Medicine Lodge Opens Doors after $2.5 Million Facility Upgrade

ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ
OKIMAHKAN OTY’AMIWIN
KITITAHWINAOW ACHIMOWIN
KAKI PI ISPATHIK AGWA ISI TWAWINAH
Recognizing Our Grads
and Educational
Achievements
Wellness Centre Removal
of Parent Program Gains
Momentum
NCN History Series Part III:
Life on the Reserve Begins
FROM THE CHIEF COMMUNITY
2
3
HISTORY & CULTURE
JUNE 2015
Nisichawayasi
ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ
Heroic Rescue Saves Four Children
On the afternoon of Saturday, June 8, 2015 two NCN Citizens
were alerted to smoke, fire and cries for help from a small
storage shed in Nelson House. When Chasity Spence and 19year old Arnold Culley took a closer look, they were alarmed
to find that four children were inside the burning structure.
Recognizing the exit and access to the shack was blocked,
the two selfless individuals quickly jumped into action. Without
hesitation Chasity began prying boards from the wall to create
an exit and Arnold fought through flames to get the frightened
children out. Arnold tried to jump right in but the flames were
too hot. So, he went to the
back of the shack and pried
“The little ones
open a corner to get the boy
wouldn’t be alive
out. He and Chasity then
today if it wasn’t
ripped the door off and part
for the help. I thank of a wall, to get the other
girls out.
them (Chasity and
Chasity and Arnold
Arnold) so much.”
risked their own safety and
– Darlene Yetman, Grandmother
lives to ensure the three girls
and one boy, between the
ages of three and seven, were promptly moved to safety.
Chasity, an expectant mother is pleased the children are
safe and believes anyone would have done the same thing in
her position. “After we got them out, the roof collapsed,” said
Spence, “All I could think of at the time was getting those kids
outta there.”
Grandmother
Darlene Yetman,
said through teary
eyes, “The little
ones wouldn’t
be alive today
if it wasn’t for
the help. I thank
them (Chasity and
Arnold) so much.”
RCMP were
alerted to the fire
and at press-time
the cause of the
fire was unknown.
Chasity Spence and Arnold Culley (inset) risked their lives to save three
Deputy Chief Ron girls and one young boy from a burning storage shed.
Spence, who is
related to Chasity,
to others and a true
arrived at the scene after the children were rescued and rushed
demonstration of caring,
them to the nursing station for treatment. The three girls were
compassion and bold valor.
transported to a Winnipeg hospital for burn treatment. One of
Thank you Chasity and
the six-year-olds remains in serious condition.
Arnold for your bravery and
On behalf of Chief and Council, the family and concerned
quick thinking.
community members, we acknowledge the heroic acts of
these two individuals. Their selfless actions are an inspiration
Medicine Lodge Opens Doors
after $2.5 Million Facility Upgrade
Nelson House Medicine Lodge (NHML) Executive Director,
Ed Azure, officially announced the Grand Reopening and
$2.5 million facility upgrade on June 1, 2015 – after a twoyear construction phase temporarily suspended residential
treatment services.
The grand reopening was a multi-day event, which began
Chief Moody and MKO Chief David Harper cut ribbon
marking the reopening of the Lodge.
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ
on May 30, 2015 with a sweat lodge ceremony in the morning,
Reopening and Ribbon
followed by a feast and Round-Dance that evening. The day
Cutting Ceremony marked
concluded with a give-away. Day one
the resumption
marked the “Spiritual Aspect” of the
of regular
Over
120
two-day event.
programming
participants, some
Over 120 participants, some who
and services.
who
travelled
travelled from as far afield as Southern
The Lodge
from as far afield
Manitoba, Northern Saskatchewan
remains a
and Cross Lake Cree Nation, took part
non-medical,
as Southern
in day one of the event. Visiting Elder
Manitoba, Northern residential
Clifford Rabbitskin (Big River Cree
alcohol and
Saskatchewan and
First Nation, Saskatchewan) oversaw
drug treatment
Cross
Lake
Cree
the day’s activities while Mr. Stewart
facility; but their
Nation, took part
Greyeyes (Muskeg Lake Cree Nation,
look, processes
in
day
one
of
the
Saskatchewan) and Mr. Marshall
and products
event.
Dreaver (Big River Cree First Nation,
are new.
Saskatchewan) served as Master of
Guests were
Ceremonies and Stickman respectively
provided tours
for the Round Dance. By all accounts, this spiritual event was an and information regarding
extraordinary success.
the refurbished facility;
On June 1, the Nelson House Medicine Lodge was pleased
revamped program and
to have several high profile guests, among them Grand Chief
Continued on Page 2
David Harper of MKO and Garrison Settee. The Grand
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8
OKIMAHKAN OTY’AMIWIN
From the Chief
Let’s celebrate the achievements
of our NCN graduates. This
year is the highest number of
NCN Citizens to graduate from
kindergarten, grade 8, high
school, university and college
than we have ever had. I want to
congratulate each one of them on
their accomplishments. Obtaining
an education gives a person the
ability to influence change. Our
world today is truly a global village
and education is the key to being
able to participate in that world.
With an education, a person can go
anywhere and do anything they set
their hearts and minds to doing.
Closing the educational gap
among our people is one of my
dreams. For many years, I have
believed that education is critical
for creating a better future for
First Nations people. I am proud
that this year, my own son is
among those graduating from
high school. He is the youngest
child of Marie and I, and it means
so much to us that each of our
children have finished high school.
While I was attending these
graduations over the past couple
of weeks, I was reminded of a
story I was told some years ago. A
European came to Canada in the
late 1890’s with nothing. He was a
labourer and had very little formal
education. But in Canada, he had
freedom. He got away from the
wars in Europe, worked hard and
acquired his own land, built a store
and sawmill. But in the 1930’s the
land was dry and little would grow.
Eventually the banks came and
took all his land and everything
else. He decided then he would do
whatever was necessary to ensure
his children received an education
because he saw that the world
was changing, and he believed
that at least no one could take an
education away from his children.
He recognized that if he made
sure his kids got an education they
would make sure his grandkids
were educated too. His view
was that while people may lose
property or things, they will never
lose the knowledge they acquire.
To me this story transcends
cultures and generations. It is a story of universal importance because
education is so fundamental. It is a gift we can give our children that
no one can ever take away from them. Many studies show that the
graduation rate for children living on reserves is over 40% lower than for
the rest of the Canadian population. We have a young population and,
instead of improving, the situation has been worsening over the past few
decades. This is why I believe we must celebrate this year as we have
seen an educational renaissance. More NCN Citizens have graduated
than ever before in our history, but we can do so much more.
