SEPT/OCT - Blood Tribe

TSINIKSSINI Aug/Sept 2015
aug/sept 2015
Published by Blood Tribe
Administration
COMMUNICATIONS Department
The Blood Tribe Administration Review
entitled ‘TSINIKSSINI’ is dedicated to the
sharing of information for the people of the
Blood Tribe. The magazine format features
news, stories, articles and an array of items
as our way of sharing what is occurring on
the Blood reserve and beyond.
We hope you enjoy your magazine and
invite any suggestions you may have in
improving our coverage on any number of
events and activities. The magazine will
be printed on a monthly basis and will be
distributed to various locations on-and-off
the reserve.
The magazine is free of charge.
The magazine is published by the Blood
Tribe Communications department and
is printed by Graphcom Printers (2011) of
Lethbridge.
The collection of information, photographs
and layout of the magazine is from the
Blood Tribe Communications department.
Reproduction of any story or use of
photographs must be requested in
writing and addressed to the Blood
Tribe Communications department. Any
unauthorized use of stories and photos
of TSINIKSSINI or from the Blood Tribe
Communications department may infringe
on tribal copyright laws.
We would like to acknowledge the Blood
Tribe Chief & Council and the people of the
Blood Tribe for your support.
Rick Tailfeathers: Communications
Director
Tom Russell: Communications
Writer
Myron Fox: Layout
Graphic Design
Mason Wolf Child
Photos/Stories
Published by the authority of Blood Tribe
Chief & Council
Box 60 Standoff, AB T0L 1Y0
ph: (403) 737-3753 FAX: (403) 737-2785
visit our website for more... www.bloodtribe.org
3.
Anniversary of UN Declaration
4.
Blackfoot Confederacy Conference
5.
Blackfoot Confederacy Conference
6.
Kainai Youth TIPI CAMP
7.
Red Crow College
8.
Treaty 7 Housing
9.
Treaty 7 Housing
10.
Dr. Susan A. Christenson
11.
Treaty 7 - A Sacred Covenant
12.
Truth and Reconciliation Event
13.
Digital Signage / Election Information
14.
IRCA Finals In Las Vegas
15.
Notification of Ratification Vote
16.
Upcoming Events
Blackfoot tribal elders gather at Nose Hill Park which has long been
a traditional site where the Blackfoot gathered for ceremonial and
survival purposes. A ceremony marking the site was performed with
the intent of having the site declared protected and recognized for its
link to a people who have occupied this territory for millennium.
PHOTO CREDIT:
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Rick Tailfeathers
TSINIKSSINI Aug/Sept 2015
Blackfoot Confederacy Marks Territory with
Historic Landmark
Calgary, September 29, 2015 - On a beautiful
fall morning, members of the Blackfoot
Confederacy gathered in Mohkinstsis to climb
Nose Hill in a special ceremony marking our
traditional territory. A stone marker signifying
the four tribes of the Siksikaitsitapi – Akainai,
Siksika, Piikani and Amskapipikuni – was built
ahead of the 15th Annual Conference of the
Confederacy hosted by the Kainai in Tsuu T’ina.
The Siksikaitsitapi Circle signifies the world. The triangle figures in each corner of that world
depict the four Tribes and stone hoofs show our travels within that world. Within each Nation lies
an ochre heart. They stand around an ochre centre, where an offering portraying Creator was placed
with tobacco, to stand as testament and blessing for the world below.
This is the seventh marker that’s been built
throughout Blackfoot traditional territory
reminding settlers and visitors of our ancestors
and children’s stake in the land. The giant stone
circle marks the Blackfoot presence past, present
and future and was dedicated to the people of
Calgary in a blessing made sacred through song
and prayer by Elders from the Blood Tribe,
including Wilton Goodstriker, Bruce Wolf Child
and Andy Black Water. Chiefs on hand included
Blood Tribe Chief Charles Weaselhead, the
Siksika Nation’s Vincent Yellow Old Woman
and former Piikani Chief Reg Crowshoe.
“This is very special to us,” said Chief
Weaselhead. “The circle is a symbol of the four
tribes that make up the Blackfoot confederacy.
The prayers and song provides protection and
powerful blessings, goodwill and continued
strength for all people. We are Blackfoot and
the spirit of our people will forever live in these
sacred places.”
