NB Minister shrugs off Wolastoqey chiefs' concerns as he unveils new protected Crown lands



CBC, Thu, July 14, 2022 

Natural Resources and Energy Development Minister revealed locations covering 90,000 hectares of newly protected Crown lands in New Brunswick. (Ed Hunter/CBC - image credit)

The New Brunswick government has identified 90,000 hectares of Crown lands it says are now protected against timber harvesting, agriculture and mineral extraction.

But the selection of the 84 sites unveiled Thursday by Natural Resources and Energy Development Minister Mike Holland is already coming under fire from Wolastoqey chiefs, who accuse the government of failing to properly consult them.

"We have made repeated requests that the Province abandon its unilateral approach to the Nature Legacy Initiative," Neqotkuk First Nation Chief Ross Perley said in a news release issued by the Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick before Holland's announcement.

"We are now asking publicly that the Province resume discussions with us to develop appropriate tools to achieve interim protection for candidate sites while we continue to work together on the recognition of protected areas."

Mike Heenan/CBC

The province announced in February that it would protect 400,000 hectares of Crown land by the end of 2023 as part of the Nature Legacy Initiative, which is being funded by the federal government.

The program will double the amount of Crown land that's protected from about 4.6 to 10 per cent.

On Thursday, Holland gathered in Fredericton with environmental advocates from the Nature Trust of New Brunswick, the Conservation Council of New Brunswick and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society to unveil the locations of the first 90,000 hectares.

The newly protected areas include much of the Restigouche and Nepisiguit rivers, the headwaters of the Penniac Stream near Fredericton and the wetlands of Little Gaspereau, near Tracadie-Sheila.

"This is meant to ensure that populations aren't sustained but they grow, they develop and we see an increase of these wildlife populations well into the future," Holland said during the new conference.

Holland said another 10,000 hectares will soon be included to bring the total to 100,000, with more to be added over this year and next to reach the 400,000-hectare goal.

Government of New Brunswick

Asked later about criticisms his government didn't consult with Indigenous groups on the initiative, Holland said he disagrees.

"I completely disagree with it because, like I said, I'm confident in the process of consultation that we have gone through," he said.

"That being the case, we will still continue to make sure that we engage, we work with, we identify — the First Nations have such incredible Indigenous knowledge that can help us determine the value of conservation areas. We've been sharing and collaborating that all along through the process, will continue to do so."

Mineral rights grandfathered in

The Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick said its representatives began "engaging" with the province last year on the basis of a proposed partnership.

They say provincial representatives committed to working with the Wolasoqiyik and other nations to develop pathways that could be used to create both Crown-protected areas that respect Indigenous rights, as well as Indigenous-protected conserved areas that would be managed directly by First Nations.

"What began as a process focused on a shared interest in true conservation quickly became a one-way conversation that kept the door open for mineral prospecting, but failed to protect the inherent rights my community members have to the land in question," Matawaskiye First Nation Chief Patricia Bernard said in the group's statement.

According to Holland, there are parts of the protected Crown lands that are subject to mineral claims that have been grandfathered in with the designation.

He said any requests to develop the areas subject to mineral claims would be met with "very strict regulations."

Concerns over treaty rights

The Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick says it also has significant concerns that "the proposed conservation easement mechanisms" will curb constitutionally protected treaty rights of the Wolastoqey.

The concern about the erosion of treaty rights on protected Crown lands is shared by Mi'kmaq in New Brunswick, said Tracy Ann Cloud, director of trilateral negotiations with Mi'gmawe'l Tplu'taqnn Inc.

Submitted by Tracy Anne Cloud

She said from what the province shared with her organization — which represents the province's Mi'kmaw chiefs — certain terms of the Crown land protections would infringe on the rights of Mi'kmaq to hunt, fish and forage for a moderate livelihood.

"We're happy to see lands being conserved in the province, of course, but not in this way," Cloud said.

"And certainly by not limiting our ability to be able to go in and practise our constitutionally protected rights on those lands."

Holland said that to his knowledge, Aboriginal treaty rights will not be affected by the protection of Crown lands.

Allowed activities on the protected Crown lands include hiking, biking, camping and campfires, hunting and trapping, sustainable foraging, and the use of snowmobiles and ATVs.

UVic launches MBA in Indigenous Reconciliation with the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres



Thu, July 14, 2022 

Victoria, BC - The University of Victoria (UVic) is set to deliver the world’s first custom master’s degree in business administration in Indigenous Reconciliation.

It’s aimed to build capacity, implement cultural safety, and support succession planning in the community social services sector.

Developed in partnership with the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC), the MBA was unveiled on July 8.

It was revealed as part of an $8.4-million funding announcement by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, that will “create an action framework to integrate reconciliation into community social services,” according to a release from UVic.

“We are honoured by the invitation to collaborate on this unique program,” said Saul Klein, dean of the Gustavson School of Business. “This MBA will equip leaders in social services, government and non-profits to meaningfully advance reconciliation in their organizations and across our broader society.”

Leslie Varley, executive director of the BCAAFC, said the social services sector made a commitment to reconciliation as their “top priority” and offered her the opportunity to identify some actions that would “start us down that path towards reconciliation.”

After the province invited Varley to submit a proposal to help build and maintain capacity within the social services sector, she motioned to create an “Indigenous-focused not-for-profit-focused master’s in business administration for Indigenous leaders.”