At times we have started out with 100 children in kindergarten and only
4 or 5 of those kids eventually graduated from high school. This year over
150 NCN Citizens graduated from their programs. Let’s celebrate each of the
54 children who graduated from kindergarten, the 34 grade 8 students, the
23 students graduating from our own high school, the 18 mature students
who went back to school and completed their GED diploma’s, as well as
all the other students who graduated from other Manitoba high schools,
colleges and universities. I was privileged to attend the graduations in Nelson
House and at UCN in Thompson.
On June 26th I will attend my son’s
graduation. As a father, I am very
proud of my own son. As your leader,
I am just as proud of each graduate
and the family support they received
that allowed them to achieve this
milestone in their lives.
I want to say Congratulations
to each graduate and ask that the
Creator continue to guide your
steps toward future successes. Also, Graduates, please always remember
to give back what you can to your family and your community.
While celebrating the successes of these students, it is also a time to
reflect on why so many of our children are still dropping out of school
and not attending regularly. Why do we see such large numbers of our
youth becoming disengaged and not attending high school?
I believe that unless we, the parents, grand-parents and greatgrandparents of our children, start to make improvements and create
an environment for our children to succeed, we are dooming them to
generations of poverty. You may say we don’t have the resources to do what
needs to be done. I say we do have many resources that we are not using.
We can start by making sure our children are in bed early and get
enough rest each night. We can provide them with a quiet, peaceful
home environment so that they can get the rest they need. We can
make sure they do their homework, help them and show an interest
in what they are doing. People can also take time to volunteer at the
school. We can read to our children and give them hugs and let them
know they are loved and cared for. Think of all the things we missed out
on when we went away to residential schools and think of what we can
do to make sure our kids do not feel lonely and cry in their beds at night
like so many of us did.
We can ensure they have enough food in their stomachs so that
they are not going to school or to sleep hungry. We have an abundance
of fish and other wildlife all around us. We know how to make bannock
and soups and stews that are healthy and nutritious from very little. We
can supervise our kids and ensure they are off the streets and are at
home safe. We can make their homes safe by stopping the violence and
not drinking to excess. We can stop creating a market for bootleggers,
drug traffickers and gangs.
Council is developing a plan to improve housing and bring it up to decent
standards as we understand the impact of poor housing on all of us, but
Our ancestors
taught us to respect
what we are given,
to take care of it and
to help each other.
especially our children. But, as a community, we cannot continue to afford to
have people smash up the houses they are given especially when there are
people desperate for houses who will look after them. We are going to take
the steps to repair houses, but if they are destroyed, we will have no choice
but to enforce evictions. We recognize that marital breakdown is causing
special challenges and we need to address the rights of spouses on marital
breakdown. But it is not helping our cause for people to be telling the media
half-truths about what is going on in our community. We have responsibilities.
Start by reminding your friends and neighbours to stop destroying what they
have been given as it is costing us all. Stop looking the other way. We must
stop blaming someone else and get people to take responsibility for their own
negative behaviour. We must all stop being enablers of bad behaviour.
We will never, ever have enough money to improve our housing
situation if people are allowed to continue on a path of destruction. We
cannot keep repairing and replacing houses that should last for years but
are sometimes lasting less than five.
Our ancestors taught us to respect what we are given, to take care
of it and to help each other. They did not teach us we are entitled to
housing and food and everything else without having to do anything
for it, let alone failing to look after what we are given. This sense of
entitlement that some seem to have must stop. Our ancestors taught us
to work hard and look after what we have.
The cost of continually having to renovate our existing houses is
reducing our ability to build new houses. This adds stress to our Nation’s
already stretched finances as we get no funding from AANDC for housing.
It saddens me to see some of our Citizens calling us names and saying we
are irresponsible and non-responsive when it is the federal government
that has continuously reneged on their fiduciary responsibility to provide
adequate housing for our community and other First Nations.
Please work with us to improve our Nation. Do your part. It costs
nothing to stop destroying your house. It costs nothing to stop the
vandalism. But all of us will see the benefits of a community that looks
better, where people feel better about themselves and their community,
and most importantly, where kids are happy, well adjusted, do well and
stay in school. This is the gift we can give each other.
As your leaders, we are not only willing, but trying hard to do our
part. We now need all of you to step up to the plate and do your part.
Having said this, I want to thank all the people who came out during
the recent Meet and Greets to hear about the conclusion of the
Wuskwatim PDA and the next steps we plan to take to approve our own
Constitution. We hope to have more educational information provided
over the summer and vote on this important step in our Nation’s
evolution early in the fall. Governance is important to us all.
With our own Constitution we can pass our own Education Laws that
will ensure our culture, history and language are taught in our schools. We
can advocate that children in every school in Manitoba learn about us and
the sacrifices we have made so that their families can have power in their
homes. It will take time, but we can make positive changes together.
As always, I want to hear from you. I have had some problems with
my cell phone that I am trying to get fixed. In the meantime, please call
the Band Office and leave a message, and either I or someone else will
get back to you. I am looking into hiring a special assistant to help me
address the issues that you need help with. I hope this will help improve
our government’s responsiveness.
Ekosani!
Chief Marcel Moody
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation
Continued from Page 1
services; Board of Directors;
Representatives from various community organizations
staff and support network.
and key stakeholders were in attendance. Felix Walker, CEO of
The Monday event kicked
the NCN Family and Community Wellness Centre; Jim Moore,
off in the morning with tours, ATEC; Gerald Alexander, FNIH and others from the health,
refreshments and appetizers
welfare and construction team offered congratulatory remarks
followed by an opening
at the opening.
prayer and victory song.
Ms. Judy Wood, NHML Treatment Director updated those
Chief Marcel Moody and
in attendance about the new features, program and services
MKO Grand Chief David
that are now offered at the facility. A community feast, prize
Harper provided remarks
giveaway and Thanksgiving Song followed the speeches and
and took part in the ribbon
ceremonies.
cutting along with Chief
The renovation project began in July 2013 with $750,000
Austin Bear,
in Capital Funding from Health Canada. After
MP Nikki
further review, and due to significant water
The facility will
Ashton, MLA
damage and safe-workplace concerns, the
operate its new
Clarence
project funding increased to $2.5 million. This
8-week kNOw
Petterson
included $200,000 from the Nisichawayasihk
Alcohol
and
Drugs
and past
Cree Nation for necessary upgrades. Among
Addictions Residential the upgrades included were: new roofing,
and present
Treatment Program. HVAC improvements, repair of structural
NHML Board
Members.
damage and improvements to offices,
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ
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The lodge exterior now has a bold new look to the exterior.
residential rooms, foyer and corridors. Additional features were
added to improve treatment and operational workflow as well
as a staff- and graduate-recognition wall/exhibit.
Renovations were completed in May 2015 and to kickoff
the celebration, an all-day Ceremony was held, followed by a
Round Dance in the evening on Saturday, May 30th, 2015.