Chief Weasel Head with elders Bruce Wolf Child,
Wilton Goodstriker and Herman Yellow Old
Woman.
Chief Weasel Head presents gift to Mayor Nenshi.
The origin of the hill’s name is unclear but
stories tell of a European explorer asking a
guide the name of the hill. The man replied:
Nose Hill…because it resembles the nose of
our chief. As many of our geographical sites
are based on human anatomy, that story may
well ring some truth. But Nose Hill did provide
favorable wintering grounds for buffalo herds,
which, in turn, attracted people to the hill’s
grassy slopes. The park today contains many
tipi rings, ancient tool-making stations, a stone
cairn and evidence of buffalo kills.
Andy Black Water and others say it served
not only as a place of spirit for ceremony and
vision quests, the hill served as a lookout for
the buffalo, the weather and danger. He says
the ceremony and stone structure is a gift to the
people below, living in Calgary and throughout
the land of the Blackfoot. “It tells our story, it is
the essence of the Blackfoot and our identity. It
is a look out, just like the neighboring Spy Hill,
but it is also a sacred site. The Elders here agreed
that this was a good place to mark our presence
and you can feel the spirit of our ancestors here.
Very powerful.”
Blackfeet leave landmark on Nose Hill Park overlooking the City of Calgary.
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Story by Brent Scout - Nii’danamska
TSINIKSSINI Aug/Sept 2015
BLACKFOOT CONFEDERACY BRINGING TOGETHER
FOUR TRIBES TO DISCUSS MOVES TOWARD THE
FUTURE
The theme for the 15th annual Blackfoot
Confederacy gathering on September
30 – October 1, 2, 2015, Strengthening
Siksikaitsitapi: Moving Forward, was
considered by the three Blackfoot
Chiefs and Blackfeet Tribal Chairman as
appropriate in establishing a deliberate
move toward the strengthening of the
traditional and cultural identity and
mainstream opportunities on our traditional
territory.
Respected Kainai elder Wilton Goodstriker,
emcee of the gathering, introduced Kainai
elder Andrew Weasel Fat who offered a
prayer. Goodstriker then introduced the
Blackfoot Chiefs and Blackfeet Tribal
Chairman and Calgary Mayor Naheed
Nenshi to the people in attendance. He also
asked Tsuu ‘Tina Chief Roy Whitney to the
podium to share his welcoming address.
I want to welcome you all here to the Tsuu
‘Tina Nation,” he began. “Our elders,
and yours, have always had an unwritten
protocol that provides respect, dignity,
an understanding of the way each of us
represents our community. It’s up to us to
maintain our respect for one another. As
long as we are strong as a collective, we
will always be strong as a people. To all
of you, great success and I look forward
to meeting all of my colleagues in the near
future.”
Goodstriker then called upon Calgary
Mayor Naheed Nenshi (Clan Leader) to
speak to the people.
“I want to say thank you to the Blackfoot
Confederacy Chiefs and elders for holding
the blessing ceremony, for the Medicine
Wheel at Nose Hill Park,” he said. “It is a
symbol of the history of this place, and of
our relationship to this land. In this time of
reconciliation, we all have work to do to
continue to do the hard work to make sure
every single one of us has the opportunity
to live a great Canadian life.”
Kainai Chief Charles Weasel Head
welcomed the leaders, elders and people in
attendance.
“It is important for me to hear what is your
priority, to speak freely about who we are.
It helps us, as leaders, to begin thinking
about those priorities,” he began. “The key
message we keep hearing about is on our
treaties. We hear the word reconciliation
a lot. We need to understand what the
United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights
of Indigenous Peoples is all about. There
is still the notion of consultation and
accommodation regarding the preservation
of our ceremonial and traditional territories.
But, I always believe we have the experts
to lead us through these issues. There
are many other areas we need to discuss
and I hope you enjoy yourselves at the
conference.”
Piikani Chief Stan Grier was next to
address the people.
“I’ve lived my life to try to exercise who
we are as Blackfoot people,” he said.
“As elected chiefs, we are the fathers of
the people. We have to come together
(Blackfoot Confederacy) to create
Blood elder Wilton Goodstriker addresses audience before introducing Blackfoot Chiefs, Blackfeet Chairman, Tssu T’ina Chief and Calgary Mayor Nenshi at
conference.
