in that field.”

Steps that will take them across the stage at TCUPlace with hundreds of their peers to accept theirdiplomas and certificates. Just like the beautiful Thursdayafternoon for this year’s convocation.

After the ceremony, graduates, faculty, staff, familiesand friends filled the foyer for refreshments. The sheerjoy and positive energy that filled the room was over-whelming, intriguing, inspiring. Over 400 more Aborig-inal people held open tickets to the future in their hands.

What was even more inspiring was the fact not allthe grads were the mid-twenties demographic, eager tostart their working lives. Grads were all ages and fromall walks of life.

Johnnie Marceland, 54, completed his CommunityServices - Addictions II program and was excited toembark on his new career.

“I’ve always wanted to work with the youth and help

them,” he said with his proud wife and daughter by hisside.

“I never thought being a bit older and attendingschool would make it more difficult and it didn’t. I thinkit helped me.”

Marceland is a well known Saskatoon artist butdecided receiving a certificate in a field he felt he canmake a difference was part of his journey.

“Besides,” he said with a gleam in his eye, “you’renever too old to learn.”

And as Johnnie smiled and walked off with hisfamily, his daughter couldn’t believe what she justwitnessed.

“Daddy’s going to be in the news,” she saidexcitedly. “He’s famous!”

He sure is ... And so are 431 other SIIT grads.

Saskatoon artist Johnnie Marceland was among the more than 400 SIIT graduates. Making the presenta-tion is Randell Morris, president of SIIT. (Photos by Mike Gosselin)

JULY 2009 17Eagle Feather News - Education

By Pauline LonechildFor Eagle Feather NewsYvonne McLeod received herPh.D. in Education Administra-tion, but wishes her late aunt and

brother who greatly influenced her werethere to share in her success.

McLeod grew up as YvonneAnaquod, a Saulteaux Cree fromMus-cowpetung First Nation. She wasorphaned at a young age and struggled tosurvive in Residential School.

She later married Alfred McLeod andhad two children, Rachel Clarke andGilbert McLeod. McLeod says that it washer late brother Leonard (Spuddie)Ketchemonia, who was influential in herlife but it was her aunt Clara Pasqua whomotivated her to become who she istoday.

“She went to university at 57 yearsof age and she was my biggest influence.I thought, ‘If she can do it, I can do it,”says McLeod.

Although she had dropped out ofschool in Grade 11, McLeod says it wasthe inspiration of three generations ofstrong First Nations women that pushedher towards finishing her education. Soshe went back to school and got her GED.

“The challenge was to build fromone generation to the next,” saysMcLeod. “My Aunt Clara built me

towards becoming a teacher.” McLeod’s grandmother, Genova

Thorne-Asham, was her first teacher andgave McLeod the knowledge for self-direction and personal reflection. It wasthis grandmother who gave McLeod theknowledge on how to lead in two worlds.

“My cultural values, norms andsocialization processes have greatly influ-enced my learning and leadership,” saysMcLeod.

“Learning to lead is about the power

of intergenerational experiences – notleading by individual power.”

McLeod is an accomplished womanwho has been a classroom teacher for 15years and a special educator at both onand off-reserve schools.

She has presented papers on FirstNation education, special education andeducational administration at conferencesaround the world. She has publishedarticles and co-authored a book chapter.

Her teaching experiences range from

being a principal, education consultant,and literacy coordinator with a provincialschool board to being a professor at theUniversity of Regina.

Currently, she is the director ofWindigo Education Authority in SiouxLookout, Ontario and helps them inpreserving Elder, family and communitystories through a number of publications.

She continued her university classesin Regina where she obtained her B.Ed,in 1987. She then went back and got herM.Ed in 1998.

Following her earlier successMcLeod also completed her Ph.D. fromthe University of Regina in 2009, and willconvocate this fall.

On May 12, McLeod wrote andsuccessfully defended her Doctoraldissertation, “Learning to Lead: A Qual-itative Study of Eight IntergenerationFirst Nations Women”

Since intergenerational First Nationsleadership is an understudied area,McLeod has effectively developed anintergenerational First Nations model andintends to develop a curriculum tosupport the use of the model. McLeod’sstudy serves to add a First Nation’s frameof reference to the current leadershipstudies.

“It is not about ourselves, but for thegenerations to come” she says.