The facility will operate its new 8-week kNOw Alcohol
and Drugs Addictions Residential Treatment Program (effectively
streamlined from the previous 17-week program). The men’s
intake program is already underway and a women’s program
will follow in the summer.
Nisichawayasi
ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ
JUNE 2015
KITITAHWINAOW ACHIMOWIN
Community News
Wellness Centre Paves Path to Ease
Residential Schools Generational Suffering
With the recent and long-awaited findings on Canada’s
instrumental in providing a broad approach to healing, not
residential school system, child welfare has become a key focus only for the individuals involved but also the community that
for all levels of government and especially those in Canada’s
embraces them.
First Nations communities. Some fear that generational loss,
The Centre’s holistic approach removes the parent(s)
similar to the residential schools, is happening again due to the from the home to help not only the child but also the
large numbers of aboriginal children in foster care. The NCN
parent(s) to seek needed counselling, therapy and an
Family and Community Wellness Centre may
understanding of their responsibilities.
well be “ahead of the curve” when it comes
Through the Circle of Care and Rediscovery of
Survivors of
to services and innovative approaches to
Families program, they also assist the family
the
Residential
care for children involved in apprehension
in rediscovering methods to help them
Schools say they
or potential foster cases.
thrive and grow by reconnecting them to
want government
their Indigenous traditions and culture.
TRC Finds Foster System
These services have been successfully
agencies to keep
Lacking
aboriginal children in provided for the Nelson House community
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission
their communities, for more than a decade and are generating
(TRC) concluded recently, after six years of
great interest from other First Nations
rather than force
research, that the treatment of aboriginal
and CFS agencies – now adopting similar
them
into
a
foster
people in residential schools amounted to
programs, based on this model.
home.
“cultural genocide.” Despite the fact that the
The catalyst for the development of the
last institution closed in 1996, survivors say
program came after a tragic event in 2001
that the country’s foster system is having a
when a 15-year old girl in care died of alcohol
similarly destructive effect on the community. The Wellness
poisoning. Immediately, at that time, it was decided to bring
Centre’s Intervention and Removal of Parent Program is leading the
the family and community together to discuss the trauma and
way to alternative care, and has pioneered a new approach for
to deal with the unresolved grief, in the hope that it would not
both parent and child that will keep children out of foster care.
carry on into the future. The Intervention and Removal of Parent
The TRC report divides its 94 recommendations into
Program officially began in 2002 after discussions and the advice
several categories, including child welfare, health and
of our Ketiyatisak. It was noted that many parents were not
education. It recommends welfare organizations keep
being held accountable for their behaviours and actions in the
aboriginal families together whenever possible. It also demands standard model for child apprehension cases.
that such placements be “culturally appropriate.” Once again
the Wellness Centre has been committed to a child/parent
Better For Child to Remain in Home
care program that does just that.
The Centre states it is better for children to remain at home.
There are currently an estimated 30,000 aboriginal children It is well documented; many children feel the blame and have
in foster care in Canada, which is three times more than the
feelings of guilt when they are the ones removed from the
number of students at the height of the residential school
era. One proposal is to move the parents out of the home
– and new caregivers in – rather than displace the children.
Counselling would also be provided to the parents.
situation. This “removal
of parent” solution comes
directly from Elders, the
children themselves and
the community and has had
proven results over the years.
In the last decade,
about 65 parents have
been removed and with
targeted support, most
families have been reunited
after a short time in the
care program. By listening
to community members,
building partnerships and
remaining committed to the
process, these methods and
guidelines can be pivotal for
the child, family, First Nation
and community.
Under the Indian Act,
the federal government
is responsible for funding
health, education, police
services and child welfare
on reserves. The Canadian
Human Rights Commission
is expected to soon rule
on whether Ottawa is
underfunding First Nation
child welfare system.
Survivors of the Residential
Schools say they want
government agencies to
keep aboriginal children in
their communities, rather
than force them into a
foster home.
Removing Parent From Home
an Option to Healing
The Wellness Centre in Nelson House first
began work on a new way to approach child
apprehension in 2001 and started exploring
innovative ways to reduce the disruption
and trauma to the child and improve
community Mithwayawin (wellness).
Today, it remains a fact, there are
more than 10,000 children in Manitoba
who are wards of Child and Family
Services (CFS). A vast majority of these
youth are in foster care and most are
Aboriginal. The Centre’s approach and
program provide an alternate method
to care for children that are influenced
by child apprehension – where the child
is at risk.
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN)
has the benefit of a holistic-care facility
directly in the community of Nelson
House. Care and programs like the
Intervention and Removal of Parent, Circle
of Care and Rediscovery of Families are
At the core of the Centres
programming is the belief “it takes
a community to raise a child.”
3
Nisichawayasi Nethowi Piskituskan
ELDER PROFILE
Lake
Water
Levels
Footprint Lake 60-Day Water Level Forecast
Forecast June 1 – July 31, 2015
Jimmy D. Spence
Retired and respected Elder
Born October 14, 1940 at Wuskwatim Lake
On June 1, 2015 the level of Footprint Lake was
795.5 feet. The level of the lake is expected to
gradually fall 5 inches to an elevation 795.0 feet by
the end of June.
During the month of July the level of the
lake is expected to gradually rise one inch to an
elevation of 795.1 feet by the end of the month.
Arrangements have been made to broadcast
the above forecast on June 1 – 4, 2015 on NCN
Achimowin Radio, TV/Radio Communications
and at 7:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Arctic Radio
C.H.T.M. Thompson.
Respected Elder Jimmy D. Spence, son of the late
Robinson and Dinah Spence, has been a familiar face in
the community for nearly 75 years. After returning from
school, in his youth he became involved in organizing
sport events and festivals in Nelson House. His
involvement in these events soon became an important
part of his life. People always looked up to him and
knew he was the man they could count on to get things
organized and make sure they were done right.
Later in life, Jim got involved with the Northern
Flood Committee, conducting surveys in and around
the community. He was also involved in the Community
Economic Development for NCN. Jim recalls, “Back
in those days, people were eager to get involved in
community events,” adding that organizing and taking
part in events was one way for people to get together.
Jim believes that in today’s world there is not as
much involvement from people in Nelson House and
would like to see more teamwork and cooperation. He
says that to tackle many of the difficult issues, we need
to work jointly and cooperatively moving forward. He
advises that we all need to listen and take people’s input
when they speak at meetings.
“With a solid commitment from young and old
and with a positive look on the future, we can build on
more of the good things that are happening in the First
Nation,” said Jimmy.
“One of the good things happening in Nelson
House today is: we are actively getting into businesses
and benefitting from partnerships. Our people are
getting good training opportunities and jobs because
of it,” Spence said. He also suggested our younger
people should take advantage of those opportunities;
predicting it may help them in the long run to make it
better for them and their children.