4
TSINIKSSINI Aug/Sept 2015
MC Goodstriker introduces technicians from each of the confederacy tribes who shared their expertise at the conference.
meaningful dialogue for our people. We
have to move forward collectively and
begin exercising our sovereign rights. We
ought to cost-share so that this function can
be self-sustaining to expand so that more
of our people can attend. We have brilliant
minds among us who can contribute to our
growth. I want to acknowledge you all here
today.”
Siksika Chief Vincent Yellow Old Woman
shared his thoughts with the people.
“The Treaties are alive; they are very
important to us,” he said. “We, the Blackfoot
Confederacy need to work hard when it
comes to our treaties. We need to tell the
government this is how we (Blackfoot) see
the treaties. The Indian Act is destroying
us. We never hear from the government, the
federal parties, and then, all of a sudden,
our vote matters. Now, they’re coming up
with crazy restrictions. They don’t want us
to vote. When the people in Siksika vote
on our territory, we’re going to tell them
‘this is how we’re going to vote.’ The
federal government wants us to dispute
amongst ourselves. But, we need to respect
one another and sort all these things out,
to give everybody the opportunity to claim
what is rightfully ours. We hope you can
share your thoughts with everyone here at
the conference.”
Goodstriker then called Blackfeet
Chairman Harry Barnes to offer his words
with the people.
“We’re moving toward action,” he began.
“We’re moving forward as a confederacy
of action. We all have challenges, but we
need to continue to support each other. We
need to exercise our treaty rights, our moral
rights. The government is always telling us,
‘this is what we are going to do for you.’
What we need to demand our rightful place
at the (negotiating) table and not wait to
be told this is what you get. Because what
we get is not what we deserve, or what we
have. We are promoting employment, jobs
and agriculture. We need to return to our
roots. We, as a confederacy, can become
the greatest agricultural block in North
America; we have that potential. Thank
you having me here today.”
The three day conference featured
discussions on post-secondary & adult
education, economic development –
intertribal opportunities, cross border
issues, Blackfoot curriculum, cross border
health coverage, land use planning &
policy, Jay & Blackfoot Treaty, cultural
intellectual properties, addictions & issues
affecting our youth, taxation, Blackfoot
territory & traditional map, water issues,
NRTA, repatriation & cultural protocols,
Blackfoot communications, Iinii initiative
and other relevant topics.
The transfer of the drum and buffalo robe
was presented to Siksika Chief Vincent
Yellow Old Woman who will be the
host confederacy nation for next year’s
conference.
Blackfoot Confederacy leaders: Chief Charles Weasel Head, Chief Vincent Yellow Old Woman, Chief Stan
Grier and Blackfeet Chairman Harry Barnes.
5
Story by Tom Russell
TSINIKSSINI Aug/Sept 2015
2015 KAINAI
YOUTH TIPI CAMP
Blood Tribe Social
Development –
Re-Investment
Initiatives Program
Blood elders Wilton & Evelyn Goodstriker share their knowledge with the youth camp participants at the Blood timber limits.
Blood Tribe youth, who rarely get
opportunities to participate in summer
camps, were given an opportunity to live
in a traditional Blackfoot camp for several
days. The 2015 Kainai Youth Tipi Camp
was sponsored by the Blood Tribe Social
Development Department and occurred
from August 24-28, 2015 on the Blood
reserve and Waterton Lakes National Park.
The Camp objectives were to expose
underprivileged and less fortunate Blood
Tribe youth living on the Blood reserve to
healthy living, addictions awareness and
prevention, Kainai (Blood) culture and
earth and ecosystem science/management,
through an outdoor tipi camp setting on
Blood reserve and Waterton Lakes National
Park lands.
The camp teachings also encourage the youth
to live healthy lifestyles, avoid addictions,
educate them on the Kainai culture and
future careers in science, utilizing local
health professionals, traditional Kainai
elders and natural resource managers,
scientists and technicians.
There were 20 Blood Tribe youth (9
boys & 11 girls) that attended the camp
who were children of Blood Tribe Social
Development clients and ranged in age
from 11-15 years:
To facilitate Camp operations, 7 Blood
Tribe members were employed for the
duration of the camp. The Blood Tribe
Agricultural Project (BTAP) provided a
driver and a passenger van including fuel,
and Blood Tribe Social Development also
6
provided a passenger van with fuel to
transport the youth to various activities and
presentations throughout the week.