It was presented to six different universities and UVic ultimately came out in front because of the work they’ve been doing towards reconciliation “on their own accord,” said Varley.

In 2021, the university appointed Qwul’sih’yah’maht Robina Thomas as UVic’s first vice-president Indigenous.

In her position, Thomas is providing “strategic leadership and direction in all aspects of our work towards decolonization and self-determination of Indigenous peoples,” read a release from UVic.

“That is action that speaks our language,” said Varley.

Thomas said the university reflects on the “injustices created by colonial policies and practices, and is committed to offering programs that meet the needs of the local Indigenous communities.”

The new MBA program follows others, such as UVic’s Indigenous language revitalization education and the university’s joint degree in Indigenous legal orders and Canadian common law.

By customizing the MBA so that it’s specific to the non-profit and Indigenous sectors, Varley said it “addresses our successor succession planning needs and develops our future Indigenous leaders.”

Many executive directors who work at the 25 different friendship centres across the province are preparing to retire, including Varley.

Through succession planning, Varley said they hope to leave the sector in a “better position” than when they arrived.

There are more than 29,000 non-profit organizations in B.C. that employ more than 86,000 people, contributing $6.7 billion to the province’s economy.

It’s bigger than the construction industry, said Varley.

And yet, Varley said Indigenous organizations get 10 per cent less funding than the mainstream social service organizations.

“Anybody who's Indigenous knows that we seem to need to be doubly qualified to be considered legitimate,” she said. “Our work is highly scrutinized by funders, and by the public – and we seem to need to jump through a lot more hoops than any regular funder.”

It’s with this in mind that Varley said she designed the MBA program.

The program follows a “closed-enrolment model,” meaning students in the program will be selected by a committee formed of executive directors working in the not-for-profit sector, said Varley.

Anyone who’s working in an Indigenous not-for-profit organization is encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to Indigenous applicants, as well as people of colour.

There is currently funding available for two cohorts, for a total of 50 seats. The first cohort is slated to start in February 2023, said Varley.

The MBA is open to applicants who may not have the prerequisites universities often require, she said.

“They don't have to have done their colonial academic push-ups in order to get into this MBA program,” Varley said.

A separate advisory committee consisting of executive directors within the sector is being formed to address what is needed within each of the courses, said Varley.

“Drawing from the non-profit, social-service and government sectors, cohorts will be intentionally designed to include Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants,” according to a release from UVic.

Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council President Judith Sayers said the MBA sounds like a “good initiative” for the BCAAFC, “but the title is misleading.”

“If I was going to design an MBA on reconciliation, I would want to open it to everyone,” Sayers said. “And not just [make] an exclusive degree for one organization ... the optics are really bad.”

Sayers said she isn’t opposed to First Nations organizations approaching UVic to help them “design a program specifically for their organization.”

“But if they’re really wanting to do an MBA on reconciliation, I thought it would be better to open it to everybody,” she said.

Varley said B.C.’s wider community social services sector made it clear that funding going into the sector needed to prioritize reconciliation, which is where the “term” came from.

“These are foundational grounding steps that will take us along that path towards reconciliation,” she said. “This is certainly not reconciling, but I don't know how we get to reconciliation without putting out those steps to get us there.”

Brent Mainprize, teaching professor at UVic’s Gustavson School of Business, said that “reconciliation is a lens for everyone to look through.”

“This program brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous professionals to learn from each other about their cultures and build a shared understanding of and commitment to reconciliation that can be designed in the classroom and immediately put into action in students’ organizations and communities,” he said in a release.

The MBA program will also draw on funding from BCAAFC and Indspire, a national charity that invests in Indigenous education.

“This is a big step,” said Varley. “[It’s] something to celebrate.”

-30-

Melissa Renwick, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Ha-Shilth-Sa

Closing employment gap for Indigenous youth key to addressing labour shortage: Study


Thu, July 14, 2022




HALIFAX — Closing the employment gap for Indigenous youth in Atlantic Canada is key to easing the region's acute labour shortage, new research released Thursday said.

The Atlantic Provinces Economic Council said employment outcomes for the region's growing Indigenous youth population have improved in recent years, but still lag non-Indigenous youth.

The research found Indigenous youth under age 25 face a number of barriers in the labour market, including lower educational attainment and a lack of resources such as transportation.

Increasing funding for Indigenous youth training, skills development and entrepreneurship would help improve labour market outcomes of Indigenous youth, the report said.

This would boost economic development in Indigenous communities a well as help address a labour crunch in the broader economy, the research found.

APEC senior policy analyst Fred Bergman, the report's lead author, said Atlantic Indigenous youth living off-reserve have experienced substantial improvements in labour market outcomes between 2007 to 2021.

But they still have lower employment rates than non-Indigenous youth, he said.

“Reducing barriers and closing gaps is essential to promote economic development in Indigenous communities,” Bergman said. “This will also expand the pool of skilled workers in our economy to help address ongoing labour shortages across the region.”

Almost 49,000 jobs were vacant across the Atlantic region in April 2022, bringing the vacancy rate to a record high of 4.9 per cent.

"Getting off-reserve Indigenous youth’s employment rates to the same level as non-Indigenous youth would add 540 new workers to the region," the report said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 14, 2022.

The Canadian Press

MANITOBA

Unique model preps students for workplace

Wed, July 13, 2022

There were glitches along the way, but Pembina Trails Early College — a new alternative high school that marries traditional instruction with college-level computer programming and cybersecurity training — is celebrating its inaugural graduates.

