NOVEMBER 2014

FREE

VOLUME 17 - NUMBER 11

Welcome to our Veterans & Youth Edition

Coming In December - Newsmaker of the Year IssueCPMA #40027204

NAVIGATORSNegotiating their way throughthe health care system isdifficult for some Aboriginalpatients. Help is here. - Page 8

HONOURING RIELDavid Garneau has developed aunique way to celebrate the lifeof the greatest Métis hero.

- Page 16

STONECHILD INQUIRYThe Stonechild Inquiry wrappedup a decade ago and a key figurein theprocess looks back on adifficult period. - Page 10

ROSE’S RUN LAUNCHEDDawn Dumont’s second bookwas released in October, justin time for a few laughs and aneerie look at Rez life. - Page 20

INDSPIRE(D) YOUTHNeechi Gear founder KendalNetmaker will bring home anIndspire Award to honour hiscompany’s success. - Page 6

Virginia Pechawis from Mistawasis First Nation isone of the oldest living First Nation women veteransin Canada. She served in the RCWAC duringWWII. (Photo by John Lagimodiere)

Serving with honour and valour

By John Lagimodiere Of Eagle Feather News

SASKATOON – Lt.-Gov. Vaughn Solomon Schofieldhas a special place in her heart for veterans and sheintends to honour each and every one that she can findin Saskatchewan.

The lieutenant-governor recently invited severalveterans, military personnel and police officers who hadserved overseas to a ceremony in Saskatoon to person-

ally present each of them with The Lieutenant-Governor’s Military Service Pin.

The Pin symbolizes the gratitude of the Crown andthe people of Saskatchewan for those who have servedwith honour and valour.

It is intended to be worn on civilian clothing, sopeople recognize those who serve when they are not inuniform.

• Continued on Page 11

NOVEMBER 2014Eagle Feather News 2

By John Lagimodiere Of Eagle Feather News

SASKATOON – The Walking With Our Sistersart installation is the most powerful exhibit you willsee for some time. The exhibit, hosted atWanuskewin Heritage Park, is simple. Mocassinvamps. A total of 1,808 vamps from across Canada,the United States and overseas.

And each and everyone one of them wascreated by a family member or friend honouring amissing or murdered Aboriginal woman.

Once you step into the gallery you feel thepower. Grief and sorrow show through on many.Some are hopeful. Some are amazing in theirintricacy and some are simple with pictures drawnon them. But as they lie on the red fabric besideeach other, not one vamp is better than the other.They are all powerful and the vast number is over-whelming.

“There have been a variety of reactions frompeople who see the exhibit,” said Christi Belcourtwho started this all with a Facebook invite to friendsto make 600 moccasin vamps to honour missingand murdered women.

“People are generally quiet and respectful.Mostly, when people see the vamps, the sheernumber of them, it hits them. The reality. You don’thave to be an indigenous person to feel that. It is anemotional reaction.”

A ceremony was held on Oct. 27 to mark theopening of the vamps to the public. A sacred firewas lit to begin preparations to honour missing and

murdered Indigenous sisters. A local group ofcommunity members have been working togetherfor months to bring WWOS to Saskatoon.

“This commemorative art exhibit representsthe lives of beautiful women who deserve to beremembered with respect and dignity,” explainslocal co-lead organizer Glenda Abbott.

“The vamps represent the unfinished lives ofthe women and girls that went missing or have beenmurdered.”

The process has been wrapped in ceremonyand protocol. There is no videotaping or takingpictures of the exhibit. Viewers are asked to removetheir shoes and walk along a winding path of redcloth, which is parallel to a grey cloth on which thevamps are placed. This is how the work is viewedand how participants will be ‘walking with oursisters’.

The exhibit also features an audio soundtrackof over 60 songs submitted by approximately 30artists. Over 100 boxes of tissue have been donatedand they will certainly be used.

“I was taught that if you were beading and notin a good mood, you were supposed to put yourbeading away til you felt better,” said Belcourt.

“Then I got letters with the vamps from all oversaying the same thing. We impart our energy intothings. And other people who see the exhibit feelthat energy. When you go into the room, you feelall that energy from those vamps. You feel the love.The remembering.”

• Continued on Page 3

The Walking With Our Sisters exhibit has vamps all around theinside and in the centre of the room, a tepee where the vamps forthe children are. (Photo by John Lagimodiere)

Overwhelming display of love and sorrow

Eagle Feather News NOVEMBER 2014 3

• Continued from Page 2One aspect that Belcourt wanted the exhibit to do was to create dialogue and bring

awareness to the issue. With eight stops so far and bookings into 2019 across NorthAmerica, that has certainly been accomplished.

“I already know that the amount of care and love out there for our sisters is touchingeveryone. This gives the families that outlet to show how much they care,” she added.

“I recognize that the grandmothers have a plan. In terms of the opportunity thisis creating for dialogue is all part of it. Whatever this is going to be, it is. Our focus isalways on the families.

“And if we can provide that brief moment of comfort, we have done our job.”Volunteers are still welcome and there will be a shuttle service provided to

Wanuskewin. Schedule details can be found on Facebook at “Walking with Our Sisters– Saskatoon”.

From Oct.31 to Nov.21, WWOS will be open and free for the public to attend atthe Wanuskewin Heritage Park. Please visit http://www.wanuskewin.com/ for galleryhours.

To learn more visit http://walkingwithoursisters.ca/, or follow Walking with OurSisters - Saskatoon on Facebook or Twitter @WWOS Saskatoon and @WWOS1

The national group and the local host committee got together for one final groupshot in the gallery before the exhibit opened to the public.

(Photo by John Lagimodiere)

WWOS does not take any corporate funding so they fundraise the old fashionedway. They held a blanket dance at the FSIN Powwow for them and raised almost$2,000. (Photo by John Lagimodiere)

... one brief moment of comfort

Eagle Feather News NOVEMBER 20144

My grandfather was in the SecondWorld War. He never talked about it.Never. As far as I knew, his experiencewas captured in the military portrait photoon the wall. That’s all we got. I kind offigured as a kid war stories would be greatto tell and hear.

And then you read about the FirstWorld War. Imagine life in the trenchessurrounded by rats and water and rottingboots and humans. You see the horror inmovies and can’t imagine being there andliving it, you just can’t. And then youunderstand why they never talk.

Now we are much more aware of theconditions these soldiers worked underand the impact of post traumatic stress onour soldiers when they come home fromworking for us overseas. We ask them todo the hardest and sometimes mosthorrible work imaginable, then expectthem to come home and get back to aregular life. You would think they wouldbe bitter.

I recently had the chance to sit withseveral veterans before they were toreceive their Lieutenant-Governor’sMilitary Service Pin. All decked out inuniform and service medals, they werean impressive bunch. All comfortablewith each other, they teased and laughedand had a good time. Even when the Lieu-tenant-Governor was presenting them

their pins, some ofthe old guys werecheeky with her!Cheeky with the L-G!? Only theveterans could getaway with that.

With manyyears passed sincethey served, many of these veterans nowtalk about the war ... or, should we say,parts of the war. Some things you justdon’t talk about.

But what they do talk about is beingtreated as equals in the military. They talkabout the excellent training they received.They tell funny stories and they talk about‘young people these days’.

But you rarely hear them complain.There is no anger over what they had todo or their treatment when they returnedas veterans. Mostly, they are grateful forthe military experience and the skills itgave them. What perspective. We shouldbe the ones that are grateful. Shake asoldier’s hand this week.Fire keepers needed

The Walking With Our Sisters exhibithas opened at Wanuskewin Heritage Parkand it runs until Nov. 21. The exhibit issteeped in ceremony to help honour thewomen represented in the moccasinvamps on display. Part of the ceremoni-

al aspect is to keepa sacred fireburning 24 hours aday for theduration of theexhibit. That firehas to be tended bymen.

As it isscheduled right now, Rob Innes may haveto tend fire for close to a week. There is asevere lack of men volunteering eventhree hours to tend a fire and do their part.

It is time for men to step up and showtheir support for the exhibit and forwomen in our community. A vastmajority of the missing and murderedwomen were killed by an Aboriginal man... this is our problem. An Aboriginal manproblem.

So, we challenge you men readingthis to do your part. Stand up for ourwomen. Stand up for your community.Stand up and show your children the rightthing to do.

If you have three hours to spare,email wwossaskatoon@gmail.com theyneed you. It is the least you can do.So proud

We want to send big congratulationsto our columnist Winona Wheeler.Winona is the head of the Department ofNative Studies at the University of

Saskatchewan and an internationallyrecognized academic in her field.

Her expertise and hard work has ledto her being named the President of theNative American and Indigenous StudiesAssociation (NAISA), the premiereinternational and interdisciplinaryprofessional organization for scholars,graduate students, independentresearchers, and community membersinterested in all aspects of IndigenousStudies.