Blood Tribe elders attended the camp and
spent each day with the youth during their
activities. Elders also lectured the youth
throughout each day about Blackfoot
culture, traditional territory, spiritual
beliefs, worldview, tipi design meanings
and astrology, Sundance purpose and
activities, significant plants and animals,
prayer and offering demonstrations,
significance of Blackfoot names and places
among other things.
Story by Rick Tailfeathers
TSINIKSSINI Aug/Sept 2015
RED CROW COLLEGE SHOWS ITS RESILENCE
WHEN FIRE DESTROYS NEARLY EVERYTHING
RCCC President Roy Weasel Fat says
despite the hardships incurred as a result
of the fire, the staff and students of Red
Crow College are digging deep in moving
forward.
Red Crow College during fire.
A fire that completely razed the former St.
Mary residential school on July 11, 2015,
left the management, staff and students of
the Red Crow Community College without
a home. The fire, believed to have been
set deliberately, is under investigation by
the fire and law enforcement authorities.
Since the fire, RCCC officials have been
scrambling around in an effort to replace
items that can be replaced, however, many
articles of historic value are lost forever.
In keeping with the pursuit of education,
the entire Red Crow College institution
has been moved to its new location at the
old Saipoyi School situated in Stand Off.
All out efforts during the summer began
in preparing for the move, and after an
orientation on September 7, in which
well over 350 students attended, the new
campus is well on its way to resume with
its regular daily operations.
“We were going to be moving in phases,
initially,” he said of the eventual transfer
from the former St. Mary’s residential
school into the old Saipoyi School. “We
had the building cleaned up and did
some upgrades to it. Now, we just got
our Supernet in and are finally getting
our technology going again. The Blood
Tribe Administration Finance department
assisted us with our daily financial
operations and I have to commend our staff
for all their hard work in getting everything
going again.”
Much of the student records lost in the
fire were recovered with assistance
from the University of Lethbridge and
Lethbridge College file systems. Weasel
Fat acknowledges the post-secondary
institutions for their assistance.
Both the University of Lethbridge and
the Lethridge College have records of our
students we fund,” he said. “In a matter of
two weeks after the fire, we were able to get
the records of the students we were funding
and they were able to get their cheques on
time. Everything went really smooth and
really quick.”
Weasel Fat laments the loss of the student
library.
“Our biggest loss was our library,” he said.
“It took a lot out of us, but we just have
to rebuild. There were many interviews on
record from way back that are lost. But we
partnered with the U of L’s Digital Library
and saved library reference material on the
Blackfoot collection. We have had a lot of
offers of help in different areas and that is
gratifying.”
Weasel Fat acknowledges the Blood Tribe
Chief & Council for the building, the
people of the Blood Tribe, The Red Crow
College Board, Blood Tribe Department
of Health, the University of Lethbridge,
Lethbridge College, University of Calgary,
Mount Royal College, Bow Valley
College, BTA policy manager Nadine
Tailfeathers, Annabel Crop Eared Wolf,
Coordinator, Tribal Government, Ronnie
Shade, Senior Finance Officer, Terrance
Bottle, Public Works and Julius Spear
Chief, BTA maintenance supervisor and
many other institutions and individuals for
their assistance.
“On behalf of the management and staff,
the students of the Red Crow College
and the Red Crow College Board, we are
grateful for everyone’s help in making our
transition as smooth as possible,” he said.
“Red Crow College will rebuild.”
RCCC President Roy Weasel Fat, pictured with Blood elders and post-secondary professionals during MOU signing on former campus grounds.
7
Story by Tom Russell
TSINIKSSINI Aug/Sept 2015
TREATY 7 HOUSING
CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
PROVIDING QUALITY HOUSING TO CLIENTS
The 30th anniversary of the Treaty 7 Urban
Indian Housing Authority’s long-standing
service for the people of Treaty 7 was
celebrated in fine fashion on September 21,
2015, as Executive Director Rosie Many
Grey Horse and her staff invited former
and current occupants and dignitaries to
the affair and gala at the Grey Eagle Resort.
With emcee Travis Plaited Hair, Chief &
Council Liaison, keeping the momentum
flowing, a number of guests were asked to
share their thoughts on the longevity and
professionalism of the Treaty 7 Housings
history. However, prior to the presentations,
Blood elder Alvin Cross Child was asked
to say a prayer and to bless the food, and
Hal Eagletail, a well-known powwow
announcer and entertainer, sang an honor
song and a traditional dance song.
