3. AFN TO ELECT A NEW NATIONAL CHIEF 4. CAROLYN BENNETT 5. CALGARY STAMPEDE INDIAN VILLAGE 6. AITSI POYIIKSI LANGUAGE COMMITTEE

Transcription

1

2 3. AFN TO ELECT A NEW NATIONAL CHIEF Published by Blood Tribe Administration COMMUNICATIONS Department The Blood Tribe Council 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 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. We would like to acknowledge Darlene Plume, Senior Executive Officer, the Blood Tribe Chief & Council and the people of the Blood Tribe for your support. Darlene Plume: Rick Tailfeathers: Tom Russell: Myron Fox: Blood Tribe Senior Executive Officer Communications Director Communications Writer Layout Graphic Design 4. CAROLYN BENNETT 5. CALGARY STAMPEDE INDIAN VILLAGE 6. AITSI POYIIKSI LANGUAGE COMMITTEE 7. MAYAN STUDENTS VISIT BLOOD TRIBE 8. KAINAI INDIAN DAYS KAINAI INDIAN DAYS INDIAN RELAY RACING 11. KAINAI RODEO 12. NORTH AMERICAN INDIGENOUS GAMES 13. SUMMER SCHOOL CAMP 14. HAROLD AND JEAN HEALY 15. POW WOW COMMITTEE THANK YOU Published by the authority of Blood Tribe Chief & Council Box 60 Standoff, AB T0L 1Y0 ph: (403) FAX: (403) visit our website for more UPCOMING EVENTS Young Clay Goodstriker was one of many dancers who proudly represented their respective First Nations at the Annual 2014 Kainai Indian Days Celebrations. Front Page Photo: Sarah Sweet Grass Additional Tsiniksinni Photographers: Sandra Delaney, Maria Russell, Mercedes Delaney- Russell. 2

3 ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS TO ELECT A NEW NATIONAL CHIEF IN DECEMBER Halifax, Nova Scotia The 35th AFN Annual General Assembly took place in Mi kmaq territory on July 15-17th, 2014, where more than 1,100 First Nation leaders, Elders and youth from across the country gathered to address priority issues and set direction and strategy going forward. One of the first orders of business was deciding when to replace former chief Shawn Atleo who abruptly resigned in May under criticism for his support of proposed changes to federal legislation related to First Nations education. The federal government has since put the policy changes on hold. One of the key decisions from the AGA was to set the location and timing for the next election for Assembly of First Nations National Chief, which will take place at a Special Chiefs Assembly in Winnipeg, Manitoba December 9-11, The new chief will serve a 3.5-year term. Meantime, Chiefs in Assembly determined that AFN Quebec/Labrador Regional Chief Ghislain Picard would act as Interim National Chief until the 2014 election. rebuild our nations and achieve safe and secure communities for all our peoples, said Picard. This has been an important Assembly for open and honest dialogue on our common priorities, our objectives and our organization. We must now move forward and take action based on this direction. During the three-day gathering, Chiefs-in- Assembly passed a number of resolutions in priority areas, including a commitment to fully review the way the AFN is structured and operates to ensure it evolves and adapts as First Nations rebuild their nations and assert their sovereignty and jurisdiction. Education was the key topic of discussion, as well as the status of the Confederacy of Nations and sustainable natural resource development among the more contentious issues being discussed by the Assembly. But the main question hanging over the annual general meeting is how the AFN will reform internally and who will take over as national chief. Chiefs and delegates stood united on the second day in support of action on missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls including a National Public Inquiry and immediate action to address this urgent issue. There was a special tribute to the families and to Marlene Bird who was recently a victim of violence in Saskatchewan. This Circle of Hope ceremony brought together women s groups and associations, the Mi kmaq Friendship Centre and Assembly delegates in ceremony and in resolve to demand action to prevent and end violence against Indigenous women and girls. Chiefs expressed hope that the Halifax discussions can lead to a new agreement on how First Nations and government can work together on issues of concern, including the federal government s proposed First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act and how it failed to actually give control to First Nations people. The federal government put the education bill on hold in May after First Nations rejected it in May. 302 Chiefs-in-Assembly endorsed 33 resolutions directing action on a number of priority areas for First Nations, including: Treaty implementation, engaging on First Nations control of First Nations education respecting regional approaches, needs and diversity, funding for postsecondary education, appointment of a Chiefs Committee on hydraulic fracturing, reconciliation and justice for survivors of residential schools, among other resolutions to be available on the AFN website. Story by Brent Scout I am honoured to take on the responsibility of interim National Chief and look forward to working together with the Executive Committee based on the clear direction of First Nations to ensure we take every opportunity to advance Aboriginal title, rights and Treaties in ways that will Ghislain Picard 3

