TSINISSINI AS 2015 - Blood Tribebloodtribe.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/AUGSEPT15.pdf · TSINISSINI AS 2015 Rick Tailfeathers: ... the blessing ceremony, ... Initiatives Program

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TSINIKSSINI Aug/Sept 2015

Rick Tailfeathers: Communications DirectorTom Russell: Communications WriterMyron Fox: Layout Graphic DesignMason Wolf Child Photos/Stories

Published by the authority of Blood Tribe Chief & Council Box 60 Standoff, AB T0L 1Y0ph: (403) 737-3753 FAX: (403) 737-2785visit our website for more... www.bloodtribe.org

The Blood Tribe Administration Review entitled ‘TSINIKSSINI’ is dedicated to the sharing of information for the people of the Blood Tribe. The magazine format features news, stories, articles and an array of items as our way of sharing what is occurring on the Blood reserve and beyond.We hope you enjoy your magazine and invite any suggestions you may have in improving our coverage on any number of events and activities. The magazine will be printed on a monthly basis and will be distributed to various locations on-and-off the reserve. The magazine is free of charge.The magazine is published by the Blood Tribe Communications department and is printed by Graphcom Printers (2011) of Lethbridge.The collection of information, photographs and layout of the magazine is from the Blood Tribe Communications department. Reproduction of any story or use of photographs must be requested in writing and addressed to the Blood Tribe Communications department. Any unauthorized use of stories and photos of TSINIKSSINI or from the Blood Tribe Communications department may infringe on tribal copyright laws. We would like to acknowledge the Blood Tribe Chief & Council and the people of the Blood Tribe for your support.

Published by Blood Tribe Administration

COMMUNICATIONS Department

Blackfoot tribal elders gather at Nose Hill Park which has long been a traditional site where the Blackfoot gathered for ceremonial and survival purposes. A ceremony marking the site was performed with the intent of having the site declared protected and recognized for its link to a people who have occupied this territory for millennium.

PHOTO CREDIT: Rick Tailfeathers

3. Anniversary of UN Declaration

4. Blackfoot Confederacy Conference

5. Blackfoot Confederacy Conference

6. Kainai Youth TIPI CAMP

7. Red Crow College

8. Treaty 7 Housing

9. Treaty 7 Housing

10. Dr. Susan A. Christenson

11. Treaty 7 - A Sacred Covenant

12. Truth and Reconciliation Event

13. Digital Signage / Election Information

14. IRCA Finals In Las Vegas

15. NotificationofRatificationVote

16. Upcoming Events

aug/sept 2015

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Blackfoot Confederacy Marks Territory with

Historic LandmarkCalgary, September 29, 2015 - On a beautiful fall morning, members of the Blackfoot Confederacy gathered in Mohkinstsis to climb Nose Hill in a special ceremony marking our traditional territory. A stone marker signifying the four tribes of the Siksikaitsitapi – Akainai, Siksika, Piikani and Amskapipikuni – was built ahead of the 15th Annual Conference of the Confederacy hosted by the Kainai in Tsuu T’ina. This is the seventh marker that’s been built throughout Blackfoot traditional territory reminding settlers and visitors of our ancestors and children’s stake in the land. The giant stone circle marks the Blackfoot presence past, present and future and was dedicated to the people of Calgary in a blessing made sacred through song and prayer by Elders from the Blood Tribe, including Wilton Goodstriker, Bruce Wolf Child and Andy Black Water. Chiefs on hand included Blood Tribe Chief Charles Weaselhead, the Siksika Nation’s Vincent Yellow Old Woman and former Piikani Chief Reg Crowshoe. “This is very special to us,” said Chief Weaselhead. “The circle is a symbol of the four tribes that make up the Blackfoot confederacy. The prayers and song provides protection and powerful blessings, goodwill and continued strength for all people. We are Blackfoot and the spirit of our people will forever live in these sacred places.” The origin of the hill’s name is unclear but stories tell of a European explorer asking a guide the name of the hill. The man replied: Nose Hill…because it resembles the nose of our chief. As many of our geographical sites are based on human anatomy, that story may well ring some truth. But Nose Hill did provide favorable wintering grounds for buffalo herds, which, in turn, attracted people to the hill’s grassy slopes. The park today contains many tipi rings, ancient tool-making stations, a stone cairn and evidence of buffalo kills. Andy Black Water and others say it served not only as a place of spirit for ceremony and vision quests, the hill served as a lookout for the buffalo, the weather and danger. He says the ceremony and stone structure is a gift to the people below, living in Calgary and throughout the land of the Blackfoot. “It tells our story, it is the essence of the Blackfoot and our identity. It is a look out, just like the neighboring Spy Hill, but it is also a sacred site. The Elders here agreed that this was a good place to mark our presence and you can feel the spirit of our ancestors here. Very powerful.”