David Moyer and 17 of his peers, all of whom have been honing sought-after skills in Manitoba’s booming digital media industry, were joined by teachers and family members to collect their Grade 12 diplomas at an intimate convocation late last month.

“I’m told that (‘we’re making history’) constantly,” said David, 17. “Overall, it’s been an amazing experience to be the first people to set an example of what students can do when taught with tech.”

PTEC is delivered to students free of charge by the Pembina Trails School Division and Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology, in partnership with Tech Manitoba.

The unique schooling model aims to fast-track teenagers into high-demand tech jobs by giving them an opportunity to study for their high school diploma at the same time they work towards a post-secondary credential. The industry association connects students to mentors and work placements.

The local partners took inspiration — for both their operations and name — from the Pathways in Technology Early College High School, also known as P-Tech: a reform school focused on college attainment and career readiness. IBM and public education partners in New York founded the initiative in 2011, in turn integrating high school and post-secondary education in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.

Not unlike his classmates, David was tapped to apply to Winnipeg’s PTEC because of his stand-out computer skills; whenever an elementary teacher had technical difficulties, he was called upon to problem solve.

The 17-year-old attributes his early digital literacy knowledge to spending much of his childhood playing video games and researching modifications for virtual environments.

“(PTEC) is a school for students who have a passion for technology, who are willing to go above and beyond whatever the curriculum delivers to open up their minds to not only Winnipeg, Manitoba but to the world, and make a difference,” said principal Jane Bachart.

When Bachart was a technology teacher, she said she frequently met students who had a niche skill-set that could not be supported by computer science curriculum.

This alternative school nurtures tech-savvy students’ interests and gives them formal training so they don’t have to figure things out themselves via YouTube tutorials, she said, adding all of the members of the Class of 2022 have gained confidence in themselves at PTEC.

Students, who currently hail from host schools in the south end of the city, spend part of their Grade 9-12 weekdays completing core subjects. The rest of their learning around programming languages, video game software and everything in between takes place at a division campus before they begin attending the MITT campus in Grade 11.

The program will be housed in Pembina Trails Collegiate when the state-of-the-art high school opens in Bison Run in September 2023. As demand continues to outpace available seats, Bachart’s dream is to eventually open a full-scale tech school.

PTEC pupils specialize in software development or network and systems administrator. Those who choose the latter option can spend an additional year completing a cyber defence program at MITT.

The inception of experimental tech programs — including PTEC, local MET School offerings, and CREATE at Sisler High School — mark a turning point for tech education in the province.

“We don’t have to fight brain drain as hard from our own city (anymore) because we can actually produce the talent locally and create jobs for the talent locally, which ultimately helps companies grow locally,” said Daniel Blair, founder of Bit Space Development.

When Blair founded the EdTech software company more than seven years ago, he spent countless hours doing internal training to bring new hires up to speed with tools and practices.

New school division programs, as well as MITT’s receptiveness to businesses’ emerging needs, ensure graduates are aligned with industry standards so onboarding has become much easier in recent years, he said.

David is one of the summer interns at the Winnipeg company’s Exchange District site. He was taught how to use Unity, a game creation platform used by professionals, and four programming languages: C#, HTML, JavaScript and CSS.

Throughout his studies, the teenager said he has learned about the value of adaptability, flexibility and soft skills. Perhaps ironically, the first PTEC cohort’s patience was tested as they all tackled unplanned information technology issues — not to be mistaken with their assigned homework — in their public school division.

The program’s 2018 launch was “a bit of a roller-coaster,” with students and their parents taking a leap of faith, according to the then-chief executive officer of Tech Manitoba.

Now an MITT dean and executive director of CyberWave, Kathy Knight said “the secret sauce” to success has been the trio of partners, each of whom serves an invaluable role.

“What we hear from parents is that many of the kids were disengaged before this. The students just found their community,” she said.

Knight noted the partners want to make technology careers more accessible to groups that have typically been underrepresented in the workforce, including girls and members of the LGBTTQ+ community.

Maggie Macintosh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Free Press

WHITE COWBOY STAMPEDE FOR OVER 100 YEARS

'Heartbeat of Mother Earth': Calgary Stampede hosts first powwow at Saddledome

Thu, July 14, 2022 

CALGARY — Men sit around large drums along the edges of the arena. Each group takes a turn drumming and singing.

The drum, described as the heartbeat of Mother Earth, provides rhythm for dancers in traditional regalia as they compete in Indigenous dances, including the men's chicken, the men's and women's fancy and the women's jingle.

Stampede-goers gather in seats normally filled by those watching concerts or sports games.

"This is the first powwow that we're hosting here at the Saddledome," Cheryl Crowchief, co-ordinator of the Calgary Stampede Powwow, said in an interview this week.

The Scotiabank Saddledome, named for its saddle-shaped roof, is home to the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League, the Calgary Hitmen in the Western Hockey League and the Calgary Roughnecks with the National Lacrosse League.

Crowchief said there is a powwow competition at Elbow River Camp, a village on the Stampede grounds that highlights local First Nations' cultures.

"But this year we brought it to the Saddledome and are hoping that the success we had at the village comes over here."

Crowchief said the larger venue allows more people to see some of the world's best powwow dancers and drummers.

"This is top, top, top people everywhere," she said. "We have people participating in the powwow from the United States, from all over Canada. It has gone worldwide."