McLeod embarked on educational journey to lead in two worlds

Yvonne McLeod at the First Nations University of Canada.(Photo courtesy Shannon Avison)


By John LagimodiereOf Eagle Feather NewsIt begins around the middle of July. Métis across the homeland

start to get the itch in their jigging foot. They get a far awaylook in their eye as the sound of the fiddle rings in their head.

They get less productive at work, but at home, the camper starts tofill and plans are being made to go to Back to Batoche again.

The Métis cultural extravaganza is being held July 23-26this year and the anticipated 10,000 plus visitors will be treatedto an improved site, culture and visiting galore, and an extra dayof horses and chariots.

Close to half a million dollars has been invested on infra-structure at the Back to Batoche site this year alone.

“We now have a beautiful kitchen,” said Darlene McKay,chair of the Back to Batoche Committee and Area Director forWestern Region II.

“It has two grills, two deep fryers, great big coolers, a deepfreeze and a washroom and shower. This will allow us to feedpeople and take the pressure off some of the booths, or allowthem to move down to the rodeo area.”

They have also added some electrified sites, a couple ofcabins down the hill by the woods, and another set of washroomsand showers far into the campsites.

“Our affiliates have been so helpful with this,” said McKay.“I don’t know where we would be without the Clarence CampeauFund. And DTI, they have done so much.”

According to Roland Duplessis, Fund Manager for CCDF,they provide the funds, and DTI provides the bodies.

“Since 1998, the Fund has invested, through loans, or spon-sorship, over $1 million to help get that area to where it is. I thinkthe first investment was for $37,000 to build washrooms andshowers. This year the investment was $400,000 and the studentstraining at DTI for the trades programs came and built most ofthe stuff.

“This site is so important. If the Métis Nation can build it toa revenue generator, it would be great for the Métis and theprovince,” said Duplessis.

McKay and Duplessis both see the benefit of growing thesite into more than just a four-day a year facility.

“We are close,” said McKay. “The services are great herenow. Peter Rydyck who is our project manager has done afantastic job. Last week there was a gathering of the Francoph-one community out there with 400 people. And they raised moremoney for their event than our entire budget for Back to Batoche.

“And we are expecting 10,000 people. Thank goodness forvolunteers.”

Duplessis and the staff at CCDF have had a record year in2008 helping Métis business grow with 55 commercial loansmade, 87 business plans created and over 230 jobs created. Thatentrepreneurial spirit has Duplessis planting seeds of a bed andbreakfast on site, horse tours, school groups and family reunionsusing the spot.

“This is such an important space, and the potential to fill thetourism need in this area is there. Just look at how big Batochewill be this year,” said Duplessis.

To ensure good crowds, the organizers have tracked downthe best in Métis music to come and strut their stuff. The mastersof ceremony are Randy Gaudry and Murray Hamilton and theywill be introducing amazing talent such as Chris Villebrun, DallasBoyer and Donnie Parenteau and dance troupes from across thehomeland.

There is good news for the cowboy club out there. Thechuckwagon and chariot races are going three days this yearinstead of two and there will also be more action on the track onSunday.

For the kids, there is the cool little train, a bouncy house anda storyteller who can play guitar.

Remember to bring your bug spray, your sunscreen, a hat,your kids and a camera. Enjoy!

More horses, powerand services at Batoche

Back to Batoche 2009 will feature more chuckwagon and chariot races over three days. (Photo by John Lagimodiere)


Program will meanmore ‘brown’ facesin the classroom

Gabe Lafond of the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan, Diane Boyko, Chair of theGreater Saskatoon Catholic Schools and Doris Turcotte of CUPE participatedin a launch for a program that will see Métis people trained to work as classroomeducational assistants. (Photo by Andrea Ledding)

By Andrea LeddingFor Eagle Feather NewsDumont Technical Institute Inc. (DTI) and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools

are partnering to launch a new program training Métis people as classroomeducational assistants.

The program will begin this fall, offering a 10-month program to 15 students ina hands-on classroom environment, where they will assist individual students andhelp in preparing instructional material.

The program launch on June 25 emphasized the partnership based out of E.D.Feehan High School. The educational assistants will work throughout the city in theseparate division, while their instruction will be provided by both DTI and the separateboard.

The school division is working towards a more representative workforce, so thatthe children being taught have some role models of varying ancestry and gender torelate to. A partnership agreement was signed a few years ago with the CanadianUnion of Public Employees, the teacher’s association, and the provincial First Nationsand Métis Relations ministry.