The Siksikaitsitapi Circle signifies the world. The triangle figures in each corner of that world depict the four Tribes and stone hoofs show our travels within that world. Within each Nation lies an ochre heart. They stand around an ochre centre, where an offering portraying Creator was placed with tobacco, to stand as testament and blessing for the world below.

Chief Weasel Head presents gift to Mayor Nenshi.Chief Weasel Head with elders Bruce Wolf Child, Wilton Goodstriker and Herman Yellow Old

Woman.

Blackfeet leave landmark on Nose Hill Park overlooking the City of Calgary.

Story by Brent Scout - Nii’danamska

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BLACKFOOT CONFEDERACY BRINGING TOGETHERFOUR TRIBES TO DISCUSS MOVES TOWARD THE FUTUREThe theme for the 15th annual Blackfoot Confederacy gathering on September 30 – October 1, 2, 2015, Strengthening Siksikaitsitapi: Moving Forward, was considered by the three Blackfoot Chiefs and Blackfeet Tribal Chairman as appropriate in establishing a deliberate move toward the strengthening of the traditional and cultural identity and mainstream opportunities on our traditional territory.

Respected Kainai elder Wilton Goodstriker, emcee of the gathering, introduced Kainai elder Andrew Weasel Fat who offered a prayer. Goodstriker then introduced the Blackfoot Chiefs and Blackfeet Tribal Chairman and Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi to the people in attendance. He also asked Tsuu ‘Tina Chief Roy Whitney to the podium to share his welcoming address.

I want to welcome you all here to the Tsuu ‘Tina Nation,” he began. “Our elders, and yours, have always had an unwritten protocol that provides respect, dignity, an understanding of the way each of us represents our community. It’s up to us to maintain our respect for one another. As long as we are strong as a collective, we

will always be strong as a people. To all of you, great success and I look forward to meeting all of my colleagues in the near future.”

Goodstriker then called upon Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi (Clan Leader) to speak to the people.

“I want to say thank you to the Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs and elders for holding the blessing ceremony, for the Medicine Wheel at Nose Hill Park,” he said. “It is a symbol of the history of this place, and of our relationship to this land. In this time of reconciliation, we all have work to do to continue to do the hard work to make sure every single one of us has the opportunity to live a great Canadian life.”

Kainai Chief Charles Weasel Head welcomed the leaders, elders and people in attendance.

“It is important for me to hear what is your priority, to speak freely about who we are. It helps us, as leaders, to begin thinking about those priorities,” he began. “The key message we keep hearing about is on our treaties. We hear the word reconciliation

a lot. We need to understand what the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is all about. There is still the notion of consultation and accommodation regarding the preservation of our ceremonial and traditional territories. But, I always believe we have the experts to lead us through these issues. There are many other areas we need to discuss and I hope you enjoy yourselves at the conference.”

Piikani Chief Stan Grier was next to address the people.“I’ve lived my life to try to exercise who we are as Blackfoot people,” he said. “As elected chiefs, we are the fathers of the people. We have to come together (Blackfoot Confederacy) to create

Blood elder Wilton Goodstriker addresses audience before introducing Blackfoot Chiefs, Blackfeet Chairman, Tssu T’ina Chief and Calgary Mayor Nenshi at conference.