That’s kind of a big deal. Fittinglyshe was honoured at the FSIN Powwowfor her achievements. CongratulationsWinona, we are so proud.Politics

The Federation of SaskatchewanIndian Nations held elections inOctober. Incumbent 2nd Vice ChiefBobby Cameron got in with a landslidevictory. The 4th Vice Chief positionwent to Heather Bear fromOchapowace. This makes her only thesecond woman in 40 years to be on theFSIN executive.

With FSIN Chief Perry Bellegardeon leave to run for the AFN leadershipin December, the 1st Vice Chief KimJonathan will be leading the organiza-tion. Interesting times.

Follow the AFN election on ourwebsite: www.eaglefeathernews.com

Hey guys, it’s time to step up for our sisters

WINONA WHEELER HEATHER BEARBOBBY CAMERONROB INNES

Eagle Feather NewsNOVEMBER 2014 5

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SASKATOON – On a fine night inOctober, 400 fortunate people got to takein the conversation of a lifetime betweentwo of Canada’s literary icons.

An Evening with Joseph Boydenand Yann Martel was hosted at the RemaiArts Centre and featured a 90-minutedialogue between Martel, the author ofthe incredible international bestseller,Life of Pi, interviewing the one and onlyJoseph Boyden, writer of Three DayRoad and Through Black Spruce.Boyden was touring Canada in supportof his most recent book, The Orenda.

The spartan stage, consisting of twoleather arm chairs, a table and twohistoric suits let the audience focus onthe real reason they were there, Boydenand Martel. The respect the men felt foreach other was apparent in the way theyinteracted.

Martel had done his research and hemade Boyden walk through his process,and his characters, in the creation of thewildly successful The Orenda. The factthat Boyden says that he lets a characterlead him in the story drove Martel nutsas he is more of a plan from start to finishkind of writer. Both brilliant writers. Bothvery different.

Martel even dove into Boyden’s past

and they talked about his suicide attemptat age 16. Boyden suffers from depres-sion and at his lowest point threw himselfin front of a car.

He survived, but spent weeks in thehospital. He talks openly about it now inthe hopes that it helps young people totalk about the issue.

The authors talked about mutualfriends, activism, politics, StephenHarper, Canada and Indigenous issues.The conversation had the audienceenthralled and once completed, theauthors received a standing ovation likea couple of rock stars.

The event was hosted by The WordOn The Street Saskatoon and the Officeof the Treaty Commissioner with thesupport of PotashCorp, TourismSaskatoon and the University ofSaskatchewan. Any money raised fromthe event will be used to bring aprominent Aboriginal author to town forthe Word on the Street Festival in 2015.

After the event, the writers werepresented with gifts and tobacco bystudents who were on hand for the show.Boyden authographed books in the lobbyuntil every single fan had their booksigned and was satisfied with the selfiesthey took with him.

Joseph Boyden and Yann Martel gave the audience an evening to remember. (Photo by Electric Umbrella)

Authors Martel, Boyden talk writing,Harper, politics and Indigenous issues

NOVEMBER 2014Eagle Feather News6

Heroes on the Sports Field ...Don Marks is a Winnipeg writer

with a keen interest in the accom-plishments of Aboriginal sportsperformers.

He wroteThey Call MeChief: Warriorson Ice. Well,Don has done itagain.

On Oct. 28his new book,Playing theWhite Man’s Game (J. GordonShillingford Publishing) waslaunched in Winnipeg.

According to the publicity on theevent, the book is about NativeAmerican athletes who overcametremendous obstacles to dominate inthe NFL, CFL, PGA, OlympicGames, NHL and professionalwrestling. I bet Billy Two Rivers is inthere.

I have been able to experience thekeen interest of Indigenous people insports competition, not only inCanada but also in Australia.

Bob Morgan, a Murri Elder andprofessor of education from NewSouth Wales, is known to manySaskatchewan folks. Bob, whoexcelled in the game of ‘rugby league’(not to be confused with ‘rugbyunion’) teamed up with anotherAboriginal hero, Syd Jackson theAustralian Rules (another ‘footie’code) legend over 30 years ago tofound the Aboriginal Golf Foundationwhich hosts a National AboriginalGolf Championship every year inAustralia.

You may have inferred from theabove that I was not able to attendDon’s book launch. I am neverthelessvery keen to read his new book.

I shall make sure to send Don acopy of this commentary in the hopehe sees fit to give me an autographedcopy … heh, heh.... Heroes on the Battlefield

November reminds us of theheroes who served and died on thebattlefield for their country.

As a young boy growing up in St.Laurent, Manitoba along LakeManitoba, I was familiar with thepresence in the community of warveterans who had returned from theSecond World War and from theKorean War.

Some of them bore the physicalreminders of their heroic exploits. Iremember, too, the stories about thebattlefield heroes and prisoners ofwar who did not return home.

For that reason I was a keenreader of Nathan Greenfield’s TheDamned: The Canadians at the Battleof Hong Kong and the POW Experi-

ence, 1941-4 published by Harper-Collins Publishers in 2011.

I devoured the book, searchingfor some corroboration of the storiesI had heard about our local heroes.

Sure enough,there it was: thereference to thethree Chaboyerbrothers from St.Laurent. I knewthe brother whohad returnedhome.

He was akeen fan of our local baseball team inthe ‘60s. The book deals at somelength with the story of MarcelChaboyer who was dragged away ina POW camp and “his fellowCanadians never saw him again”.

One version of the event is that hepunched a guard who was beatinghim. He was sentenced to two yearshard labour but served longer thanthat.

In a footnote it is mentioned thatMarcel died a month before the warended. His ashes were sent to hiswidow and in 1973 the Manitobagovernment named lake 63K/16 asChaboyer Lake.

The descriptions of the sadistictortures the prisoners of war weremade to endure does not makepleasant reading.

It is nevertheless right to learnabout the heroic lives of those whosesacrifices are part of our heritage.This book adds to the many stories Ihave heard about the many veteransand those who died heroes on thebattlefields in faraway countries.

The Damned records the namesof all those who died in the Battle ofHong Kong and in the POW camps.From my home Metis community arelisted Marcel Chaboyer, David J.Chaboyer, Ernest Lavallee andAnthony J. Sioux.

The latter and Marcel are buriedin Sai Wan Cemetery in Hong Kongand David and Ernest Lavallee arelisted as buried in Yokohama WarCemetery.

Men who fought, were torturedand died for Canada must never beforgotten.

To remember them we can do nobetter than repeat the poetic words wehear at November 11 ceremonies:

They shall grow not old, as we thatare left grow old

Age shall not weary them, nor theyears condemn

At the going down of the sun andin the morning

We will remember them.

On heroes Kendal Netmaker recognizedwith Indspire Youth Award OTTAWA – You can’t walk through aschool or sports arena in Indian Countrywithout seeing someone wearing NeechieGear.

The hugely popular clothing brandwas created by entrepreneur KendalNetmaker who is originally from LittlePine First Nation, but his brand, and thesuccess of it, has taken him around theworld.

Recently, Netmaker was in Ottawa asAndrew Scheer, Speaker of the House ofCommons, acknowledged this year’sIndspire award recipients. Netmaker is thefitting recipient of the 2015 First NationsYouth Award.

The Little Pine businessman has builtNeechi Gear into a lifestyle apparel brandthat empowers youth through sports. Aportion of profits help underprivilegedkids to play sports. Netmaker has receivedboth entrepreneurial and Chamber ofCommerce awards. To date, his companyhas contributed over $15,000 in donationsand has helped over 2,500 youth acrossCanada take part in sports.

“Receiving an Indspire award is trulyan honor and is motivating to keep doingwhat I do for a living!” said Netmakerover Messenger from the House ofCommons.

All of that success and he is still avery humble young man. But he did notehis wife was very proud of him.

The 2015 Indspire Awards gala willbe held on February 27, 2015 at theSouthern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium inCalgary.

KENDAL NETMAKER

NOVEMBER 2014 7Eagle Feather News

By Larissa BurnoufFor Eagle Feather News

PRINCE ALBERT –Despite all the attention, MarleneBird is still vulnerable

She was homeless but she was also harmless.“What did I do so wrong to have this to happen to

me?” asks Marlene Bird staring down at her permanentlydisfigured body, remembering the unprovoked attackthat resulted in the amputation of both of her legs.

Sometime during the evening of May 31, MarleneBird remembers walking to an area in downtown PrinceAlbert. She had been there before but never that late atnight. She didn’t want to go out with her friends so shewandered off alone. Bird recalls running into a group ofaboriginal men, but she wasn’t very familiar with them.

It’s still hard for her to remember all of the exactdetails of what happened next, she says she turned herback to the group and that’s when the brutal attack began.

“All of a sudden I don’t know what happened but Istarted to get (hit) on my head. I was trying to get up tosee,” recalls Bird of the moments before she lostconsciousness.

Bird says she blacked out from the blows to her headbut remembers waking up in pain when ambulancepersonnel arrived at the scene the morning of June 1. Shedidn’t know the extent of her injuries or that she was ina battle for her life.