Tony Blacklock, Program Co-ordinator for DTI, the adult upgrading and technicaltraining arm of Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research,said his wife currently works as a learning assistant.

“It’s nice for the kids to see that ‘brown face’, someone who they can identifywith,” he said, adding kids talk and relate to educational assistants differently.

“It’s another adult you can come to.”He adds Feehan is a core neighbourhood with many Métis and First Nations

students and families, and a central location. Kurt Breiker, in Human Developmentwith the school board, says the practicums will provide more opportunities – over 100postings a year, and a certain number of guaranteed spots upon graduating.

Ilsa Arnesen-Kun, an EA at St. Mary’s for eight years, says it’s a big comfort forkids to have someone they can relate to. She sees it as trust – bridging a huge gap forstudents, and helping them be proud of who they are.

JULY 2009Eagle Feather News - Careers20

Missens helping others help themselves

Jan Missens (right) with author Louise L. Hay.

By John LagimodiereOf Eagle Feather NewsAfter experiencing a lengthy series of personal and painful experiences, Jan

Missens has not only succeeded within her own healing journey on herselfbut earning certification to help others.

Her new business venture “It’s ok to be you” is based on the teachings and philos-ophy of Louise L. Hay.

“Many times throughout my life I felt like a victim and wondered ‘why me? I wasat a particularly very low point in my life when, through the course of my work, I cameacross a leaflet entitled Love Yourself, Heal Your Life with information

about a two-day workshop,” said Missens. “I knew then that this was just what I had been looking for and I immediately

signed up to attend. It was amazing. I realized and learned so much about myself. “Most importantly, I realized how much I disapproved of myself, and came to the

realization that I can love and accept myself just the way I am. Once that happened,everything else in my life started to fall into place – and it’s a good feeling,” sheexplains.

“I took those first steps to discover who I was and why I was the way that I was.” Missens found that by practicing the concepts of Louise Hay and by continuing

her affirmations, she was happy to accept herself exactly the way she was. “I have a deeper understanding of myself, and no longer do I ask why me? Instead

I say, why not me?” she added. Missens’ healing process continued through education including an Aboriginal

Addictions diploma from the NECHI Institute in Edmonton. In April 2008, she hadthe opportunity to take the training in Florida and qualify as a Certified Heal YourLife-Achieve Your Dreams Workshop Leader.

“It was a dream come true for me,” she said. The workshop accommodated 22 students from around the world who took thetraining based on Louise L. Hay, an acclaimed American author and publisher of

You Can Heal Your Life. “My goal is to help others through motivational training, seminars, workshops

and presentations,” said Missens. Since receiving her certification, Missens has begunto realize her goal and has hosted many workshops.

“Change is hard, scary and it takes time. This workshop was the best thing I didto help me with change,” said one participant. “It also helped me with my hurt, painand past. It gave me the skills I need to live a happy, prosperous, non-stressful life.Jan, you were an awesome facilitator!”

Missens decided to do something for herself and the community after becomingfrustrated after reading the news.

“You see about gangs and suicide and abandonment in our community,” saidMissens. “That behaviour comes because those people do not love themselves. I amconfident that as a licensed Certified Heal Your Life workshop leader and Life Coachthat I can empower others to overcome their negative mind set that has limited theirsuccess in business, education, careers, financial abundance, intimate relationships,spiritual growth, family and community relationships, and to begin the healing.

“This is a passion of mine and I had to do something to help build a better andbrighter future for our people.”

More information can be obtained from Missens’ website at www.itsok2bu.ca.

The First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) and the SaskatchewanInstitute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) signed a Memorandum ofUnderstanding to expand Aboriginal police preparation training inSaskatchewan. The transfer credit agreement will see SIAST’s Aboriginal PolicePreparation courses offered through the FNUniv campus in Saskatoon. Trainingwill be provided in partnership by SIAST and the Saskatoon Police Service.From Left to Right: Dr. Herman Michel (FNUC Faculty), SPS ConstablePreston Parranto, Janice Acoose (FNUC Faculty), Dr. Judy Harrower (SIAST),Deputy Police Chief Gary Broste (SPS). (Photo supplied by FNUC)

JULY 2009 21Eagle Feather News - Business

By John LagimodiereOf Eagle Feather NewsThe staff at CreeWay gas wasrecently honoured with the Presi-dents Award from PetroCanada.