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meaningful dialogue for our people. We have to move forward collectively and begin exercising our sovereign rights. We ought to cost-share so that this function can be self-sustaining to expand so that more of our people can attend. We have brilliant minds among us who can contribute to our growth. I want to acknowledge you all here today.”

Siksika Chief Vincent Yellow Old Woman shared his thoughts with the people.

“The Treaties are alive; they are very important to us,” he said. “We, the Blackfoot Confederacy need to work hard when it comes to our treaties. We need to tell the government this is how we (Blackfoot) see the treaties. The Indian Act is destroying us. We never hear from the government, the federal parties, and then, all of a sudden, our vote matters. Now, they’re coming up with crazy restrictions. They don’t want us to vote. When the people in Siksika vote on our territory, we’re going to tell them ‘this is how we’re going to vote.’ The federal government wants us to dispute amongst ourselves. But, we need to respect one another and sort all these things out, to give everybody the opportunity to claim what is rightfully ours. We hope you can share your thoughts with everyone here at the conference.”

Goodstriker then called Blackfeet Chairman Harry Barnes to offer his words with the people.

“We’re moving toward action,” he began. “We’re moving forward as a confederacy of action. We all have challenges, but we need to continue to support each other. We need to exercise our treaty rights, our moral rights. The government is always telling us, ‘this is what we are going to do for you.’ What we need to demand our rightful place at the (negotiating) table and not wait to be told this is what you get. Because what we get is not what we deserve, or what we have. We are promoting employment, jobs and agriculture. We need to return to our roots. We, as a confederacy, can become the greatest agricultural block in North America; we have that potential. Thank you having me here today.”

The three day conference featured discussions on post-secondary & adult education, economic development – intertribal opportunities, cross border issues, Blackfoot curriculum, cross border health coverage, land use planning & policy, Jay & Blackfoot Treaty, cultural intellectual properties, addictions & issues affecting our youth, taxation, Blackfoot territory & traditional map, water issues, NRTA, repatriation & cultural protocols, Blackfoot communications, Iinii initiative and other relevant topics.

The transfer of the drum and buffalo robe was presented to Siksika Chief Vincent Yellow Old Woman who will be the host confederacy nation for next year’s conference.

Blackfoot Confederacy leaders: Chief Charles Weasel Head, Chief Vincent Yellow Old Woman, Chief Stan Grier and Blackfeet Chairman Harry Barnes.

MC Goodstriker introduces technicians from each of the confederacy tribes who shared their expertise at the conference.

Story by Tom Russell

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2015 KAINAI YOUTH TIPI CAMP

Blood Tribe Social Development – Re-Investment Initiatives Program

Blood Tribe youth, who rarely get opportunities to participate in summer camps, were given an opportunity to live in a traditional Blackfoot camp for several days. The 2015 Kainai Youth Tipi Camp was sponsored by the Blood Tribe Social Development Department and occurred from August 24-28, 2015 on the Blood reserve and Waterton Lakes National Park.

The Camp objectives were to expose underprivileged and less fortunate Blood Tribe youth living on the Blood reserve to healthy living, addictions awareness and prevention, Kainai (Blood) culture and earth and ecosystem science/management, through an outdoor tipi camp setting on Blood reserve and Waterton Lakes National Park lands.

The camp teachings also encourage the youth to live healthy lifestyles, avoid addictions, educate them on the Kainai culture and future careers in science, utilizing local health professionals, traditional Kainai elders and natural resource managers, scientists and technicians.

There were 20 Blood Tribe youth (9 boys & 11 girls) that attended the camp who were children of Blood Tribe Social Development clients and ranged in age from 11-15 years:

To facilitate Camp operations, 7 Blood Tribe members were employed for the duration of the camp. The Blood Tribe Agricultural Project (BTAP) provided a driver and a passenger van including fuel, and Blood Tribe Social Development also

provided a passenger van with fuel to transport the youth to various activities and presentations throughout the week.

