http://www.leftboot.com

Gary belongs to two communities.We’re proud to be one of them.Gary Lerat grew up in a community he loves — the Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan. Today, he’s also a member of the PotashCorp community. Thanks to a unique outreach program, we’re tapping into the talents of First Nations and Métis people like Gary. We off ered him a career path at our Rocanville mine, and he’s making the most of it. “It’s got that community feel,” says Gary about PotashCorp. “Everyone there is almost like family.” To see the video of Gary’s story, visit PotashCorp.com/25

yearsof nourishinghuman potential.

STORY NO. 11

JANUARY Kisê-pîsim The Great Moon – DeerPow wows, rockfests, patios, beaches all keep you busy as long as the sun shines and the moon beams! It’s a great summer for spending time with friends and family, and don’t forget your elders. They have lots to tell you and want to share with you – go, sit with them, don’t talk with them – listen to them. They still have much to say about life.

FEBRUARY Mikisiwi-pîsim The Eagle Moon – EagleSummer has a way of bringing out the joy in people, the hot sun, the beautiful sunsets, the color of life everywhere, BBQ’s, and of course making some memories this summer to look back at when you’re older. Every season has its own thrills and spills but focus on the life and the love of the ones near you and you’ll be fine!

MARCH Niski-pîsim The Goose Moon – CougarDon’t think you can walk away from your bingo addiction this summer? Play bingo with your kids or grand kids while at the beach, tell them to go find a shell, a blue rock or a moss covered branch or a cat tail and the one to bring back the most items wins the opportunity to choose a treat for everyone! Be the bingo caller! Be the Bingo!

APRIL Ayikî-pîsim – The Frog Moon – BeaverRelax, take some pictures, watch life and enjoy family – you don’t always have to be running, take some time to ride some horses this summer and feel them trot your troubles away. The slow travel gives you time to think and reflect on what you want out of life and plan for it, remember you need to know where you’re going in order to map it out.

MAY Sâkipakâwi-pîsim The Budding Moon – BearUrban cousins, reserve cousins, cousins across other reserves and you don’t know where your dad or uncles might have been. Your summer of neechie love might just be travelling far away to pow wow and snag in places you’ve never experienced before! Better yet, grab a bunch of your own cousins and make a summer for all of you out of it!

JUNE Pâskâwihowi-pîsim The Hatching Moon – ThunderbirdOne night in Piapot, an aboriginal reservation with everything and time flies, it doesn’t take a minute to learn a little history. A great little place to spend some time alone exploring the valley or taking in their pow wow and visiting with elders and family. Pack your bags and go find some stage 5 clinging ticks...

JULY Paskowi-Pîsim The Moulting Moon – CoyoteNothing wrong with good old fashioned romance, like flowers, a dinner out, a long walk along a beach, berry picking. But whatever you do, plan ahead of time and surprise your partner with it. It doesn’t have to be for a birthday or an anniversary or anything special, it just has to be special for the both of you. And that’s what summer love is all about.

AUGUST Ohpahowi-pîsim The Flying Up Moon – MouseSummer of Love? Not for you! Your constant gaming and facebooking keep you locked up in the cool basement and when you do get out to watch a ball game or hit the beach you make sure your phone is fully charged! Carefully planned outings are only out planned by your careful planning to avoid the dreaded ‘feelings’. You’ve had enough of those for the summer and nothing wrong with taking a break.

SEPTEMBER Nôcihitowi-pîsim The Mating Moon – SalmonSo how’s that Plenty of Fish profile coming along? Add some zest to it by talking about your love for tacos and long romantic walks through Walmart while sipping on your double double! Besides, meeting your snags at the bar is making you look more and more like a bar star – perhaps a change is in order. When you always do what you always did you will always get what you always got.

OCTOBER Pinaskâwi-pîsim The Migrating Moon – TurtleWith everyone beaching, pow wowing, and riding horses or camping you’re just happy you have a job that has air conditioning. Sitting in the cool of your office typing, filing, photocopying, faxing and stamping all day before you have to run to your air conditioned vehicle to drive you to hide in your air conditioned home, you just hate the heat. Don’t be afraid of your swass (sweaty-ass); get out there!

NOVEMBER Iyikopiwi-pîsim The Frost Moon – WolfSmile at the storms, you’re going to dance in the rain anyway and when the clouds clear you’ll be washed in the tears of the Creators joy for your renewal. And don’t buy green bread.

DECEMBER Pawâcakinasîsi-pîsim The Frost Exploding Trees Moon – SpiderThey says they’re never going to give you up, never going to let you down, never going to run around and desert you, never going to make you cry, never going say good bye, never going to tell a lie and hurt you... but trust me, this new partner is going to Rick Roll you... although you might as well enjoy the ride!

Indian Horoscopes: “The Summer of Neechie Love” Edition By Bill Stevenson

Find online exclusives @www.rezxmag.com

Shay McNabb Cover Shoot: Behind the Scenes Pics and VideoWhile professional photographer, Ryan Peterman took the shots for this issue’s cover story, Publisher Chris Tyrone Ross was there to capture all the behind the scenes pics and video of the shoot for Shay McNabb.

What Does the Fox Say?RezX blogger Novalee Fox shares her every day insights and stories as a young First Nations Woman and University student living on her own for the first time in Regina, SK.

Humour: Treaty Fashion for 5 bucksRezX Contributing Editor and Writer, Lani Elliot writes this satirical piece on everything you can get for your five dollar treaty money come treaty day, which really isn’t much, but you would be surprised what items we found.

SOCIAL MEDIAFollow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/RezXMag

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/RezXMagazine

SUBSCRIBE TO REZX ONLINETo subscribe for your office or school just click on the subscription link under the “services” tab and fill out the form and pay later or pay online through PayPal, it’s that easy!

For more Indian Horoscopes every month, check out: http://www.rezxmag.com/category/horoscopes

Sterling306.565.27292124B Robinson Street

Regina, SK S4T 2P7

KILL BILL C-33 http://is.gd/txHB2x

The First Nations Education Act (FNEA), Bill C-33, has been officially dismissed by the chiefs of Canada. A rift over the name of the bill, control of First Nations Education, did not ring true for chiefs in the AFN Confederacy of Nations. They felt it was another ‘top down’ approach to manage funds and the bill’s name was a bold faced lie.

Atleo quit. Aboriginal Affairs got their face pushed. The chiefs went ‘rogue’ and supported the grassroots voice. It was a good day.

THE EMPEROR HAS NO CLOTHES http://is.gd/7m7dvz

“Sir John A. Macdonald’s dirty secret—he starved Aboriginal people in order to settle the West and pave the way for the CPR—the very book that launched a devastating critique of his policies has won—ironically—the Sir John A. Macdonald Prize.” (Derrick at West Coast Native News)

Now that’s funny. James Daschuk’s book ‘Clearing the Plains’ wins an honor for disrobing the Canadian figure the honor is named after. It’s like spitting on the portrait of the Queen and having her call it art. Beautiful irony. A must read on that basis alone.

