first nations language keepers conference
Transcription
first nations language keepers conference
Early in SICC’s history, the logo was developed by Elders depicting the green circle which represents Mother Earth. The images of the sacred pipe and braid of sweetgrass are acknowledged as gifts from the Creator. Each of the colors of the cardinal directions are represented as follows: Red - North - Buffalo Yellow - East - Sun Blue - South - Thunderbird White - West - Wind Artist Credit: All of the beadwork on the moccasins were done by Eugene Ross (Dakota) Sioux Valley, MB. Vision Statement Learning our ways, speaking our languages and living our lives as given by the Creator Mission Statement Protect, Preserve and Promote the Cultures and Languages of First Nations as Dené, Saulteaux, Dakota, Nakota (Assiniboine), Lakota, nīhithaw (Woodlands Cree), nēhinaw (Swampy Cree) and nēhiyaw (Plains Cree) in the Treaty 2, 4, 6, 8, & 10 Territories. Philosophy The SICC has served First Nations people since 1972. It was the initial First Nations controlled educational institution serving at the provincial level. The Centre strives to maintain the cultural identity of First Nations culture who inhabit what is now known as Saskatchewan: Dené, Saulteaux, Dakota, Nakota, Lakota, Woodlands Cree, Swampy Cree and Plains Cree. Goals • • • • • • • • • • To protect and revive First Nations languages in Saskatchewan To preserve and transfer knowledge on First Nations history, culture and traditions To promote First Nations cultural and linguistic identity To improve the sustainability of SICC To strengthen and enhance the capacity of SICC To improve and enhance the profile of SICC To attract and retain skilled and qualified First Nations employees To create a healthy work environment To transfer knowledge of our spiritual beliefs To support the Elders Council in preserving oral history, teachings and spiritual knowledge 1 Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre - Annual Report 2013/2014 Message from the Board of Governors The Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre (SICC) has been in operation since 1972. Over the intervening years the SICC has been the primary institute of the First Nations of Saskatchewan working for the preservation, protection and survival of the Dakota, Dené, Lakota, Nakota, Saulteaux, Plains Cree, Swampy Cree and Woodland Cree cultures in the province. As the first institution established by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN), the SICC continues to be the cornerstone in maintaining First Nations languages, cultures, heritage and traditions. Many thousands of First Nations people have been served by the Cultural Centre over this time. In the early seventies, the SICC played a leading role in the establishment of the principles of Indian Control of Indian Education. The need for Indian Control of Indian Education is paramount in all that the SICC does as an institution. Throughout Canadian history, mainstream institutions have inappropriately placed the study of First Nations languages and culture within a historical or anthropological context. The SICC strives to ensure that First Nations students have access to culturally, historically and socially appropriate learning resources. All approaches to maintain a language and culture need to be done with the principles of survival and retention as a guide. Only through daily usage, inter-generational transmission and legislative protection will any language or culture survive. The SICC engages in the study, documentation, and recording of languages and cultural practices. This is done in an interactive way with First Nations Keepers who are devoted to the day-to-day practice of their culture. SICC delivers a variety of programs and services to First Nations and the general public in the following areas: 1. Cultural Resource Management Department - Oversees the delivery of programming in support of retaining and growing cultural aspects of the eight First Nations language groups in Saskatchewan. 2. Languages Department - Responsible for research, documentation and development of language resources to assist language educators and the offering of services to preserve First Nations’ languages. 3. SICC Library Department – Hosts a large collection of print, audio and visual resources about Indigenous peoples with a focus on the First Nations’ languages and cultures of the western region of Canada. 4. SICC Information & Resource Distributions - Responsible for the dissemination of print, audio and video educational language and cultural resource materials to schools, colleges and communities. 5. Finance and Administration - Ensures the effective management and administration of personnel, plant, property and maintenance. 6. Audio Visual Services - Provides full service audio-visual services to Saskatchewan First Nations. 2 Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre - Annual Report 2013/2014 7. Executive Office - Senior management of Saskatchewan society which drives the need of the entire institution with a key role for additional cultural and language educational in the governance, board of governors, resources. Curriculum and education material communications, developers have not public relations and forecasted this change êwako ôma pîkiskwêwin kâ-kîstrategic plan for the and have not kept pace miyikoyahk kôhtâwînaw kikaSICC. The SICC is with market demands. âpacihtâyahk kiyânaw nêhiyawak an ISO 9001 certified Therefore it is essential kipîkiskwêwininaw êwako ôm ôma and compliant and appropriate that the kâ-âpacihtâyân ôta ê-tâpwêmakahk Institution. SICC continue to be the The SICC houses leader in the development manitônâhk ê-natotâkawiyahk ôma Saskatchewan’s largest of linguistically and kâ-âpacihtâyahk kâ-nêhiyawêyahk. culturally based and most comprehensive materials. collection of First Nations Our language was given