Blood Tribe elders attended the camp and spent each day with the youth during their activities. Elders also lectured the youth throughout each day about Blackfoot culture, traditional territory, spiritual beliefs, worldview, tipi design meanings and astrology, Sundance purpose and activities, significant plants and animals, prayer and offering demonstrations, significance of Blackfoot names and places among other things.

Blood elders Wilton & Evelyn Goodstriker share their knowledge with the youth camp participants at the Blood timber limits.

Story by Rick Tailfeathers

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RED CROW COLLEGE SHOWS ITS RESILENCEWHEN FIRE DESTROYS NEARLY EVERYTHING

A fire that completely razed the former St. Mary residential school on July 11, 2015, left the management, staff and students of the Red Crow Community College without a home. The fire, believed to have been set deliberately, is under investigation by the fire and law enforcement authorities. Since the fire, RCCC officials have been scrambling around in an effort to replace items that can be replaced, however, many articles of historic value are lost forever.

In keeping with the pursuit of education, the entire Red Crow College institution has been moved to its new location at the old Saipoyi School situated in Stand Off. All out efforts during the summer began in preparing for the move, and after an orientation on September 7, in which well over 350 students attended, the new campus is well on its way to resume with its regular daily operations.

RCCC President Roy Weasel Fat says despite the hardships incurred as a result of the fire, the staff and students of Red Crow College are digging deep in moving forward.

“We were going to be moving in phases, initially,” he said of the eventual transfer from the former St. Mary’s residential school into the old Saipoyi School. “We had the building cleaned up and did some upgrades to it. Now, we just got our Supernet in and are finally getting our technology going again. The Blood Tribe Administration Finance department assisted us with our daily financial operations and I have to commend our staff for all their hard work in getting everything going again.”

Much of the student records lost in the fire were recovered with assistance from the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College file systems. Weasel Fat acknowledges the post-secondary institutions for their assistance.

Both the University of Lethbridge and the Lethridge College have records of our students we fund,” he said. “In a matter of two weeks after the fire, we were able to get the records of the students we were funding and they were able to get their cheques on time. Everything went really smooth and really quick.”

Weasel Fat laments the loss of the student library.

“Our biggest loss was our library,” he said. “It took a lot out of us, but we just have to rebuild. There were many interviews on record from way back that are lost. But we partnered with the U of L’s Digital Library and saved library reference material on the Blackfoot collection. We have had a lot of offers of help in different areas and that is gratifying.”

Weasel Fat acknowledges the Blood Tribe Chief & Council for the building, the people of the Blood Tribe, The Red Crow College Board, Blood Tribe Department of Health, the University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge College, University of Calgary, Mount Royal College, Bow Valley College, BTA policy manager Nadine Tailfeathers, Annabel Crop Eared Wolf, Coordinator, Tribal Government, Ronnie Shade, Senior Finance Officer, Terrance Bottle, Public Works and Julius Spear Chief, BTA maintenance supervisor and many other institutions and individuals for their assistance.

“On behalf of the management and staff, the students of the Red Crow College and the Red Crow College Board, we are grateful for everyone’s help in making our transition as smooth as possible,” he said. “Red Crow College will rebuild.”

Red Crow College during fire.

RCCC President Roy Weasel Fat, pictured with Blood elders and post-secondary professionals during MOU signing on former campus grounds.


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TREATY 7 HOUSING CELEBRATES 30 YEARSPROVIDING QUALITY HOUSING TO CLIENTS

The 30th anniversary of the Treaty 7 Urban Indian Housing Authority’s long-standing service for the people of Treaty 7 was celebrated in fine fashion on September 21, 2015, as Executive Director Rosie Many Grey Horse and her staff invited former and current occupants and dignitaries to the affair and gala at the Grey Eagle Resort.

With emcee Travis Plaited Hair, Chief & Council Liaison, keeping the momentum flowing, a number of guests were asked to share their thoughts on the longevity and professionalism of the Treaty 7 Housings history. However, prior to the presentations, Blood elder Alvin Cross Child was asked to say a prayer and to bless the food, and Hal Eagletail, a well-known powwow announcer and entertainer, sang an honor song and a traditional dance song.