The views expressed here are those of columnist Jay Bird and do not represent RezX as a company or magazine. By Jay Bird

Photo Credit: George Lancefield Library and Archives

Photo Credit: Larry MacDougal Canadian Press

THE DRUNKEN INDIAN AND THE LODGE KEEPER http://is.gd/HGlc1R

“We use Cree Indian guides from the town of Pukatawagon in northern Manitoba…like all native North Americans, they have a basic intolerance for alcohol. Please do not give my guides alcohol under any circumstances.” (Brent Fleck, Laurie River Lodge Owner – Travel Guide)

That’s the exact quote. Are you kidding me? Are you serious? Racist much?

Chief Arlen Dumas has demanded an apology since those guides are from his community. Obviously the stereotype is not true nonetheless it made it into marketing material for this lodge. The owner has since apologized but Dumas has not accepted it due to it being more deflection than sincerity.

A WHISPER FROM THE ROOFTOPS http://is.gd/6BzDRq

“The government has decided to send some of these records to Library and Archives Canada, where they will be kept permanently and eventually made available to the public.” (Kimberly Murray, TRC executive director)

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is in a pickle. They have a lot of personal testimonies (20,000) from survivors and if they keep them in the Library and Archives they will become public knowledge. It was expressly told to the survivors that this would not happen. I hope the TRC can keep the records safe. Silent? I am not sure that will help future generations.

Photo Credit: Laurie River Lodge Website

Photo Credit: Fred Cattroll

Indigenous News & Opinion

Smudge Walk Returns: Attracts Hundreds from the CommunityRegina, SK - The 2014 Regina Smudge Walk was held on June 2 and brought out almost 300 people that walked throughout North Central to smudge the streets and heal the community.

This year many dignitaries from every aspect of government was on hand to bring greetings including; Mark Docherty MLA for Coronation Park, City of Regina Police Chief Troy Hagen, FSIN (Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations) Vice-Chief Kimberly Jonathan, Warren McCall MLA for Regina Elphinstone-Centre, CEO Ron Crowe from 2014 NAIG (North American Indigenous Games) and organizers like Myke Agecoutay, who brought back the event after a 4-year hiatus.

Cherish Deegan of RAPA (Regina Aboriginal Professionals Association) was among the host of other speakers who came out to support this great event. Opening prayers were given by Elder Armand McArthur from Pheasant Rump First Nation before the walk who exhorted everyone to all “respect the women in our lives”.

It was a lively walk with lots of youth joining us from Scott Collegiate, Albert School, Wascana School, and Healing Hearts Catholic School. Many Elders also came out to support the community as well and of course many community members joined in solidity. At the end of the day SaskEnergy came through with barbecued burgers for everyone!

This event officially kicked off RAPA’s National Aboriginal History Month as more events are planned throughout the month of June (please see their ad below).

Reporting and photos by Bill Stevenson

The Regina 2014 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) Host Society has now confirmed the full performer lineup at the Opening Ceremony a Mosaic Stadium July 20th in Regina. On April 29th Juno Award winning artist George Leach was announced as the headline act. Along with George Leach Regina 2014 NAIG is pleased to announce that award winning aboriginal artists Inez Jasper, Crystal Shawanda, and the Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company will all be performing on the main stage at Mosaic Stadium.

This eclectic mix of award winning performers will complement this exciting event and appeal to all audiences. It all begins at 2pm, with Headline Act George Leach.

Tickets for the Opening Ceremony are available at Ticketmaster Box Offices across Canada or online via the Ticketmaster website. They will be available at the Brandt Centre Box Office during regular business hours.

Regina 2014 NAIG will host the athletes and teams from 26 regions in North America’s Indigenous

communities as they compete in 15 different sports. It will celebrate and share North American Indigenous cultures through a showcase of language, tradition, art, song, dance and ceremonies. The theme of the Regina 2014 North American Indigenous Games is “Raising the Bar” and we will do this by exhibiting youth excellence in sports and culture.

NORTH AMERICAN INDIGENOUS GAMES ANNOUNCES OPENING CEREMONY LINE UP

Photo Credits: George Leach: Ryan Peterman for Leftboot Photography / Inez: Karolina Turek

http://www2.myaccess.ca/naig/

Chief Shawn LongmanCouncillor Jason Morris Councillor Byron BitternoseCouncillor Corey Blind Councillor Dennis HunterCouncillor John McNab Councillor Terry-Lynn McNabCouncillor Hugh Pratt Councillor Ashley Whitehawk

Box 248 Punnichy, SK S0A 3C0 Phone: 306.835.2232 Toll Free: 1.877.835.2232Fax: 306.835.2036 Website: www.georgegordonnrstnation.com

By Dr. Shauneen Pete

As I enter the school the scent of sweetgrass is in the air. I can hear a drummer singing a morning song with what I imagine is a room of small children. As I walk toward the office I notice the images, symbols and words on the walls and bulletin boards are rooted in Cree identity; “Tawaw” is written in big yellow letters above the main showcase. As I enter the main office, a parent and staff member are joking in their language, their laughter reminding me of my own family. The parent turns to me and asks “kinihithowan” I respond, “no, but I want to learn”. I introduce myself to both people. The secretary guides me down the hall to a large common space. An elder is sitting with the First Nations principal and a group of youth. A young male is carrying the smudge bowl around the circle. The elder gestures for us to join and we do. So begins the day at this community school.

The students remain with the elder as the principal leads me down the hall for our scheduled tour. In the computer lab I see students of about 10 or 11 years of age working on digital storybooks. I ask one of the learners if they would mind telling me about what they are learning. She shows me the map of the Regina Indian Industrial school. She explains that the school closed in 1910 but that the only remaining evidence of it is the unmarked graves near the youth detention centre. She and her classmates have been reviewing student records to determine if there might be any living relatives who can share their stories about the school and its history. As I look around the room, I hear students speaking in Cree with one another, posing questions, teasing. I realize that these students have the ability to question, respond and articulate their new understandings in their language, and at first I am surprised, but my surprise quickly turns to pride.

Down the hall, the older students are doing an inventory of what appears to be camping supplies. As they double check their gear I can’t help but get caught up in their anticipation. I ask one, “Where are you going?” He responds in Cree, then translates for me, “We are going to the Treaty 4 Camp to learn about sustainable housing and water systems. We will help to build composite toilets for the camp as part of ecology unit. We are gone for a whole week”. There are several adults in the room; one is speaking Cree with small groups of youth as they pack up the digital cameras that they will use to document their work. Two young women are double-checking a box with sweetgrass, and sage, ensuring that they will have enough for their

morning ceremonies. A side door opens, and they begin to haul all their belongings to a pair of vans. We step out of the room to continue our tour.

Around the corner, we see four or five adults sitting with small groups of children here and there in the hallway. As we draw near, I can hear that one of the parents is sharing a story; down the hall, another parent is reviewing math. Another parent emerges from a classroom to let the principal know that the parents would like to work with the teachers on how to recognize maturation in the adolescents. She informs us that the Elder will provide direction and support for this discussion...

I have a dream for a Cree Immersion program in Regina. Ideally it would be a preK-12 program. I imagine that this is a school that actively engages learners not only in speaking the language but “thinking and being Cree” through ceremony and project based and land-based activities. I imagine excited, competent learners. I imagine engaged, dedicated parents who lead some of the developments of the school and a supportive, responsive and engaged staff who work with them. I want to see active involvement by traditional knowledge keepers and community members. I want us to co-create a culturally dynamic learning environment where we define success on our own terms. If I can imagine it, it can be. Who is interested? Would you be willing to undertake the conversation about our own school here in Regina? Who do we need to invite to participate in the conversation? Join me in the conversation by contacting RezX Magazine at rezxeditor@gmail.com attention: Dr. Shauneen Pete.