to us by The art and artifacts. There Father for use to use as Cree people, our The SICC was founded by are two permanent language, this which I use here, truth is First Nations leadership collections within the conveyed to the spirit-world and we are and Elders who sought SICC. The first is the listened to when we speak Cree. to have an institution SICC Museum Collection to counter the negative containing a substantial Elder Augustine Paskemin (Cree) effects of the Residential number of artifacts of School era. Residential the First Nations people Sweetgrass First Nation Schools had a negative that have existed in impact on every single the region throughout First Nations individual history. The second is in Saskatchewan and the SICC Contemporary that impact continues Art Collection which is a to grow with each representative collection successive generation. of works by First Nations The SICC counters artists, many of whom these negative impacts were trained through through programming the SICC Indian Art like Traditional Parenting Skills Workshops and program. maintaining a substantial unique collection of Elders’ testimonials. The SICC’s programming and services are popular with schools throughout the province; The SICC hosts the annual First Nations’ both on and off reserve. The current First Nations Language Keepers Conference that draws youth demographic is growing at a rate consistent speakers, presenters and participants from with the baby boom of the post war years. This throughout Canada ever-changing demographic demands that and into the United school curriculum reflects the evolving makeup 3 Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre - Annual Report 2013/2014 States. This event is endorsed by the First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres (FNCCEC) as a national event. Participants are able to learn and share best practices in language instruction and access materials for instruction that are otherwise unavailable to them. Since 2005 thousands of Language Keepers, youth and Elders have attended this event. The SICC is the first and central cultural institution of the 74 First Nations of Saskatchewan. While the SICC will continue to evolve to meet the changing cultural and linguistic needs of the First Nations of Saskatchewan, under the guidance of the Board of Governors the Cultural Centre will hold to the mission given to the institution in 1972. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Elders, members of the Board, staff, the Language Keepers and the many dedicated individuals who work to support this institution that is essential to the future of the First Nations of Saskatchewan. Respectfully submitted, ahkamêyimok! mahtêsa anima tânisi takî-itôtamâhk ka-mâmawôhkamâtoyâhk tânisi ta-kî-isi-pasikônamâhk kâwi kipîkiskwêwininawa pokw-îtê ôt ôhci ôma, ta-pasikônamawâyâhkok kitoskâyaminawak ka-ati-isi-kiskêyihtahkik ôma pîkiskwêwin Persevere! Let’s see what we can do to cooperatively rejuvenate languages from all over, to rejuvenate language for our Youth so that they many know the language. Elder William Ratfoot (Cree) Makwa Sagaiehcan First Nation Chief Ross Allary, Chairperson SICC Board of Governors 4 Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre - Annual Report 2013/2014 SICC Board of Governors Vice Chief Bobby Cameron FSIN Margaret Keewatin FSIN Senate Chief Ross Allary South East Treaty #4 Tribal Council Chief Darin Poorman Touchwood Agency Tribal Council Chief Ben Weenie Battleford Agency Tribal Council Chief Michael Koochicum File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council Chief Robert Head Independent Chief Carol Bernard Saskatchewan First Nations Womens Commission Photo’s unavailable: Chief David Scott Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Robert Sylvestre Meadow Lake Tribal Council Chief Leo Omani Prince Albert Grand Council Chief Louis Taypotat Yorkton Tribal Council Representative TBD Battlefords Tribal Council Chief Dennis Lewis Agency Chiefs Tribal Council 5 Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre - Annual Report 2013/2014 Message from the President On behalf of the Board of Governors, management and staff of the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre (SICC), I am pleased to present the departmental reports and audited financial statements to our First Nations’ leadership for fiscal year 2013 – 2014. The SICC serves the language and cultural needs of the 74 First Nations of Saskatchewan. On behalf of the board, management and staff of Cultural Centre I want to extend our sincere appreciation to the First Nations of Saskatchewan for this great honour. In 1972, the SICC was established by the Elders and leadership to uphold the cultural and spiritual contributions of our ancestors. Our founders were motivated by the need to counteract the negative impacts of the residential schools era. As the departmental reports will detail the SICC has carried out extensive activities to fulfill its mandate. The SICC’s hosts an annual national conference for First Nations language and cultural education. The 2013 First Nations Language Keepers Conference attracted over 350 delegates from across Canada and the United States. The theme for the 2013 conference was “Kinship.” The 2014 SICC First Nations Language Keepers Conference will be held on November 26 & 27, 2014 at the Saskatoon Inn. The conference theme for 2014 is “Utilizing Technology for Language Preservation.” Over the past two years the SICC has developed significant expertise in the creation of compelling animations for First Nations language learning. Previously the SICC developed two series of animations based on children’s books that were released in 2008. These books, “What I do in the Morning” and “I walk in the Forest” are written in Dakota, Dené, Lakota, Saulteaux, Nakota, Plains Cree, Swampy Cree and Woodland Cree. In the 2013-2014 