The staff and Chief Cliff Tawpisin werejoined by Karen Jackson, territorymanager for PetroCanada and Kirk Watts,sales coordinator for western Canada asthe team made the presentation of a plaqueto general manager Troy Larmer.

“This is all about the staff,” saidlarmer when asked about the award. “Thegood service just keeps our clients comingback, and the service also helps us keepnew clients. The award is a great reflec-tion of the entire team.”

The Presidents Award is given basedon certain criteria.

“The company recognizes one siteyearly,” said Jackson. “We look atvolume, service and PetroPoint enroll-ment. This property does lots of volume,so it shows great service from the staff andleadership on Troy and Norm’s part …and the Chief and council, of course. Troy

is certainly a motivator.”Chief Cliff Tawpisin is proud of the

team at CreeWay for their achievement. “When we develop a business, we

look at the economic program. “This business provides service to our

members. Unfortunately INAC agree-ments are never sufficient to provideproper services to our members,” said theChief.

“So when we look at our businessventures, the plan is our community,building our nation. The success heregives opportunity to our youth for jobs,and our Elders benefit in the community.

“CreeWay ensures the success of ourcommunity and self sufficiency is ourgoal. We can’t rely on federal and provin-cial coffers. Any chance we have to buildour economic program, we will.”

As with any celebration, there wereballoons and two gigantic cakes that weredevoured by hungry staff and customers.... it was really good cake.

Congratulations to the team atCreeWay for their hard work and success.

All of the staff at CreeWayhelped earn the President’sAward from PetroCanada.(Photos by John Lagimodiere)

CreeWay earns PetroCanada Presidents Award

Norm Ledoux, Troy Larmer and Chief Cliff Tawpisin cut the cake.


By Andrea LeddingFor Eagle Feather NewsSaskatoon’s newest library branch, The Library on

20th Street Branch is opening its doors – one roomat a time.

“It's been a long-awaited branch,” said Zenon Zuzak,Director of Libraries. “At a community meeting in Aprilof 2008, there was very good turnout – definitely thecommunity was clear to us it was the community’slibrary.”

There were many ideas, expectations, and suggestedservices – and he hopes to meet most of them.

“Our summer programming is packed with superbchildren’s performers, great book-based programs andfun activities. We’re excited to offer these to children inthe community in advance of the actual opening ... wethink it’s worth it.

“So we’ll just be opening the Library Meeting Roomfor these programs,” said Zuzak. “The rest of the Librarywill not open until July 28.”

An earlier opening was hoped for but construction,furnishings, and lease details with Sask Housing causedminor delays.

Beginning July 7, children's programming at 2 p.m.incudes Book Camp Tuesdays, A Mixed Bag Wednes-days (children’s performers), and I Spy Fridays and theTD Summer Reading Club. A weekly Family Story Timeon Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. will also be available – all inthe Library Meeting Room, accessible by theSaskatchewan Housing entrance doors 30 minutes beforeeach program.

“Although we still have a lot of behind-the-sceneswork to do, we’re confident that on July 28 our furniturewill have arrived, our shelves will be stocked and ourstaff will be in position to provide the community withthis eagerly anticipated library service,” said Zuzak.

The branch has been in planning for years, and morethan 25 locations were looked at in the Riversdale andPleasant Hill areas. When discussion opened around theStation 20 West project, it seemed like an ideal opportunity.

“We did want to lease, and not own – so we workedin partnership with the City of Saskatoon, Station 20,QUINT and CHEP, as well as Sask Housing – ourpartners that allowed us to secure a space for a branchin that core neighbourhood,” he noted. The branch namewas submitted by a patron, after sending out requests forpublic input.

“Every time we name a branch it’s a challenge and theboard was determined to come up with a geographic name.”

The content, resources, and collections of the librarywill reflect community interests and the diversity of thecore neighbourhoods, in a variety of mediums. Besideshousing a multi-lingual collection, with a focus onAboriginal content as well as Chinese, Urdu, Vietnamese,Ukrainian, and German – they are hoping to hire acommunity development representative workforce co-ordinator, who will work on behalf of the entire publiclibrary system out of this branch office, for a represen-tative workforce

The Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of FirstNations and Métis Relations, are working on agreementsto be signed so that communities being served are repre-sented by the workforce serving them.

New library opening in stages

St. Michael students build Medicine Wheel

Joyce busy shelving books in the children’s section ofthe new Library on 20th. (Photo by Andrea Ledding)

St. Michael students work on their Medicine Wheel in front of the school.