Jim would like to see more NCN Members get
involved in cultural and traditional activities and
continue to exercise our Treaty Rights. He is concerned
most traditional activities are being lost, but adds they
are not impossible to rediscover. He understands that
many of our traditions revolve around the land and
waterways and due to the flooding, people cannot
enjoy camping, harvesting or just being out on the land
like they used to.
“It is sad to say that there has been much change to
our land, but with teamwork and sharing ideas, we can
make good things happen ... for all of us,” Jim added while
reflecting on the past years, “today, drugs and alcohol-use
is the main distraction for the younger people, but they
can overcome that problem, if they choose to.”
Jim recalls, at a young age, how his family took him
out on the land and taught him survival skills and to
respect all creation. For Jim, the most important people
in his life were perhaps the elders of Nelson House. He
thanks them for all that he has learned and for their
teachings.
Jim thinks that perhaps people best know him and
remember him as always being there for them and
helping to organize sports and events. He says he enjoyed
assisting people and neighbours and seeing them enjoy
themselves doing the activities he helped to coordinate.
Jim would like to say “hi” to everyone. “Love you all
and remember to take care of each other.”
— Interview by Mr. Henry Wood
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ
4
Nisichawayasi
ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ
JUNE 2015
Congratulations Class of 2015
On behalf of Chief and Council, the Education Authority,
staff, NCN organizations, families and friends; we would
like to congratulate all students on a successful school
year and wish them a safe and enjoyable summer. It is
with special mention and pride, that we also honour the
23 graduating high school students and a record high 18
mature student diploma grads of 2015.
We trust our graduates are encouraged knowing they show
great pride and a sense of accomplishment for all that they
have achieved. They may be feeling apprehension
as they stand on the brink of a new chapter of
their lives and excitement at the prospect of
turning a new page, starting a new adventure and
taking that first next step to achieving potentially
amazing things.
Looking Ahead to the Future
We hope our graduates will embrace new beginnings, new
journeys and definitely new challenges worth exploring. In
today’s world, our young minds are sure to be dealing with a
myriad of conflicting emotions and in the midst of all this ...
we ask these youth to take a deep breath and remember to
believe, know, endure and then ultimately achieve.
Believe in yourself and in the talents that you have nurtured
over the years and continue to nurture them. You have the
ability, you have the skills, you have the education and you have
the opportunities.
We honour the 23
graduating high
school students and
18 mature student
diploma grads of 2015.
Strive to Achieve
Success
As you set forth in new
directions you will see
that now, is not the time
to sit back and relax. You
must continually strive to extend yourself even further – little
by little every day, every week, every month and every year.
If you are able to do this ... if you are able to believe ... then
your spirit is free to grow beyond the restraints that your
mind may create. Take heart when progress seems slow, work
hard and play straight and the courage of your conviction will
endure. Your work ethic will surmount obstacles in your way
and ultimately your success will become a reality – something
tangible and achievable.
Congratulations to you – you are the future.
A celebration
graduation dinner
and ball was held
on June 17th at the
Gilbert McDonald
Arena and the
graduation on
June18th.
NNOC Graduates
• Bria Kaye Elizabeth Beardy
• Richard Lindon Taylor Bunn
• Issiah Dallas Drake Constant
• James Lindy Michael Fenton
• Summer Lynn Flett
• Irene Kendra Jenae Hart
• Ronald Matthias Lewis
• Edward Soloman Linklater
• Justice Scott Linklater
• Lydia Martha Linklater
• Michael Barthalamu Harry Linklater
• Reva Jenny Linklater
• Serena Phoenix Linklater
• Tasha Joy Marie Moody
• Leanne Eliza Neckoway
• Tammy Tomika Nozicka-Spence
• Kathleen Lily Prince
• Ariel Beth Simpson-Linklater
• Hilary Renee Spence
• Jordan Thomas Spence
• Kyle Gerald Norman Spence
• Ronel Shawna Faye Spence
• Richard Tait
Potential High School Mature Student
Diploma Program Graduates
• Thomas Jerimiah Caribou
• Jesse Andrew Colomb
• Caitlin Marlene Dumas-Francois
• Dylan Orville Solomon Hart
• Dawn Courtney Hartie
• Anita Linda Linklater
• Darnell Samuel Linklater
• Shaun Michael Donovan Linklater
• Ardelle Faith McDonald
• Joshua Jonathan McDonald
• Maureen Harriette McDonald
• Hazel Joy Moose
• Elsie Harriet Jean Moose-Hart
• Faith Anna Bella Munroe-Hart
• Landon Corbin Walter Parisien
• Lindsay Kayleen Parisien
• Brandon Alexander Spence
• Kyle Jeffery Thorne
Acknowledging the Accomplishments of Off-reserve Members
•Bailey Linklater, Grade 12 Diploma, RD
Parker Collegiate, Thompson, MB
•Clara Francois, Grade 12 Diploma,
Aboriginal Community Campus (age 55),
Winnipeg, MB
5
2015
Nisichawayasi Nethowi Piskituskan
NCN School Activities Wrap Up
With the warmer days
of summer now upon us,
student’s minds wander and
look forward to having more
spare time to enjoy the
water, the sun and doing
more outdoor activities.
As these thoughts change
to summer, we now also
turn to saying farewell to
another school year and
wrapping up 2014/15
classes.
In the past several
weeks, many classes have
been rewarded for their hard work throughout the school year
with a break from daily schoolwork and assignments. The O.K.
School has been able to arrange fun and educational field trips
to Thompson and Paint Lake to enjoy swimming, bowling and
orienteering. Orienteering is a
family of sports that requires
The Grade six
navigational skills using a map
class took part in
and compass to navigate from
a Northern Youth
point to point in diverse and
Culture Conference usually unfamiliar terrain.
held in Wabowden
The Grade six class took part
in a Northern Youth Culture
on June 4th.
Conference held in Wabowden
on June 4th.
Graduation dates for the Kindergarten classes took place on
Students prepare for the end of the 2014-2015 school year.
June 12th and Grade eight graduation June 16th. The school will
open for the new school year on September 8, 2015.
NEA Year of Ups and Downs Ends on High Note
Education has been and
classes would resume as quickly as possible. The Authority
continues to be one of the
extends their thanks to the crew that stood up to the pace and
top priorities for our Citizens, did an excellent job.
leaders and youth in Nelson
The NEA contracted a firm specializing in dealing with
House. This year was filled
smoke damage. The process involved sealing the building for
with many accomplishments
four days so they could “smoke” the entire building with a
and a few hurdles that
solution, which penetrated every small space and neutralized
were overcome as the NEA
the smoke smell.
continued to work to make
Following the treatment the NEA contracted ASKI
the school system better for
Geosciences Limited to come and do testing of the air quality
all students, staff
to determine if it was safe for people to be in
and managers.
the building. This process took a fair amount
Results
came
In addition
of time because the proper testing equipment
back showing a had to come from the United States. ASKI was
to graduating
very clean “bill
one of the
required to ensure the testing equipment was
of health” for
highest numbers
operating effectively in Winnipeg and then
of high school
the air quality in transported it to Nelson House.
and Mature
Once the tests were made in Nelson
the O.K. school.