“I Have A Dream...of Another Kind of First Nations Education”

Photo by Bill Stevenson

Student Success Programnitôncipâmin omâ

Discover the most supportivegroup learning environment forfirst year Aboriginal students.

Are you entering University?

For information, please contact the Aboriginal Student Centre.306-337-3153 ascentre@uregina.ca www.uregina.ca/students/asc

Tutors

Scholarships

one on one support

Personal Development

University of Regina: A Freshman ReflectionFear, excitement and intimidation. Off the top of my head, those were the words I used to describe my feelings related to higher education. Questions like, “will I be able to succeed?” filled me with fear, with a younger sister and our survival my first priority. We all know struggles exist, but sometimes overlook them when coming into life changing experiences. Our first year of post secondary education is one of those moments.

This past year provided me the opportunity to connect to a first year student success program, called nitôncipâmin omâ. For short, students call it the OMA program. Through OMA, I was guided by the program facilitator, tutors and helped by fellow first year students. The program gave me so much invaluable support! The facilitator and staff of the Aboriginal Student Centre helped me in many ways: from helping me find employment, to providing a compassionate ear. This eased some of my worries and concerns about starting university.

As a new student, you will likely face many challenges. The good news is you are not alone. You will meet other students who can accompany you on the journey, as well as connect with staff and faculty that are devoted to ensuring your success. Through the supportive network at the U of R, you can bet that you will overcome fears with curiosity, courage and develop your sense of self. Now after one of the best years of my life, I come to university with only excitement!

By Erin Goodpipe

Special Advertorial: University of Regina Students Success Program

Real Model: Shay McNabb The 2014 FNUniv Pow Wow Princess is Ready to Lead

If there was a sound track to Shay McNabb’s life it would most certainly have a steady drum beat. This young Cree woman from

George Gordon First Nation was born and raised in Regina and says, “I’ve been dancing ever since I could walk. I was attending pow wows ever since I was in my mom’s stomach.” This is how it was handed down to her parents as well. “Generation to generation. It’s a positive thing. This is what we do as a family.” Both Shay and her family have reason to be proud as she was recently crowned the 2014 First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) Pow Wow Princess.

I asked her about her journey and she said, “I chose to run for Princess basically because I thought it was something I just needed to push me, to form me. I was graduating and it just seemed right. I’ve been really getting involved with my school and trying to show that leadership.”

Shay has never been scared to try new things and dancing isn’t the only way she stays active. She has played on a number of sports teams including basketball, lacrosse, handball, volleyball and her favorite, softball. As sporty as this Miller High School Marauder might be, she claims, “If you want to know the real Shay McNabb, I love art. I’m very proud of this mural I did for my grade 12 year. I wanted to make it an aboriginal piece. The message I wanted to leave was the importance of education. Graduating from a school like that in a positive environment was a good feeling. I just wanted to share that with others.”

The mural portrays education as smoke wafting out of a tipi and floating into the ear of a graduate. The virtues of her school are written in Cree. Across the bottom are the words, “Keep the tradition going.”

One of Shay’s goals is to learn to speak her language fluently. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. They always talk about language and how important it is to our culture and how not many people carry that tradition today. It is something we are losing. In my mind it is endangered. It’s there, but not as much as Elders wish it would be. If no one passes it on then it’s not going to be there.”

Dance is something she is very fluent in, although she started out in her own special way. “I first started dancing Jingle. I was a tiny tot so I would dance around but then I started following and looking at my cousins, doing what they were doing and they were fancy shawl dancers. I’d start spinning around and flailing my arms around really into it, but doing the wrong type of thing. My great-grandparents and my grand-parents noticed. She’s not meant to be a jingle dress dancer. She’s meant to be a fancy dancer.”

They were right.

“Don’t give up. In the end it’s only you. It’s only about your journey and what you have to go through. Let the education guide you.”

Mural Shay painted for Miller High School 2014 FNUniv crown beaded by Tom Benjoe

Real Model: Shay McNabb The 2014 FNUniv Pow Wow Princess is Ready to Lead

“Don’t give up. In the end it’s only you. It’s only about your journey and what you have to go through. Let the education guide you.”

Story By Shane Bellergarde Photos by Ryan Peterman

It takes more than dancing to be a FNUniv Princess. “The qualifications are that you had to be single. You had to be from 16-21. They wanted to see your marks to see how well you’re doing in school of course. You get judged on an essay that you submit. You get judged on your speech and how well you can project your voice.”

She wears the crown and sash beautifully but humbly admits that competition isn’t where her focus lies when she’s dancing. “Everyone has their own reason for dancing. The competition is just there, you know? There’s more to it. There’s more background information that people don’t know. The traditional, they are the warriors. The jingle dress dancers, that’s a healing dance. So is the men’s grass dance. The fancy dancers were endurance people.

Before I’m about to compete I go and I stretch and then I close my eyes and I think about who I’m dancing for. I’ve been taught ever since I was a kid when you get tired that’s when you think about those people that can’t be there and you gotta dance for them. To me that’s what it’s really all about. Dancing is for those people, for other people, not for yourself. You think about family and health and the people who are in the hospital. You pray to the creator, ask for strength and just giv’er!”

Shay will be doing a lot of dancing this summer and making a lot of appearances fulfilling her duties as FNUniv Princess. One of the most rewarding jobs she’ll have will be as a role model for all those looking up to her. She already has some words of advice. “Don’t give up. In the end it’s only you. It’s only about your journey and what you have to go through. Let the education guide you. Don’t be scared to try post secondary education. There are so many opportunities out there that we have as Aboriginal people. Anyone can do anything if they put their mind to it.”

Shay will be following her own advice in the fall as she pursues post secondary education and her future goals. She has lots of options available to her and if history is a good teacher she won’t be afraid to dive in and try new things. Nothing could replace dancing in her life though. “It’s just something that you learn year after year, more and more, what it really means to dance. It’s like your dream job. It’s work, but I love it! For me it’s healing, it’s prayerful.”

2014 FNUniv crown beaded by Tom Benjoe

1690 – Saskatchewan is named after the North and South Saskatchewan Rivers. The word was “kisiskatchewan”- meaning the river that flows swiftly.

1854 - The church at Stanley Mission, constructed, is the oldest existing building in Saskatchewan. Built by a local Cree carpenter and it used stained glass from England and wood from the area. It became a historic site in 1970.

1862-1877 – Sioux bands seek refuge in Saskatchewan only to be given refugee

status. Originally the Sioux travelled these lands alongside other bands prior to a border separating Canada from the States. Their bands are as far north as Prince Albert and Saskatoon.

1871 - 1906 – Treaties 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 are signed and cover all the areas of Saskatchewan. The treaties guaranteed the rights of Canadians to settle in the land. Indigenous peoples garnered rights to health, education, and nationhood. These are found in each treaty and are called ‘treaty rights’.

1874-1996 – Total period of history that 22 residential schools existed in Saskatchewan. The original intention of these schools was to ‘kill the Indian in the child’ or assimilation. Assimilation is the loss of Indigenous cultures for joining the broader Canadian experience.