4 LIBERAL ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS CRITIC LENDS AN EAR TO BLOOD TRIBE MEMBERS Liberal Aboriginal Affairs critic Carolyn Bennett during a town hall meeting at the Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Centre Liberal Aboriginal Affairs critic, Carolyn Bennett had some harsh criticism of the Conservative government, in dealing with Aboriginal issues and specifically with Treaty issues, at a town hall meeting in Lethbridge at the Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Centre July 3, 2014, co-hosted by the Liberal Party s Aboriginal Peoples Commission and Bennett. She brought forth her concerns about the Conservative government s refusal to co-operate with First Nations peoples on treaty issues, saying there are simply too many cases going to court. Of all the government money spent on lawyers, over half of that is spent on aboriginal issues, said Bennett. It s unconscionable that we are spending that kind of money. A federal government more accountable to the First Nations people it serves is necessary, she added. This has to be all about a new way of doing business. Bennett also had some questions regarding the First Nations Education Act and the $1.9 Billion that was part of the package if the bill was passed in the House. She commented: I have some questions regarding the money that would have been allocated to Aboriginal people if the bill was passed. What happened to those funds, are they still available now after the failure of that proposed bill. Kevin Seesequasis, from the Beardy s and Okemasis First Nation in Saskatchewan, and co-chair of the Liberal Party s Aboriginal Peoples Commission, said the federal government s see-you-incourt attitude is to blame for many of the problems. That mentality has to change, he said, adding once the government commits itself to defending treaty rights, that s when the relationship with First Nations people will improve. Some enquiries were made on financial accountability by Tribal leaders, in terms of financial matters on the reserve. Seesequasis said members can request audits from Aboriginal Affairs, or file an access-to-information request, which band councils are required by law to provide. Bennett said there has been talk about an 4 auditor general position being created for First Nations communities. Bennett was also invited to the Blood reserve for a tour that was hosted by Councillor Franklyn White Quills. Bennett said she will be taking some of the concerns brought up at the Town Hall meeting to Ottawa and putting them before the Conservative government in their debates on Aboriginal issues. Carolyn Bennett story by Rick Tailfeathers

5 Calgary Stampede Indian Village --Part of the First Nations and Calgary Stampede s historic legacy-- In the early 1960 s, the Kainai and Piikani First Nations were recognized as official Indian Village participants For the 10 days of Stampede, the tribes of Treaty 7, represented by the Nakoda (Stoney), Kainai (Blood), Siksika (Blackfoot), Peigan, Piikani and Tsuu Tina (Sarcee) Indians, raise their tipis and reenact life as it once was. They demonstrate Indian games, dancing, meat cutting skills and their tipis are opened to the public for them to get a glimpse of how the original people lived. Arts and crafts are exhibited and available for purchase along with bannock, a staple of the Indian diet. A demonstration of drying meat has become an attraction to visitors. The Indian Village has been an integral part of Stampede Park since the first Stampede in It was originally located in what is now called Sun Tree Park next to the current BMO Centre. In 1974, it moved to its current location at the south end of the park, along the Elbow River. Calgary Stampede Indian Village as it looks today The first Indian Village at the Stampede was held in The first Stampede lasted only six days and had approximately 1800 natives in attendance. It is reported that Tom Three Persons was camped at this first exhibition and became the first World s Champion Saddle Bronc Rider. The Stampede became an annual event as of July The tipis were located by the entrance to the Sun Tree Park and adjacent to a replica of a Hudson s Bay Company post. the Stampede. At this time there were 30 tipis: 10 from each of the Siksika, Stoney and Tsuu T ina First Nations. The Blood and Piikani were not officially part of the Village during much of the 1950 s. The 10 Stoney tipis were probably not missed too much because of the torrential rainstorms which caused many problems with all the events. The rain was so bad, in fact, that the media ran stories about the Stoney rain dances. The misunderstanding was cleared up after Stampede and the Stoney natives returned with their usual 10 tipis for the 1951 event. In the Village there is an outdoor stage where the Stampede Powwow is held. This is a dance competition which attracts some of the best native dancers and drummers who compete for thousands of dollars in prize money. As the stampede became a larger event, so did the Indian Village. Many of the Treaty Seven Nations wished to be participants at the Stampede and the camp had a practical purpose because they lived in the camp. It did not become a popular tourist attraction until later years. A misunderstanding concerning the way the Indian Village was to be run became a cause for the Stoney First Nation to boycott Indian village in 1912 at first ever Calgary Stampede 5 Demonstration -cutting flank for drying and smoking. story by Rick Tailfeathers