The powwow started Tuesday and ends Thursday, as 20 dancers remaining in each category compete for a place in the top 10 and a cash prize. A total of $175,000 in prizes are to be handed out.

Some dancers said it's exciting to be back at a powwow after two years of COVID-19 public health measures. Some also expressed nervousness to be competing in such a large event.

Charles Woods, a senior men's traditional dancer from Siksika Nation, east of Calgary, said he's happy to be dancing again.

"It's a feeling that nobody can explain," he said. "The drum beats and the songs that are sung are very, very good healing songs. It's an uplift. The drum is the heartbeat of Mother Earth. When we dance, we dance to those songs."

Some competitors said being in the large arena, while much cooler than outside in the heat, is also a bit stressful.

"It's pretty nerve-racking," said Teagan Rabbit Carrier, also from Siksika Nation, who was competing in the junior contemporary jingle dance. "I am nervous, but I am here for a good time and to bring healing to my community."

Her regalia included a shimmering yellow dress and a colourful beaded headband.

"My Aunty Dawn ... made this outfit for me. I wanted a yellow dress so she made it sparkly," she said. "I have a green ribbon at the back of my dress to represent my late brother, Kristian Ayoungman, and my Aunty Gaylene."

Raylene Hunter, a senior women's traditional dancer from Onion Lake Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, said her family competes across Canada and the United States and travels internationally to teach people about Indigenous culture.

She said it is her first time at the Stampede powwow.

"It's a little bit stressful ... but it's really exciting."

Hunter, who lives in Edmonton, said powwows are an important part of her culture but also play a role in her parenting style.

"My children learn that there's a way to conduct yourself when you are wearing these feathers, when you are wearing your regalia — to look after it," she said. "Those values that come with teaching your kids on how to respect themselves, how to respect what they are wearing and also just to respect themselves as women — to be mindful of what type of your environment and what kind of setting you are in.

"So, you are teaching them patience ... you are teaching them discipline. There are all kinds of values that come with teaching your kids on how to be the best person that you can possibly be — in or out of your outfit."

Hunter said powwow regalia also provides strength.

"My husband always says, 'When I put on my outfit, I feel like I'm my true warrior self,'" she said. "That's the same for women as well. When we put on our outfit, we are warrior women. We are protectors of our children, of our families, of our home fires."

Crowchief said powwows are an important part of Indigenous heritage.

"It's our way here in traditional Treaty 7 area to show people our culture, to share our culture and to educate," she said. "A powwow for us is a celebration, it's not a ceremony.

"It's a way for us to get together and celebrate life, celebrate the changing of the seasons, celebrate our kids. It's a family gathering to invite non-Indigenous people to join us and celebrate with us."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 14, 2022.

Colette Derworiz, The Canadian Press

Leah Omeasoo: The healing power of jingle dress dancing and powwow culture

(

ANNews) – Leah Omeasoo-Gillette is a member of Samson Cree Nation, one of four reserves that make up Maskwacis, AB. She is an educator in her community with a Bachelor of Education degree and is currently a Master of Education student at the University of Alberta. In addition, she is a well-known jingle dress dancer who has been crafting her dance since she was two years old.

Leah Omeasoo-Gillette comes from a prominent powwow family that has significantly contributed to the powwow culture. She is the daughter of Steve Wood and Hilda Omeasoo-Wood. Leah’s father, Steve Wood, 60, is the founder and drum keeper of the Northern Cree Singers, and the group has received 9 Grammy nominations.

At age six, Leah started dancing to a contemporary jingle dress. She successfully harnessed skills as a contemporary jingle dress dancer, and her dedication got her noticed within the powwow community.

In 2007, everything changed for Leah as she learned a new style of the jingle dress, commonly referred to as “old style” jingle dress dancing.

After attending a traditional powwow in Ontario and witnessing a jingle dress ceremony, she decided to start dancing to the older style of the jingle dress. Her first-time dancing “old style” jingle was at the Veterans powwow hosted at the Panel Memorial Agriplex in Maskwacis, AB.

Leah says the feedback from the elders in her community encouraged her to continue dancing this style.

“There are differences between the foot systems and how the dancers present themselves with their outfits,” she explained. “Contemporary regalia are very colourful, shiny, and flashy.

“They wear plumes and eagle feathers, while the older style of jingle dress is toned down and simple.

“The women keep their feet closer to the ground, and the steps are simple. The women do not carry or wear feathers.”

She incorporates sweetgrass, velvet, and beadwork in her work and dresses.

Leah says that from her understanding, the Jingle Dress is originally from the Ojibwe people of Ontario, parts of Manitoba, Minnesota, and Wisconsin and that each area has its unique variation to the origins of the dance. Still, one thing that remains consistent in the dance is healing and strength.

According to faculty research at the University of Minnesota, the Ojibwe people believe in the healing power of music and the jingles. They believe that spiritual power moves through the air. If you’ve ever been to a powwow, you’ve heard dozens of women dancing together in jingle dresses; it makes an incredible sound. The sound of the tinkling of jingle dresses is part of healing and it is very much in line with how Ojibwe people view the world and how they view spiritual power.

“The great thing about being a part of the powwow community is that everyone is supportive and makes significant long-lasting friendships,” said Leah.

She comes from a traditional family where practicing culture is very important. “This is our life,” she said. “This is how we were raised, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m grateful to my parents for raising me in the powwow circle.”