Bird was immediately flown to Edmonton hospitaland put into a medically induced coma. Meanwhile,Prince Albert Police began their investigation.

Bird was severely beaten and her face was lacerated,partially exposed from the cuts from her forehead to herneck, nearly causing her to also lose her left eye. She wasalso sexually assaulted and then set on fire. The burnsbegan at her mid-waist and covered the front and backof her body down to her legs.

“They cut my face and burnt (me everywhere); myprivate parts are just awful,” says Bird, struggling tocome to grips with the reality of the aftermath andshowing the exact area of the burns that forced doctorsto amputate both legs above the knee.

“The doctor said they were in such bad condition. Itcould have been worse. I didn’t know what to think.”

Bird spent months in hospital recovering from theamputation and allowing time for her skin to heal fromthe severe burns and skin grafts covering her back,shoulders and sides of torso.

Although she was not awake during the beating thatalmost ended her life, Bird says she is still haunted bythe memories of what transpired every day and night.

“I kept dreaming and having some nightmares.Waking up just scared … shaking and scared.”

Bird says she now lives in fear, even though PrinceAlbert Police have arrested and charged one man in theattack. Leslie Black remains in custody as he awaits anOct. 31 hearing for charges of attempted murder andaggravated sexual assault.

Bird still has so many questions, “Why wouldsomebody just go and attack someone like that, alone?”

She feels that more than two people took part in theattack. However, Prince Albert Police maintain that noother charges will be laid, stating that they’re confidentin the investigation. Sgt. Brandon Mudry says the inves-tigation is complete and the exact details of whathappened that night will come out at Black’s trial.

For Bird, adjusting to a life without her legs and

facing the same addictions that left her vulnerable andhomeless is a daily struggle.

“I get pretty mad at myself, why did this have tohappen to me?”

Bird is living in a temporary assisted living homeand going to counselling regularly. She says her alcoholaddiction, which started at an early age, and learning todeal with a lifetime of memories of the sexual andphysical abuse she endured is a daily obstacle.

“I just have to learn to live like this.” Bird is a client of the YWCA which is still taking in

donations for Bird’s care. They’ve received over $35,000and countless letters and cards of support for Bird. Theyare currently struggling to find a permanent home forBird that is wheelchair accessible.

“I would like to be on my own, to have my own placelike I used to when I was younger.”

Prince Albert victim strugglesto cope after vicious attack

Marlene Bird’s life will never be the same after shelost both her legs and suffered horrible burns.

NOVEMBER 2014Eagle Feather News – Health8

By Judy BirdFor Eagle Feather News

SASKATOON –Aboriginal patients in Saskatoon hospitals have dedicated peopleto help them navigate the complex and often confusing health care system.

Saskatoon Health Region has implemented a First Nations and Métis HealthServices program, and has two health navigators to assist Aboriginal patients.

The health navigators work with the patient, elders, cultural advisors and otherhealth region staff to identify barriers that impact the patient’s health outcome. Barriersoften include language, health region staff not recognizing cultural beliefs, or thepatient does not ask for assistance. Whatever the reason, the health navigators arethere to help the patient and family break through those barriers and let them knowthey are not alone.

“Often, patients don’t speak English or very little English, so we do a lot of thetranslation,” said Delia Allberg, one of the health navigators. Allberg is fluent in Dene,and her coworker, Valerie Bradfield, speaks and understands Cree.

The navigators are located in St. Paul’s Hospital, and each day, they visit newpatients there to introduce themselves, and see what they can do to help. Allberg alsoassists patients with Dene language translation at Royal University Hospital (RUH).

They advocate for patients and families that require their support, includingconnecting with social workers from the different hospitals, contacting communities,First Nations bands, health clinics, and support for the Non-Insured Health Benefits(NIHB) program through First Nations Inuit Health.

“They come in for program support for meals, accommodations, taxi fares backand forth to the hotels. If they qualify to be an escort then we advocate for them toNIHB,” Allberg added.

As well as caring for physical needs, the program also has a cultural componentto assist patients with spiritual needs.

“We have a traditional smudge every Thursday. Lots of people inquire about thatfor the patients, or ask about spiritual care,” explained Allberg.

“We advocate for them to practice their own cultural and spiritual beliefs,” saidBradfield, who is a Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Educator, and a tradi-tional bundle keeper. She is not a medicine person butreceived four years of training on traditional medicine andprotocol.

“A lot of times I work with the doctors and nurses andexplain to them about the importance of culture. I explainthat it’s different for all our communities, and that it’s notthe same for everyone. I bring them to the side and just letthem know in a good way, to better understand the patient’sperspective. I try to bring the health care perspective aswell as the traditional focus so the patient can have thatvoice,” Bradfield said.

Bradfield has shared teachings with ICU staff at St.Paul’s and RUH on traditional medicine in a presentationtitled Reawakening the Memory.

“It’s about allowing people to be more self aware oftheir own experience and how we can better support ourown First Nations and Metis patients and families whopractice those cultural ways,” she said.

Their work has made a difference. “It’s really been beneficial to visit the patients on the

ward. They’re very happy to have a program like this, espe-cially when they come through NIHB. Folks coming fromso far north who maybe don’t have much money, we cansupport and advocate for them that way and get themsupport. They’re really grateful for that. It makes it a littlebit easier,” said Allberg.“

It’s just a little thing that we’re doing for them but forthe patient or family, it’s a huge thing and it makes a hugedifference for them just to know where to go and whatservice to access,” said Bradfield.

Navigators help Aboriginal patientsnegotiate health system

Delia Allberg and her ability to speak Dene and Valerie Bradfield and her use ofCree are important players in making hospital trips in Saskatoon less frustrat-ing for First Nation patients. (Photo by John Lagimodiere)

NOVEMBER 2014 9Eagle Feather News

It’s been over over 90 years sincetroops laid down their arms to end the FirstWorld War. We join all Canadians inpaying tribute to the courage of those whoserved in the past and those who servetoday.

Many thousands of Aboriginal peoplesaw action and endured hardship in theFirst and Second World Wars and theKorean War. They served with honour anddistinction in all branches of the serviceand in every rank. They fought overseasto defend the sovereignty and liberty ofallied nations, in addition to supportingthe cause at home.

Their heroic acts earned many deco-rations for bravery as well as the respectand enduring friendships with theircomrades in arms. Hundreds from acrossCanada gave fully of their lives so that allCanadians might know peace and livefree.

Canadian Aboriginal Veterans havereason to be proud of their wartime contri-butions. More than 7,000 First Nation menand women served in the First and SecondWorld Wars and the Korean War, and anunknown number of Inuit, Métis and non-status Indians also participated. OneAboriginal Veterans group estimates that12,000 Aboriginals served in the threewars. On each occasion, Aboriginalmembers of the armed forces overcame

cultural challengesand made impressivesacrifices and contri-butions to help thenation in its efforts torestore world peace.

One of Canada’smost decoratedsoldiers, ThomasGeorge Prince, comes to mind. He was adescendant of Peguis, the Saulteaux Chiefwho led his band of 200 Ojibwa from theSault Ste. Marie region to the Red Riverin the 1790s, and of Chief William Prince,who headed the Ojibwa-Manitoba teamof Nile Voyageurs.

Prince enlisted in June 1940, at theage of 24, and began his wartime serviceas a sapper with the Royal CanadianEngineers. After two years with the RCE,he answered a call for paratrooper volun-teers, and by late 1942, was training withthe first Canadian Special ServiceBattalion.

Shortly after Prince joined this selectbattalion it merged with an elite Americanunit, forming a group of 1,600 men witha variety of specialist skills. Officiallycalled the 1st Special Service Force, itwould become known to German soldiersas the Devil’s Brigade. Originally, thisforce was intended to be a parachute unitthat would land behind enemy lines and

sabotage theirinstallations.Instead, itbecame aversatile assaultgroup with areputation forspecializedreconnaissance

and raiding. Prince was called to go to Bucking-

ham Palace on February 12, 1945 whereKing George VI presented him with hisMilitary Medal. Prince would later receivehis Silver Star from U.S. General Koeningon behalf of the American President onApril 24, 1945. He was one of 59Canadians to receive this award duringthe war, and one of only three to receivethe Military Medal. In all, Tommy Princewas decorated nine times, the most of anyaboriginal soldier in the war.

Like many soldiers returning fromwar, adjusting to civilian life was not easyfor Prince, and with painfully arthriticknees as a result of the long, harsh condi-tions during his military service, his capa-bilities were limited. Coupled with thediscrimination against Native people atthe time, his life became increasinglydifficult, his marriage ended and hischildren were put into foster homes.

In June 1955, Tommy Prince made

the news for his heroism in saving a manfrom drowning in Winnipeg. But hispersonal life kept spiraling downward andalcoholism overtook him resulting in hisfinal years being spent virtually alone,living in a Salvation Army hostel. In orderto support himself, he sold off his medals.What a sad ending for an honourable,decorated war hero.