6 AITSI POYIIKSI MEET ON BLACKFEET TERRITORY IN WORKING TOWARD KEEPING LANGUAGE ALIVE Group photo of the Aitsi poyiiksi Committee MISSION STATEMENT Aahkstamikaksii ka kimao p aahksskoohtayissitapiiyo si Kitsiitsi powahsinnooni. Kainaysini aakaisspomihtakato p. We will try our best to regain the use of our language. We will assist in the survival of our culture. The Aitsi poyiiksi Committee met in Browning, Mont., to continue their efforts in working toward keeping the Blackfoot language and our culture strong. A number of committee members presented their ideas and efforts toward the sharing of teachings dedicated to instilling one of our most precious assets in ensuring the Blackfoot language remains integral and intact. BACKGROUND On June 6, 2011, the Aitsi poyiiksi Committee received the mandate from Blood Tribe Chief and Council, through a Band Council Resolution, to coordinate the process of revitalizing our first language in the community. The committee is comprised of representatives from the following departments/entities: Two members from Chief and Council Kainai Board of Education (Kainai Head Start Program, Kainai Studies Department, Kainai High School, Assistant to the Superintendent) Kainaiwa Children s Services Corporation Blood Tribe Social Development (National Child Benefit Reinvestment Initiative) Ninastako Centre Red Crow Community College Blood Tribe Family & Community Support Services Blood Tribe Recreation and Parks Retired Educators Community Elders and Resource People Representatives from Browning, Montana Revitalization and Preservation of our language will not happen overnight, it is an on-going process that will take the commitment of the entire community to encourage and support. The results of the language survey that the committee undertook in late 2011 and early 2012 are alarming. We surveyed 1,411 Tribal members out of a total population of 11,200. The percentage of fluent speakers is 22.55%! We must be diligent about reviving our language. The feedback that community members provided are important to this initiative in that they offer guidance as to what the community is asking for in terms of language learning. Fluency in our first language grounds us as individuals and as a people. There are too many influences that distract our most vulnerable and our most valuable resource, our children. Perhaps if we could instill in them the importance of knowing who they are and where they come from, they will recognize that it is their responsibility to carry on our legacy. Our language is the single most important component in maintaining our identity; our language defines who we are. Submitted by Jacinta Fox, Aitsi poyiiksi Committee. 6

7 MAYAN STUDENTS STUDYING AT UNIVERSITY VISITED BLOOD TRIBE TO SHARE TRADITIONS A group of students from Mexico who are studying the English language at the University of Lethbridge recently showcased their own culture and traditions at the annual Kainai Indian Day celebrations this July. As part of their Mayan culture, they dressed in their traditional regalia and shared their dance with their new found friends and visitors of the Blood Tribe. During their time here in southern Alberta, the students from Quintana Roo, Mexico, also wanted to learn about the Blackfoot people and their traditions. They were amazed at the colorful regalia from the dancers at the powwow and could feel the strength of the drummers as they sang song-after-song. One of the students of the all women group of students, Reyna Paloma Chimal Pool, said they thoroughly enjoyed their time in Lethbridge and southern Alberta. The best part of my visit is when I saw the dancers in the powwow, she said. The dresses are so different. In our culture, we Group photo of the Mayan visitors with their hosts from the Blood Tribe have specific dresses for women. It s so amazing. The music, the chicken dancing, it was so exciting. She also mentioned the similarities of the indigenous cultures world-wide which place great value in the importance of their ancestors, traditional belief, relationship with the earth, traditional medicine, music and dance, as well as respect for other cultures. We experience the same things with our government. It s real. Other cultures have these same difficulties, but we are strong people, just like the First Nations people. Blood Councilors Mike Bruised Head and Dexter Bruised Head met with the students at the University of Lethbridge on Wednesday, July 23, to share some Blackfoot history and contemporary activities on the Blood reserve. Mike Bruised Head welcomed the students and explained the Blackfoot traditional territory and other topics during his information session. We still maintain 7 our identity. We are still strong people, he said. Our Chief & Council enjoyed you and we welcome you back. Dexter Bruised Head also shared the progressive nature of the people and of how resilient the Bloods are. There are a tremendous amount of us who go off the reserve to try to help our people, he said. A lot of our struggles are the same. We fight the same fight. We have a lot in common. story by Tom Russell