Treaty 7 Housing Board Member Lavern Scout welcomed everyone and introduced the board members and staff and Blood Councilor Mike Bruised, representing Chief Charles Weasel Head and council, spoke of the history of the organization.

“I want to thank Greg Smith, Frances Weasel Fat and the late Howard Beebe Jr. in allowing me and Casey Scott to do the needs assessment to begin the housing program which is now Treaty 7 Housing,” he recalled. “We talked to a lot of people to overcome the obstacle of discrimination and of how we can best rent to our own people. We did not know what our report would amount to and look at where we are today—thirty years later. Treaty 7 Housing is alive, and it’s here to stay.”

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, via

teleconference, congratulated the efforts of Treaty 7 Housing.

“I want to say Happy 30th birthday to Treaty 7 Urban Indian Housing Authority,” he began. “Having decent shelter, having a decent place to live is absolutely essential to able to live a good life. And the fact that for 30 years you have been able to help provide housing to people for up to 160 units means you’re making a huge difference in those people’s families every single day. It makes a difference to our cities, our communities and to those families and here’s to 30 more years of success.”

Dr. Gary Bowie, representing the Mayor of Lethbridge, Chris Spearman, shared their best wishes to Treaty 7 Housing.

“When people have a home, they are best able to access education and employment,” said Bowie on behalf of Mayor Spearman. “The health, safety and sense of community that citizens experience while residing

in Lethbridge is very important to him (Spearman) and to our community. Thank you to Treaty 7 Urban Indian Housing Authority for all that you do now, and all you will continue to do in the future.”

Cardston Mayor Maggie Kronen echoed the sentiment of the Lethbridge and Calgary Mayors on the need for housing.

“I have really have come to appreciate what Treaty 7 has done in our town,” she began. “You have shown yourself as being a responsible landlord, you have shown that tenants can be living, as you say, next to the non-native and the difficulty to differentiate one house to the next. It’s really nice to know we can blend in one community. I look forward to carrying out many years of good relationship between the town of (Cardston), the Blood Tribe and Treaty 7.”

Roland Cotton, Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Director, has been involved closely with Treaty 7

Both Sykes Powderface and Frances Weasel Fat enjoying retirement.

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Housing since its early beginnings and shared his thoughts on the history.

“I withstood the racial tension in those early days and I made my way into the community of Lethbridge,” he recollected. “I became an advocate for housing and the greater need was really a process, to build our own bridge, which Friendship Centre became a tool for me to be able to voice my opinion on social housing. You have to persevere, be patient to be able to achieve what Treaty 7 has done in reaching a milestone of thirty years. It gives me the sense of pride to say, ‘We can do it.’ I hope we can celebrate another 30 years together the achievements of the Aboriginal community.”

Fatima Barros, CMHC regional vice-president, prairie and territories, congratulated Treaty 7 Housing for their partnership and longevity.

“CMHC and Treaty 7 Housing Authority have a long history of working together,” she said. “We worked together since 1987 when the first funding agreement was signed. Since 2010, our urban Native housing program has committed close to $15 million to the Treaty 7 Housing, or roughly $1,300 per month for each 165 units in your portfolio. We have a great working relationship and there is a strong level of trust.”

Long-time advocate Frances Weasel Fat shared a few comments on her time with Treaty 7 Housing, as well as Terri and her son Lee, who gave a moving tribute to husband and father Howard Beebe Jr., who was instrumental in the success of Treaty 7 Housing.

The Treaty 7 Board of Directors then presented plaques and gifts to many individuals including: Gary Bowie (Lethbridge), Roland Cotton, Frances Weasel Fat, Terri Beebe, Regina Crowchild (Tsuu’Tina), Lorna Crowshoe (Calgary), Blood Tribe Chief & Council, Sykes Powderface (Stoney) and Wilfred McDougal (Piikani).