Ira Haze is another Aboriginal warveteran. A Pima Indian from Arizona, whowas a decorated U.S. Marine and one of29 survivors from Iwo Jima, Johnny Cashmade Ira’s name famous with a song herecorded called the Ballad of Ira Haze.

Let me end on a more positive note.The Navajo Code Talkers code was neverbroken by the Japanese Army. Major H.Connor, 5th Marine Division signalofficer said, “Were it not for the Navajosthe Marines would never have taken IwoJima.”

In 2002 Nicholas Cage and AdamBeach starred in a movie about the NavajoCode Talkers called Windtalkers. Irecommend watching the movie. Theseare only a few examples of Aboriginalheroes and their contributions. Let usnever forget.

You can write to me at Eagle FeatherNews P.O. Box 924 St Main SaskatoonSK S7K 3M4 or emailsandstormsez@gmail.com

Aboriginal soldiers made heroic sacrifices

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NOVEMBER 2014Eagle Feather News10

SASKATOON – A decade has passedsince Justice David Wright released themonumental Neil Stonechild Report,exposing the racism against Saskatoon’saboriginal community by the very policeforce that was in place to protect them.

In November 1990, the body of 17-year-old Neil Stonechild was found frozenin a field in the north industrial area ofSaskatoon. At the time, his death wasbelieved to be hypothermia and onetheory was that he was walking to turnhimself in to the Saskatoon CorrectionalCenter.

Stonechild’s family and friend JasonRoy did not believe that was what reallyhappened that night. Roy was withStonechild the last night he was seen alive.They became separated but a short timelater, were reunited when police stoppedhim. Because he and Stonechild were bothon the run from group homes, Roy gave afake name.

“He was in the back of the police carand pretty traumatized,” remembers Roywho has maintained his story for over twodecades.

“The police and the people inauthority, what they had to say about itcontradicted everything I had to say aboutit and it made me scared becauseobviously they were covering it up.”

A chance run-in between Stonechild’sbrother and rookie First Nations policeofficer Const. Ernie Louttit raised redflags. Louttit remembers “he told mesome stuff that got me interested infinding out more. I went to the station andI pulled a copy of the report and photo-copied it.”

Louttit took it to his superiors. “I was told in pretty firm terms that it

was not for me to investigate or interferewith and I didn’t have the experience orknowledge of the case that I should havehad.”

He met with Stonechild’s mother,

Stella Bignell and vented. She took thatto the local newspaper, exposing racialdivides in Saskatoon.

“She quoted the things I said towardsthe end when I realized that I really wasn’tgoing to be able to do anything. I rantedand said that if it had been a white kid, theinvestigation would have been differentand it wouldn’t have been closed soquickly.”

Expecting to be punished for inter-fering Louttit worried about his futurewith the Saskatoon Police Service, “but itjust… all went away. It was gone.”

And it was gone. Stonechild’s namefaded but rumors began circulating ofStarlight Tours. Louttit says back then,aboriginal people were not equal.

“Some police didn’t value thevictims from the aboriginal communitywith the same value that they put to othervictims.”

That was the case until Darrel Nightcame forward in 2001. Night survived aStarlight Tour. He was picked up by officersand taken out of the city in freezing temper-atures, and forced to walk home. Otheraboriginal men before him, weren’t solucky.

“I felt terrible that it had to take the livesof some other young men for people in thiscity to actually take notice of what isactually going wrong between the policeand the native people” says Roy.

Two city police officers were chargedwith unlawful confinement and sent to jailfor Night’s experience.

Days after Night’s near-deathencounter, the bodies of two more FirstNations men, Lawrence Wegner andRodney Naistus, were located in the samearea where Night had been dropped off.Several inquiries began and protests filledthe streets of the city. It led to the reopeningof the Stonechild investigation and exhu-mation of his remains.

In 2003, the Neil Stonechild Inquiry

began. Because the original report on hisdeath was destroyed, the very photocopyLouttit took and saved in 1990 was used asthe preverbal nail in the Saskatoon PoliceService’s coffin. On Oct. 26, 2004 JusticeWright released the final report, its findingsand the recommendations, leadingSaskatchewan’s Justice Minister FrankQuenell to apologize to Stonechild’s family.

“I am sorry that she and her family hadto wait 14 years for the investigation theydeserved from the onset,” said Quenellduring a highly publicized press conference.

Although Wright could not assignblame in the inquiry, he did find thatStonechild was in the custody of the twoconstables the night he died.

“I felt vindicated,” said Roy. However,his relief was tempered with the reality ofStonechild’s untimely death.

“He didn’t get the justice that he rightlydeserved. He was murdered.”

No one has ever been charged inStonechild’s death. Two officers involvedlost their jobs and the recommendationswere swiftly enacted by the SaskatoonPolice Service. Today, Saskatoon PoliceChief Clive Weighill says every recom-mendation that came out of the inquiry hasbeen completed by the Service.

“(There’s) more diversity training,more First Nations and Métis (recruits),GPS in the all of our cars and it’s archived,”says Weighill.

He adds that they also incorporatedforward and rear facing video and audio inevery car that can’t be tampered with. Theyalso have cameras at all doors and cells.

“We’ve tried to take as many safe-guards as possible to protect our officers incase anyone comes forth with an allegation,we can prove it or disprove it right away.”

Although much progress has beenmade by the police, including annualmeetings with local chiefs, tribalcouncils and organizations, some in theaboriginal community feel there is still

room for improvement. “There’s still a lot of different things

that are going on in the streets ofSaskatoon,” says Roy. “There is stillprofiling going on with the police. They’restill doing things that they shouldn’t bedoing and they’re finding many ways to getaround it.”

Because of the media coveragefollowing the Inquiry, Roy says he getsstopped in public by aboriginal peoplealleging that police abuse is still happeningin Saskatoon. However, several publicreports and surveys by the Saskatoon PoliceService focusing on the relationship andtrust with the aboriginal community contra-dict Roy’s words once again.

For Roy, seeing a lot of change sincehis friend’s death over 24 years ago issomething positive.

“Neil’s death, as tragic as it is, it saveda lot of lives,” Louttit agrees. “In the end,his legacy is that he made a wholeprovince and law enforcement right acrossCanada, examine the way they did thingsand the way they valued victims.”

For Weighill, he says the SaskatoonPolice Service will continue improving aonce shattered relationship.

“We’re not where we want to be yet,absolutely not. Are we perfect? Absolute-ly not. But I think we’ve made a lot ofheadway and I think we are showing thatwe want to make a difference.”

Policing changed following Stonechild Inquiry

JASON ROY

NOVEMBER 2014 11Eagle Feather News - We Remember

Veterans that makethis country great:Lt.-Gov. Schofield• Continued from Page 1

“We owe the courageous people who have servedour deep thanks every day,” said Lt.-Gov. Schofield. “Iintend to give a Pin to every veteran in the province andwe have over 6,000 nominations so far.”

Seven veterans from the First Nations Veterans Asso-ciation were on hand to get their Pins on this evening.They posed for a photo with the lieutenant-governor andkidded and teased each other before the presentations.Some, in true veteran fashion, even had fun with the lieu-tenant-governor when they received their medals.

Standing out from the crowd of veterans was thediminutive Virginia Pechawis. Tiny, but bright with life,she has a smile that lights up the room. The 88-year-oldfrom Mistawasis First Nation is the oldest First Nationwoman veteran in Saskatchewan.

She was 18 years old when she enlisted in the armyin Prince Albert late during the Second World War. Beingan 18-year-old woman in 1944 Saskatchewan wasn’teasy.

“Long time ago people looked down on us. We werepoor. Dirty poor. I figured I’ll show them,” said Virginia.

She was in the Canadian Women’s Army Corps andspent most of her time in Quebec City. When asked, sheis humble about her contribution.

“I didn’t do too much,” she said. “First they weregoing to put me in an office, then I told them I had neverworked in an office. So they put me in the kitchen and Idid dishes all the time,” she laughed.

In total, Virginia served 13 months. The army wasgood to her except for one person.

“When you were over there you sit with anybody.

One day there was this girl. She was Irish and she didn’tlike me. She made comments about me being native.

“So I went and sat by myself. At first I got mad, thenI figured we are all the same anyways. She not any better.I’m not any better.”

Now Virginia enjoys spending time with her familyand going to powwows or the event with the lieutenant-governor.

“I really enjoyed the army. Getting to know people.I showed I’m just as good as anybody.”

And when it comes to hanging out with the veterans? “I don’t say much,” she laughs.Virginia will proudly display her Lieutenant-

Governor’s Military Service Pin alongside her poppy. Itis a simple pin that according to the lieutenant-governormeans much.

“The Pin is simple but has an image of a crown onit,” said Lt.-Gov. Schofield.

“It encompasses the principals of peace, freedomand justice. And it is the veterans that make this countrygreat.”

Lt.-Gov. Vaughn Solomon Schofield presents a pin toVirginia Pechawis.