Leah aims to cultivate and raise her family in the powwow community and carry the family tradition.

She shared a compelling moment in her life when she was selected to be the 2011 Head Lady dancer at the Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For those unaware of this gathering, it is one of North America’s largest and most recognizable powwows and has been going on for 39 years in New Mexico.

Leah’s love for the powwow culture reminds us that it’s important to be proud to be First Nations and that we have a rich culture with welcoming ceremonies.

Her message to the youth is: “Learn your language and culture because these two powerful strengths will lead and guide you through life. If you would like to know more about dancing or your culture, reach out to a dancer or singer and ask questions. There is help all around, just ask.”

“Everyone is welcome to join the powwow circle,” she added. “Come out and join us in celebration of song and dance.”

Chevi Rabbit, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News

 

The History of the Jingle Dress Dance

Published on AUG 12, 2020

By: Harper Estey

Throughout Indian Country, women and girls don their Jingle Dresses and mesmerize powwows as they move lightly, kicking out their heels and bouncing to the drumbeat. The dresses – also known as Prayer Dresses – are lined with rows and rows of metal cones, or ziibaaska’iganan, traditionally made from rolled up snuff can lids and hung from the dress. The cones create another melody as the dancers move, mimicking the sound of falling rain and bringing a sense of peace to the whole endeavor.

The dance itself began just over a century ago when the granddaughter of an Ojibwe medicine man fell sick. As the man slept he dreamt, over and over, of four women as his spirit guides wearing Jingle Dresses and dancing. The women taught the man how to make the dress, what songs to play, and how to perform the dance. The spirits told him that making the dress and performing the dance would make his granddaughter well.

When the man awoke he set out and made the dress, and once completed the tribe gathered to watch the ill girl dance. At first, she was too weak and had to be supported and carried by the tribe. Slowly she gained her strength and performed the dance on her own, cured of her sickness.

The young girl was likely infected with the flu pandemic of 1918 which hit Native communities around the Great Lakes hard. This was closely followed by a ban on ritual dancing on reservations, yet despite this the Jingle Dress dance spread from the Ojibwe people, first to the Lakota and then on to the rest of Indian Country.

Today the Jingle Dress Dance is performed at powwows across the country, with the women and girls often dancing with feather fans, eagle feather plumes, or eagle feathers in their hair. As the dress and dance have spread to tribes from coast to coast it’s grown to represent both healing and pride, a spiritual form of wellness and celebration that links us to our past and helps us move forward with strength and hope.

Jingle Dress Dance | Native American Meaning and History

https://www.powwows.com/jingle-dress-dance

2011-07-21 · The Jingle Dress Dance is commonly seen in competitive pow wows, performed by women and girls in First Nations and Native American …

• Reviews: 53

• Estimated Reading Time: 5 mins

   

Adrian LaChance: Sharing culture and traditions on and off the powwow trail

Yesterday 


(ANNews) – A good many people in Native country know Adrian LaChance as the man behind the mic, because he often serves as emcee for various round dances, community events and festivities. He’s also known as an educator/presenter at schools and conferences where he shares with Native and non-Native people alike, his knowledge of Native history, culture and traditions.

And while his popularity grows in those areas, LaChance is widely renowned as a powwow dancer, singer and drummer. He shines as a charismatic dancer in any powwow arena – you literally can’t take your eyes off him. He’s a bold, skilled and wonderful traditional dancer who originally hails from Saskatchewan but was transplanted to Edmonton.

LaChance stands out loud and clear in powwow circles. His colourful, well-crafted regalia is an attraction in itself and he is often the centre of attention for visiting photographers and videographers, myself included, who delight in capturing marvellous action images.

Be that as it may, it’s a wonder that an individual who grew up as he did, was able to overcome so many negatives handed to him in life, and emerge as an accomplished cultural individual, and also a kind person who walks that precious Red Road and gives so much of himself to and for the good of the community. But that’s Adrian – a good person, a kind man, and an upstanding role model for so many of Native country’s youth to appreciate and emulate. He sets a wonderful example for not only the youth, but adults as well.

And that’s just for starters. The teachings that he shares with the non-Native community is commendable and so important given the times we live in. In this present era of controversy, Adrian shares his wisdom and knowledge with the non-Indigenous community so they can better understand, appreciate, accept and respect Native people, including their lifestyles, culture and protocols.

LaChance’s early years were in a cultural vacuum. While being raised in group homes, he was one of many Indigenous children who were frequently subjected to damning innuendos, misinformation, and put-downs. He was taught that Native culture was akin to “devil worshipping.”

When people are told something repeatedly, they eventually come to believe it. It becomes so ingrained. Yet despite the colonialist concepts that attempted to “take the Indian out of the child,” LaChance was able to do a complete turn-around and recapture his historical customs and traditions.

“Because of what I was told as a child in those group homes,” said LaChance, “I was scared of powwow dancing and singing.” He grew up deprived of learning his roots and heritage but finally, at age twenty, LaChance attended and witnessed his very first powwow.

Related video: A powwow's highlights, according to kids

“Once I found the Elders and dancers who shared their truth about it, I felt comfortable learning more …. that it was beautiful and okay.”