Student
House, the air samples then had to make
Diploma
a return trip to the United States labs for
Program graduates, the
analysis. The NEA received the printed results on May 28th,
Authority reports several
2015. Those results were posted at the school, the Alice Moore
additional highlights and
building, the Gas station and the Nursing Station.
accomplishments throughout
We are happy to announce the results came back showing
the 2014/15 academic year.
a very clean “bill of health” for the air quality in the O.K. school.
ASKI also confirmed they tested for everything that could be
Fire Update and
harmful to people, including mold and found every test to be
School Air Quality “well below” acceptable levels. Students and staff were allowed
In an unfortunate arsonto return and classes resumed.
related incident several weeks
ago, significant damage was
Authority Works to Better Courses
done to the schools that
within Tight Financial Constraints
required closure of regularly
Working within the financial constraints and taking into
scheduled classes. In recent
consideration our student population, the NEA found it
weeks, much of the damage
necessary to do some reorganization of programs this year.
has been repaired or restored
The premise of the Authority’s efforts is to be able to offer
and organizers have had
as many courses as possible to students. Students are very
the school scrubbed top to
skilled and deserve the best-targeted education possible. NEA
bottom to cleanse the smoke has been researching various ways to provide more course
damage. Cleaning was done
selection to students. Some opportunities explored are feasible
at a steady pace to ensure
and some opportunities are not within the existing budget.
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ
6
The reorganization has allowed the NEA to staff our
schools more effectively and reports show the schools are
well on the way to providing additional elective courses for
students for coming years. Starting in September 2015, an
ART elective course will again be offered and plans are well
underway to secure at least five online elective courses.
A small-engine elective half course is planned to educate
and prepare students for an auto-mechanics apprenticeship. A
half course in graphic design is also expected to be available in
the second semester.
One of the last steps in offering some of the courses is
quickly securing sufficient bandwidth including proper staff,
curriculum and classroom space.
New Print Shop Planned at Alice Moore
The NEA is continually adapting and researching ways to
improve the educational system and tools for the students
and teachers. Starting in September 2015, improved printing
The new print shop at the Alice Moore Centre is planned to be
ready in September.
options will be available for staff at both schools. The NEA is
setting up a print shop in the Alice Moore building which will
be a big step in eliminating wastage and enhancing availability
to improved lecture material and assignments. All staff will be
able to submit their printing needs and have it printed and
ready for use within a 24-hour period. The time savings alone
means teachers and education assistants will
be able to spend more productive class time
with the students.
The print shop will also be able to provide
unique printing packages for everyone.
Students will be able to make books,
specialized posters, creative newsletters,
reports and more. With the new system,
the Authority is expecting better quality, less
wastage and to have more time available for
the students.
Nisichawayasi
ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ
JUNE 2015
The Talking Stick
VOICE OF OUR YOUTH
NCN youth and students at our schools are important
voices in providing a pathway and vision for the progress
of our Nation. Many of these scholars write on a regular
basis and with the excellent guidance and direction of ELA
Instructor Angela Busch, students are able to clearly express
opinions and views on the community, events and the world
around them.
The new “Talking Stick” section in this newsletter gives
creative minds the opportunity to express their views and
hopes of encouraging a better tomorrow. It rewards their
potential for academic or career development while providing
readers an insightful look at their surroundings today.
“The students frequently read and are very excited about
the newsletter and current NCN events. We recently had a
student working here until six o’clock one evening to get their
letter finished – in the hopes of having it published in the
newsletter,” said David MacDonald, NNOC.
Education is essential to ensuring literacy for all our youth,
taking the time to read
and listen is often just as
important as the message
in the words. We hope you
enjoy these written pieces
and watch for more in future
issues of Achimowina.
Deciding to Become an
Art Teacher
White Wolf Camp Sacred
Sundance Ceremony
Ever since I was 6 years old, I’ve been drawing, sketching, etc. My art has
only got better to this day and it is a hobby of mine. I enjoy doing it, which is
why I decided to become an art teacher after I
graduate from university.
I know that a
I know that I’m only a freshman but I know
lot of people in
what I want to become when I’m older. Art
this community is a good way to express yourself and it’ll be
great teaching people about it; especially the
are artistic but
quiet people who have a hard time expressing
they don’t go
and talking aloud.
to school. If the themselves
Art classes help kids and teenagers develop
artists of NCN
their skills and creativity and I would like to help
go to school
them draw better just like I already teach my
then they can
nephew and niece. I’ve been teaching them both
art ever since I started getting better at drawing,
achieve their
which is when I was 12 years old, and they’re
goals.
both very artistic now.
I know that a lot of people in this community
are artistic but they don’t go to school. If the artists of NCN go to school
then they can achieve their goals and
do whatever they want with their
talents like become painters,
architects, or an art teacher like
what I’m planning on doing in
the future.
It feels good to think positive
about my future because I
always used to think negative
about it and say things like I’m
never going to succeed and get
a job, but now I know what I
want when I’m older. I know
that I’ll become a teacher
because I believe in myself and
my family believes in me too.
I know it will happen, because
it’s my goal.
White Wolf Camp is where the sacred Sundance ceremony is held annually.
The camp is located at mile 35, between Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and
Thompson, Manitoba.
The Sundance takes place every year on the first full moon in June. This
year it was held on Thursday, June 11th. The fasters/dancers basically sacrifice
themselves (go without food or water for four days), from sunrise to sunset.
Participants fast for four years, then dance for another four years. When
done both, the Sundancers have a give-a-way
ceremony to give thanks to the people who have
I learned to be
been supporting them.
thankful for
I chose to write about White Wolf Camp
everything; the
because I’ve been going there almost my whole
little things and
life. Last year was the first time I had fasted, and
this year will be my second.
the big things.
When I was done my fast, I had to drink
– Eve Spence
some medicine to ‘cleanse’ my body. Although
I had only fasted for two days, I learned to
be thankful for everything; the little things and the big things. We all have
our own reasons for going to the Sundance every year. The Sundance is a
beautiful Ceremony that brings people feelings of peace and harmony.
By: Zachary Hall grade 9
By: Eve Spence
Art piece created by Zachary Hall.
A
1
2
34
5
BC D E
Eve Spence at the June Sundance Ceremony.
C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S A L L N C N S T U D E N T S A N D
Graduating Class of 2015
E N J OY YO U R S U M M E R !
Next Year’s Classes will resume September 8, 2015.