Phillip Ledoux, Mistawasis First Nation served in NATO Europe, Frank Tompkins, Poundmaker FirstNation, WWII, George Benson, Red Pheasant First Nation U.S .Army Korea, sitting Virginia Pechawis,Mistawasis First Nation, WWII, Lieutenant-Governor Vaughn Schofield, Philip Favel, Sweetgrass FirstNation, WWII, Ray Sanderson, James Smith First Nation, Grand Chief of the Saskatchewan First NationsVeterans Association, Black Watch Special Forces and James McArthur, Pheasant Rump First Nation, Koreaposed for a group shot before they received The Lieutenant-Governor’s Military Service Pin. Missing HenryBeaudry. (Photo by John Lagimodiere)

NOVEMBER 2014Eagle Feather News - We Remember 12

By John Lagimodiere Of Eagle Feather News

SASKATOON – A fascinating series ofvideos has been released that presents theoral histories of 17 Saskatchewanresidents who served during the SecondWorld War.

Stories of Courage: SaskatchewanSecond World War Veterans Remember,comprehensively covers stories fromenlisting to coming home in eight differentvideos. The videos include the stories ofFirst Nation veterans Henry Beaudry, whospeaks of being a prisoner of war, and PhilipFavel, who talks about the experience ofAboriginal soldiers.

The project started when communityadvocates asked the Government ofSaskatchewan to help preserve theprovince’s military heritage before it waslost.

Philip Favel was more than happy totell his story for the record. Favel was in theRoyal Canadian Army Service Corps andhe gave some prime years of his life to thearmy, but he has no regrets.

“I stayed with my wife for threemonths, then I didn’t see her again for fouryears,” said Favel in an interview before hereceived his Lieutenant-Governor’sMilitary Service Pin.

“When I joined I knew what was goingon. I knew there was going to be killing andall that. When there was an order given tome during the war, well I got to do it regard-less of what happened to me.

“I might succeed, I might not. But I amstill here. I went through everything.”

Favel signed up for one sole purpose. “I’ll say one thing. This is our country

here. We have to protect our country regard-less of who we are. We have to livetogether,” said Favel.

“And I don’t like to see anythinghappen to our country. Like what happenedrecently in Ottawa. I hope we never see thatagain.”

Henry Beaudry was a scout in thePrincess Louise Dragoon Guards and herecalls his experiences after gettingcaptured. In a fierce battle, where he usedall of his ammunition, he received a headinjury and couldn’t hear for two days. While

captured, he insisted to his captors that hecould not speak English.

His lowest time in captivity came on afour day train ride packed into a box carwith no food or water.

“I prayed to the Creator to take me thatday or to give me water,” said Beaudry inthe video.

“When we woke up in the morning, theopen windows were covered in icicles andwe broke them off and drank them.”

After three months he and a Mongolianprisoner escaped. Because of the starvationhe faced in capture, to this day he can’t gainweight or eat a big meal.

“These oral histories will help futuregenerations gain a sense of what life waslike in Saskatchewan during the war, thevalues that led our country to join in thefight, and why the veterans who shared theirstories so readily volunteered to serve,” saidParks, Culture and Sport Minister MarkDocherty when they released the videos.

“You can draw a direct line from thatgeneration’s valour to the spirit of theCanadian military today as we honour thelives of the two soldiers killed last weekdefending our freedoms.”

Favel now spends time talking atschools and he tells young people about thewar and he has a strong message for them.

“When I came out of the war I cameout as a qualified motor mechanic. I learneda lot. I only have a Grade 2 education. ButI learned a lot when I was in the army,” saidFavel.

“I was the only Indian in that group.They were all white. We got along together.

Young people today should get militarytraining for three months. Regardless ofwho they are they should get trained so theyhave an idea what war is like.

“I would like to see the young peopleget trained like that Bold Eagle. Mypeople should get it. They have no ideaabout what’s what.”

To hear more stories, the videos can be viewedonline at www.saskatchewan.ca/storiesofcourage/

Video captures veterans’ experience during Second World War

Veteran Philip Favel shows off his Lieutenant Governor’s Military Service Pin as Lieutenant-Governor Vaughn Schofieldlooks on. (Photo by John Lagimodiere)

NOVEMBER 2014 13Eagle Feather News - We Remember

Service taught soldier value of life

Marcel Heichert is working on a degree at First NationsUniversity of Canada after serving in the military.

By Jeanelle MandesFor Eagle Feather News

REGINA –Marcel Heichert, a 30-year-old veteransoldier from Whitebear First Nation fought inAfghanistan in 50 degree heat. Heichert joined thearmy because the military life required a lot of disci-pline and he wanted to build upon that. Now he iscurrently studying administration and majoring inaccounting at the First Nations University of Canadawith hopes of some day working as an accountant.

“The military life seemed like an adventure andit seemed like a job where it mattered to be physi-cally fit because I liked to exercise,” Heichertexplains.

“The job seemed like something that I like, tohave stories to be proud of to tell later on in life. Itrequired a lot of skill and discipline.”

Heichert started his training as a youth intaekwondo which was taught at his school in hisreserve in the evenings.

He was living in Moose Jaw in Grade 12 and hewas a part of a class where his teacher had thestudents do an obstacle course in the base armories.They were taught what military training was like.

“We had a couple of soldiers that showed uswhat it’s like to be yelled at and doing some push-ups and doing an obstacle course. Those kinds ofthings appealed to me, it seemed like fun.”

In 2003, Heichert moved to Regina to take someevening science classes and it was then he submittedhis application to the military.

“I met a guy who was in the military reserve andhe asked me if I was interested in joining the

Canadian Forces Reserve.” Heichert had already submitted his application

for a different trade as a signal operator but once hemet the guy, he changed trades for the military. Thefollowing year, he started the basic training andstarted working while still attending school.

Heichert says the qualifications a person needsto join the military is passing a physical fitness eval-uation including completing a certain amount ofpushups and hitting a certain time in a 2.3 kilometrerun. Also a person needs to have at least a Grade 10education with high school transcripts and must beof 16 years with a copy of a birth certificate.

Heichert describes what he experienced in thearmy as being dangerous and hot.

“You’re fighting in 50 degree weather, it was likea jungle. It was bearable but yet easy to burn out.”

Heichert says he has seen how the military expe-rience changed the soldiers when they returnedhome. A lot turned towards alcohol. But Heichertdidn’t allow that to happen to him. His experiencein the army helped him view how precious life is andhe notices how people in the world take advantageof it.

Heichert believes life is very valuable afterserving his country. His advice to those wanting topursue a future in the army is to maintain your healthand don’t get caught up in the drinking.

“When it comes to life and death situations,you’d think people would take life seriously and theywouldn’t take it for granted. War is definitely not agood thing, a lot of people die and there are familiesthat are destroyed,” Heichert stresses.

NOVEMBER 2014Eagle Feather News - We Remember 14

Frustrated with living conditions at home andwith a desire to protect the country, First Nationand Métis people enlisted in droves during Firstand Second World Wars and the Korea War.

Not only did Aboriginal people give their lives,they also donated over $67,000 in the SecondWorld War to relief funds and the Red Cross andalso shared reserve lands for defence posts, airportsand rifle ranges. Their impact on Canadian historyis impressive.

In the army, these once forgotten and alienatedpeople were treated as peers and received the sametraining as everyone else. The legacy of thattraining has been paying benefits to our commu-nities for generations.

The fortunes of First Nation and Métis peoplestarted to change after the Second World War. Theveterans came back and assumed leadership roles.The friendships and respect they earned in theservice earned them allies with their former armybuddies. This leadership and influence saw thecreation of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indiansand Métis organizations that today form the MétisNational Council.

It is estimated over 12,000 Aboriginal peoplefought in the three wars. Sadly there are not manyveterans left but they have passed on their legacyto a whole new generation to lead. When you seea veteran, shake their hand and acknowledge theircontribution.

Veteran James McArthur receives his Lieu-tenant-Governor’s Military Service Pin.

Veteran Philip Ledoux receives his Lieutenant-Governor’s Military Service Pin.

Veteran George Benson receives his Lieutenant-Governor’sMilitary Service Pin.

Veteran Frank Tomkins receives his Lieutenant-Governor’sMilitary Service Pin.

Legacy of Aboriginal soldierscontinues to benefit

First Nation and Métis communities

NOVEMBER 2014 15Eagle Feather News

By John Lagimodiere Of Eagle Feather News

SASKATOON – Joel Pedersen is a multi-faceted indi-vidual. He runs training programs for First Nation andMétis communities across Saskatchewan and inSaskatoon. He writes a monthly exercise and healthcolumn for the Eagle Feather News website. He is a policeofficer with the Saskatoon Police Service.

On top of all that he is also kind of a big deal in themilitary reserves.