Treaty 7 Housing Board Member Lavern
Scout welcomed everyone and introduced
the board members and staff and Blood
Councilor Mike Bruised, representing
Chief Charles Weasel Head and council,
spoke of the history of the organization.
“I want to thank Greg Smith, Frances
Weasel Fat and the late Howard Beebe
Jr. in allowing me and Casey Scott to do
the needs assessment to begin the housing
program which is now Treaty 7 Housing,”
he recalled. “We talked to a lot of people
to overcome the obstacle of discrimination
and of how we can best rent to our own
people. We did not know what our report
would amount to and look at where we are
today—thirty years later. Treaty 7 Housing
is alive, and it’s here to stay.”
Calgary
Mayor
Naheed
Nenshi,
via
Both Sykes Powderface and Frances Weasel Fat enjoying retirement.
teleconference, congratulated the efforts of
Treaty 7 Housing.
“I want to say Happy 30th birthday to
Treaty 7 Urban Indian Housing Authority,”
he began. “Having decent shelter, having a
decent place to live is absolutely essential to
able to live a good life. And the fact that for
30 years you have been able to help provide
housing to people for up to 160 units means
you’re making a huge difference in those
people’s families every single day. It makes
a difference to our cities, our communities
and to those families and here’s to 30 more
years of success.”
Dr. Gary Bowie, representing the Mayor of
Lethbridge, Chris Spearman, shared their
best wishes to Treaty 7 Housing.
“When people have a home, they are best
able to access education and employment,”
said Bowie on behalf of Mayor Spearman.
“The health, safety and sense of community
that citizens experience while residing
8
in Lethbridge is very important to him
(Spearman) and to our community. Thank
you to Treaty 7 Urban Indian Housing
Authority for all that you do now, and all
you will continue to do in the future.”
Cardston Mayor Maggie Kronen echoed
the sentiment of the Lethbridge and Calgary
Mayors on the need for housing.
“I have really have come to appreciate
what Treaty 7 has done in our town,” she
began. “You have shown yourself as being
a responsible landlord, you have shown
that tenants can be living, as you say,
next to the non-native and the difficulty
to differentiate one house to the next. It’s
really nice to know we can blend in one
community. I look forward to carrying out
many years of good relationship between
the town of (Cardston), the Blood Tribe
and Treaty 7.”
Roland Cotton, Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Director,
has been involved closely with Treaty 7
TSINIKSSINI Aug/Sept 2015
Housing since its early beginnings and
shared his thoughts on the history.
“I withstood the racial tension in those
early days and I made my way into the
community of Lethbridge,” he recollected.
“I became an advocate for housing and
the greater need was really a process, to
build our own bridge, which Friendship
Centre became a tool for me to be able to
voice my opinion on social housing. You
have to persevere, be patient to be able to
achieve what Treaty 7 has done in reaching
a milestone of thirty years. It gives me the
sense of pride to say, ‘We can do it.’ I hope
we can celebrate another 30 years together
the achievements of the Aboriginal
community.”
Fatima Barros, CMHC regional vicepresident,
prairie
and
territories,
congratulated Treaty 7 Housing for their
partnership and longevity.
Roland Cotton reflects on Treaty 7 Housings earlier days in the City of Lethbridge.
“CMHC and Treaty 7 Housing Authority
have a long history of working together,”
she said. “We worked together since
1987 when the first funding agreement
was signed. Since 2010, our urban Native
housing program has committed close to
$15 million to the Treaty 7 Housing, or
roughly $1,300 per month for each 165
units in your portfolio. We have a great
working relationship and there is a strong
level of trust.”
Long-time advocate Frances Weasel Fat
shared a few comments on her time with
Treaty 7 Housing, as well as Terri and her
son Lee, who gave a moving tribute to
husband and father Howard Beebe Jr., who
was instrumental in the success of Treaty 7
Housing.
The Treaty 7 Board of Directors then
presented plaques and gifts to many
individuals including: Gary Bowie
(Lethbridge), Roland Cotton, Frances
Weasel Fat, Terri Beebe, Regina
Crowchild (Tsuu’Tina), Lorna Crowshoe
(Calgary), Blood Tribe Chief & Council,
Sykes Powderface (Stoney) and Wilfred
McDougal (Piikani).