The entertainment was provided by Young Medicine (Curt Young and Jaime Medicine Crane) and Armond Duck Chief.

Roland Cotton reflects on Treaty 7 Housings earlier days in the City of Lethbridge.

Young Medicine (Curt Young, Jaime Medicine Crane) perform during 30th anniversary celebration.


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ALBERTA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZE BLOOD DOCTORAS 2015 INAUGURAL RECIPIENT FOR COMPASSIONATE SERVICE The Alberta Medical Association (AMA) is delighted to recognize Dr. Susan A. Christenson of Standoff, Alberta, as the inaugural recipient of the Alberta Medical Association Award for Compassionate Service for 2015. This award honors a physician who, during his/her career, has demonstrated outstanding compassion, philanthropy and/or volunteerism to improve the state of the community in which he or she is given back:• Demonstrating a significant and extraordinary contribution to volunteer or philanthropic efforts.• Through action, enhancing the reputation of physicians as compassionate members of the community. • Serving as an inspiration to others.

About Dr. ChristensonDr. Christenson is an Indigenous physician who, since 2006, has provided primary care for the Blood reserve in southern Alberta. According to colleagues and patients, she has essentially created a medical home for Blood reserve members and “a welcoming environment free of stereotypes and racism.” She is known for providing outstanding quality primary care and her neighbors and patients know that she does so at any time. “She is constantly making personal sacrifices to provide a high level of compassionate service at her community,“ wrote one supporter. “If someone calls in at the end of the day with urgent symptoms, they are invited to come for assessment regardless of the time. She takes calls

from patients on holidays, weekends and after hours. She will re-open the clinic to do sutures, and will pick up and store prescriptions for patients unable to get to town. When I accompany her on these errands in the community, she is always approached by people who want their family members to come see her, because they have heard of how she helps so many.”Dr. Christenson has also built a team of specialty providers who come to the Blood Tribe Health Centre – Levern Clinic to practice. In just 18 months, this group had come to include obstetrics and gynecology, rheumatology, nephrology, psychology and respiratory services. She follows up on recommendation and provides the visiting specialist with updates on patients’ status between clinic dates. “I think Sue is a one in a million,” concluded a nominator. “She is constant source of support, knowledge and help for a community under constant threat from ill health. She is completely dedicated to this work and does it with the patients’ best interests at heart. She is an outstanding and compassionate clinician and community member. Dr. Christenson was selected from an outstanding field of candidates.

Dr. Sue Christenson being recognized for tireless work and compassion.


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INNAISTSII: TREATY 7 - A SACRED COVENANT

Over 100 cast members, which consisted of the entire student body at Tatsikiisaapo’p Middle School and members Trickster Theatre, work-shopped a play entitled Innaistii: Treaty 7 – A Sacred Covenant on September 17, 2015. This was the largest cast ever to stage a play at the Historic Empress Theatre in Fort Macleod. Parent and community support for this production resulted in a full house. Every seat was filled that night!

Ramona Big Head, Principal, Taksikisapo’p Middle School, shared

information on the play from a Kainai perspective: “According to Kainayssini, the Blood Tribe’s constitution, ‘the elders of the Blood Indian Nation hereby declare that the leaders of our Nation ensure to its membership the following…. that the spirit and intent of Treaty #7 be fulfilled and protected, of which our ancestors were signatories.’ Tatsikiisaapo’p Middle School is committed to ensuring that each and every child attending our school knows the history and the importance of Innaistsiiyi or Treaty #7.

Former Chief Roy Fox refers to Treaty #7 as a sacred covenant. Our ancestors, including Miikaisto (Chief Red Crow), were powerful leaders who signed a peace treaty with the Queen’s representatives. Our children need to know the truth and the sacredness about the treaty signing process that took place in 1877...One of the best ways I know to teach children is through theatre. I’m so pleased to debut this production in the Historic Empress Theatre. This is the largest production ever staged at the Empress. Thank-you to all our TMS actors and to Trickster Theatre for all the hard work and dedication it took to make this production a reality. In Indian theatre we say, “Make a Wounded Knee!”