Last year he was appointed the Regimental SergeantMajor of the Royal Regina Rifles and the NorthSaskatchewan Regiment which are both primary reserveInfantry units, and he was promoted to the rank of ChiefWarrant Officer (CWO) in the Canadian Army. That isthe most senior Non-Commission Officer rank in theCanadian Armed Forces.

This high posting makes Pedersen the first FirstNation Regimental Sergeant Major of both units whichhave history dating back to 1885 through toAfghanistan. Out of approximately 87,000 membersof the forces, currently there are only two First NationCWOs in the Canadian Armed Forces and Pedersen isone of them.

“I did not do this on my own. I owe to those whocame before me, the aboriginal men and women whovolunteered and served with honour, dignity, andcourage,” said Pedersen of his rise through the ranks.

“I owe a lot to my family, colleagues and even theones that said I could not do it. Those NCOs who offeredopportunity, leadership, guidance and mentorship, so thatI would mature and succeed, I am forever grateful to.”

Pedersen’s mom’s family is from Fond du Lac FirstNation and his dad is Mikisew Cree from Alberta. He

credits many First Nation role models in the service goingback to Sgt. Tommy Prince and Sgt. Alex Wuttunee to amentor in Sgt. Grant Greyeyes and even a fellow heworked with at the Saskatoon Police Service.

“Master Corporal Ernie Loutit, who was proud to bean Indian and the army culture that treated him withrespect and responsibility. These are some of the menwho set the example and were role models for me,” saidPedersen.

He intends to take what he has learned and pass it on. “Now is a time during the next three years I intend

to mentor, guide, and lead the next generation of soldiersand future leaders. I will not ask any of them to do a taskor a job that I am not willing to do, or that I have not doneor experienced.”

Pedersen’s experience in the Army has taken him tosee a lot of the world including Europe, Scandinavia, theMiddle East and much of North America and he directlycredits his training with allowing him to start his fitnessbusiness and become a Saskatoon Police Officer. And herecommends the military as a great starting point for anyyoung person.

“The military trained me to do more than what isexpected. To appreciate my own strengths and limita-tions and pursue self-improvement, seek and acceptresponsibility, know your people and promote theirwelfare and develop the leadership potential of yourpeople.

“These are some of the principles I try to use to thebest of my ability each day.” said Pedersen.

“In the military it does not matter what color of skinyou are, that is not what separates you from others.

“It is about being a soldier and putting others first,respecting yourself so that you can respect others.”

Joel Pedersen’s military background has helped himsucceed in many facets of life.

(Department of National Defense photo)

Pedersen learned from military mentors

NOVEMBER 2014Eagle Feather News - Arts & Culture 16

By Mika LafondFor Eagle Feather News

REGINA – The creative process began years ago andcontinues to develop for a performative piece that Métisartist David Garneau has prepared.

On Nov.16, at 3 p.m., The Dunlop Gallery will bepresenting Garneau’s performance in Regina’s VictoriaPark. The performance will be a representation ofdialogue between Garneau, dressed as a statue of LouisRiel, and the statue of J.A. MacDonald that currentlystands in Victoria Park. On the anniversary of Riel’shanging, Garneau will use his artistic talent to bring Metishistory to life and to give Louis Riel a voice for the publicto hear.

Garneau is Department Head and Associate Professorof Visual Arts at the University of Regina. His workfocuses on painting, drawing, curation and critical writing.He has an extensive exhibition record and his paintingsare in collections including the Canadian Museum ofCivilization, The Canadian Parliament, and the Indianand Inuit Art Centre. He has curated several large groupexhibitions, contributed texts to numerous catalogues andjournals, and has presented talks and lectures interna-tionally. Garneau is currently working on curatorial andwriting projects featuring contemporary Aboriginal artexchanges between Canada and Australia.

Why has the City of Regina never honored Louis Riel?This is a question that Garneau, as a Métis artist, has

contemplated since he moved to Regina 16 years ago. Garneau is the great-great grandson of Laurent

Garneau – a soldier in Riel’s Red River Resistancein Manitoba in 1869-70. Laurent Garneau movedto the Edmonton area where his homestead over-looked Fort Edmonton.

He was arrested for his role in the Resistance,almost hanged, but later released.

Garneau was raised in Edmonton, listening andlearning Métis history, and was taught the many

roles that Métis leaders, such as his ancestor, played inthe formation of the western provinces. When he movedto Regina as an adult he was aware of the statue of JohnA. MacDonald in Victoria Park, but often wondered whythere was no statue of Louis Riel – a defining leader whoplayed an important role in the formation of the provinceof Saskatchewan.

For many years, Garneau considered how to raiseawareness about Métis history and advocate for recogni-tion of Louis Riel in Regina. He brainstormed ideas abouthow to use the statue of MacDonald in a performance piece.

He thought about how to tell the story of Louis Rielin a short, concise, meaningful way. He visited the statueof MacDonald and imagined what the two men wouldsay to each other. Garneau also read through Louis Riel’sletters and poems to better understand the Métis hero.

Garneau says that he is still developing the final plansfor the performance, but it will be a representation of bothMetis and Colonial cultures. The presentation will includeGarneau’s acting, a military drummer, a hand drummer,and will be about 20 minutes long.

Garneau hopes to create public awareness of the roleof Métis in Canada’s history, and more so focus on LouisRiel’s role in the province of Saskatchewan.

Prime Minister John A. MacDonald was the man whosentenced Louis Riel to be hanged.

David Garneau has created a play that features himself asLouis Riel and he talks to a statue of John A. MacDonald ina park in Regina. He is going to do the play with anotherstatue of John A. MacDonald again in Ontario in January.

Métis artist’s performance will honour story of Louis Riel

NOVEMBER 2014 17Eagle Feather News

NOVEMBER 2014Eagle Feather News - Arts & Culture18

When I was kid we got kicked out of the house onSaturday afternoons to go “play outside.”

We would bundle up in our snow-pants, jackets, bootsand then just before heading into the great outdoors, we’dcarefully place socks on our hands because mittens werefor rich kids and wimps. My siblings and cousins wouldhead right into the middle of the yard to make snow angels,craft forts and dare each other to eat yellow snow.

But not me. I would huddle near the porch and singsongs like “Swing Low Sweet Chariot,” until the sun wentdown and Mom mercifully called us in for supper. Thecold is my natural enemy (and, also this crazy chick whoorders like three lattes at 8:30 in the morning – we all haveto get to work, bitch!)

However, winter is the curse of this particular climateso even if you hate winter with the fire of a thousand suns(ironically) you gotta suck it up and be a good sport. Sothis is why I smile and pretend that my hands aren’t curledinto gnarled stumps from December to March.

And for those of you who are like me (i.e. notdescended from polar bears), here are some tips for winter-izing your life.

Tip number one is: Be Winter-Rude. Us-freezing-cold-people can’t stand still in the cold, that’s like askinga fire not to burn or a hot gay guy not to steal yourboyfriend. It can’t be done and there’s no use begging,cajoling or pleading to a sense of propriety.

I will not and cannot stand outside just to shoot theshit. Thus I am winter-rude. When I pass by the smokersoutside of work, enjoying their twenty-fifth smoke of theday, I hurry past and do not engage in conversation. Iwon’t smile because that expands the surface area of my

lips and I won’t say hi because that will allow cold air intomy mouth.

I will nod but only because that movement createsextra heat. So, I am being rude but it’s only cold-temper-ature-specific. Say hi to me again in May.

Tip two is: Say No to Fakes. Our ancestors knew agood thing when they killed and skinned it. Animal skinsand furs are warmer than a Jehovah Witness’ smile beforeyou shut the door in their face. There’s plenty of deadanimals to clothe oneself in, but sometimes I like to treatmyself to the warmth of a live animal.

Cuz there’s nothing like the heat of a fat house-catdraped around my neck. By the way, am I the only personwho looks at a Shih Tzu and thinks, “damn, you wouldmake a really cute pair of boots?”

Tip three is: Never underestimate the heating powerof rage or fear. In minus 20 weather, the only reason youshould be outside is because you are running from an axe-murderer or you are an axe-murderer. If you must beoutside and neither of these two options is at your disposal,I recommend crafting a ball from snow and throwing itat the nearest person – hard enough to make them reallymad. The ensuing chase will keep you toasty warm.

Tip number four is a sad truth: You can look thin or

you can be warm. Not both. This was a hard lesson tolearn. Like all of you, I dreamt that someday I could belike Angelina Jolie in one of those Lara Croft movieswhere she’s on the frozen tundra driving a team of huskydogs clad only in a hooded cape that billows behind her(because the damned fool is wearing it wide open to theelements.)

While filming Fish Out of Water in ChurchillManitoba, I spent the entire shoot wearing two pairs ofpants, two shirts, a wool sweater, a parka, mukluks, andthree pairs of socks. AND I was stuffing hotshots into myboots and down my shirt and pants to keep me warm.(Despite these precautions, I spent most of the shootdriving the director crazy by running into buildings inbetween shots.)

So even though I looked like the Michelin Man’schubby, older sister, I was still freezing my ass off.Sometimes you can’t win.