7
Nisichawayasi Nethowi Piskituskan
KAKI PI ISPATHIK AGWA ISI TWAWINAH
History and Culture
N C N H I S TO RY
Life on Reserve Begins
NCN’s Adhesion to
Treaty 5 Recognized Us
As A Distinct People
Part III of a Four Part History Series
The Adhesion to
Treaty 5 was a
Significant Turning
Point in our Long
History
allodial rights at time during the treaty making. The Crown
just assumed the claim as the de facto authority. NCN did not
release any body of water within its territory since it is believed
that no man can claim ownership to water, air, and the other
orders of creation. Instead we are all related to the other three
orders of creation and we treat them as living entities.
The treaty was first created
Regardless of the understanding, at its most fundamental
in September 1875 between
level,
the treaty was an acknowledgement of the
the Crown and First Nations
Nisichawayasihk Nehetho as a distinct people who were to
in Berens River and Norway
be respected. The Treaty also defined us as sovereign people
House. Nisichawayasihk Cree
with our own history, land, people, language and future. It
Nation’s adhesion to the
recognized we were here long before the Europeans and
treaty came 33 years later
inhabited and relied on the lands of Northern Manitoba for
on July 30, 1908, along with
our sustenance. Whereas Europeans viewed land and territory
Tataskweyak Cree Nation of
as a tangible asset to be owned, we and other Aboriginal
Split Lake a few days later.
peoples had always viewed land as a gift from the Creator to
The 1908 Adhesion to
provide for our needs. We did not own it, but only used it.
Treaty 5 was negotiated
We were pleased to share the bounty with the Europeans
because we recognized the
and a treaty seemed like a reasonable accommodation. Through
need to make a Treaty with
the treaty, we relinquished any claims to the vast areas of
the government of Canada
to safeguard our way of life in Northern Manitoba in exchange for a defined reserve and other
benefits – a concept more in line with European ideas of land
our ancestral homeland. It is
important to note leaders did ownership and contracts than anything we were familiar with.
The Treaty appeared to be working fairly well until the
not ask for a reserve, it was
Natural Resources Transfer Agreement of 1930 was enacted
said to be “forced” on them
when the Federal Government turned
and because
over control of Crown lands and
of inadequate
As
we
moved
into
natural resources to the Provincial
translation
the
modern
era,
government. This Statute was passed
and lack of
the
Treaty
helped
without consultation and knowledge of
understanding
define us as a people Manitoba’s Aboriginal peoples.
to oral and
The powers this new act gave
written English
and, for better or
language – they
worse, over the past the Province and their implications
northern First Nations began to
proceeded on
century we have not to
surface with the authority of Provincial
trust and faith.
only
survived
but
Game Laws and the imposition of the
At the time
persevered.
Registered Trap Line System upon First
of the signing,
Nation trappers with the active assistance
the Crown
of the Indian Affairs Branch.
claimed the
As we moved into the modern era,
lands and all
the Treaty helped to define us as a people, for better or worse.
the natural resources were
Over the past century we have not only survived but also
“owned” and controlled by
persevered. Some promises in the treaty however were never
the government of Canada.
fulfilled and are still being negotiated, but we are a patient,
However, NCN never
resourceful people who are still acquiring the resources and
relinquished any land or
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ
8
agreements we need to create a bright future for our children.
The Advantages and Challenges of
the Twentieth Century – Faster Isn’t
Always Better
In the early 1900s NCN’s ancestors saw the outside world
encroaching, including the first rail line to the north.
NCN’s strategic network of waterways still served Citizens
well, but access to the outside world was becoming much
faster and easier with the invention of air travel in 1903.
After World War I, planes and their often military-trained
pilots quickly began opening up Canada’s north. A fur buyer
chartered Canada’s first commercial flight into the north
between Winnipeg and The Pas in October 1920.
Regular flights first came into Nelson House in the 1920s,
mainly to bring supplies and mail. With pontoons and skis,
planes could land and take off on water, snow or ice almost
anywhere using the same waterways our people travelled
by canoe for millennia. Bush planes like the de Havilland
Beaver had the ability to cruise at 230 kilometres per hour
and although fast, flying was expensive for NCN Citizens and
restricted access. But it allowed people from afar much easier
access to the community. An airstrip was built in the area at R.C.
Point which is now residential housing. It was in place until after
road access was built.
It was only in 1974 that road access came to the community
and made easy, inexpensive and fast travel to and from the
Modern transportation shaped travel for many remote
reserves.
Nisichawayasi
ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ
JUNE 2015
Treaty peoples and economy thrived in the early days of the signing.
community accessible to all. It gave more NCN
Citizens the ability to see the outside world and
marked an abrupt transition from reliance on
the waterways for boat and air travel to landbased travel for moving people, supplies and
goods.
Electronic Communications –
Bringing the World to NCN Virtually
Because of NCN’s remote location, access to
communications tools often came much later than in
southern Canada, but nevertheless, modern communications
have had a profound influence in bringing the outside world
and it’s culture to Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation over the past
century to influence our
own culture.
Radio signals reached
Equipped with
the
reserve in the early to
pontoons or skis,
mid 1900s and single-line
planes could land
telephone service and
and take off on
broadcast television
water or ice almost took until the 1970s
anywhere using the to arrive. Satellite
same waterways
television came
in the late 1990s,
NCN had used
followed by mobile
for millennia for
phones in the early
traveling by canoe.
2000s and high-speed
Internet by 2010.
Other Amenities Make Life Easier
Besides better communications and connections with the
outside world, over time NCN acquired other services that most
Canadians had taken for granted long before. Electricity came
to Nelson House many years later than Canada and NCN got its
first community water system long after the modern world.
Life on the reserve changed the traditional ways for some
NCN citizens.
Our Chief at the time, Pierre Moose, and two councillors, Murdoch Hart and James Spence,
represented Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation at the adhesion signing in Nelson House.
Please watch for future history articles in the next issues of Achimowina
including The Tragedy of the Residential School System, more on recent
NCN history and the resiliency and survival of our people.
9
Nisichawayasi Nethowi Piskituskan
YOUTH CENTER
JUNE 2015 Calendar
Join us for Fun!
Every Monday/Wednesday, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Every Tuesday/Thursday, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
We will have drumming lessons at the youth center with teacher Tyler
Linklater. We have hand drums, but if you have your own, you’re more
than welcome to bring it.
We will be doing various activities like beading, pillow-, purse-, and
jewelry-making crafts. Bring your friends and family. All are welcome!
Drumming Fun
Arts and Crafts
School is Soon out for the Summer. Yay!! And Good Job to All Students!
The youth center consists of five staff and has more activities, workshops,
and training planned throughout the summer. Keep posted for locations.
We will do our best to deliver fun programs to NCN youth.
Activities are planned for children ages 7 and up from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Children six and under, please bring a parent/adult or appropriate supervision.