By Blue PelletierFor Eagle Feather NewsGrade 6 students at St. MichaelCommunity School in Saskatoonbuilt a Medicine Wheel and now

the wheel is on full display in the front oftheir school on 33rd Street.

Their wheel was made with fourstones, one in each of the four directions.There was also one placed in the middle.

The circle represents an harmoniousrelationship with nature and with all livingthings who are our relatives and that allthings are connected and equal because ina circle there is no beginning and no end.

Each of the four areas was decoratedwith flowers. And each the flowers was adifferent colour to signify traditional FirstNations colours.

The wheel was unveiled at aceremony on June 23 as part of NationalAboriginal Day. Elder Charlie Sutherlandwas on hand to bless the wheel.

Nikita Q, a student in Rod Figueroa’sclass read a short piece about her thoughtson the Medicine Wheel. Candace D,another student in Figueroa’s class readher award winning essay about NationalAboriginal Day.

“I truly believe that teaching mystudents about their strong Aboriginalheritage will enrich in them the sense ofpride that cannot be taken away,” saidFiguera, a Grade 6 teacher.

“I am proud of my students and all oftheir accomplishments. This MedicineWheel is another example of their dedi-cation and respect to Mother Earth.”


Meadow Lake Tribal Council inks partnershipSigning the Aboriginal Employment Agreement were Meadow Lake Tribal Council Chief Helen Ben, KirbyKorchinski, Director of Field Operations INAC and First Nation and Métis Relations Minister Bill Hutchinson.

(Photo supplied by FNMR)

The Meadow Lake Tribal Councilbrings an extensive and experi-enced network of First Nations

representatives to a new AboriginalEmployment Development partnershipsigned recently with the governments ofSaskatchewan and Canada in MeadowLake.

The goal of the partnership is toincrease First Nations participation inSaskatchewan's growing economy and toaddress labour market shortages that theprovince faces now and in the future.

Meadow Lake Tribal Council iscomprised of nine First Nations commu-nities representing more than 11,000people.

“Meadow Lake Tribal Council’s ninemember First Nations offer a huge talentpool to the province,” First Nations andMétis Relations Minister Bill Hutchinsonsaid.

“The Tribal Council is also an inno-vative and noteworthy employer in itsown right,” he added.

“This partnership is a positive step

forward for the First Nations that make upthe council,” Meadow Lake TribalCouncil Chief Helen Ben said.

“It will ensure that our governmentsare working together so that ourcommunity members can contribute toand share in the prosperity ofSaskatchewan’s economy.”

The Department of Indian andNorthern Affairs Canada also joinedforces with the Meadow Lake TribalCouncil and the provincial government tosign this agreement at the Meadow LakeTribal Council offices on Flying Dust FirstNation.

RIBBON CUTTINGThe Saskatchewan First Nations Family &Community Institute Inc. recently had a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate their GrandOpening. On hand to make the opening officialwere Left to Right: Board Chair Raymond Shin-goose, Elder Miles Musqua, FSIN Senator/ElderElma Kytwayhat, Elder Sam Isaac, ExecutiveDirector Monty Montgomery.

(Photo by Mike Gosselin)


By John LagimodiereOf Eagle Feather NewsOn July 22, the Chiefs anddelegates of the Assembly ofFirst Nations will pick a new

Chief. This is the first time in over decadethat Chief Phil Fontaine has not been onthe ballot, guaranteeing a new NationalChief for the people.

The job will go to one of fivegentlemen. Hometown favourite andformer FSIN Chief Perry Bellegarde willbe facing off against Traditional ChiefShawn Atleo from British Columbia,Grand Council Chief John Beaucagefrom Ontario, Chief Terrance Nelsonfrom Manitoba and Chief Bill Wilsonfrom British Columbia.

Atleo, Wilson and Bellegarde allhave extensive experience working withthe AFN as either Regional Vice Chiefsor as staff and this will certainly givethem an advantage on the national stage.Nelson has risen to prominence due tohis advocacy and sometimes off the wallstatements that infuriate the averageCanadian. He has also threatened toblock rail lines in Manitoba. Beaucagehas been a Chief for many years and is

an economist by trade.In conversation with Perry Belle-

garde, he expects a tight race, but one hefully expects to win.

“The campaign is going great,” saidBellegarde who was the first to declarehis candidacy.