1885 – Louis Riel establishes a provisional government in Saskatchewan. His goal was to establish a province of settlers, Indigenous bands, and the Métis. They met in Batoche, which is now a historical site, but its political reach only ever extended to South Branch (mid-Saskatchewan).

1929 – The League of Indians of Western Canada is formed, with John Tootoosis as the first president. The group later amalgamated, with the help of TC Douglas, with two other political organizations to form the Union of Saskatchewan in 1946. This would later become FSIN in 1982.

1954 - Fred Sasakamoose, from Atahkakoop, became the first Indigenous person to play in the NHL. After winning MVP in the WHL in 1953 Fred was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks. He played all of 1954

in Chicago and then later years in their minor leagues. He is still involved in leadership and sports camps for Indigenous kids.

1955 – Gwen O’ Soup, Key First Nation, becomes the first women chief in Canada. She served 2 years as chief and her key mandate was Indigenous education and revitalizing a health centre in Norquay. 6 of her kids ended up earning university degrees.

1966 – Cree elders and dancers offer their last oblations at buffalo rock (mistasiniy), near Elbow, SK. The rock was related to a Cree legend and Cree ceremonies were performed there. Saulteaux, Blackfoot, and Assiniboia bands also made treks to this monument. It was blown up in 1966 to make room for the Diefenbaker reservoir.

1967 – David Knight, former FSIN Chief, receives a Centennial medal. Elected as first

The Making Treaty 7 Project is not just for Treaty 7The Making Treaty 7 (MT7) Project workshop had four sold out shows in Calgary, AB on April 5-6, 2014. According to its website, www.makingtreaty7.com, the theatre production, “explores the historical significance of the events at Blackfoot Crossing in 1877, while investigating the consequences and implications of Treaty 7, 137 years later.”

The production is still in the development stage, but has award winning Indigenous talent such as, Michelle Thrush and Cowboy Smithx, who have been part of the project as actors and the creation team. The production team is made up of International, Canadian, and Indigenous artists. The project currently shows as

a collection of vignettes, that have a vast range from historical reenactments, personal stories, dance pieces, comedy, and live music.

The MT7 Project is scheduled to debut at Heritage Park, Calgary in September of 2014 and will be an annual event. The production had its first showing symposium in September 23, 2013 and receives audience and heavy Treaty 7 Elder consultation.

RezX asked some of the actors, elders, and production staff, “Is the MT7 Project just for Treaty 7?”

Review by Lacy Morin-Desjarlais Photos by Arnell Tailfeathers

Visit the website: www.makingtreaty7.com to view next showing dates and past event information and Like the Making Treaty 7 Facebook Page.

SASKATCHEWAN INDIGENOUS HISTORY – KEY DATES:

Micheal Green ( MT7 Creative Producer):

“The MT7 Project is for the primary purpose of educating, commemorating, and celebrating Treaty 7 people of every type. However one of its main functions is a tourism event, to which we invite the world. I hope we can show the universal in the geographically specific, and the specific in the universal. This is the story about us, here together in this place. But, our experiences are being lived out in so many ways - similar and different – across the globe.”

Narcisse Blood (MT7 Actor & Blackfoot Elder):

“No, it is not just about Treaty 7 as this is about relationship to the land or lack of a relation and moreover what we are doing to what gives us life. Also, what was done to us, natives, to access the resources. The best part of this project is how we were able to come together with different backgrounds and be able to collaborate and put this show on the stage and share with the audience a compelling story of trauma and how this can be very healing for all.”

Cowboy Smithx (MT7 Actor):

“Yes MT7 is for anyone who considers themselves a Canadian or identifies as First Nations. Irredentism is the word, injustice was never an option!”

Brina Stinehelfer (MT7 Actor):

“We are all treaty people’ extends beyond Alberta or even Canada - every society is the result of a number of treaties, often made unwillingly or unwittingly between the different peoples who inhabit it, between them and those that came before, between them and their governments...The more we understand about the blood and ink that make up societies (whether they are ones we are currently living in or not), the more we learn to question the histories we’ve been taught, appreciate the makeup of the ground we live on - and prevent or uncover other ‘crooked treaties’. I think the world needs to see Making Treaty 7, and not just for the artistic value or education about Treaty 7 people, but for the asking of questions and uncovering of truths that can inspire others. Every sidewalk has a story to tell. I myself am now inspired to investigate a little deeper into what I think I know about the history of my home, Berlin. And I do plan to bring the show here someday.”

By Jesse Robson

Vice-President of FSIN in 1959. He later went on to become FSIN Chief from 1961-64. After a 16 year term with Indian Affairs he became a senator for FSIN in 1977.

1969 – Gov’t of Sask Education Council approves first Native Studies course in Saskatchewan at Ed Feehan School in Saskatoon. Native Studies is a combination of both anthropology and history. It is presently an official degree at both First Nations University of Canada and University of Saskatchewan.

1970 – New Breed Magazine is published by the Métis Society of Saskatchewan. The magazine ran from 1970 to 2009, almost 40 years. The first issue can be read here: http://www.metismuseum.ca/media/document.php/06971.pdf

1976 – SIFC, now First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv), opened

in Regina. It had 9 students and offered 6 programs. On National Aboriginal Day in 2003 FNUniv moved to its new building. Today the institution has students province wide, offering 11 areas of study.

1978 – Harry Daniels meeting with the Senate and House of Commons gets Métis rights included in the Constitution of Canada. From 1975 to 1981 Harry served as Native Council of Canada president to ensure Indigenous rights. This organization later became Congress of Aboriginal Peoples.

1992 – Wanuskewin Heritage Park opens to the public. The park contains 19 pre-contact sites dating back 5000-6000 years. Queen Elizabeth II officially ruled it a National Heritage site in 1987.

1996 – Indian gaming agreement allows for First Nations control and operation of on-reserve casinos. By 2008 SIGA had opened

6 casinos in SK and now employs over 1900 people.

1998 – Buffy St. Marie receives Canada’s highest honor, the order of Canada. From humble beginnings on Piapot reserve to an Oscar award in 1982, Buffy is a Saskatchewan inspiration. She has recorded 17 albums and has a 40 year career in advocating for various causes, namely education.

2002 – The Métis Act was passed in legislature and it recognizes the Métis contribution to Confederation and outlines the bilateral process for negotiations. The goal of the act is to allow full participation in the economy, equality in society, and full constitutional rights.

2009 – Regina Aboriginal Professional Association (RAPA) has June declared National Aboriginal History Month. Joely

BigEagle and Cherish Deegan spearheaded the concept and the NDP had it passed in the House of Commons. It moved Indigenous ideas from a one day celebration to a whole month.

2012 – Idle No More is started by 4 SK ladies: Sylvia McAdam, Jess Gordon, Nina Wilson, and Sheelah McLean. They initiated a movement that has since inspired over 100 events globally from Indigenous groups. Their focus remains Indigenous rights, lands, environment, and grassroots authority.

2013-14 – Daniels vs. Canada confirms that Métis are Indians under the Constitution Act of 1867. The suit also confirms the Crown has fiduciary duty to Métis and the Métis have collective power. The suit was filed in 1999 and Harry Daniels passed on in 2004, never getting to see this legacy.

It’s been 140 years since our Cree and Saulteaux leaders negotiated and signed Treaty Four. So let me ask you this: almost a century and a half later, is Treaty Four still significant?