It was those basic, simple truths that went on to set him free – free to pursue the culture he’d been denied, the culture he thirsted to know. Stolen from him throughout his young life, LaChance’s appetite for more of that knowledge simply exploded. He learned more, then more, including his long-denied traditions of singing and dancing. And what a transformation that turned out to be! He went on to become not just a dancer, but the champion dancer that he is today! Add to this his abilities at drumming, singing, facilitating cultural workshops and presentations, and you have a blessed individual who is graciously doing his own thing in a truly good way. He is sharing his knowledge and his skills for the betterment of all. How wonderful is that!

For years now, he’s been giving back, not just locally in Edmonton …. but all over the country!

LaChance’s character makes him stand out in a crowd and so does his regalia – thanks to his loving, caring grandmother, the late Eliza Running Thunder, who sewed for countless hours on end. Every stitch and every bead was filled with love.

“She was gifted with so much knowledge and wisdom,” LaChance explained. And, undoubtedly, she had a very positive influence on him in terms of helping others, valuing education and staying away from alcohol.

As for the powwow trail, it’s like his second home. LaChance loves sharing his skills and he dances in memory of his past mentors and Elders, all of whom helped make him the good person he is today.

“I honour them each time I dance,” he states matter-of-factly.

On the powwow circuit, he states, it’s a “beautiful energy …. the people are so nice and friendly. It gives my heart much joy and hope that we can overcome anything.”

Terry Lusty, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News

Quebec First Nations Just Signed A Historic Education Agreement With Canada

Willa Holt - MTLBLOG
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The First Nations Education Council (FNEC), a collective of 22 member First Nations communities, signed an education agreement with Canada to provide around $1.1 billion over five years to support a total of 5,800 Indigenous students in Quebec.


© Provided by mtlblogQuebec First Nations Just Signed A Historic Education Agreement With Canada

The agreement comes after 10 years of negotiations and, according to the government, will serve students by providing culturally appropriate curricula, extra funds for transportation to schools, and over 600 teachers and "specialized resources" for Indigenous students.

"This is a major step forward for our people," Kahnawà:ke Grand Chief Kahsennénhawe Sky-Deer said in a press release. "This agreement will provide Kahnawà:ke with the funding and assistance required for the next five years to ensure our children and young adults get an education that embodies our roots, language, and culture."

This education agreement is one of eight similar programs developed and implemented by the Canadian government alongside First Nations representatives. In total, these agreements are expected to impact 22,000 students.

"It is because of the determination of the First Nations Education Council and the 22 communities involved that this agreement could happen, and it will keep children connected to their language and culture through their schooling. This is what reconciliation looks like when we work together in partnership," Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hajdu stated.

This agreement and others like it are intended to fulfill Article 14 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as well as contribute to several Calls to Action of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which ask that the Government of Canada ensure First Nations receive quality education that is controlled by First Nations themselves.

RIP

FIRST INDIGENOUS CHARACTER ON CBC TV

Pat John, actor who played Jesse on The Beachcombers, is dead at 69

Thu, July 14, 2022 

Pat John, who played Jesse Jim on CBC's long-running drama The Beachcombers, has died. (CBC Archives - image credit)

Pat John, best known for playing the quiet, dependable Jesse Jim on long-running CBC drama The Beachcombers, has died at age 69.

John's friend and former co-star, Jackson Davies, confirmed his death to CBC News on Thursday.

The actor died at noon on Wednesday "looking more peaceful than he has in a long time," Davies wrote in a Facebook post announcing John's death. There was no immediate word on the cause of his death.

"He was funny, kind, and although he didn't get the credit he should have, he was also a very good actor. He had the greatest laugh ever, and it was my goal in life to get him to laugh, just to hear it."

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John, a member of the shíshálh Nation in Sechelt, B.C., was cast on The Beachcombers as a teenager.

In the years that followed, he created a new blueprint for Indigenous characters on the screen, eschewing outdated stereotypes and caricatures as Jesse.

Shirley McLean, a TV producer from Carcross/Tagish First Nation in Yukon, was one of many who grew up watching John. She calls him a trailblazer for Indigenous actors and representation.

"Seeing an Indigenous character on TV was something that we were proud of, something that normalized us in mainstream society," McLean said.

The Beachcombers ran for 19 seasons, making it the second longest-running Canadian television drama ever.

Having first aired in October 1972 — with more than 350 episodes to follow — this fall marks its 50th anniversary.

"I don't think I would have ever thought of being an actor if Beachcombers hadn't happened," John said in a 2002 article printed by the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix.

The show chronicled the coastal adventures of log salvager Nick Adonidas (Bruno Gerussi) and his beachcombing partner, Jesse Jim, as they tracked down stray logs aboard their tugboat, the Persephone.

It was a hit by its second season and enjoyed 15 more as one of CBC's highest-rated shows, helped by the fact that its cast — including John, Davies and Gerussi — was beloved by viewers in Canada and internationally.

The show was filmed and set in Gibsons, B.C., putting British Columbia on the map as a destination for film production and talent — one of the very first shows to establish the province as Hollywood North.

Lowest B.C. tides in a decade present ideal conditions for beachcombers

CBC, Thu, July 14, 2022

Tides were at their lowest in a decade on July 14, 2022. (Gian Paolo Mendoza/CBC - image credit)

The lowest tides in about a decade graced B.C.'s South Coast on Thursday, with a combination of natural factors creating the perfect situation for combing the beach for creatures and treasures.

Low tide hit just after noon in Vancouver, and just before noon in White Rock, a municipality south of Vancouver near the U.S. border. Victoria had one low tide at about 9:30 a.m. and another is expected at 8:45 p.m. PT.

Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the sun and moon.

CBC meteorologist Johanna Wagstaffe says these low tides are a result of three cycles that have lined up perfectly.

First, spring tides — when tides jump from extreme highs to extreme lows and line up with the full moon — are currently in effect.

Ben Nelms/CBC

Second: the full moon overnight is the closest it will be to Earth in 2022.

"It might not sound like much in astronomical terms but the moon being that much closer will have that much of an extra pull on our tides," Wagstaffe said.

Gian Paolo Mendoza/CBC

Third, the peak of the moon's 18.6-year cycle, also known as the Lunar Standstill, is fast approaching. The peak occurs in 2024-2025, but observable effects extend for at least three years around that period.

'A fantastic chance to learn'

Low tides make for a good time to hit the beach and look at intertidal creatures, ones that may not be seen otherwise.

Alison Wood, co-founder of education organization Ocean Ambassadors, says she has been out with her summer camp kids, checking out what low tides offer.

"It makes exploring in the intertidal zone really fun," she said.

Ben Nelms/CBC

In particular, she and her crew have been able to spot sea stars, limpets and crabs.

"There's dozens for them to see."

Jackie Hildering, a marine biologist in northern Vancouver Island, says it's important to take that opportunity to learn about sea life.

But it's equally important for beachcombers to help protect the creatures impacted by low tide.

"There are stressors and especially the life that gets exposed on lower tides … they're not designed to be able to deal with that in the same way as animals that can move around," she told All Points West host Robyn Burns.

Stressors include being out of the water, heat, and increased predation from birds, bears and other animals while the tide is out.

She's reminding beachcombers not to touch animals, especially if they're unsure of whether the animal should be in the water.

"We're often inclined to think, 'I'm going to save this animal because it's not in water,' but for example, there are fish that are incredibly adapted to be able to have water tucked behind their gills and you might be taking away a male fish that is guarding its eggs."

Ben Nelms/CBC

She adds that it's important to be careful when walking and reconsider taking shells and other treasures home.

"When you're going into an area, it's a privilege, it's an opportunity, it's a fantastic chance to learn and to interact in a way that's respectful."

CANADA

Indian day school settlement claim deadline passes, despite calls for extension

CBC, Thu, July 14, 2022 

A classroom in one of 11 Indian day schools that operated in Kahnawake, Que. The deadline to file a claim for compensation under the Indian day school settlement was July 13 but individuals can apply for an extension.

 (Kanien’kehá:ka Onkwawén:na Raotitióhkwa Language and Cultural Centre - image credit)

The deadline has passed for survivors of federal Indian day schools and federal day schools to apply for compensation in the class action settlement, though individuals can ask to be considered for a six-month extension.

The Matawa Chiefs Council, which represents nine First Nations in Ontario, said in a statement Wednesday, "We are relaying with deep concern and with 100 per cent certainty that — after 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time tonight — there will be potential claimants/class members from our communities who will not have been able to meet the deadline."

"We are continuing to receive reports that there are elders and other vulnerable people from our communities whom are still not understanding and/or not able to submit a claim."

On Tuesday, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) condemned the use of deadlines in what should be a delicate process.

"An extension for applications could greatly reduce stress, but instead, tomorrow's deadline will re-traumatize Indian Day School survivors," said acting Grand Chief Cornell McLean in a statement.

McLean added AMC was disappointed that neither Canada nor the claims administrator had considered its requests to extend the deadline.

In a statement Thursday, Grand Council Chief Reg Niganobe of the Anishinabek Nation, which represents 39 First Nations in Ontario, called it "a failure" of class counsel and the federal government to address the concerns of survivors and their families.

"They not only deserved more time, but a more fair and transparent process overall, which would have alleviated some stress and trauma citizens have been experiencing," he said.

Extension requests reviewed by committee

The federal Indian day school and federal day school system was an attempt to assimilate Indigenous children, by removing them from their languages and culture. The institutions were often run by religious institutions and some students faced physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Nearly 700 Indian day schools operated across Canada between 1863 and 2000.

Under the class action settlement, survivors could file claims for compensation on a tiered system for harms suffered, from level one to level five, ranging from $10,000 to $200,000. Survivors making claims for levels two to five need to write a statement disclosing details of the abuse they suffered. The claims process opened in January 2020 and the deadline was July 13, 2022.

Extension requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by a committee appointed by the Federal Court.

Submitted by Cam Cameron

Cam Cameron, class counsel lead for the settlement, said in emailed statement that counsel will monitor the number of extension requests and claim forms filed after July 13.

"If the influx of claim forms is relatively high/constant during the six-month extension period, then upon further analysis, and direction from the representative plaintiffs, we may seek Canada's consent to further extend the claims filing period beyond Jan. 13, 2023," he said.

Cameron said counsel is available to assist all applicants free of charge during the extension process.

So far, more than 150,000 claim forms have been filed, which exceeds estimates that there would be between 120,000 and 140,000 claims.

Support is available for anyone affected by their experience at Indian or federal day schools. Individuals can access immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention services at the Hope for Wellness helpline by calling 1-855-242-3310 or online at www.hopeforwellness.ca.

First Nation pulls out of 2022 Summer Games citing ‘disrespect, lateral violence’

Thu, July 14, 2022

The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation has pulled its support from the Canada Summer Games only weeks before the national competition is set to get underway in Niagara.