Tip number five of winterizing your soul is: Talkingabout the weather makes it worse. Because not only amI cold, I’m also bored listening to you compare this winterto the winter before to the winter a few years before that.Clearly, information about previous winters only hasrelevance if you also have a time machine. But you don’t.Because if you did, I would have gone back in time togive you a face-wash before you began your grisly winterweather conversation. Also, the only good use for aFarmer’s Almanac is for burning in a fireplace.

So those are my tips for surviving winter and until Idiscover a way to induce human-hibernation, I’ll be livingby them.

See you on the other side.

Some timely winter survival tips

NOVEMBER 2014 19Eagle Feather News

SASKATOON – After a more than 20-year partnership,Whitecap Dakota First Nation and Saskatoon PublicSchools signed a historic education agreement in October.

Through the partnership, the school division welcomesWhitecap Dakota Elementary School as an alliance school,making it the first on-reserve school to be a part of aSaskatchewan school division.

The goal of the agreement is to enhance educa-tional opportunities and supports for all Whitecapstudents. The four-year agreement will see federalfunding for the education of Whitecap students flowto Saskatoon Public Schools. All Whitecap DakotaElementary School teachers are now employed bySaskatoon Public Schools.

“Our community and our children have certainlyenjoyed the benefits of our partnerships withSaskatoon Public Schools to date and we look to buildon that,” said Chief Darcy Bear of Whitecap DakotaFirst Nation.

“The agreement we are signing today is a productof our recent efforts, with the support and involvementof the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan, toensure Whitecap children have access to the samerange of services as kids in Saskatoon, while continu-ing to receive Dakota language and cultural teachings.”

The agreement recognizes and respects Whitecap’sinherent jurisdiction over education of its members and

establishes a co-governancemechanism tooversee school oper-ations.

“This agreementsolidifies our manyyears of collabora-tion and cooperationwith WhitecapDakota First Nation,all of which hasbeen focussed ondoing what is bestfor students,” saidSaskatoon Board ofEducation ChairRay Morrison.

“While thisagreement formallywelcomes WhitecapDakota ElementarySchool into our

division, it will lead to enriching opportunities for allour students and staff members. Public education isabout being open to all and I am proud to lead ourdivision as we take this historic step forward in thatregard.”

An important aspect of the agreement is the smoothtransition of Whitecap students who attend school inSaskatoon. Whitecap School offers classes fromPrekindergarten through Grade 4, after which studentswill be transported to Saskatoon to complete theirelementary and secondary education.

“I commend Whitecap Dakota First Nation andSaskatoon Public School Division for making Whitecapthe first on-reserve school to benefit from an alliancewith a provincial school division,” said EducationMinister Don Morgan.

“This partnership allows Whitecap students tobenefit from the same supports available in Saskatoonschools, right from Prekindergarten to Grade 12.

“By working together, these expanded learningopportunities will help prepare students for their future,which is what putting the student first all is about.”

Whitecap school welcomed into Saskatoon school division

Chief Darcy Bear and Saskatoon Board of Education Chair Ray Morrison sign historic agreement.

“Thisagreement

solidifies ourmany years of

collaboration andcooperation withWhitecap DakotaFirst Nation, all

of which has beenfocussed on doing

what is best forstudents.”

– Ray Morrison

NOVEMBER 2014Eagle Feather News 20

Saskatoon belongs to you - have your say!

Learn more and get involved at www.growingfwd.ca

Main Event | Growth Plan Workshops

Information Sessions

Saskatoon belongs to you - have your say!

Saskatoon belongs to you - have your say!

Saskatoon belongs to you - have your say!

We

Main Event | Growth Plan W

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Main Event | Growth Plan Workshops

4

orkshops

Saskatoon grows.residents will have more investments in areas like

Growth With your input, the

discuss possibilities for shaping Saskatoon’Saskatoon is changing. It’

Saskatoon belongs to you - have your say!

choices for how they live and corridor redevelopment, transit

will help guide Growth Plan to Half a Million

Growth Plan to Half a Milliondiscuss possibilities for shaping Saskatoon’s It’s how we manage change that

Saskatoon belongs to you - have your say!

move around the city as and core area bridges so guide future infrastructure

.Growth Plan to Half a Millionis important. Join us to

Saskatoon belongs to you - have your say!

(Presentation at 6:15 p.m.)6 to 8 p.m. 1635 McKercher Drive

Cliff Wright Branch LibrarMonday, December 1, 2014

Revolving workshops ever

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. & 6 to 9 p.m.

(Presentation at 6:15 p.m.)6 to 8 p.m. 3130 Laurier DriveCosmo Civic Centre

Thursday

(Presentation at 6:15 p.m.)cher Drive

Cliff Wright Branch Library, December 1, 2014

Information Sessions

topics being discussed. Revolving workshops every half hour. Choose to participate in one or all of the

(Presentations at 10:15 a.m. & 6:15 p.m.)10 a.m. to 1 p.m. & 6 to 9 p.m. Street EastndTCU Place, 35 22

(Presentation at 6:15 p.m.)3130 Laurier DriveCosmo Civic Centre

Thursday, December 4, 2014

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Dawn Dumont is a one of a kindcomedian, playwright, writer and one ofour most popular columnists. Her 700words of hilarity a month always has ourreaders asking for more Dawn. Fear not,dear readers, now you can enjoy Dawnand her storytelling in a book that isexactly 297 pages long and will take youa lot longer to read.

Rose’s Run (not to be confused withher first book, Nobody Cries at Bingowhich is only 289 pages long) is a storyabout Rose Okanese, a single mother withtwo kids who has been pushed into acorner by Rez citizens to claim some self-respect, and decides that the fastest wayto do that is to run the reserve’s annualmarathon.

Though Rose hasn’t run in 20 years,smokes, and initially has little motivation,she announces her intention to run therace. Next thing you know, an old demonthat feeds on the strength of women iscalled forth by her teen daughter andmayhem ensues on the Rez.

The story is funny and eerie and aboutmothers’ love, friendships, lust and, ofcourse, Rez humour. Since Dawn and Ihave communicated almost exclusively byemail for most of the almost two years shehas been writing for us, we figured wewould just email her some questions aboutbeing a famous writer and other thingsthat pain her, cause really, why starttalking now?

We strongly encourage you to buy herbook at McNally Robinson or at book-stores everywhere or even on the web. Itis a great story and will make a greatChristmas present after you read it (justremember not to crack the spine, workslike a charm). EFN: You have a law degree, yet you arenot a lawyer. Why did you choose thepoverty of being a writer when you couldhave taken on the world ... or at least made

good money?Dawn: I swallowed the Oprah, “followyour bliss” Kool-Aid. Oprah also saidthat if you followed your bliss, youwould get everything you ever wanted.But there is some fine print that thebrown goddess did not mention – youbetter hope your ass is lucky as hell or

you will be eating a lot of noodles. Andhave you ever read the ingredients onthose packages? I think it would behealthier to boil and eat your dog’s fur. EFN: When you write your columns, yourfamily seems to be your favourite topicand characters. Does this mean RoseOkanese is fashioned after a familymember? Mom perhaps? Dawn: Nope Rose Okanese is her ownperson. I don't think I’ve ever writtena character that was more herself thanRose. Sometimes I write a characterand I will base it on someone I know –I even use their name in the first draft

and then change it later. But Rose wasRose the whole way through. EFN: What does your family say to youabout using them as fodder for comedy? Dawn: It would be foolish of me to ask. EFN: How long did it take you to writethe book? Dawn: No idea. I remember writing the

first 45 pages when I was living inEdmonton and I called one of myfriends and said, “hey I wrote 45 pagesthis weekend” and he was like, “oh doyou know where the cheapest place isto get my oil changed?” Then after thatI think it slowed quite a bit. Also thecheapest oil changes are the ones youdo yourself. EFN: How is Rose’s Run different fromNobody Cries at Bingo? Dawn: It’s a novel. It’s supernatural.It’s scary. I’m not in it. All of these aremy favourite things.EFN: What is more fun, doing Fish Out

of Water on APTN, writing alone in yourbasement, or doing stand up comedy in aremote northern community? Dawn: Probably being on a trampolinewith my nieces and double-jumping tomake them fall. EFN: If an aspiring writer came to you foradvice, what would you tell them? Dawn: Pick a story and write all theway through until you are done. Shareyour work often (open mics, readingswith friends, etc.) but keep writing untilit is done. Even if it feels like it’s crap(and it probably is) you should finishbecause you can fix a lot in the edit.Finishing things gives you confidenceand gives you energy for the nextproject. One completed draft is betterthan a hundred half finished stories. EFN: Who is your favourite writer andwhy? Dawn: Richard Van Camp because hiswriting is sweet, hopeful, and hilarious. EFN: Give us your three favourite books.Dawn: The Lesser Blessed, Naked(David Sedaris), and The Bingo Palace(Louise Erdrich) EFN: Where is the oddest place you haveever signed someone’s “book”? Dawn: In the bathroom of a bookstore– they were stealing it. Which I guessmakes me an accessory. EFN: Ever get tired of being a famouswriter? Dawn: Here is my idea of fame: WhenI was performing comedy at Yuk Yuk’sin Edmonton there was always a signoutside the club that said, “Comediansand half-price prime rib.” I’d watchpeople look at the sign and say, “wowhalf price prime rib.” Someday I wouldlike to be more of a draw than half priceprime rib. Hell I’d even take being abigger draw than free popcorn.Although maybe that’s setting the bartoo high? Help me, oh dear Oprah!