Today when I look at Treaty Four, I always seem to think about two treaty rights in particular; the most significant being education and the least significant being treaty money. I have always had trouble feeling proud about receiving an annual five-dollar payout from the Government of Canada.

On July 5, 1874, according to J.R. Miller’s book Lethal Legacy, a priest named Father DeCorby of St. Florent (or Lebret as it’s known today), wrote to his superiors explaining that Indian families are forced to wait on “those miserable five dollars” and explains that the government with their five-dollar payouts will “hinder them even more than they will help them.”

Father DeCorby’s words seem to have been written with legitimate concern for the families who waited and relied on treaty money. He writes, “they give up hunting to wait, starve to death and encourage others to starve.”

That’s a reality of treaty money history.

When summer comes each year, people ask me if I’m going to get my treaty money. My answer is usually a, “No!”

“That’s your money.” They tell me. The truth is I have never collected it. I’d have to go to Manitoba to collect mine. But I live in Regina, and the gas money to get there would require more than a five-dollar chip-in for gas from my friend the Crown.

Even if I did collect, I’d have no idea what to spend it on. I mean, our grandfathers negotiated for this money so they could buy food, hunting supplies – so our people could live and maybe even change their lives for the better. I’d feel pressure to spend it on something meaningful, which would just lead me on a quest to the dollar store to buy four or five items that might get me through the year. But, even the Dollar Store has raised their prices – rendering my five dollars that much less valuable.

So, I wait.

I don’t wait for the same reason Father DeCorby described in 1874. I wait because I don’t need the money. So the treaty money builds. I’m 32 years old, you do the math.

Of course, there’s more we can learn from Treaty Four than a discussion about treaty money. Author Garret Wilson writes in his book Frontier Farewell that in 1874, Lieutenant-Governor Alexander Morris told Cree and

Saulteaux leaders, “the promises we make to you are not for today only but for tomorrow, not only for you but for your children born and unborn.” For tomorrow’s unborn – that’s us!

Morris continued on, “the promises we make will be carried out as long as the sun shines above and the water flows in the ocean.” But it’s what Lieutenant-Governor Morris said after this that’s the most significant right of Treaty Four, in my opinion. “The Queen wishes her red children to

learn the cunning of the white man.”

I asked earlier if Treaty Four was still significant. The answer is definitely yes. My education has changed my life. It’s earned me more than a lifetime of five-dollar payouts ever could.

140 years later the sun is still shining, the water’s still flowing. So if you collect your five bucks this year, remember to thank our grandfathers for negotiating treaty rights that not only changed their own lives, but for rights that can change yours too.

Learn Your F.N. History:140 years of education and five-dollar payouts

First Nations

“...they give up hunting to wait, starve to death and

encourage others to starve.”

The first time I started hearing about the missing and murdered Indigenous women here in Canada was from the Native Women’s Association of Canada who put together research counting over 600 women. Of course the RCMP rebutted their claims as unfounded and was unable to determine where they got that number from stating they only knew of about 82. It was a wide margin of discrepancy. But when family members go missing, don’t call, don’t check in, don’t show up at family gatherings, can’t be found through the moccasin telegraph, and simply vanish – your family and friends notice.

The recent findings of the RCMP report states that from across all police jurisdictions in Canada a total of 1,017 Indigenous women were victims of homicide and another 164 are considered missing for a total of 1,181 missing and murdered Indigenous women. The report goes on to state that Indigenous women are over represented among Canada’s murdered and missing women, most of these homicides were committed by men who knew the victims, and finally stating that the majority of these homicides (close to 90%) were solved.

I must say that I am hesitant to believe that anything will become of this report for when I look at the actions of the Crown for anything positive for Indigenous peoples, past examples include the Royal Commission on Indigenous Peoples (RCAP, 1991), the Pickton Inquiry Report, and of course the Kelowna Accord. The RCAP sits on a shelf and while one could argue that the research has set the course for Indigenous relations in Canada it remains one of the most ignored commission pieces the Crown has ever undertaken. After 5 years, $51.2 million later and 440 recommendations, only the National Indigenous Day on June 21st was ever acted upon.

The Pickton Inquiry Report was another dead end with the most effective recommendation, a regionalized policing agency being unlikely almost immediately due to the RCMP’s newly signed 20 year municipal policing contract. Indeed, a year after the report was published only 3 recommendations had been in place out of 65 in total and in 2014 there were still questions about why many of these proposals were not funded in the BC spring budget.

Based on this past evidence I don’t believe that an inquiry into the missing and murdered Indigenous women will do us any good. An inquiry won’t bring them back, won’t put their spirits at ease, nor will it bring peace to the hearts of the grieving families. The RCMP has now confirmed over 1,000 cases

nationwide. Let that sink in for a moment.

One thousand women, gone from the hearts of families, the hearts of mothers, the embrace of children, the love of their partners. 1,000 women missing from what is supposed to be one of the greatest countries on earth and our federal government doesn’t bat an eye. Yet the evidence is clear - one thousand individuals: Mothers, Sisters, Aunts, Cousins, and Friends. Gone.

Amnesty International has an e-petition you can find on their website calling for Prime Minister Stephen Harper to create a national plan to stop the violence against Indigenous women and girls, regardless of where they live in Canada. It calls

for increased coordination between all levels of governments, addressing discrimination, making sure police across the country have a clear plan of action for the heightened risks faced by Indigenous women and helping women escape from abusive relationships. Amnesty’s past work in Canada includes Stolen Sisters (2004) where it also called for a national plan of action to stop violence against Indigenous women.

What about the voices supporting an inquiry for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous women? The Premiers at the 2013 Premiers’ Summit threw their support behind the idea and were widely heralded by the Assembly of First Nations and the Native Women’s Association of Canada calling it a major moccasin step in the right direction. Unfortunately, even these calls for a national inquiry and were ignored soundly by Stephen Harper.

The United Nations has also called for an inquiry as well, without success and section 89 of the report states, “the federal Government should undertake a comprehensive, nation-wide inquiry into the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, organized in consultation with Indigenous

peoples.” But again, Stephen Harper refused to acknowledge an inquiry was needed and went so far as to remove its recommendation from a special parliamentary committee that was studying the issue from its report called, “Invisible Women: A Call to Action”.

It’s a red herring to think a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women will actually be doing something when you think of what Harper has already done for us. His every move has been to terminate Indigenous title and engage indigenous peoples into the greater economy of Canada by agreements that will sign away our treaty rights. Through the use of the First Nations Financial Transparency Act, Safe Drinking

Water for First Nations Act, Indian Act and Replacement Act, First Nations Election Act among others we as First Nations Bands are being forced into a corner of assimilation.

The RCMP have focused three areas of concern in their report to concentrate their next steps to: 1) enhancing efforts on unsolved cases; 2) focusing prevention efforts; 3) increasing public awareness; and 4) strengthening the data. These actions will include (among other steps) sharing data relevant to outstanding cases, a National Missing Persons Strategy, providing timely communication to the family. To help with prevention efforts they want to work within communities to identify women at risk and provide support through community programs

and work with other government departments to initiate crime prevention programs. But what can we do as concerned individuals who want to help?