Young Medicine (Curt Young, Jaime Medicine Crane) perform during 30th anniversary celebration.
The entertainment was provided by Young
Medicine (Curt Young and Jaime Medicine
Crane) and Armond Duck Chief.
9
Story by Tom Russell
TSINIKSSINI Aug/Sept 2015
ALBERTA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZE
BLOOD DOCTOR
AS 2015 INAUGURAL RECIPIENT FOR
COMPASSIONATE SERVICE
The Alberta Medical Association (AMA)
is delighted to recognize Dr. Susan A.
Christenson of Standoff, Alberta, as the
inaugural recipient of the Alberta Medical
Association Award for Compassionate
Service for 2015.
This award honors a physician who,
during his/her career, has demonstrated
outstanding compassion, philanthropy and/
or volunteerism to improve the state of the
community in which he or she is given
back:
•
Demonstrating a significant and
extraordinary contribution to volunteer or
philanthropic efforts.
•
Through action, enhancing the
reputation of physicians as compassionate
members of the community.
•
Serving as an inspiration to others.
About Dr. Christenson
Dr. Christenson is an Indigenous physician
who, since 2006, has provided primary care
for the Blood reserve in southern Alberta.
According to colleagues and patients, she
has essentially created a medical home for
Blood reserve members and “a welcoming
environment free of stereotypes and
racism.” She is known for providing
outstanding quality primary care and her
neighbors and patients know that she does
so at any time.
“She is constantly making personal
sacrifices to provide a high level of
compassionate service at her community,“
wrote one supporter. “If someone calls in at
the end of the day with urgent symptoms,
they are invited to come for assessment
regardless of the time. She takes calls
from patients on holidays, weekends and
after hours. She will re-open the clinic
to do sutures, and will pick up and store
prescriptions for patients unable to get to
town. When I accompany her on these
errands in the community, she is always
approached by people who want their
family members to come see her, because
they have heard of how she helps so many.”
Dr. Christenson has also built a team of
specialty providers who come to the Blood
Tribe Health Centre – Levern Clinic to
practice. In just 18 months, this group had
come to include obstetrics and gynecology,
rheumatology, nephrology, psychology and
respiratory services. She follows up on
recommendation and provides the visiting
specialist with updates on patients’ status
between clinic dates.
“I think Sue is a one in a million,”
concluded a nominator. “She is constant
source of support, knowledge and help for
a community under constant threat from
ill health. She is completely dedicated to
this work and does it with the patients’ best
interests at heart. She is an outstanding and
compassionate clinician and community
member.
Dr. Christenson was selected from an
outstanding field of candidates.
Dr. Sue Christenson being recognized for tireless work and compassion.
10
Story by Tom Russell
TSINIKSSINI Aug/Sept 2015
INNAISTSII: TREATY 7 - A SACRED COVENANT
Former Chief Roy Fox refers to Treaty
#7 as a sacred covenant. Our ancestors,
including Miikaisto (Chief Red Crow),
were powerful leaders who signed a peace
treaty with the Queen’s representatives.
Our children need to know the truth and
the sacredness about the treaty signing
process that took place in 1877...One of
the best ways I know to teach children is
through theatre. I’m so pleased to debut
this production in the Historic Empress
Theatre. This is the largest production ever
staged at the Empress. Thank-you to all
our TMS actors and to Trickster Theatre
for all the hard work and dedication it took
to make this production a reality. In Indian
theatre we say, “Make a Wounded Knee!”
The actors, many from Tatsikisapo’p Middle School, deliver their lines flawlessly.
Over 100 cast members, which consisted of
the entire student body at Tatsikiisaapo’p
Middle School and members Trickster
Theatre, work-shopped a play entitled
Innaistii: Treaty 7 – A Sacred Covenant on
September 17, 2015. This was the largest
cast ever to stage a play at the Historic
Empress Theatre in Fort Macleod. Parent
and community support for this production
resulted in a full house. Every seat was
filled that night!
Ramona
Big
Head,
Principal,
Taksikisapo’p Middle School, shared
information on the play from a Kainai
perspective: “According to Kainayssini,
the Blood Tribe’s constitution, ‘the elders
of the Blood Indian Nation hereby declare
that the leaders of our Nation ensure to
its membership the following…. that the
spirit and intent of Treaty #7 be fulfilled
and protected, of which our ancestors were
signatories.’ Tatsikiisaapo’p Middle School
is committed to ensuring that each and
every child attending our school knows the
history and the importance of Innaistsiiyi
or Treaty #7.