fiscal year the SICC released two new series of animations: “Where I go in the Forest” and “What I see in the Forest.” In this annual report you find highlights of this project and you can view these animations on the SICC website at http://www.sicc.sk.ca/siccanimation-project-for-youth.html. A great strength of the SICC is our Elders Council comprised of members from each of the eight First Nations cultures of Saskatchewan. This council plays a central role by providing direction and insight to the Cultural Centre. The SICC consults with the Elders Council on all major projects undertaken. Periodically, the council is available to provide consultation to Saskatchewan First Nations individuals, organizations and communities on language and cultural matters. The SICC holds seasonal Sweat Lodge ceremonies and feasts four times a year. As well, staff of the SICC is often called upon to assist and facilitate at ceremonial activities by other organizations. The SICC Birds of Prey Program provides for the distribution of feathers and other items from birds of prey such as Eagles and Hawks for ceremonial and spiritual purposes only. The applications are reviewed and approved by the SICC Elders Council. The call for applications to this program is January of each year and the deadline for applications for the Birds of Prey Program is April 30. The awarding of the feathers is done at a spring Feather Issuance ceremony where the approved recipients of the feathers are 6 Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre - Annual Report 2013/2014 provided with direction on the proper protocols for handling these items. In the coming fiscal year the SICC will undertake an extensive updating of the Cultural Centre’s Strategic Plan and Five-Year Action Plan. This process will be guided by an experienced facilitator who will lead the board members, management and staff through this essential renewal of the institution. The renewed Strategic Plan and FiveYear Action Plan will ensure the SICC continues to fulfill its mandate. The SICC’s auditor conducted the audit of the Cultural Centre’s Financial Statements for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014 in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards. Our auditor issued an unqualified audit report and the Centre’s Board of Governors subsequently approved these financial statements. With the guidance of the Board of Governors, the management continues to provide financial and administrative services that contribute to the efficient operations of the Cultural Centre. This sound guidance is reflected in the SICC’s accreditation as an ISO 9001 certified organization. In the coming year, the management and staff of the SICC will look forward to continuing to provide and enhance language and cultural programming to the First Nations of Saskatchewan. Onowê kîkitowin kâ-kî-mînikowiyan imâ kâ-âpacitôt kihci-anihšinâpê kâwîn ci-kanônat kišê-manitôwin, miimâ kâ-kî-âpacitôt ânîn pimâtišiwin ci-ani-minotâkosi. Kêkâ kikîwanitômin iniwê anihšinâpêmowin, nakat tahs imâ kinôhsêyênsinânik, kâ-mâcî-anohkîwât âša mînawâ cipimâtišimâkan anihšinâpêmowin kêwînawâ kitapinôcîhimak ciâpacitôwât. The language is given to us by the Creator, where our grandfathers utilize it to communicate to the Creator. This is where our culture is linked to that language. We just about lost our language but our grandchildren are working to revive it so that we can reawaken our ancestors and traditions through language. Elder Howard Walker (Saulteaux) James Smith First Nation Sincerely, Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre Dorothy Myo President 7 Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre - Annual Report 2013/2014 SICC Elders Council In section 29 of the FSIN Convention Act (amended, June 2008) direction was given by the Chiefs-in-Assembly of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) to the Executive of the FSIN for the establishment of a Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre (SICC) Elders Council (EC). The SICC EC advises the FSIN and institutions on spiritual, cultural and traditional governance matters. The SICC EC is comprised of one representative of the eight (8) Saskatchewan First Nations language groups: Plains Cree, Swampy Cree and Woodland Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota, with ceremonial male and female Elders. The SICC EC meets seasonally to provide advice and guidance to the FSIN and the SICC. On October 22, 2008, the SICC Board of Governors and representatives of the FSIN Dolly Neapetung Saulteaux Ken Crowe Dakota reached a formal agreement to transfer the annual funding and responsibility for the EC to the SICC. FSIN representatives agreed to transfer the responsibility of coordinating the SICC EC along with the funding to SICC beginning in the 20082009 fiscal year. Over the past year, three meetings were scheduled over the year: June 2013, October 2013 and February 2014. Only the June meeting was held. By October, the SICC was working with the FSIN to update Schedule A to continue holding SICC EC meetings. By February, the FSIN received news of federal government funding cuts which suspended future SICC EC meetings indefinitely until FSIN funding is restored. In 2012, the SICC EC passed a resolution to submit the EC Terms of Reference to the Board of Governors, who in turn, requested that the Code of Ethics be reintroduced and that all Tribal Philip Morin Woodland Cree 8 Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre - Annual Report 2013/2014 Hartland Goodtrack Lakota Councils provide their input. At present, six of the ten Tribal Councils have reviewed the document without changes. The SICC ensures that SICC EC meets the requirements as set out in their agreement with the FSIN. The evolution of the EC is in keeping with First Nations protocol, customs and tradition. All members of the EC report back