“I have been planting seeds andmeeting with Chiefs across Canada for along time now and recently we have hadall Chief forums. The campaign isfriendly because ultimately it is aboutunity at the AFN.”

Bellegarde intends to restore unityamongst the Chiefs and then focus oneconomic development through resourcesharing to alleviate some of the povertyin the communities.

“If we do get our true share of thenatural resources, we can close theeconomic gap but we also have to lookat education and training,” said Belle-garde.

“The government has to eliminatethe cap on education. The AFN has to getin front of the Prime Ministers cabinet,not just INAC. We can’t work inisolation.”

One of the other front runningcontenders is BC AFN Regional ViceChief and Hereditary Chief Shawn Atleo.

“I am excited about the potential ofour people across this country,” saidAtleo in an interview with Eagle FeatherNews.

“In the last five years, across thecountry I see we have significantuntapped potential in our young people,and an increased awareness growingamongst the Canadian citizens about thesituation of First Nations people. We dohave significant challenges in relation-ship with governments, but now is thetime to build on the spirit and intent ofthe recent apology from Stephen Harper,and to build on the momentum of thepassing of the United Nations Declara-tion on the Rights of Indigenous People.

“Internally, we have to overcome theexternally imposed divisions on ourpeople that of on reserve and off, statusand non status. Those who grew up withtheir language and those who didn’t. Wehave huge divisions and limitedresources. That leads to splits, sometimeseven in families.”

He sees the immediate future as “Ourtime.”

Bellegarde felt he never really had achoice when it came time to make thedifficult decision to run for the AFN.

“I have been a servant to my peoplesince I graduated from university,” saidBellegarde. “I had 12 years as a TribalRep and then six years at the FSIN and

now I am back home as a councilor onLittle Black Bear. I do it because I amtrying to make a difference and createhope for our children.”

The Chiefs of Canada will make thedecision on National Chief at the AFNAssembly in Calgary, July 21-23.

Former FSIN Perry Bellegarde is vying forthe top job at the AFN.

British Columbia’s Shawn Atleo isregarded as a strong candidate.

Campaign on to elect sucessor to retiring Chief Phil Fontaine


Asmall group of youths betweenthe ages of 12 and 18 gathered atthe Dakota Dunes to participate

in a golf clinic. The event was a partner-ship between Saskatoon Tribal Counciland Ernie Scoles Fine Arts and Framing.

Barry O’Neill of Ireland and RyanThomas of Wales were instructors at theclinic. They are both players on theCanadian Professional Golf Tour. TheTour is in town for the 2nd AnnualSaskatchewan Open.

It was a great opportunity for youngpeople to take in some training from someprofessionals who were there to competein the tour stop at the Dakota Dunes GolfCourse on July 9-12.

Ernie Scoles grew up playing golf. Hewanted to help give kids a chance to playthe game he still plays to this day. Andthrough Scoles Fine Arts and Framing, aprogram dedicated to youth, he sponsorsan annual tournament and clinics like thisone.

“Golf has a lot of good things come

out of it,” Scoles says. “You do it on yourown, you are by yourself. And it teachesyouth self-discipline and patience.”

Golf can be an expensive game andfor families who don’t have the money topurchase clubs or pay for a round at a localcourse, playing the game can be a realhurdle.

Todd Standing works for SaskatoonTribal Council and says that throughsporting funds they have purchased setsof clubs that are at the White BuffaloYouth Lodge.

It gives youth the opportunity to playthe game and have outings to golf coursesthat perhaps they might have never beenexposed to.

“The kids like the game. It’s not easyas they make it look on TV,” Standingsays.

“Kids realize how difficult it is. Thatit’s a social thing, sort of a communityevent. Hopefully, when they are older andworking they get the bug to play the gameand remember how fun it is.”

After the clinic all the participantswere treated to a barbecue and given giftssuch as golf hat and balls.

“It was nice to rub shoulders withprofessionals and spend an afternoonhaving fun with the kids,” Scoles says.

Dustin Cameron is 15 years old andis from the Beardy’s First Nation.

“I golf every day. It was nice to learnmore about golf,” Cameron says. “I wouldlike to take the game as far as I can. We’llsee what happens.”

I saw this kid hit the ball, he definite-ly has a future.

The Bridge City Shootout could onlycrown one champion, but it should havehad two. It what was quite honestly thebest basketball game ever seen in this city.The Bus Drivers out of Winnipeg won atriple overtime thriller over the OldSchool Squad from Saskatoon.