According to Trickster Theatre, they were so pleased to be working in this community exploring Treaty 7 together. This show was staged in 4 days and was the result of collaboration between the students, the staff and the Trickster Theatre artists. Trickster Theatre has been creating shows in Alberta communities for more than 25 years, completing more than 700 weeklong residencies. More than 50 of those have been in First Nations and Metis communities, helping explore themes of importance.

The actors, many from Tatsikisapo’p Middle School, deliver their lines flawlessly.

A young child peers out a window, looking outward into an uncertain world…


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TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION HOST TWO-DAY EVENT TO MOVE FORWARD

The Truth & Reconciliation Commission hosted a two-day event on September 23-24, 2015, that featured, on day one, a play based on the life of Siksika Chief Vincent Yellow Woman’s experience as a child in the residential school and of his eventual return to a traditional lifestyle. On day two, the TRC event at the multipurpose building in Stand Off witnessed a number of speakers including four Anglican priests who were in attendance to share and explain the apologies on behalf of the church and clergy.

The two-day event named “Moving Forward Together as a People,” attracted many people who came to listen to the speakers and to hear of the move toward healing. After a prayer from tribal elder Pete Standing Alone and a ceremony with elders Francis First Charger and Wilton Goodstriker, Chief Charles Weasel Head addressed the people the people in welcoming them to the event. Chief Weasel Head echoed Standing Alone’s words in encouraging the move forward in laying down the past, to remember, but to begin the process of embracing the spirit of good health and happiness for our future.

Among those in attendance was Lauren Crazy Bull, a student of the University of Lethbridge who spoke of her struggles and her path to a renewed sense of strength.

“I spoke of my own journey and coming to realize the history of colonization in Canada and how it affected my as an individual,” she said. “What I did was produce three audio documentaries for the radio to try create more discussion around these issues and, hopefully, to move forward in a way where there’s more understanding and less ignorance.”

As a student studying Sociology and Art at the University of Lethbridge, Crazy Bull volunteered to work at the university’s campus radio station CKXU and became involved in a project from the National Campus Community Radio Association funded by the Truth & Reconciliation Commission. The project called Resonating Reconciliation began in 2013 that involves Residential School Survivors. She has since produced three 30-minute documentaries and can be accessed at truecontactvoices.com.

Another Blood Tribe member who is not only forging ahead in walking his own road to sobriety, but who is also doing his utmost in helping others accept a lifestyle free from their addictions, is Mark Brave Rock. He has been alcohol free for three-and-a-half years, and despite enduring the temptations to return to his former lifestyle, Brave Rock moves forward.

“Forgiveness is a big thing,” he said. “My power in recovering is realizing I’m not a white person, I am an Indian; that’s my power, strength and identity. The white people have a lot to learn from us. I’ve struggled these past few months, but it’s a good struggle. It’s really hard to explain this, but I’m handling it, I’m actually growing and I’m doing well.”

A panel of clergy members from a number of faiths spoke of their intent and apologies to the hardships endured by residential school survivors.

During the event, Dolly Creighton, moderator, and Jackie Red Crow, TRC coordinator, along with Lauren Crazy Bull, gave out blankets and other items to the residential school survivors in attendance. After the presentations, the group met with tribal elders at the Sundance grounds to perform a ceremony in beginning a new journey to move forward.

TRC Coordinator Jackie Red Crow and Lauren Crazy Bull share gifts with survivors.

Panel of clergy members at conference.

Moderator Dolly Creighton shares gifts.


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BLOOD TRIBE COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGYDEDICATED TO THE SHARING OF INFORMATIONThe Blood Tribe Communications recently purchased two L.E.D. screens for the purpose of sharing information with the public, and to accept advertising from local businesses for promotion purposes. The high definition screens, which can be moved from one location to another offers an excellent method to inform the public of current events. Also, any businesses can share their products or expertise with the people.

Mason Wolf Child, Blood Tribe Communications, is the contact person who can assist you in designing your messages and information you want public. The L.E.D. screens will be on throughout the day during business hours.