to their respective communities, tribal councils and other First Nations institutions they are involved with. The SICC anticipates the work to continue into future years and that the continuity that is achieved through having a single coordinating body, with appropriate expertise, will bring about the most positive result. Nonetheless, it is the Elders’ expectation that have participated to date that the momentum created will continue to be supported and efforts acknowledged by all parties who have taken an active role in the establishment of this SICC EC. Isabelle Impey Swampy Cree William Ratfoot Plains Cree “Nikî-wîndamag nibâbâ ci-andotawak ci-anisinabê kâgîgitot, sigwa ci-kagwê kikêndaman anisinabê otiscigêwin.” “I was lectured by my father to respect the Elders, the Indian ceremonies, and everything to do with the culture.” Elder Alfred Peigan (Saulteaux) Pasqua First Nation Lambert Sylvestre Dene 9 Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre - Annual Report 2013/2014 Joe O'Watch Nakota (Inducted into the FSIN Senate June 2013) Cultural Resource Management Objectives The objectives of the Cultural Resource Management (CRM) Department are: • To facilitate policy development and other initiatives to guard against expropriation and exploitation of Saskatchewan First Nation languages, traditions, ceremonial practices, cultural resources, traditional arts and history. This ensures that research, study and usage are done in an ethical and culturally appropriate manner; • To advocate for the preservation of First Nations’ Treaty, historic, sacred, traditional usage and other sites of a special nature and to facilitate policy development and other initiatives required for ensuring the preservation of sites of significance; • To facilitate the repatriation of human remains, sacred objects, objects of cultural patrimony, historic documents and other Saskatchewan First Nations’ cultural property maintained in government, non-government and private collections and to facilitate policy development and initiatives required to ensure repatriation and appropriate stewardship of items repatriated; and, • To serve as a central repository for objects pertaining to the languages, traditions, ceremonial practices cultural resources, arts and history of Saskatchewan First Nations and to manage the Centre’s collections. Birds of Prey Program The Birds of Prey Program allows for the distribution of feathers and other items from birds of prey such as Eagles and Hawks for ceremonial and spiritual purposes only. This program is conducted through the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment. The call for applications is January of each year. The deadline for applications is April 30 of each year to accommodate for spring and summer ceremonies. On May 29, 2013, the SICC met and reviewed and made their recommendations for the Birds of Prey Program. Of 39 applications, 26 were approved. On May 31, 2013, the Feather Issuance Ceremony was held at the SICC’s location on English River First Nation 192J. SICC Cultural and Ceremonial Activities The CRM Department assisted in ceremonial aspects for the following SICC Elders Council: a ceremonial day that included a Sweat Lodge and Feast on May 27, 2013 at Yellow Quill, a Pipe Ceremony on May 28, 2013 near the Elbow area, a Sweat Lodge on May 30, 2013 at Yellow Quill and Feast on May 31, 2013 at the English River Business Complex, a ceremonial day that included a Sweat Lodge and Feast on July 18, 2013 at Yellow Quill, a ceremonial day that included a Sweat Lodge and Feast on August 5, 2013 at Yellow Quill, a ceremonial day that included a Sweat Lodge and Feast on October 20, 2013 at Yellow Quill and a ceremonial day that included a Sweat Lodge and Feast on November 26, 2013 at Wanuskewin Heritage Park and, a ceremonial day that included a Sweat Lodge and Feast on January 18, 2014 at Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation. Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company (SNTC) mētawēwikamik Summer Drama Camp for Kids The SNTC acquires facilitators who assist in providing a culturally based performing arts 10 Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre - Annual Report 2013/2014 experience for youth ages 7 to 15 years. Culture and language, theatre exercises, games and activities are the content of the program. Seven programs will take place in urban, rural and reserve locations throughout Saskatchewan. Each program concludes with “Tßékwi beyatié a showcase performed beghqnáyati nrþa by the youth for the host nuheskéné béba.” community. performances, hand drum singing, flute playing, birch bark basket making, face painting, crafts, a hot dog lunch and much more. Participants relayed positive feedback through teacher and student conversations with SICC staff. hultá ho¿q hél ho¿q yanatthé mostos-awāsis, mistasiniy, Buffalo Child Stone In previous years, the In late June 2013, SICC have met with staff of the CRM officials from the then and Languages known Saskatchewan d e p a r t m e n t s Ministry of Tourism, Elder Rosalie Tsannie (Dené) coordinated to provide Parks, Culture and Hatchet Lake First Nation basic language and Sport to discuss the culture teachings process of establishing for the facilitators. a commemoration The facilitators were of mostos-awāsis. provided cultural This historic rock was teachings in regards blown up December to the history and 1, 1966, by the federal phonology of the Plains government to make Cree language and way for the Diefenbaker in relation to life. The Dam. The SICC and history and phonology Ministry are working of the Plains Cree syllabics in relation to language towards an agreement that would set aside Crown preservation was also shared. land for this commemoration and ceremonial site. This land will have special designation as a sacred site or preferably as First Nations reserve National Aboriginal