With the collection of this data by the RCMP the time for questions is over, we need action. Call on the federal government to task an RCMP arm to investigate these files, demand result based timelines, petition the UN to oversee the process along with our own overseers and participants. Calling for an inquiry only spends more time on the reality that these missing women are at a greater chance of ending up murdered. If the federal government is willing to send aid to Nigeria to help seek out 300 kidnapped girls, it can surely use resources for its own back yard.

Demand more from your government, demand more from your Prime Minister: my friends across Canada, please pressure your MP to ensure justice comes to our missing and murdered Indigenous women. Turning a blind eye and saying it isn’t my problem is exactly the reason it remains an issue. Justice > oppression.

Op-Ed: Canada’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women: An Argument Against an Inquiry

“1,000 WOMEN MISSING FROM WHAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE ONE OF THE GREATEST

COUNTRIES ON EARTH AND OUR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DOESN’T BAT AN EYE.

YET THE EVIDENCE IS CLEAR - ONE THOUSAND INDIVIDUALS: MOTHERS, SISTERS, AUNTS,

COUSINS, AND FRIENDS. GONE.”

By Bill Stevenson

Disclaimer: The views represented here are those of Bill Stevenson only and do not represent the views of RezX Magazine as a company or magazine.

JACOB PRATTBorn: Kamsack, SK Grew Up: George Gordon First Nation Home Reserve: Cote First Nation Value: Respect

Jacob Pratt, who is from Cote First Nation but grew up on and spent most of his time on Gordon First Nation, says he traveled and moved around a lot as a child. While growing up, he faced many challenges such as poverty, bullying, and racism. Even so, he never let anyone stop him from what he wanted to do and always tried his best to work through those challenges.

Jacob claims that he is not multi-talented. He says that he had one thing that he liked to do and expanded on that talent. He now uses this talent to work with and inspire youth through motivational speaking and conducting powwow workshops. Jacob enjoys helping youth to see their own potential.

Jacob is most known for his acting, modeling, powwow dancing, flute music and public motivational speaking. He is currently attending the First Nations University of Canada, where he is pursuing a degree in Business. Jacob believes that success does not mean the amount of money you have, but to be able to look back on your life and be happy with what you have accomplished.

VERA TOURANGEAUBorn: April 28, 1963 Grew Up: Peepeekisis Home Reserve: Peepeekisis Value: Courage

Vera Tourangeau is also a well-known motivational speaker and educator and author of two books “Miss”, “It Hurts” (2003) and “My Kokum Prayed for Me” (2010). Vera wrote these books while teaching young children with adult pasts. Vera’s advocacy for children and her devotion

to youth is what sets her apart as a role model. COURAGE

Courage is to have a dream and to fulfill it; anybody can give up their dreams. Wake up and say I want to be me and live out my dreams.

COURAGECourage is to have a dream and to

fululfulf ffulfululful dreams dreams dreams be me and live out my dreams be me and live out my dreams be me and live out my dreams

Vera Tourangeau

Poster.indd 1 2014-04-15 2:09 PM

2014 Balcarres Role Model Poster Campaign Bios written by Students and Teachers of Balcarres Community School

Photos by Karley Schwab, Jessie Stueck, Madison Skene,

Cherrise Esplin, and Kailey Lowe

JACOB PRATT

never let

limit you,ANYONE

YOURSELFINCLUDING

JacobPrattRoleModel.indd 1 4/15/2014 1:17 PM

Every year, students of Balcarres Community School partner with SIAST (Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Sciences and Technologies) in Regina, to create Role Model Posters to distribute among the Prairie Valley School Division. The students and teachers select local and provincial role models, set up interviews, set up photo shoots, write the biographies and then work with students from SIAST to create these amazing posters.

This year, Balcarres also brought on board RezX Magazine’s Publisher, Chris Tyrone Ross and Writer Shane Bellegarde along with CTV’s Creeson Agecoutay and others to mentor the students with interviewing techniques and writing. RezX got the chance to talk to English teacher Michele Schwab who oversaw the project (with the help of Graphic Arts teacher David Racette) to discuss the process and satisfaction.

RezX: What do you think this does for the students involved in the project and for the students and youth who will be seeing these posters, what do you hope it will do for them?

Schwab: “Giving Back: One Design at a Time,” is a phrase coined by SIAST in regards to the Role Model Poster Project. Each year, students and staff select role models who we believe exemplify who and what our students should aspire to be; but further, we create a relationship between community, students, staff, and more importantly SIAST. Every year the reveal of the posters deepens the ties between our communities, dispels stereotypes, creates bridges of understanding, instills pride, and reinforces that what we do is valuable. Connecting today’s leaders with tomorrow’s leaders is what will make an impact for the future and for generations to come. There are many lessons to be learned and each year, each role model gives us insightful things to contemplate. The concept of service learning is often lacking in our society; gone are the days of people “volunteering” with nothing monetary to be gained. Working together with SIAST we are instilling the value of civic responsibility and highlighting the importance of community. Further, within our framework we share our knowledge of culture, traditions and First Nations Ways of Knowing; interestingly enough a strong component of the SIAST program. Through collaboration we achieve so much.

RON MARTINBorn: June 15th Grew Up: Uranium City, Saskatchewan Value: Courage

Dr. Ron Martin grew up in northern Saskatchewan in the beautiful fly-in community of Uranium City. Growing up, Ron had the support of his parents and his many siblings.

“During the summer months we rarely went down to the store except for the basics,” Ron explains. Instead, this Dené family lived off the abundance of the land, by fishing and hunting moose and caribou.

Ron graduated from Candew High School and was inspired by one of his many teachers throughout the years, so he decided to further his schooling by moving south and attending university.

Today, Ron has his own dentistry practice in the heart of Fort Qu’Appelle. While his profession has taken him to various places in both Saskatchewan and Ontario, and even though he grew up in northern Saskatchewan, Ron and his family feel at home in the south. He says the water and hills of the Qu’Appelle Valley reminds him of his roots.

STEVEN GLOADEGrew Up: Millbrook First Nation Home Reserve: Mi’kmaw Value: Humility

Stephen Gloade is a strong believer in giving back to the community, and as an officer in the RCMP he has done exactly that. Stephen grew up between Nova Scotia and Boston, but most of his childhood was spent in Nova Scotia with his father’s First Nations community.

After graduating high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps but left after he received an injury in basic training. Upon his return to Nova Scotia his mother suggested that he attend an RCMP recruiting session, and although he wasn’t feeling enthusiastic he decided to go.

It turned out to be a good idea, as Stephen is now in charge of Aboriginal policing for the province of Saskatchewan. He loves his job; not being confined in an office, not having to follow a routine every day and, most importantly, having an opportunity to make an impact on First Nations communities.

CourageRon Martin

Sometimes when the p a t h o f l i f e gets rough, you have to put on thicker moccasins and c o n t i n u e d ow n t h e t r a i l .

“Never lose sight of taking care of your people.”

Stephen Gloade

“Never lose sight of taking care of your people.”

Untitled-1.indd 1 2014-04-15 2:13 PM

JOLENE CREELYGrew Up: Peepeekisis First Nation Home Reserve: Peepeekisis First Nation Value: Respect

Jolene Creely is 17 years old from the Okanese, First Nation. She grew up on the reserve, and comes from a Cree, Dakota, and Sioux background. She loves to dance powwow, and regularly attends ceremonies such as sweat lodges, shaking tents, rain/sun dances, round dances, and pipe ceremonies.