Chris Kraus of the Bus Drivers wasthe MVP and was unreal. Dude looks likeyour average Joe but his game is justridiculous.

Big ups to Mike Leiffers of the BusDrivers who won the 3-point shootout andwas also the Slam Dunk Champ!

The tournament had over 250 partic-ipants, with 25 teams in three differentdivisions.

In the Women’s final the Huskiesblew away the ECP Bulls in a game thatwas never in question. Led by MVP JillHumbert and a cast of former and currentHuskie players they were met with littlechallenge throughout the tourney andcruised to the championship.

The Saskatoon Phoenix defeated theMaskawacis Warriors in the Youth Final.

Tournament organizer Mike Tantonwas thrilled with the response to thetourney.

“The tournament was a completesuccess. Teams commented on how goodthe calibre of play was,” Tanton said.

“We at For The Love Basketball arehappy that we had the volunteers to make

everything go as smooth as possible. I alsolook forward to working with the teamsand sponsors for next year’s event to makeit even bigger, with more teams and morefun. Until the next chapter of the Bridgecity shootout. Peace and BannockGrease!”

It was a huge win for the Riders intheir season opener, avenging a 33-12defeat in the playoffs last year with a 28-24 win over the BC Lions.

It wasn’t really a pretty game to watchwith turnovers and points off turnoversaccounting for nearly all the points.

After the Riders jumped out to a 25-7 lead the Lions charged back beforefalling short.

Former Lion Jason Clermont madehis first catch for the Riders just beforehalftime and received a standing ovation.

Winston Dressler called it “a big winto start the season.”

The crowd was crazy as usual.Announced attendance was 30,062.

The Leafs and the Raptors both madesome big moves, too bad they will bothstill disappoint a nation of fans … JoeSakic is one of the best ever … NFLFantasy Leagues about to start, my firstpick would no doubt be Adrian Peterson…. R.I.P. Steve McNair

Gainer the Gopher and the rest of his friends, the Saskatchewan Roughrid-ers, hopped the bus and came to Saskatoon for a training camp day andautograph signing. It seems the trip to Saskatoon proved fruitful. Even thoughthey went 0-2 in the preseason, the Riders are already 1-0 at press time. Theundefeated Riders look like a cinch to win the Grey Cup this year with BC,Edmonton and Calgary all struggling. Edmonton would be 0-1, but they beatthe horrible Winnipeg Blue Bombers by two points to look like they aren’tthat bad. But they are. Gainer was a big hit with the fans and couldn’t goanywhere without a kids stopping him for a high five. In the picture, he issigning autographs for some special Rider fans. (Photo by John Lagimodiere)

Raymond Cameron from Beardy’s hits a mighty three wood off the tee. ScolesFine Arts and Framing, the Saskatoon Tribal Council and SIIT were sponsorsof the event. (Photo by Blue Pelletier)

Golf clinic brings pros and youth together

Bridge City tournamenta real shootout in 7nal

Riders start season witha roar with win over B.C.

Random thoughts ...


PLEASANT HILLPOW WOW Powwow announcer extraordinaireDonnie Peidel (bottom left) was calledupon to keep the Pleasant HillPowwow moving and entertaining.Cecile Smith (left), a mainstay at St.Mary's School had her granddaugh-ter out to enjoy the sights and soundsof the pow wow. Turns out it was thegirl’s first time in her pow wow regaliaand Cecile hopes she turns into a greatjingle dress dancer someday. RavenSaganace (right), a future great jingledress dancer, went by during an inter-tribal. (Photos by John Lagimodiere)


Affinity Credit Union staff (bottom left) have been volunteering and sponsoring National Aboriginal Day fesitivities in Saskatoon for years. This year, the stafffrom the Fairhaven Branch made a great impression. From left they are Roy Bluehorn, Terry Dering and Ursula Fiddler. As usual, there was a wide array of talentlined up to entertain the masses. Emcee Sanford Strongarm introduced several drummers, fiddlers, jiggers and First Nation dancers. Elder and veteran EdwardBaldhead (top right) was given the honour of carrying the Eagle Staff in the Grand Entry. He was joined by other veterans, soldiers, Saskatoon Police officers andmembers of the RCMP. The organizing comittee chose to celebrate the men and women who serve and protect our society, including members of the Armed Forces,police forces, the fire department and ambulance services. (Photos by John Lagimodiere)

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