8 KAINAI INDIAN DAYS 2014 TSINIKSSINI JUly 2014 K A I N A I I N D I A N D A Y S

9 Women s Golden Age 1. Agnes Frances 2. Louise Scabbyrobe Men s Golden Age 1. Sooney Little Plume 2. Peter Anthony Junior Girl s Fancy 1. Tayli Yellowbird 2. Taya Laframboise Junior Girl s Jingle 1. Mikayla Rides-The Grey-Horse 2. Kaylie Nepoose Junior Girl s Traditional 1. Amyah Goodeagle 2. Rhiana Spoonhunter Junior Boy s Fancy 1. Anthony Clearsky 2. Kage Yellowfly Junior Boy s Grass 1. Laz Nepoose 2. Dory Rabbit Junior Boy s Traditional 1. Lennon Buffalo 2. Varren Wesley Junior Boy s Chicken 1. Sage Many Feathers 2. Oshyn Raine TEEN Girl s Fancy 1. Julienne Scabbyrobe 2. Smokee Goodstriker TEEN Girl s Jingle 1. Shandiin Horton 2. Ayanna Old Person TEEN Girl s Traditional 1. Askiw Roan 2. Jade Ironshirt TEEN Boy s Fancy 1. Sonny Littlehead 2. Riley Spoonhunter TEEN Boy s Grass 1. Jack Scabbyrobe 2. Dallon Yuzicapi TEEN Boy s Traditional 1. Talon White Eye 2. Mathew Sheka Jr. TEEN Boy s Chicken 1. AJ Young 2. Richard Guardipee JR. Women s Fancy 1. T ata Roberts 2. Karlene Cutknife JR. Women s Jingle 1. Kristen Tootoosis 2. Osa Roan JR. Women s Traditional 1. Holly Eaglespeaker 2. Charity Nepoose JR. Men s Fancy 1. Quannah Henry 2. Kenny Pratt Jr. JR. Men s Grass 1. Elijah Provost 2. JR. Waskewitch JR. Men s Traditional 1. Jared Buffalo 2. Nathaniel Deegan JR. Men s Chicken 1. Nat Ironheart 2. Jamon Paskemin SR. Women s Fancy 1. Gina Redhouse 2. Roberta Kakinoosit SR. Women s Jingle 1. Paula Weaselhead 2. Melinda Goodwill SR. Women s Traditional 1. Deanna Ledoux 2. Tarissa Spoonhunter SR. Men s Fancy 1. Luke Whiteman 2. Leroy Crazy Boy SR. Men s Grass 1. Ivan Lonechild 2. Jeff Downing SR. Men s Traditional 1. Clayton Saskatchewan 2. Steve Hunt SR. Men s Chicken 1. Sheldon Scalplock Sr. 2. Shawn Scabby Robe BUCKSKIN 1. Gilbert Provost 2.Kelly Goodeagle KAINAI INDIAN DAYS