Day Celebrations status. The Annual SICC National Aboriginal Day Celebrations were held on June 21, 2013 at the The SICC Elders Council and staff and Ministry English River Business Complex in Saskatoon. of Parks, Culture and Sport met on May 28, The total attendance was over 500 and consisted 2013 to update, discuss and tour the Elbow area mainly of K-12 students. It is an occasion for for possible ceremonial grounds. Due to time Canadians to celebrate the rich contribution constraints, half the tour was conducted and after Aboriginal people have made to Canada. The re-scheduling a second time, the latter half of the SICC focuses on showcasing First Nations tour was held October 16, 2013. Not all members song, dance, teachings and other activities. of the SICC Elders The event was held from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Council were able to Event highlights included Pow Wow dance “Women must not be excluded from any decisions made for the future of our children.” 11 Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre - Annual Report 2013/2014 attend and subsequently an official tour occurred in spring 2014. Community Services Culture The CRM provides culture and language services to First Nations people across the province. The City of Saskatoon contacted the SICC to clarify terms, meaning and correct spelling for a sidewalk project that would include words of the Plains Cree language. The CRM staff provided these translations. CRM assisted One Arrow First Nation with coordinating traditional parenting program in their community in September 2013. and Language with the Elders in attendance. At the 2013 SICC Language Keepers Conference, CRM staff delivered a workshop entitled “Language through Traditional Arts.” kanikê ta-pimi-miyayâhk anima oskâyisiyiniw anima kâ-kakwê-âyimôtamâhk kâ-kî-pê-isi-pimâtisiyâhk mîna kâhkapêyi ê-pê-isi-paminikwêyahkok ninêkihikonawak pêci-otâhk, êwako tâpwêwiwin kiskinohamawik. The SICC Pow Wow Initiation Project The CRM staff coordinated the SICC Pow Wow Initiation Project for the third year in 2013. The fourweek, 7 class project is open to the public and At least to give the Youth our stories, our provided participants livelihoods and how our parents raised us in with an overview the past, teach them that truth. of Pow Wows in Saskatchewan. Topics Rita Nawakayes (Cree) discussed were: Pow Wow history, Pow Red Earth First Nation Wow evolutions, contemporary Pow Wows, protocol and etiquette; drums and drum making, songs and song composition, outfits and regalia, The Tisdale SIAST information on all seven campus had CRM Pow Wow dance style, staff in to discuss and demonstrations ceremonial protocol by these experienced with students that Pow Wow dancers. are enrolled in the justice system as well as lead Some participants joined to gain understanding a Feast ceremony for them. CRM visited four and knowledge, while others join in preparation schools in Prince Albert to discuss the importance for the community initiation, to become fullof Pipe ceremonies before Pow Wows and the fledged Pow Wow circuit dancers through proper importance of ceremonies to First Nations people protocol. Participants were initiated at the 2013 and as a result, are invited to attend a Pow FSIN “Spirit of Our Nations” Cultural Celebration Wow on June 5, 2014. The Northern Trappers & Pow Wow. Association invited CRM staff to assist 12 Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre - Annual Report 2013/2014 Revitalizing Language Traditional Art Forms through The SICC was awarded a grant from the Saskatchewan Arts Board, a project called Revitalizing Language through Traditional Art Forms. The SICC partnered with two traditional artists (one male and one female) who practice declining traditional arts or art forms. The resources travelled to Saskatoon, SK and teach SICC staff how to create traditional arts and integrating First Nations languages in the activity. The workshops were video recorded and made into DVDs for promotional purposes. 2013 SICC First Nations’ Language Keepers Conference 2014 Honoured Elder Lambert Sylvestre Birch Narrows First Nation 2013 Honoured Elder Jean Oakes Nekaneet First Nation The 2013 SICC First Nations’ Language Keepers Conference was held November 27-28 at the Saskatoon Inn Hotel & Conference Centre in Saskatoon SK. All CRM staff sat on the committee taking the lead in ceremonial aspects, volunteers, the Feast and Round Dance, the Book Launch Gala and Annual Book Writing Contest. 2012 Honoured Elder Fred Paskemin Sweetgrass First Nation 2013 First Nations University of Canada Annual Spring Pow Wow Celebration The SICC was involved with the 2013 FNUniv 35th Annual Spring Celebration by organizing the Elders Honouring Ceremony and managing the traditional food booth. Since 2010, the SICC has sponsored an annual Elders Honouring Ceremony that recognizes a Saskatchewan Elder for all the attributes of an Elder as well as: being a role model; upholding their traditional beliefs and ceremonies; contributing to language and cultural revitalization; their views on education and Treaty protection; and, being involvement with initiatives that the SICC is involved. On May 12 2013, Elder Lambert Sylvestre was honoured who exemplifies all the characteristics of previous Elders honoured. 2011 Honoured Elder (Late) Velma Goodfeather Standing Buffalo First Nation 2010 Honoured Elder Harry Blackbird Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation 13 Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre - Annual Report 2013/2014 Languages Department Objective The overall objective of the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre (SICC) Languages department is to ensure the preservation, revitalization and retention of Saskatchewan First Nations languages and cultures for current and future generations of First Nations’ peoples and other Canadians. The Dakota, Dené, Lakota, Saulteaux, Nakota, Plains Cree, Swampy Cree and Woodland Cree languages are an intrinsic part of the heritage of Saskatchewan First Nations. The SICC Languages department is devoted to the continuation of all these eight First Nations’ languages. 