Dawn Dumont continuing to follow her bliss

Dawn Dumont’s second book takes an eerie and funny look at Rez life.

NOVEMBER 2014 21Eagle Feather News

By John Lagimodiere Of Eagle Feather News

SASKATOON – Yellow Quill First Nation hasannounced it is committed to building a commercialoffice building in downtown Saskatoon on its urbanreserve. The project will be located at 240 - 4th and willbe the first urban reserve in downtown Saskatoon.

“We wanted to replicate the success we have hadwith the First Nations Bank Building,” says Chief LarryCachene.

“We did thorough research and determined the bestuse was to invest in another commercial office space.We presented our research and reports to our membersand they voted overwhelmingly in favour of the project.”

According to Chief Cachene, the band has invested$1 million and three years in the project and is lookingfor more tenants and the announcement was to showpeople they are serious about the venture.

The office building will be environmentally designedwith LEED gold certification targeted. Its high-profiledowntown location near the river makes it an appealingchoice for businesses and the project plans are scalableso additional floors can be added if demand exists. Plansfor construction will move forward once sufficientleasing commitments are in place and the First NationsBank of Canada has already signed on to be the firsttenant.

Harry Lafond, Executive Director of the Office ofthe Treaty Commissioner knows urban reserves well. Hewas a councillor for Chief of Muskeg Lake Cree Nationwhen they created the first urban reserve in Saskatoon’sSutherland neighbourhood.

“This future building is the result of the hard workof the Office of the Treaty Commissioner since 1989 andthe TLE agreement,” said Lafond at the announcement.

“It also shows that the Treaty 6 people are willing toshare with Treaty 4 people, even the prime real estate indowntown Saskatoon,” he joked.

The goal of the project is to generate long-termrevenue streams for Yellow Quill First Nation to reinvestinto its community and membership, particularly in theareas of education and housing, as well as contribute toa more vibrant downtown Saskatoon.

“Now that we have achieved reserve status with thisproperty, we have enhanced our attractiveness to busi-nesses including First Nation businesses or by those busi-nesses who want to build strong partnerships with FirstNations,” said Chief Cachene.

“The business community wants to attract andengage First Nations people into the workforce. Thisoffice building will provide an excellent vehicle for thosepartnerships and will contribute to the growingSaskatchewan economy.”

Yellow Quill creates another urban reserve first in Saskatoon

Golf Tournament for LiteracyPGI Founded by Peter Gzowski

Presented by

Yellow Quill First Nation Chief Larry Cachene presented Saskatoon Mayor Don Atchison with a gift at theannouncement of their urban reserve development. (Photo by John Lagimodiere)

Big commitment as FirstNation unveils plans fordowntown office building

NOVEMBER 2014Eagle Feather News 22

By John Lagimodiere Of Eagle Feather News

SASKATOON – Don Narcisse is aSaskatchewan Roughrider legend. He hasa Grey Cup ring. He has membership inthree Halls of Fame. He has the best damntouchdown dance of any Rider in history.And he also has asthma, something henever told the Riders about in his 13-yearcareer with the team.

“I was not up front with the Riderswith my asthma because I didn’t want tomake it an excuse,” explains Narcisse.

“And when you make an excuse andyou are not on the football field,somebody else gets to play your spot andtake your job. I was able to keep my secretfor 13 years,” said Narcisse.

With his mix of skill, stardom andpersonal experience dealing with lungdisease, Don Narcisse is the perfectAmbassador for Lung Month. The LungAssociation of Saskatchewan wants toraise awareness and money so it cancontinue to assist in providing groundbreaking lung health research, lung healtheducation and services, and support workthat advocates for better lung health.

In an innovative social mediacampaign, the Lung Association isinviting people to play Truth or Dare.They challenge you, through social media,to tell a true story about lung disease andhealth. Or, on the dare, do the famous DonNarcisse touchdown dance and post itonline for the entire world to see. It isguaranteed to raise awareness and also tobe fun.

“The touchdown dance is easy to do.Walk away and just make sure you bounceback. It is fun, but it is for a good cause,”said Narcisse.

“We have to get the story out thereabout lung disease so people can talkabout how it affects them, and socialmedia is a great way to promote it.”

Narcisse has some help promoting themonth. He is joined by fellow ambassa-dors Brett Stovin of the Saskatoon Blades,Kevin Stanfield from Global Saskatoon,Aiden May, Lori Kleiboer, radio hostStacie Cooper, quarterback CandaceBloomquist and Neechie Gear founderKendal Netmaker. Anyone who makes a

video gets entered into a draw for WestJetflights or a trip for two to the Grey Cup in2015 with Don Narcisse. You also getentered in the draw for donating money.

Narcisse always had trouble gettingair running as a child but it wasn’t untilhe had a serious attack that he got scared.

“I remember being rushed to thehospital because I couldn’t breathe andI remember the look of fear on mymom’s face when they put the mask overme. I didn’t know what was going on,”he said.

Because of his asthma, his motherrefused to put him in sports until he wasin Grade 7 and he wanted to be areceiver. His mom was proud when hewas named MVP in Grade 12. He even-tually received a college scholarship andhis mom dutifully sent him $20 a monthto live on. When he told her had a tryoutwith the Riders, she gave him $40.

“Twenty dollars extra for gas,” hesays.

Well, the asthmatic kid from Texasmade those Riders and then went on toa hall of fame career and to this day hecarries around something to remind himof where he came from.

“I still have that $40 my mom gaveme and I show people and tell them thatthat $40 bought all four of these hererings,” said Narcisse as he showed hisGrey Cup and Hall of Fame rings.

His mom passed away five daysbefore he was inducted into the CFLHall of Fame. She was his biggest fanand she liked his dance.

“I came up with that dance bymyself. I used to practice in the mirrorand then I got to a point where I couldjust turn and look back at the defensiveback and then turn back around and walksome more then turn back again.

“It got to a point that it was realgood. Now that it is going to go viral,that’s awesome. This is a great day to behere. If you can’t breathe nothing elsematters.

“This is a battle I’ve been fightingmy whole life and I know my mom isproud.”

To participate in Truth or Dare go towww.td4lungs.ca

Football star’s disclosure breathes life into Lung Month fundraiser

Lung Month Ambassador and Rider legend Don Narcisse has Leon Masa showhis Grey Cup and Hall of Fame rings and the $40 Narcisse’s mom gave him forgas when he went to try out for the Riders. (Photo by John Lagimodiere)

NOVEMBER 2014 23Eagle Feather News

New job postings every Wednesday at www.saskatoon.caFor more information contact Jodi at 306-975-2661.

Norma McKay, Sr. Fire Inspector

Over the last 17 years as my life changed, the City provided me with endless possibilities for my

career to grow with it.

SASKATCHEWAN’S TOP EMPLOYERS

Endless Possibilities

Northern Football league concludes successful seasonPRINCE ALBERT – The Creighton Kodiaks led byEvan Linnick are the 2014 Northern SaskatchewanFootball champions after a 67-41 victory over thePinehouse Lakers on Nov. 1at the Max Clunie Field inPrince Albert.

An estimated crowd of 400 fans from the commu-nities of Creighton and Pinehouse attended the gamewhich was played under a beautiful, sunny fall day.

On the game’s first possession, Evan Linnick ran forthe first of his five touchdowns on the day. The Kodiaks

never looked back, leading 24-13 at the end of the firstquarter and 32-13 at half time. Adding to his perform-ance, Linnick kicked eight out of eight conversions (2pts each in 6-aside) and added a field goal to score 49 ofthe Kodiak points.

Chris Reynolds, Brennan Van Meer and RandyNowlin each scored a touchdown to round out the scoringfor the Kodiaks.

The Pinehouse Lakers, who were the 2013 defendingchampions, played hard to the very end of the game.

Quarterback Tanner Tinker had three touchdowns, whileJohnny Tinker had two and Dray Tinker had one of hisown.

The Lakers had a few bad breaks in the gameincluding a goal line fumble caused by Kodiak defenderin the second quarter.

Northern Saskatchewan Football wishes to thank allof the coaches, officials, volunteers, parents and playersthat have worked so hard to make this a successfulseason.

The Creighton Kodiaks beat defending Northern Football League Champions Pinehouse Lakers 67-41 in front of 400 wild fans to claim the League Championship.

NOVEMBER 2014Eagle Feather News24