We are asking you to take advantage of the highly successful method of sharing information or promoting awareness toward any opportunities you may have.

Access to the sharing of information can be made by contacting Mason Wold Child at 403.737.8202. Mason Wolf Child, BT Communications, stands beside LED sign.

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INDIAN RODEO COWBOYS ASSOCIATION HOSTFINALS IN SENDING ITS FINEST TO LAS VEGASThe Kainai Nation hosted the annual Indian Rodeo Cowboys Associated as many contestants competed for the right to represent their association and First Nation at the Indian National Finals Rodeo in Sin City, Las Vegas, Nevada.

World All-Round and bareback champion Cam Bruised Head will again be heading to Las Vegas where he will defend last year’s all-round title against some of the toughest and smoothest competitors anywhere in the world. Bruised Head won the rights to head to the finals in clinching the IRCA year-end and finals. He dominated the event throughout the year. Joe Francis, a Saskatchewan cowboy who placed second in the event will also be heading south.

Another Bruised Head to make it to the finals is leather-tough Byron Bruised Head in the saddle bronc event. Cole Billedeaux placed second and will also qualify for the finals. In the calf-roping event, rugged Wright Bruised Head won the year-end title and Troy Crawler, Stoney cowboy, won the IRCA finals.

In the Steer Wrestling event, Darryl Many Grey Horses was the finals champion and Arlan Minue was the year-end champion. The Ladies Barrel Racing champ was Rayne Bruised Head who had the fastest time to win the IRCA finals while Charmaine Pickens claimed the year-end title. In the Jr. barrels, it was Skaia One Spot who was named the IRCA finals representative and year-end representative was Taylor Many Wounds.

In one of the toughest events in the world of sports, it was Jesse Flett who won the IRCA finals while Travis McGuire won the year-end title. The open team-roping event was won by Baily and Elliot Benjamin who took the finals while Boyd Wesley and Ollie Benjamin claimed the year-end title. The ladies breakaway IRCA finals champion was Cammie Fox who won both the final and year-end titles. She will be accompanied to the INFR with Kylie Shade.

In the Sr. breakaway, former World’s

bareback champion Kelvin Fox was the year-end winner and Ray Augare got a ticket to the INFR by winning the IRCA finals. In the Jr. breakaway event, the year-end representative was Callie Dixon while the finals representative is Destiny Stevens.

In the Jr. bull riding (steer riding), Marcus Dixon will represent the IRCA while Chayse Scout was named the year-end representative. In the Sr. team roping, the duo of Eugene Creighton and Gus Vaile were the year-end representatives, while Merle Yellowbird and Keith Johnson were named the finals representatives.

Other representatives making the trip include: calf roping: John Pickens,; Jr. Breakaway: Cole Soop, Jake Crawler, Garcia Bearspaw, Chase Creighton; steer

wrestling: Otis Little Moustache, Jim Stevens, Trevin Fox, Keenan Crane, Wright Bruised Head; saddle bronc: Napi Wadsworth, Jarrett Monroe; Jr. barrels: Paige Shade, Chase Creighton, Lita Crawler, Jacine Crawler; bareback: Byron Bruised Head, Mark Big Tobacco; ladies barrels: Sharlee Scout, Lacey Bish, Charmayne Pickens; bull riding: Cam Bruised Head, Lucky David; Sr. team roping: Evans Day Chief, Jess Starlite, Snyder Fox Sr.; breakaway: Jeff Fox Sr.; Jr. bulls: Macarthur David, Justin Maguire.

The Blood Tribe Chief & Council and the people of the Blood Tribe want to wish all the contestants good luck, and safe travels to all those who making the trip in support of our athletes.

Young Rayne Bruised Head taking winning form to INFR.


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Documents

TSINISSINI AS 2015 - Blood Tribebloodtribe.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/AUGSEPT15.pdf · TSINISSINI AS 2015 Rick Tailfeathers: ... the blessing ceremony, ... Initiatives Program