Jolene has four siblings, three older brothers and one younger sister. Having a younger sister is one of the most defining moments in Jolene’s life; it influences her to be a better person and a great role model. Like other role models, Jolene has challenges in her life. Some of these include the intergenerational impacts of residential school. The things that she goes through today are challenging, but Jolene has her cultural background to help her along the way and to support her with some of these issues. Jolene also has a support network of four strong women which includes her mother, niece Alicia Keewatin, Kokum Margaret, and Auntie Susie.

Hearing her parent’s stories and what they went through when they were younger influences Jolene not to drink or do drugs. Jolene wanted to stand up and follow the Red Road. She doesn’t want to throw her life away; she would rather attend ceremonies, talk with Elders, get an education and become a successful young woman.

Jolene also is a female youth ambassador for the Okanese, First Nation. Being a youth ambassador offers a positive outlook on Jolene and her community. Jolene says “Being a leader is hard, but at the same time there are people looking up to you, you have to be positive-minded, It’s a great feeling knowing that people do look up to you . I’m proud of who I am today and glad I have the opportunity.”

Cadmus Delorme

It’s important for people to smile and laugh together.We might agree to disagree, but down the road we will need to stand shoulder to shoulder.

CADMUS DELORME Grew Up: Cowessess Home Reserve: Cowessess Value: Respect

Cadmus Delorme, the youngest of 10, is a man with an impeccable sense of humor. Cadmus holds his culture in the highest regard. He is an advocate for the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) and many other First Nations’ causes. As an advocate, Cadmus believes that all Canadians need to work together to address and resolve issues facing First Nations people today.

Cadmus started university in 2008 and recently graduated with a Business and Administration Degree. While attending FNUniv, he was President of the First Nations University Student Council and was also an ambassador for Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, during their visit to the University as part of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on May 23, 2012. Today he is a Student Recruitment Officer for Student Success Services, dedicated to enhancing the FNUniv learning environment.

Cadmus is also an aspiring pro-golfer, having competed in two national championships, and hopes his accomplishments will inspire other First Nations youth to strive for their goals.

DONNA HARPER TEACHER

PERRY BELLEGARDE CHIEF OF FSIN

LAWRENCE BIGKNIFE ELDER

STEVE CLIMENHAGA ABORIGINAL ADVISORY

AND NCO - RCMP

WAYNE GOODWILL ELDER

JOELY BIGEAGLE-KEQUAHTOOWAY - ENTREPRENEUR

MENTIONSLOIS ISNANAGrew Up: Pasqua First Nation Home reserve: Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation Value: Love

Lois Isnana, a mother of four and grandmother of three, is proud of her Dakota/Saulteaux background and participates in spiritual ceremonies that she has always embraced through her life journey. Lois feels it is very important that our children and grandchild receive as many cultural teachings as they can. Lois has a degree in Social work and is currently the executive director of Qu’Appelle Beardy’s & Okemasis Child and Family Services. Lois currently works with victims against homicide and sits on the Canadian Resource Centre National Board that is based in Ottawa. Growing up, Lois was influenced by her family members who served as role models and instilled in her the values of hard work that shows today.

When it comes to courageous acts there’s not many that can rival killing a sick wolf with a bow and arrow, so when our title heroine Maïna begins her journey with the audience in just that way, we can be assured that she has it in spades. When she kneels beside the fallen animal to pray after the hunt we know that her compassion is abundant as well. It’s no wonder that we root for her right from the start.

The part of Maïna, the daughter of Innu Grand Chief Mishtenapuu, is played splendidly by Roseanne Supernault whose eyes have the ability to translate story and emotion much faster than subtitles can. Maïna’s promise to a dying friend

to look after her son Nipki becomes much more daunting after relations with the “Men from the Land of Ice” go South (or in this case North) and he is taken by the Inuit.

Two love stories unfold as Maïna follows Nipki and his captors. The first being the sweep you off your feet love affair that the viewer now has with the geography and landscape brilliantly showcased in this film. The vegetation, rock formation and waterfalls eventually give way to snow and ice but the beauty never dissipates. The second is the dreamy connection Maïna has with Natak, the Inuit ‘Yin’ to her Innu ‘Yang’ played by Ipellie Ootoova. Their relationship changes as the cultures collide much like her initial opinion of his home. “There is nothing in your land.” He answers with much more below the surface. “Only for the one who doesn’t know how to look.”

Roseanne Supernault has been steadily growing her list of credits since 2005 and this role should solidify her spot as a tremendous talent. Ipellie Ootoova only has one other screen credit listed to his name but he acted with maturity and confidence. It was a powerful performance. Much credit should be given to director Michel Poulette who coaxed stunning performances out of the whole cast. It should be noted that he had help from a couple amazing veterans as well. Tantoo Cardinal seemed to have fun with the role of Tekahara, Maïna’s mother and clan Shaman

while Graham Greene brought his talent and experience to the part of Mishtenapeu, Maïna’s father.

I have watched my advanced copy of the movie 3 times already on my computer but I would encourage everyone to see this while it’s on the big screen. Coming soon in Saskatchewan it can be seen June 13-19 at the Regina Rainbow Art Cinema and June 20-26 at The Roxy in Saskatoon.

By Shane Bellegarde

MAÏNA: MOVIE REVIEW

(4 .75 Sterlings out of 5)

Photo by Isabelle Dubois

Photo by Vero Boncompagni

Advertorial: Tatanka Boutique Editor’s Note: RezX Magazine has partnered up with Tatanka Boutique, which is a very unique shop here in Regina, SK. Beginning this issue, RezX will feature artists represented at Tatanka Boutique which will help cover some of our Arts section. To begin, here is an overall introduction of what the store has to offer!

Umba waste! Tatanka Boutique is a Regina business located in the trendy Cathedral arts village promoting local and international Indigenous artists. All of our products are hand crafted and most are one-of-a-kind items you won’t find anywhere else.

Tatanka Boutique honours Aboriginal artists and their creations, especially during the month of June as it is Aboriginal History month. The most visual way to showcase and share our culture is through art. Art can be expressed through various mediums such as contemporary styles like beadwork, painting, sculpting, star blankets, fashion and traditional styles such as porcupine quillwork, breastplates, moccasins, par fleche, drums and moose tufting. There are various First Nations and Métis artistic creative styles and the artisans have their chosen, preferred method of sharing their culture and artistic design. Currently, we have over 100 artisans showcasing their style in our boutique.

The hot topic floating around the boutique is porcupine quill work. Traditionally before beads were introduced into the culture porcupine quills were utilized and integrated into our art, clothing and moccasins. Quills can be taken from the porcupine by

throwing a blanket over it and removing the quills that stick to it, thus sparing the porcupine. The time and effort that goes into creating anything with quills is an arduous task on the fingers and design mind. The bending, shaping and stitching of the quills require patience, effort and technique; to create just the right design for a pair of earrings, a piece of clothing or footwear. Porcupine quills are sewn and stitched on to a piece of fabric or leather in a similar way to that of beading. Many artists who work with porcupine quills dye their quills various colours; some use traditional methods such as staining from blueberries, chokecherries, tea or sunflowers. Porcupine quill work originates from the Plains people, as porcupines are plentiful in Saskatchewan. There are many different artistic pieces created using traditional methods. ShopTatanka on-line or visit us in person at 2156 Albert Street here in Regina, SK, to come discover what we have to offer!