2013 First Nations Language Keepers Conference The 2013 First Nations Language Keepers Conference was held on November 27 and 28 in Saskatoon. A call for presentations went out in March. The deadline for the receipt of presentations was October 11, 2013. Staff of the SICC has already begun compiling suggestions that came out of the conference survey this year and will be busy planning throughout the year for another successful conference in 2014. More than 350 participants, presenters and special guests registered for the conference this year. In addition to the various plenary and workshop sessions, there was a Book Launch the evening of November 26 and on the evening of November 27 SICC hosted a traditional Round Dance at Oskayak High School. The Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre welcomed conference participants, community members and special guests to an evening of celebration on November 26 for the annual Book Launch associated with First Nations Language Keepers Conference. The winners of the 2012 Book Writing Contest – Buffalo River Dené School (Grade 6) launched the newly published title, ‘The Giant Mariah’ which was read to the audience by Jessie Sylvestre who was the supervising teacher of the students who submitted last year’s winning entry. A feature of the conference was the 2013 First Nations Language Keepers Conference Book Writing Contest for Youth. The winners of the contest were announced at the start of the luncheon on the second day. They were as follows: 1st place - Dené book titled ‘What’s Wrong with Me?’ By Krista George - St. Louis School Patuanak, SK 2nd place Plains Cree book titled ‘nâhkatêyitêhtân kitaskînaw’ or ‘Protecting Our Mother Earth’ by Grade 2/3 Class (Teachers: Mrs. Joseph-Knutsvik and Pearleen Baptiste), Chamakese Education Centre Pelican Lake First Nation, SK 3rd place - Plains Cree book titled “kâ-nitawikiskinohamâsoyân” or “The Time I Went to School” from the Grades 1 – 6 Students (Teacher: Beatrice Henry), Chamakese Education Centre Pelican Lake First Nation, SK 14 Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre - Annual Report 2013/2014 Kinship was the theme of this year’s conference. develop all promotional materials for distribution. We are all connected in the natural world, we are In addition to marketing, the SICC will develop all related. It was important to our ancestors to and assist in the delivery of a ‘student success know how each individual was related in their program’ which will add the cultural context for immediate families, their extended families and teaching language. This will be a series of weekly in the community. They seminars geared toward spoke to people through assisting students in “Yanatthé nuheskéné þqþú nihoæe growing their vocabulary relationships, saying, ‘daughter, grandchild’ nádé hasí béba nuheyatié chú and learning words in rather than using given the context of cultural nuhecvanié dánághúlná.” names. These bonds activities. Classes began were sacred and were on July 2 and continued “Let us maintain our Dene Language and treated with great until to mid-August. There Culture for the future of our children.” respect. Presenters were a total of 27 students were asked to include who took the course in this Elder Mary Jane Sayazie (Dené) references to ‘Kinship’ initial year. The course is Cold Lake First Nation and the ‘Language of designed so that students Kinship’ in the delivery may join the program at of their sessions. any time since each year is designed to be selfFirst Nations contained. The course Language content will run over three Instructors years and will result in a Certificate Program certificate for successful The First Nations graduates. University of Canada Saskatchewan First Nations Animation and SICC have entered into a Memorandum of Project for Youth Understanding for the delivery of a First Nations The Language department provided translation Language Instructors Certificate Program. This support for the Saskatchewan First Nations is geared toward language instructors at the Animation Project for Youth. Through the course community level to provide them with additional of the year 35 new language learning resources academic credentials. Many of the language were developed. teachers at the community are fluent speakers but have not had the formal training in the area Language Department Presentations of language instruction. Additionally, they often The Language Department provides language lack resources and the understanding of the presentations in conjunction with the other methodologies used in language instruction. departments of the SICC. In the 2013-14 fiscal year, these presentations were provided at The program is a six week intensive training in the National Aboriginal language of instruction along with the techniques Day, Story-Telling for instruction. The role of SICC according to the Month and the First MOU is to lead in the marketing of the course and 15 Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre - Annual Report 2013/2014 Nations Language Keepers Conference. In total there were over 1,000 elementary and secondary students in attendance at these presentations. and referral for translation upon request. In addition, First Nations language teachers request minor interpretive services on an ad-hoc basis. First Nations Languages Translation and Interpreters The City of Saskatoon contacted the SICC to clarify terms, meanings and correct spelling of Provision of translation and interpretation services words in the Plains Cree language for a sidewalk is an essential onproject that would include going endeavour of the “Zuyawicaßa lila ohiþaúaöi iß þaúu uñ words of the Plains SICC. These services iúþeöi hena wa¡aúe üca. Þúa þohan Cree language. The include First Nations’ Languages staff continue wiñyañ cañþe úiñ maía glaúiñyañ oral history, worldview to provide translations iüpayaöi úiñ hehañ ihañúe kta naíuñ and presentations as research and archival hehañ oyañúe úiñ iüpayaöi kta.” development. The requested from the Languages department field. Translations provides interpretation were provided to “A nation is not conquered until the hearts the Saskatchewan services for a wide of its women are on the ground. Then it is Prevention Institute, the range of First Nation finished, no matter how brave its warriors Honourable Justices conferences, workshops or how strong their weapons.” of Saskatchewan, the and events. Saskatchewan Lung SICC (2009). Cultural Teachings: First Association and the The SICC provides Nations Protocols and Methodologies Truth and Reconciliation translation services in Commission to name a all eight First Nations few. on a project basis to the federal government, O n a k a w ē k First Nations, private Kīci-Anisināpēk corporations, academic L a n g u a g e institutions, the FSIN C o m m i t t e e and its institutions. Minor “Developing translation requests are Dialogue on the Onakawēwin Language” received on a daily basis and are provided on The Languages Department worked with The pro-bono basis. These minor translation requests Onakawēk Kīci-Anisināpēk Committee to develop come from language teachers, students, private a handbook entitled, “Let’s Speak Onakawēwin.” institutions, museums, Office of the Treaty This manual will have 20 short lessons on how to Commissioner and FSIN Institutions. speak Nahkawē phrases and increase vocabulary amongst beginning learners. An accompanying In addition, the SICC is continually called upon to CD was produced by SICC to provide audio provide patient interpretative language services recordings of material from the manual. for hospitals and courts, translation services for the federal government, reference resource 16 Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre - Annual Report 2013/2014 Library & Information Services Overview The Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre’s (SICC) Library department primary objective is to meet the educational and reference needs of First Nations in Saskatchewan through Library services. The Library provides library services, reference and material loans to Saskatchewan First Nations and the general public. As well, the library is the central repository for the oral history collections for Centre. In addition, the Library provides teaching and curriculum resources for Saskatchewan First Nations’ language. The Library began operations in the fall of 1973. It houses a comprehensive collection on the Indigenous peoples of the Americas. The Library serves as a central source of information for the First Nations of Canada. It also provides nonFirst Nations people with key information that promotes cross-cultural understanding, and fosters awareness about the uniqueness of First Nations. The Library lends assistance and support to First Nations’ schools. The Library staff respond to requests for information on library procedure and software training via telephone, fax, email, and personal visits. Traditional services such as circulation, cataloguing, processing, book repair and shelving constitute the bulk of the activity in the library. Library Collection/Special Collections All materials in the Library’s collections must have Indigenous content. As a result, the Library is widely used by students, teachers and academics, especially those specializing in the field of Indigenous Studies. The Library has completed the cataloguing of the Teacher’s Language Curriculum collection. The Teacher’s Language Curriculum collection is now part of the online catalogue and borrowers are able to view the collection online. As new materials are developed in the different First Nations’ languages, these will be added to this collection. Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples (LSSAP) Committee The SICC Library is a member of the Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples Committee (LLSAP). This committee was created for information sharing on issues relating to library services for Aboriginal peoples in Saskatchewan. LLSAP meets on a quarterly basis. The SICC Library is also a member of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee of the Saskatoon Public Library. Storytelling Month The SICC Library coordinates with Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples (LSSAP) Committee to host Storytelling Month activities held in Saskatchewan each February. Elementary and secondary students, teachers, parents and others attended the Storytelling Month activities. This is an annual celebration of First Nations’ literature, traditional storytelling, cultural teachings and other traditional activities. In 2014, these events were held at the White Buffalo Youth Lodge gymnasium on February 4 & 18, at the Frances Morrison Library on February 11 & 25 and the First Nations University of Canada on February 21. The presentations featured were: • Elders Stories • Nakoda Oyade - In the Beginning • First Nations Perspective on Treaty Making through Storytelling • nēhiyaw acimowinisa • Cree Storytelling • The First Butterflies & Other Stories • Indian Sign Language & Teepee Teachings • Nēnapohš Legends 17 Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre - Annual Report 2013/2014 Audio/Visual Technical Department The primary mandate of the Audio/Visual (AV) - Technical department is the recording of the cultural, community, governance and artistic endeavours of the First Nations of Saskatchewan. The AV department of Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre (SICC) has had another busy year in providing