In a damning letter sent July 11 to summer games board chair Doug Hamilton, Mississaugas Chief R. Stacey Laforme cited “disrespect, lateral violence and a strange pan Indigenous approach” for why the First Nation would no longer be involved.

“I think (the board) missed the boat big time when they had the opportunity to take reconciliation another step forward. Instead, they put it back,” Laforme told Windspeaker.com in a telephone interview July 13.

Laforme said he was “hopeful they’d take the right steps” in the beginning when conversations got underway between his First Nation and the board about a year ago.

Early in the planning stages, the board formed an Indigenous Partnership Council, which is no longer operational. The council, which comprised the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River, Niagara Regional Native Friendship Centre, Fort Erie Friendship Centre, Métis Nation of Ontario, NPAAMB Indigenous Youth Employment and Training, Inuit, and Brock University, provided advice.

Laforme stepped back to allow the team that had been put in place for his Nation to take over discussions.

“When I got back involved, I was very shocked and surprised to see that Canada Summer Games had signed a (memorandum of understanding) with one of their own board members to deliver the Indigenous programming in the games. We’re all talking about reconciliation. Where’s the direct relationship with government-to-government? Where’s the respect to First Nations communities? And I include the Indigenous organizations in that too,” he said.

Not only do the “optics around that raise some concerns,” Laforme stated in his letter because it’s unclear if the board member financially gained, but it appears to be a short cut taken by the board instead of having “open dialogue with us to understand what we want to do.”

“I blame Canada Summer Games board for not knowing any better. They should know. We’re going through all this stuff. Residential schools. We talk about reconciliation for the last five years under the leadership of the Trudeau government and they’re still making beginning-step errors, in my mind.”

Laforme said his team told him the board member/Indigenous programming consultant wanted to have a “mish-mash of all the Creation stories at the opening. You don’t do stuff like that. There were other things in that line.”

But the pivotal point, says Laforme, is when he learned that his youth had been allegedly mistreated when they attended an opening, though the chief didn’t disclose details.

“I had got that confirmed by another organization, who said, ‘Oh yeah,’ they were also very upset. So I said, ‘Well disrespecting our youth in these times is almost reason enough itself to pull out’.”

After that, Laforme says, issues “escalated” and his team felt ignored during discussions with the board and couldn’t see how they could move forward. Laforme supported them in their decision.

He said he met with the summer games board, who were “very willing to sit down and have a discussion about what they could do to improve things with the Mississaugas, but at that point in time it was too late.”

He also noted that the board offered no specific actions to be taken.

The First Nation has directed the board to remove their name and logo from anything dealing with the games.

Laforme says other Indigenous organizations have raised concerns with him. He says none have committed to take similar action. However, he says, he supports whatever decision they make.

“One of the major things the Crown and Canada took away from our people was the right to choose: Choose our culture, choose our language, choose what we wear, even choose who our members are. I said I would never interfere with anybody’s right to choose. I said, ‘If you want to go ahead and participate in the games, I wish you the best of luck and I hope you’re treated well and for you, you feel the games are a success’, but for Mississaugas, we’ll always view the games as a failure.”

Karl Dockstader, executive director of the Niagara Regional Native Friendship Centre, says he was “definitely alarmed” by Laforme’s letter.

Although no one from the Niagara friendship centre was “actively involved” in what Laforme talked about or observed anything similar, Dockstader says he’s not going to dismiss the concerns voiced.

“We also think that it’s important to be respectful that an important partner has now withdrawn their support,” said Dockstader.

The Niagara friendship centre held its AGM on July 12. The letter was discussed by Dockstader and his board.

“We have started to have conversations about making sure we’re reflecting the will of the community in a good way,” he said.

When Windspeaker.com spoke to Dockstader early on July 13, he said they had not yet been contacted by the summer games board to discuss the concerns raised.

“We’re really in a wait-and-see mode. This is serious that the Mississaugas of the Credit have withdrawn and that they’re using the kind of language, talking about how the games are a failure and particularly that youth was let down. We take it seriously, but we also take our commitments and partnerships seriously,” said Dockstader.

He added that the Niagara friendship centre had not yet decided its course of action.

“We don’t want to rush into anything, but we also don’t want to take too long,” said Dockstader.

Canada Summer Games board did not respond to a request for an interview from Windspeaker.com.

The Canada Summer Games run from Aug. 6 to 21 in Niagara.

Windspeaker.com

By Shari Narine, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Windspeaker.com, Windspeaker.com

HEALTHCARE IN CRISIS
Patient dies while waiting hours to be seen in New Brunswick emergency department

Thu, July 14, 2022

FREDERICTON — The death of a patient in the waiting room of a Fredericton hospital's emergency department is prompting calls for major improvements to the province's health-care system.

John Staples, a residential support worker, witnessed the incident as he waited with a client at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital and posted details on social media.

He says the man appeared to be in a lot of pain and discomfort as he waited for hours in a wheelchair but eventually appeared to fall asleep, and it wasn't until one of the hospital staff checked on him that it was discovered he had died.

Staples says there's something wrong with the health-care system, and changes are needed.

The Opposition Liberals are calling for the resignation of Health Minister Dorothy Shephard and for funding to be directed to hiring more hospital staff.

Shephard has called for a review of the incident, and the president of the health authority that oversees the hospital says that process has begun.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 14, 2022.

The Canadian Press