10 INDIAN RELAY RACING BECOMING HUGELY POPULAR AS TEAMS FROM ACROSS NORTH AMERICA COMPETE A relay team making the rider switch - off. It is an event that is fast becoming a major attraction the Indian Relay. At this year s rodeo, it was no different, as teams from Alberta and the United States competed in one thrilling heat after another until two teams emerged as champions on the A and B brackets. The relay races began prior to the rodeo as 8 teams competed for trophy buckles (A-side only) and cash. Bruce Iron Shirt, FCSS director and one of the organizers, shared in the excitement and enthusiasm in a sport that is quickly gaining in popularity. The riders making their way to the finish line. * Last months Rufus Goodstriker story was written by Gary Allison, we regret this oversight 10 I want to thank all the teams who support this relay, he said. We hope to make it bigger and better next year, but it still turned out very well. In the relay race, one rider is selected to compete against the other teams as they begin with a standing start and gallop on bareback at full speed around the track. The riders then switch horses and take off around the track again. Each team has four horses and team members who hold the horses in place while the riders dismount one horse and jump on another without help from anyone. There are plenty of spills and buck-offs as the adrenaline in the horses is pumped to the max amidst the cheering of the fans. Bruce Iron Shirt thanks the Committee and sponsors for their involvement in the Relay race. Following are the three day results in both the A and B categories: Friday: A Division Little Badger Two Medicine $250 Good Rider Team $150 Takes the Gun Strong $100 Saturday results: Little Badger Two Medicine $250 Good Rider Team $150 Takes the Gun Strong (disqualified rider was helped) Sunday finals: Little Badger Two Medicine $ Buckles Good Rider Team $1500 Laura Yellow Feet $500 B team results: Friday Byron Bruised Head $250 BIS Quarter Horses $150 Laura Yellow Feet $100 Saturday results: Little Bear $250 Byron Bruised Head $150 Laura Yellow Feet (disqualified rider was helped) BIS Quarter Horses $100 Sunday results: BIS Quarter Horses $3000 Byron Bruised Head $1500 Takes the Gun Strong $1000 Bruce Iron Shirt thanks the Committee for their involvement in the Relay race. story by Tom Russell

11 THE KAINAI RODEO PROVES TO BE ENTERTAINING AS TOP-NOTCH CONTESTANTS STRUT THEIR STUFF Following are the top winners of each category: Men s All-Around: Jesse Colliflower Ladies All-Around: Faith Holyan Bareback: Buck Lunak Steer Wrestling: Lyle Fox Ladies Breakaway: Denise Swampy Jr. Breakaway Roping: Alonzo Skunkcap Boy s Steer Riding: McArthur David Tie Down Roping: Darrel Watson Ladies Barrel Racing:Emily Kallenberger Junior Barrel Racing: Charmayne Pickens Sr. Breakaway Roping: Eugene Creighton Sr. Team Roping: Ted Hoyt/Spider Ramone Saddle Bronc: Rick Whiteman Team Roping: Nolan Conway/Jim Cole Bull Riding: Phillip Whiteman It was a full activity of rodeo as the Kainai Rodeo put on another display of rough-andtumble and smooth-running events for the fans. This year, there were two trophy saddles to be awarded to the top competitors in the Saddle- Bronc and All-Around categories. The Scott and Bruised Head families and relatives joined in memory of the late Wes Scott and Margaret Bruised Head who were strong competitors and huge supporters of rodeo. The late Margaret Bruised Head and her husband Pete raised their children in the rodeo arenas throughout North America and today, many of them have notched world titles on their belts, while the late Charlie Scott proved to be a knowledgeable ranch-hand and a steady and skilled saddle-bronc rider and champion in his own right. The trophy saddle for the All-Around category was on behalf of the late Wallace Pace who was a tough competitor in rodeo. His children, lead by his son Harley Pace, wanted to dedicate this year s winner with a lasting memory from one of the Blood Tribe s rodeo cowboy. Saddle Bronc Rider at the Kainai Rodeo At the end of the day, it was Faith Holyan who claimed the All-Around championship, as well as the saddle and Rick Whiteman took home the top prize in the saddle bronc event including the trophy saddle. Rodeo announcer Floyd Big Head did a superb job in keeping the flow of the rodeo going. The talented announcer has been in the business since 1991 and has been invited to rodeos across Alberta, B.C. and the United States. He is currently waiting to confirm an invitation to share the announcing duties at the Canadian Senior Professional Rodeo finals in Claresholm, A.B., in October. The Kainai Tour Rodeo committee would like to thank all the sponsors and organizations who donated to the rodeo. Also, special acknowledgement to the Blood Tribe Chief & Council and to all the many volunteers who made the rodeo top-notch. 11 A Steer Wrestling competitor. Bull Riding is one of the crowd favorites story by Tom Russell