audio, visual and technical sound services to the seventy-four First Nations of Saskatchewan. During the year the department provided audio/ visual services for the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) Legislative Assemblies and the annual “Spirit of our Nations” FSIN Cultural Celebration and Pow Wow. Additionally, the department has assisted at Treaty celebrations province-wide and when requested contributed services to First Nations across Saskatchewan for a wide range of other events. The department continues to strive to enhance its technological basis to order to provide up-todate services. This will allow the Centre to meet the challenges presented by the demands of this increasingly technological era. During the past year the AV department: • Provided audio and recording for Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs and Stoney Knoll First Nation Landless Conference held at Whitecap Dakota Nation on April 18, 2013. • Provided audio for First Nations University of Canada Students Association Round Dance April 19, 2013 held at the Oskāyak High School, Saskatoon. • Provided video recording for Yorkton Tribal Council at the Office of Treaty Commissioner “A History of Treaties” Workshop held in Yorkton at the Painted Hand Casino on Friday, May 3, 2013. • Provided audio for Mount Royal Collegiate Pow Wow and Festival of Nations on May 28, 2013. • Recorded the Wild Horse drum group live at Mount Royal Pow Wow on May 28, 2013. • Recorded the Eagle Rock drum group at Glennross Studios May 30, 2013. • Provided audio recording for FSIN Spring Assembly June 5-6, 2013, Whitecap Dakota Nation. • Provided audio for the SICC’s National Aboriginal Day event on June 21, 2013. • Released the Wildhorse drum group “World Champion Singers” CD on July 19, 2013. • Released Eagle Rock drum group “Honouring the Past and Present Songmakers” CD on August 6, 2013. • Provided audio and recording for Saskatchewan First Nations Economic Development Network at Whitecap Dakota Nation, Dakota Dunes Event Center September 18, 2013. • Provided video recording for Willow Basket Making Workshop by Eugene Ross, Dakota craftsman on October 8-10, 2013 at the Paved Arts Studio in Saskatoon. • Recorded the Poundmaker drum group round dance songs compilation at the Poundmaker First Nation band hall, on October 18, 2013, and completed recording the drum group November 29, 2013 at Glennross Studios in Saskatoon. • Provided audio and recording for the 18 Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre - Annual Report 2013/2014 • • • • • • • • Education and Post-Secondary Forum held Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs Annual at First Nations University of Canada on General Meeting at Saskatoon Inn on October February 19-21, 2013. 22, 2013. • Provided audio and recording for the Northern Provided audio and recording for FSIN Fall Saskatchewan Trappers Assembly at Dakota Association Convention Dunes Casino, “Nuhni Denes¶øiné dahídli sí, 2013, held at the Senator Whitecap Dakota Nation on October nuhení hçlü beþá näníde, ¿eyi Allen Bird Memorial Center on March 14, 15, 23-24, 2013. hoþá yanatthé hobaz® nuheskéné 2013. Provided audio and béba þadánéthen dayailti.” • Provided video recording audio for Treaty 6 and and recording for The Dene߶øiné people have their own Metis flag raising the Assembly of minds to express what is best for the future First Nations Treaty ceremony at City Hall, Saskatoon on Gathering 2013, held at of our children. October 25, 2013. the Dakota Dunes on Elder Abel Denecheze (Dené) Provided video March 26, 27, 2013 Hatchet Lake First Nation recording for Quill Work Workshop on The department October 29-31, 2013 continues with the at the Paved Arts conversion of audio Studio in Saskatoon. tapes and video tapes Provided audio into digital formats to and visual services ensure the preservation for the SICC First of these valuable Nations Language resources. Some of Keepers Conference these digital recording November 26could potentially be 28, 2013 at the made available over the Saskatoon Inn. Internet. These video and audio recordings were Videotaped Elder Gladys Wapass-Greyeyes recorded since SICC opened in 1972 and some for Office of the Treaty Commissioner on are in a fragile state, any of these recordings January 14-16, 2013. of First Nations’ individuals and events are Provided audio and video recording for FSIN historically important. The last of the reel-to-reel Hearing held at Wanuskewin Heritage Park on tapes of Elders testimonial and First Nations January 17-18, 2013. events is expected to be complete in 2014-2015. Provided audio and recording for the FSIN These approximately 200 recordings are among Winter Assembly held at Dakota Dunes the oldest in the SICC’s collection and date Casino on February 13-14, 2013. from the 1960’s and Provided audio and recording for the FSIN 1970’s. 18 Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre - Annual Report 2013/2014 Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre Financial Statements March 31, 2014 20 SASKATCHEWAN INDIAN CULTURAL CENTRE presents FIRST NATIONS LANGUAGE K E E PE R S CO N F ER ENCE UTILIZING TECHNOLOGY FOR LANGUAGE PRESERVATION REGISTRATION: Early Registration: $275 (postmarked by Oct. 15, 2014) Registration: $350 (after Oct. 15, 2014) Elders: $60 Students: $60 (with valid student id) Tradeshow: $350 SICC . SK.CA N O VEMBE R 26 & 27, 20 14 SASK ATO O N INN, SASKATOON, SK Keynote Speakers: Wab Kinew Dr. Neal McLeod Plus Many Other Presentations tānisi • Anīn Šikwa • Hau Kona • Hau Kola • Hau Koda • Edlqnét’e Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre 305-2555 Grasswood Road East English River Business Complex English River First Nation #192J Saskatoon, SK S7T 0K1 Phone: (306) 244-1146 Fax: (306) 665-6520 E-mail: info@sicc.sk.ca Website: www.sicc.sk.ca /SaskatchewanIndianCulturalCentre @S_I_C_C /siccmultimedia