The Youth Center Canteen will be re-opening soon, so stop by for some fries, burgers,
pizza, or wraps, and specials. All profits go back into Youth Center programming.
Nisichawayasihk Education
Authority Elections Update
The NCN Election Code
was amended in the fall of
2013. NCN Citizens rejected
two amendments and Chief
and Council was concerned
potential challenges could
be raised under the Canadian
Charter of Rights and Freedoms
so sought advice and
direction from the Court
of Queen’s Bench. On July
23, 2014, Mr. Justice Dewar
issued a mandatory interim
injunction that required
NCN’s Electoral Officer to
accept nominations from
those NCN Citizens who
have been convicted of an
indictable offence provided
that the end of the sentence
or any appeal therefrom
had expired at least eight
(8) years prior to the close
of nominations on July 24,
2014. That injunction expires
on June 30, 2015. No issues arose in relation to the mandatory
injunction during the Chief and Council elections last year.
Chief and Council had hoped to conclude the NCN
Constitution by now so that we would be able to amend our
Election Code to be consistent with the Charter and pass our
own Education Law. But, the PDA Supplement 2 process took
longer to complete primarily due to the importance to NCN of
negotiating the excess spill water issue, so the Constitution has not
yet been concluded. Council thought that it would be possible
to put off the school board elections to give our community the
time to approve the Constitution and our Education Law as the
NEA bylaws are very out of date and are inconsistent with both
our practices and the proposed Constitution.
But at the community meeting held on May 25th NCN
Citizens called for school board elections to take place soon.
This means that based on our practices over the past decade,
the existing NCN Election Law will be used. As a result, Council
has made a Motion to the Court of Queen’s Bench for the
same type of mandatory interim injunction to be issued so
our Citizens with criminal records can run for office if their
sentence or any appeal from that sentence expired at least
eight years prior to the close of nominations.
No date has yet been set for the school board elections
or the nominations for school board. But the Court has
set August 10, 2015 for the hearing of the motion for the
SCHEDULE
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mandatory interim injunction. The Court ordered that a notice
be posted in this newsletter and on the NCN website and that
certain other dates be met. It should be remembered that only
NCN Citizens ordinarily resident in Nelson House are entitled
to vote in school board elections so the voting constituency is
different than is the case in Chief and Council elections. The
Notice ordered by the Court is set out above.
Health and Wellness Fair a Remarkable Success
On June 3rd and 4th
the NCN Family and
Community Wellness Centre
hosted an amazing health
fair at the Gilbert McDonald arena! The fair was preceded
by a parade on June 2 that started at 11:00 am at the OT
Gas Station. Over 450 people attended the fair event and
received information on health programming and community
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ
10
resources. Thank you to all the local/out of town service
providers who participated and a big thank you to the FCWC
staff for a job well done.
Nisichawayasi
ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ
JUNE 2015
Nisichawayasihk
Cree Nation
August 14, 15 & 16, 2015
Thompson Golf Course, Thompson Manitoba
For more information
or to fill out/drop-off
a registration form
please contact:
Band Office at (204) 484-2332
Theresa Yetman at (204) 679-5470
Registration forms are also available
online at www.ncncree.com
Yvonne Hart at (204) 679-0844
Marcel Moody at (204) 679-0157
Details subject to change
REGISTER YOUR
CHILD WITH
NCN REGISTRY
It’s important and easy for NCN
parents to register their child with
the NCN registry. When children
are not registered, it affects their
non-insured health benefits coverage
like prescribed medication, dental
work, glasses, ambulance service
and coverage for medical
appointments to
Thompson or
Winnipeg.
Register Your Child Today with
Melissa Moore, Membership Clerk
at the NCN Government Office
204-484-2332
P
utting bacon grease, animal fat, or automotive grease down
drains can severely clog sewage lines. This can also cause toilet
and sewer line blocks that prevent proper flushing, resulting in
foul sewage back-up into residents’ homes and crawl spaces. Fat,
oil and grease should be properly disposed of in the trash and not
poured down drains or toilets.
The Authority asks for the cooperation of homeowners while the
two auditors visit houses to perform the necessary water review
to improve water services in the community.
CALL FOR
APPLICATIONS
trust NISICHAWAYASIHK
office
TRUST
NISICHAWAYASIHK
C R E E N AT I O N
Community Approval Process (CAP)
TASKINIGAHP TRUST
Community Involvement Process (CIP)
A
REMINDER
TO NCN
RESIDENTS
•Applications for the use of Nisichawayasihk Trust and Taskinigahp Trust monies for the year 2016
fiscal year are now being accepted.
•Application forms are available on the NCN Trust Office’s website @ www.trustoffice.ca and from
Lorraine Parisien at the Trust Office.
•
Application submission will be accepted up until 2:00 p.m. on September 11, 2015.
•
LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE
•Please submit your applications to Joyce Yetman or Lorraine Parisien at the Trust Office.
DATES
By June 15
By September 11
By September 30
By October 15
By October 30
By November 15
By December 15
Timeline for CAP/CIP Process
• Issue the call for applications (posters are posted)
• Application Deadline
• Trust Director shall submit a summary of applications to the
CAP/CIP Committee.
• Applicants shall receive a notification on receipt of
application
• CAP/CIP Committee completes preliminary review of
applications
• The applications will be presented by the applicants to the
NCN members before the
CAP/CIP Committee.
• Applicants will be contacted via letter or email on date of
meeting. Community meeting to hear presentations by
applicants
• CAP/CIP Committee to recommend projects and budgets
to Chief and Council.
• Trust Director will present recommended budget and
Annotation Summary proposed budget to Chief and
Council.
• Chief and Council will formally adopt the 2016
Nisichawayasihk and Taskinigahp (CAP/CIP) budgets
pursuant to Article 8.5 of the Nisi Trust Indenture and Article
8.8 of the Task Trust Indenture subsequent to the CAP/CIP
meeting.
•In order to ensure that all members are informed of these meetings, they will be advertised in all public places, NCN
Trust Office and through our local radio station.
•To obtain more information about the above-noted Trusts contact Joyce Yetman, Trust Director, NCN Trust Office
@ 484-2604/679-0506.
11
Contact:
Housing Maintenance Coordinator at:
204-679-7723
if you have concerns with drains or leaks.
SAVE WATER
AND REPORT
WATER LEAKS!
Water leaks in your home or
community can affect us all.\
In the bitter chill of winter it can
be common for water lines to
crack, break or leak. It is important
for NCN residents with houses
connected to the main water line to
report water leaks to ensure proper
water distribution. Conserve water
by taking showers instead of baths,
fix leaking toilets or faucets, use full
loads for dishes and laundry, and
check for hidden water leaks.