According to Trickster Theatre, they
were so pleased to be working in this
community exploring Treaty 7 together.
This show was staged in 4 days and was
the result of collaboration between the
students, the staff and the Trickster Theatre
artists. Trickster Theatre has been creating
shows in Alberta communities for more
than 25 years, completing more than 700
weeklong residencies. More than 50 of
those have been in First Nations and Metis
communities, helping explore themes of
importance.
A young child peers out a window, looking outward into an uncertain world…
11
Story by Tom Russell
TSINIKSSINI Aug/Sept 2015
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION
HOST TWO-DAY EVENT TO MOVE FORWARD
“Forgiveness is a big thing,” he said. “My
power in recovering is realizing I’m not
a white person, I am an Indian; that’s my
power, strength and identity. The white
people have a lot to learn from us. I’ve
struggled these past few months, but it’s
a good struggle. It’s really hard to explain
this, but I’m handling it, I’m actually
growing and I’m doing well.”
A panel of clergy members from a number
of faiths spoke of their intent and apologies
to the hardships endured by residential
school survivors.
TRC Coordinator Jackie Red Crow and Lauren Crazy Bull share gifts with survivors.
The Truth & Reconciliation Commission
hosted a two-day event on September 2324, 2015, that featured, on day one, a play
based on the life of Siksika Chief Vincent
Yellow Woman’s experience as a child in
the residential school and of his eventual
return to a traditional lifestyle. On day
two, the TRC event at the multipurpose
building in Stand Off witnessed a number
of speakers including four Anglican priests
who were in attendance to share and explain
the apologies on behalf of the church and
clergy.
The two-day event named “Moving
Forward Together as a People,” attracted
many people who came to listen to the
speakers and to hear of the move toward
healing. After a prayer from tribal elder
Pete Standing Alone and a ceremony
with elders Francis First Charger and
Wilton Goodstriker, Chief Charles Weasel
Head addressed the people the people in
welcoming them to the event. Chief Weasel
Head echoed Standing Alone’s words in
encouraging the move forward in laying
down the past, to remember, but to begin
the process of embracing the spirit of good
health and happiness for our future.
Among those in attendance was Lauren
Crazy Bull, a student of the University of
Lethbridge who spoke of her struggles and
her path to a renewed sense of strength.
“I spoke of my own journey and coming to
realize the history of colonization in Canada
and how it affected my as an individual,”
she said. “What I did was produce three
audio documentaries for the radio to try
create more discussion around these issues
and, hopefully, to move forward in a way
where there’s more understanding and less
ignorance.”
As a student studying Sociology and Art at
the University of Lethbridge, Crazy Bull
volunteered to work at the university’s
campus radio station CKXU and became
involved in a project from the National
Campus Community Radio Association
funded by the Truth & Reconciliation
Commission. The project called Resonating
Reconciliation began in 2013 that involves
Residential School Survivors. She has since
produced three 30-minute documentaries
and can be accessed at truecontactvoices.
com.
Another Blood Tribe member who is not
only forging ahead in walking his own
road to sobriety, but who is also doing his
utmost in helping others accept a lifestyle
free from their addictions, is Mark Brave
Rock. He has been alcohol free for threeand-a-half years, and despite enduring the
temptations to return to his former lifestyle,
Brave Rock moves forward.
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During the event, Dolly Creighton,
moderator, and Jackie Red Crow, TRC
coordinator, along with Lauren Crazy Bull,
gave out blankets and other items to the
residential school survivors in attendance.
After the presentations, the group met with
tribal elders at the Sundance grounds to
perform a ceremony in beginning a new
journey to move forward.
Panel of clergy members at conference.
Moderator Dolly Creighton shares gifts.
Story by Tom Russell
TSINIKSSINI Aug/Sept 2015
BLOOD TRIBE COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
DEDICATED TO THE SHARING OF INFORMATION
The Blood Tribe Communications recently
purchased two L.E.D. screens for the
purpose of sharing information with the
public, and to accept advertising from
local businesses for promotion purposes.