Breastplate by Les Howse

Photo by Tatanka Boutique

Moose Hair Tufting Hairpiece by Brenda Merasty

Photo by Tatanka Boutique

Jeff Lemire is a comic

book writer and artist from

Toronto, Ontario. Lemire has created a

new character for the Justice League United comic

series, Cree teenager Miiyabin Marten, known to her superhero

teammates as Equinox. Lemire says he wanted to create a character that is uniquely Canadian and represents positive aspects of Indigenous culture, and found inspiration in the story of the late Shannen Koostachin. RezX writer Nicole Bear caught up with Lemire at Regina’s first Fan Expo to find out more.

RezX: Can you tell me about Equinox?

Lemire: She’s a new superhero I created for this comic book Justice League United, which is basically taking the Justice League of America but moving them to Canada and sort of coming up with my own theme. I wanted to create at least one new character that was a Canadian character. When I started thinking about what kind of character to create, I was thinking Canada’s such a huge country from region to region. It’s so different, and it’s hard to capture the whole country in one character or story. I instead focused on one location and one culture. The James Bay area of northern Ontario is an area that was always really interesting to me. I’ve always wanted to learn more about First Nations up there, so I

took this project as an opportunity to go up there and learn more. Equinox is sort of the result of that.

Her powers are weather based, so as her name implies, her powers actually change with the seasons. In the winter her powers are snow, wind, etc. In the spring they’ll be more like control of vegetation and growth, and so on.

RezX: What inspired you to create Equinox?

Lemire: I’m a big fan of Joseph Boyden’s novels, so that was originally what got me interested in that specific area of Ontario. Then the more I read and learned about things, I was inspired by the story of Shannen Koostachin, a teenager from Attawapiskat Cree Nation. (Koostachin was a youth activist who advocated for equitable education funding for Indigenous children. Tragically, she was killed in a car accident in 2010.)

The character is not based on Shannen, but she definitely inspired me to create a Cree girl, a teenage girl. I spent a lot of time at elementary and high schools in Moose Factory and Moosonee, talking to kids and meeting kids. There were a couple of young teenage girls I met who were really excited about the project, so they kind of inspired me as well.

Follow Equinox’s adventures in the July issue of Justice League United.

Saskatchewan Film Now Playing in Theatresby Miranda Hanus

The buzz on the ‘fuzz’ has been tremendous for this locally produced movie.

WolfCop, now playing in select theatres, is about Lou Garou, (played by Leo Fafard), an alcoholic, inept police officer in the fictional town of Woodhaven. After stumbling across a mysterious crime scene, he undergoes a beastly transformation. Bad guys beware of the WolfCop!

Writer and director Lowell Dean recently described it as “a very Saskatchewan film.” WolfCop was shot using local production crews on locations in Moose Jaw and Regina in two weeks on a $1-million-dollar budget, awarded for winning the first annual CineCoup competition.

Check out www.rezxmag.com to read our exclusive interview about his time in the make-up chair, a grueling shooting schedule in our infamous weather, and how he went from working behind the scenes, to starring in a film that recently appeared at the Cannes Film Festival in France!

For more info on WolfCop, including the trailer, check out http://wolfcop.com/

Equinox Character Inspired by Late Aboriginal Youth ActivistINTERVIEW WITH DC COMICS WRITER JEFF LEMIRE by Nicole Bear

Urban Aboriginal Community GatheringDate: June 12, 2014 Time: 5:30pm – 8:30pm Location: Saskatoon Inn, Saskatoon, SK Contact: Gilles Dorval (306) 975-8066

Living Sky Casino & Nekaneet First Nation PowwowDate: June 14 – 15, 2014 Time: 12pm – 12am Location: Swift Current, SK Contact: Trevor Marion (306) 778-5759 or

Trevor.Marion@siga.sk.ca

Aboriginal Business MatchDate: June 16, - 18, 2014 Time: 8:30am – 6:00pm Location: TCU Place, Saskatoon, SK Contact: http://www.aboriginalbusinessmatch.com/

Saskatoon Urban Treaty DaysDate: June 19, 2014 Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm Location: Saskatoon Indian &

Métis Friendship CentreContact: http://www.simfc.ca

Wanuskewin Days PowwowDate: June 20 – 22, 2014 Time: 12pm – 12am Location: Wanuskewin, SK Contact: Roxanne Parker (306) 931-6767

Summer Solstice: Aboriginal Festival & Competition PowwowDate: June 20 – 22, 2014 Time: 8:00am – 9:00pm Location: Vincent Massey Park, Ottawa, ON Contact: http://www.ottawasummersolstice.ca/

Aboriginal Music WeekDate: July 20 – 24, 2014 Time: 12:00pm – 11:00pm Location: Winnipeg, MB Contact: http://www.aboriginalmusicweek.ca/

Regina Urban Treaty DaysDate: June 24, 2014 Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm Location: Gathering Place, Regina, SK Contact: (306) 522-7494

Beat Nation: Art, Hip Hop and Aboriginal CultureDate: July 4, 2014 (July 5 – Sept. 7, 2014) Time: 7:00pm – 10:00pm Location: MacKenzie Gallery, Regina, SK Contact: http://www.mackenzieartgallery.ca/

engage/exhibitions/beat-nation

To see all Cityfusion.ca Aboriginal Events, set your settings as such:

Tag or Search: “Aboriginal” Location: “Canada”

NAIG 2014 Official ProgramRezX Magazine will take a break this summer, as we will not produce a “Special Summer Sports and Youth Edition” as planned. Instead, we are focusing all our energies on the upcoming 2014 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) here in Regina, SK. Our parent company, RezX Multi-Media Company has recently joined forces with NAIG to produce the Official Program/Souvenir. Although it is important to note, that the 2014 NAIG Official Program will be strictly all NAIG content featuring maps, schedule of events, what to do in Regina, sponsor recognition and more. Please visit www.rezxmag.com for updates as the games approach.

Fall Edition - Back 2 School EditionIn September, RezX Magazine will return with its “Special Back 2 School Edition” and focus on Careers and Education. This edition will also come with an Educational Classroom Kit available only to those schools that subscribe. Our RezX Classroom Kit will have lesson plans, teachings and more for teachers to share with their students. All that and more coming your way in September.

TO BOOK AN AD FOR ANY OF THESE UPCOMING ISSUES, PLEASE E-MAIL US: REZXEDITOR@GMAIL.COM

Upcoming Events: Pow Wows and more

myaccess.ca/NAIG

Sharing The Stories Of The Games

To learn more visit myaccess.ca/NAIG

OPENING CEREMONIES

CULTURAL VILLAGE

DAILY WRAP-UPS

SPORTS

CLOSING CEREMONIES

JULY 20 - 27, 2014

Exclusive to AccessTV subscribersmyaccess.ca/NAIG

Sharing The Stories Of The Games

To learn more visit myaccess.ca/NAIG

OPENING CEREMONIES

CULTURAL VILLAGE

DAILY WRAP-UPS

SPORTS

CLOSING CEREMONIES

JULY 20 - 27, 2014

Exclusive to AccessTV subscribers