12 BLOOD TRIBE WAS WELL REPRESENTED IN REGINA AT THE 7th NORTH AMERICAN INDIGENOUS GAMES Over fifty athletes representing the Blood reserve competed in the North American Indigenous Games beginning on Monday, July 21, to the closing ceremonies on Monday July 27th in Regina, Saskatchewan. This event will showcase unity, sport, culture, youth, volunteerism and team work between First Nations, Metis and Non-Indigenous communities. The theme of the Regina 2014 North American Indigenous Games is Raising the Bar. With years of preparation, dedication and sacrifice, it s time to recognize the healthy lifestyle choices young Indigenous people and future leaders from all over North America have made. The dream to hold Games for the Indigenous Peoples began in the 1970 s. In 1971, the Native Summer Games held in Enoch, Alberta drew 3,000 participants competing in 13 sports and many cultural events. In 1973, the Western Canada Native Winter Games were held on the Blood Reserve in Kainai, Alberta. In 1975, a meeting of the National Indian Athletic Association was held in Reno, Nevada, where it was decided to organize Games for Indigenous Peoples. John Fletcher, a Peigan from Edmonton, Alberta, and Willie Littlechild, a Cree of the Ermineskin Tribe at Hobbema, Alberta, attended; John Fletcher is credited for his support in the decision to have the Games, as presented by Mr. Littlechild, based on the above success. In 1977, the dream to host large scale Indigenous Games took another step forward in Sweden at the Annual Assembly of the World Council of Indigenous Peoples. Willie Littlechild presented the motion to host International Indigenous Games. It was unanimously passed. A Brazilian elder was so moved, he presented Willie Littlechild with a war arrow representing peace in his tribe. Advising it be pointed to the ground, this arrow would direct anything evil toward the underground. It is now part of the sacred ceremonial run. The vision: To improve the quality of life for Indigenous Peoples by supporting self-determined sports and cultural activities which encourage equal access to participation in the social / cultural / spiritual fabric of the community in which they reside and which respects Indigenous distinctiveness. The vision of the NAIG, from the very beginning, along with my brothers, Willie Littlechild of Ermineskin First Nation at Hobbema, and Big John Fletcher of Peigan in Southern Alberta, was one of our interest and concern about what was happening among the young people in all of our communities... We took it upon ourselves to try and find something constructive for the young people to look forward to. And, what it was eventually, was that we would TWO YOUNG BOXERS REPRESENTING BLOOD TRIBE CONTINUE TO SHINE IN WINNING CHAMPION TITLES A couple of young Blood boxers competed in a tournament in San Carlos, Arizona, and came out on top in their respective categories. Young Ryker Bruised Head and Kayshia Eli came out victorious in their respective categories at the All Indian Boxing Championships to claim their titles. Bruised Head, fighting in the 8 year-old novice category, fought another boxer from the Arizona Boxing Club, while Kayshia Eli won the female senior novice category. The Blood Tribe Warriors Boxing Club will be travelling to Kansas City, Missouri, where they will compete in the Ringside World Amateur Boxing Championships on July 29th, Dalton Red Crow, fighting in the 170 lb-class, senior open, and Ryker Bruised Head in the 8 year old novice category, will be fighting the best in representing the Blood Tribe. 12 Group shot of athletes, trainers and organizers. put together a plan for a Games through which the young Aboriginal people could come together to excel in their athletic field of endeavour and to come together to do other things: to make new friendships, to renew old ones, and so on... (Charles Wood, 1990 Chairperson) The dream became a reality in 1990 with the first Games in Edmonton, Alberta the vision continues... A more in-depth coverage of how the Blood Tribe athletes performed will be featured in the next issue of Tsiniksinni. story by Tom Russell

13 Aahsaopi Elementary School Summer School Camp Group shot of Aahsaopi students with miniature Tipis, learning Tipi life. Aahsaopi Elementary School held its first summer school for students from grades two through grade five. There were twenty six students who began the program and twenty four students completed the program. Students started July 7 through July 28th, The staff consisted of Brenda G. Fox, the AES summer school supervisor, Murielle English one of the teachers, Cheryl Scout and Tyler Morning Bull as the teacher assistants. Connie Wells co-ordinated the summer school program and funds came from the FNSSP (First Nation Student Success Program). The goals of the summer program were to build up skills in the English language, Math and the inclusion of Blackfoot culture. The Fast Forward program consists of the language, literacy and reading series. The protocols of the Fast Forward program will assist students to learn successfully and it will support them in meeting the challenging academic standards and test scores in the upcoming school year. It will also provide them with extra academic support and learning opportunities in the language, literacy and reading for struggling students. The Math Program will improve the math skills in students who are struggling with math. Develop number sense and provide PLC support to Grades 2, 3, 4 and 5 students. The Blackfoot Cultural program helped students learn about their Blackfoot way of life as they live their life in Blackfoot territory. Songs, stories, language and cultural knowledge were transferred to students as their learned about their identity as Blackfoot people. Blackfoot students learned about tipis. They learned that Blackfoot people were given tipis through transfers from family or through dreams 13 and visions. They learned about the designs on the tipis, the stories, the colors used. They learned about the tipi poles and the values associated with each of the poles. They learned how tipis were built traditionally and the hard work involved in the construction of tipis. The final project consisted of students designing their own tipi s using traditional Blackfoot designs. This was one of the hi-lights of their summer school experience. Students were able to work at their own speed and received one on one help with their language and math. The Aahsaopi Summer School program rewarded students who attended with a barbecue July 25, 2014 held at St. Mary s Dam where awards were given out. Attendance and academics were taken into account and students were awarded with a field trip to Calaway Park July 28th, They were not able to miss more than two days of school. The students really enjoyed summer school and the majority would love to attend future summer schools. Saipoyi Elementary school also had summer school. It is worthily to note that the Blood Tribe is the only school within Treaty Seven to host summer school for grades two five. Submitted by: Brenda G. Fox Aahsaopi summer school, intense courses to improve skills.