The high definition screens, which can be
moved from one location to another offers
an excellent method to inform the public
of current events. Also, any businesses can
share their products or expertise with the
people.
Mason Wolf Child, Blood Tribe
Communications, is the contact person
who can assist you in designing your
messages and information you want public.
The L.E.D. screens will be on throughout
the day during business hours.
We are asking you to take advantage of
the highly successful method of sharing
information or promoting awareness
toward any opportunities you may have.
Access to the sharing of information can be
made by contacting Mason Wold Child at
403.737.8202.
Mason Wolf Child, BT Communications, stands beside LED sign.
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TSINIKSSINI Aug/Sept 2015
INDIAN RODEO COWBOYS ASSOCIATION HOST
FINALS IN SENDING ITS FINEST TO LAS VEGAS
The Kainai Nation hosted the annual
Indian Rodeo Cowboys Associated as
many contestants competed for the right to
represent their association and First Nation
at the Indian National Finals Rodeo in Sin
City, Las Vegas, Nevada.
bareback champion Kelvin Fox was the
year-end winner and Ray Augare got a
ticket to the INFR by winning the IRCA
finals. In the Jr. breakaway event, the yearend representative was Callie Dixon while
the finals representative is Destiny Stevens.
World All-Round and bareback champion
Cam Bruised Head will again be heading to
Las Vegas where he will defend last year’s
all-round title against some of the toughest
and smoothest competitors anywhere in
the world. Bruised Head won the rights to
head to the finals in clinching the IRCA
year-end and finals. He dominated the
event throughout the year. Joe Francis, a
Saskatchewan cowboy who placed second
in the event will also be heading south.
In the Jr. bull riding (steer riding), Marcus
Dixon will represent the IRCA while
Chayse Scout was named the year-end
representative. In the Sr. team roping, the
duo of Eugene Creighton and Gus Vaile
were the year-end representatives, while
Merle Yellowbird and Keith Johnson were
named the finals representatives.
Another Bruised Head to make it to the
finals is leather-tough Byron Bruised Head
in the saddle bronc event. Cole Billedeaux
placed second and will also qualify for
the finals. In the calf-roping event, rugged
Wright Bruised Head won the year-end title
and Troy Crawler, Stoney cowboy, won the
IRCA finals.
Other representatives making the trip
include: calf roping: John Pickens,; Jr.
Breakaway: Cole Soop, Jake Crawler,
Garcia Bearspaw, Chase Creighton; steer
wrestling: Otis Little Moustache, Jim
Stevens, Trevin Fox, Keenan Crane,
Wright Bruised Head; saddle bronc:
Napi Wadsworth, Jarrett Monroe; Jr.
barrels: Paige Shade, Chase Creighton,
Lita Crawler, Jacine Crawler; bareback:
Byron Bruised Head, Mark Big Tobacco;
ladies barrels: Sharlee Scout, Lacey Bish,
Charmayne Pickens; bull riding: Cam
Bruised Head, Lucky David; Sr. team
roping: Evans Day Chief, Jess Starlite,
Snyder Fox Sr.; breakaway: Jeff Fox Sr.;
Jr. bulls: Macarthur David, Justin Maguire.
The Blood Tribe Chief & Council and the
people of the Blood Tribe want to wish all
the contestants good luck, and safe travels
to all those who making the trip in support
of our athletes.
In the Steer Wrestling event, Darryl Many
Grey Horses was the finals champion and
Arlan Minue was the year-end champion.
The Ladies Barrel Racing champ was Rayne
Bruised Head who had the fastest time
to win the IRCA finals while Charmaine
Pickens claimed the year-end title. In the
Jr. barrels, it was Skaia One Spot who was
named the IRCA finals representative and
year-end representative was Taylor Many
Wounds.
In one of the toughest events in the world
of sports, it was Jesse Flett who won the
IRCA finals while Travis McGuire won the
year-end title. The open team-roping event
was won by Baily and Elliot Benjamin
who took the finals while Boyd Wesley
and Ollie Benjamin claimed the year-end
title. The ladies breakaway IRCA finals
champion was Cammie Fox who won
both the final and year-end titles. She will
be accompanied to the INFR with Kylie
Shade.
In the Sr. breakaway, former World’s
Young Rayne Bruised Head taking winning form to INFR.
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Story by Tom Russell
TSINIKSSINI Aug/Sept 2015
15