Report Water Leaks Immediately to
Greg Tays
Public Works Director
Housing Maintenance
Coordinator
204-484-2597 204-679-7723
or cell 204-679-0481
Nisichawayasi Nethowi Piskituskan
Nisichawayasi
OSICHIKIWINAH AKWAH KAWIATI AETUKUMIKUK
Arts and Events
ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ
PEOPLE
PROFILE
Event Calendar
Weekend Family Day Activities: Bi-weekly Saturdays at
3:00 p.m. (January–December)
Activities: Movie Night, Sport Activities, Swim Program,
Mini Concerts, Bouncers, X-box/ps3 Tournaments,
Downhill Skiing, Bowling, Arts & Crafts, Traditional Crafts.
Instructors and volunteers are invited to come and teach
arts & crafts, dances, singing, etc.
Fathers Day Events & Aboriginal Day: June 21, 2015
Top Student Award Trip: June 22–26, 2015
Grades 4 to 8, 13 students will be selected.
Family Outdoor Movie Nights: Wednesdays at
8:00 p.m. (bi-weekly, weather permitting)
Canada Day & NCN Day Celebrations: July 1 & 2, 2015
Elders Week: July 13–17, 2015 at Mile 33
Children’s Fun Days: July 20–23, 2015
Set up bouncers at all areas in the community (R.C. Point,
Dog Point, Hillside, Westwood, New area, Moore’s Bay &
Bayroad).
Organized “Home and Home”
Games with Surrounding
Communities: For the month of August.
Sport/Event: T-ball, Softball, Soccer, Ball Hockey.
Children Activity Week: August 3–7, 2015 at Mile 33
NCN 17th Annual Golf Tournament: August 14–16, 2015
at Thompson Golf Course
Annual Summer Festival: August 17–22, 2015
Terry Fox Walk & Run Day: Sept. 30, 2015
Swim Program Begins: Sept. 26, 2015
Local Co-ed Volleyball Tournament: October 12–15, 2015
Annual Halloween Mash: October 29, 2015.
Children’s day of entertainment and fun fair.
Christmas Specials: December – Lighting of Community
Christmas Tree, Parade, Community Concert, Light Up and
NCN Draws.
NCN Family and Community Wellness Centre
REDISCOVERY OF FAMILIES
2015 CAMP RETREATS
DATES
June 11 – 14
June 21 – 24
June 28 – 30
July 6 – 10
July 10 – 14
July 14 – 18
July 18 – 22
July 23 – 24
July 22 – 27
July 27 – 31
July 29 – August 1
Sept. 28 – Oct. 4
WORKERS
Jackie S/Dolly
Jackie W.
Dolly, Char and Guides
Jackie S./Dolly
Jackie W./Linda C.
Melfina
Charlene/ Harmony
Jackie W.
Elizabeth
Linda C. /Jackie
Jackie W.
Dolly
TYPE OF RETREATS
Sundance
Sundance
Clean up Crew
Mother/Daughter
Couples
Family
Family
Sundance
Family
Family
Family
Father/Son
LOCATION
Mile 35
Fisher River, MB
Leftrook Lake
Leftrook Lake
Leftrook Lake
Leftrook Lake
Leftrook Lake
Fisher River, MB
Leftrook Lake
Leftrook Lake
Grand Rapids
Balduck Lake
.
Dates are subject to change depending on weather conditions and forest fire hazards. To sign up or register for the RDF camp, please
contact: Charlene Kobliski, Jackie Spence and Dolly Francois @ 204-484-2341 ext. 2292.
E M E R G E N C Y C O N TA C T L I S T
Attention Citizens,
please cut out
this important
contacts card and
ensure the phone
numbers are in
an easy-to-find
location in your
home or office, in
case of emergency.
RCMP:
204-484-2288
Fire Hall:
204-484-2047
Nursing Station:
204-484-2031
Ambulance:
204-484-2911
Manitoba Suicide Line:
1-877-435-7170
Teen Touch:
1-800-563-8336
Sexual Assault 24-hour Line:
1-204-292-7565
Crisis Line:
888-322-3019
Health Links:
888-3159257
NCN Government Office:
204-484-2332
NCN Toll Free:
1-888-323-7658
Housing:
204 679-7723
Plumbing:
204 307-6435
Electrical:
204 679-1482
Public Works:
204 484 2597
Radio Station:
204 484-2065
For RCMP and Ambulance, a centralized Dispatch Service will answer your call. Please be prepared to answer questions.
ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation
General Delivery
Nelson House, Manitoba R0B 1A0
Phone: (204) 484-2332
Fax: (204) 484-2392
www.ncncree.com
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation ᓂᓯᒐᐘᔭᓯᕽ ᓀᐦᐁᖪᐍᐱᐢᑭᑎᕐᑲᐢ
Do you have a suggestion or
an Achimowina story idea?
We would like your comments,
feedback or news stories. Please
contact achimowina@gmail.com
12
Agnes Spence, Minister
United Church and Addictions
Specialist, Nelson House
Medicine Lodge
Reverend Agnes Spence is an ordained
minister for the United Church of
Canada. She is presently the minister
for the Weekend Supply Outreach
Ministry in Thompson for the United
Church of Canada; All Native Circle
Conference in cooperation with St.
John’s United Church.
Spence works closely with Rev.
Leslie King at St. John’s United
Church. She is a lifetime volunteer in
her home church, Nisichawayasihk
Cree Nation United Church. She has
worked in NCN in various diverse
roles including; administrative
assistant, social worker (NCN CFS)
and is presently a full-time employee
at Nelson House Medicine Lodge as
an addictions specialist for the alcohol
and drug prevention program.
Agnes also frequently writes
a column for the Nickelbelt news
entitled Spiritual Thoughts and
may be most recognized for her
role having served as an NCN band
councillor from 1998 until 2010,
which included the seven-year period
during which NCN negotiated an
agreement to partner with Manitoba
Hydro on the Wuskwatim Dam.
Agnes has also applied her
knowledge of tradition to crafting
and creating hand-made Nehetho
drums. She teaches that the drum is
the heartbeat of mother earth. It has
been used by the First Nation People
as a means of communicating with
the Creator for thousands of years.
Prayers and songs are transmitted
to the creator with a drumbeat, song
or dance.
“There is no particular right or
wrong way of drumming ... each and
every human being has their own
heartbeat and thus their own drum
beat,” said Agnes, adding that “some
people are gifted with a blessing to
make drums. Each drum maker has
their own designs and ways of making
their drums. Spence’s drum is made
to represent the seven directions
and the seven sacred teachings. The
seven strings on the reverse of the
drum represent the Seven Directions
Teachings: East, South, West, North,
Heaven, Earth and the Person.”
The realm between each string
represents Courage, Humility,
Wisdom, Respect, Generosity, Truth
and Love according to the Seven
Sacred Teachings also known as the
Grandfather Teachings or Sacred Laws.
“My wish for you is that each
drum brings you closer to the gifts
these teachings brings us,“ said Agnes
about her craft.