14 CELEBRATING 32 YEARS AT THE INDIAN VILLAGE Kainai elders Harold and Jean Healy recently reached a 32 year milestone of participation in the Calgary Stampede Indian Village. Since 1982, they have been invited to camp at the Stampede Indian Village and participate in one of the most popular tourist attractions at the stampede. Harold and Jean proudly display their traditional Blackfoot Otter tipi which was handed down the generations and was previously owned by his mother Inni maki (Healy). In the 32 years they have camped at the Indian Village, they have met many people from all parts of the world who come to visit the Calgary Stampede. Harold comments: We look forward to coming here every year and we enjoy meeting people from other parts of the world, it gives us a chance to share or culture and our way of life. The Healy s have painstakingly dressed their tipi with all the furnishings and detail of a traditional Blackfoot lodge that was prevalent prior to European contact. At certain times during the stampede, their tipi is open as a public exhibit for all to enjoy. They are also there as hosts to visitors, and to answer any questions or to provide historical details when necessary. And the visitors come by the hundreds, curious to see a small part of Native culture and history. Harold recently celebrated his 89th birthday, and Jean turned 84 in June, but that doesn t seem to hold them back in participating in the stampede activities. Harold continues to volunteer in some stampede related activities. Harold and Jean have traveled to other parts of the world as ambassadors for the Calgary Stampede. They work as a team and they wouldn t have it any other way. The other Blood Tribe representative at the Indian village is Allison Healy. She and her late husband Earl Healy started camping at the village around the same time as Harold and Jean. That was in Harold and Jean Healy. Proudly representing Kainai at the Indian Village. 14 story by Rick Tailfeathers

15 KAINAI POWWOW & CELEBRATION COMMITTEE ACKNOWLEDGE EVERYONE FOR THEIR SUPPORT The Kainai Powwow and Celebration Committee are responsible for organizing the annual Powwow on behalf of the Blood Tribe Chief and Council and all its members. Their key role is to play host to all visitors, special guests as well as all community members, while ensuring a weekend of celebration, entertainment and a fair competition for all dancers and drummers. Being the best host possible is what they strive for and their goal is to ensure that Blackfoot history, language and traditional values are shared, encouraged and promoted. The Committee is proud to represent the Blackfoot culture and they take great pride in hosting visitors and sharing the language and traditions of the Blood Tribe. The Committee consists of key Blood Tribe staff, Elders and volunteers. Members include: 1. Charlie Fox -President and Chairperson 2. Lydia First Rider -Powwow Coordinator 3. Maria Eagle Speaker -Powwow Coordinator 4. Dale Low Horn Elder 5. Camille Russell Elder 6. Travis Plaited Hair 7. Winston Bruised Head 8. Jaime Blood 9. Jim Bennett 10. Marcella Knife 11. Amanda Black Water 12. Sandra Curly Rider 13. Malina Blood 14. Robin Little Bear 15. Donna and Jordon Small Eyes The Committee also would like to recognize the efforts and vision of the late Oliver and Franklyn Shouting. These members that have passed on started this Committee on a 6 year journey and shared a vision that has led their efforts year after year. They want to re-assure the Shouting family that their work continues in this Committee and the members are forever grateful for their leadership and direction. The Committee has been organizing and coordinating the Powwow for the last 6 years, beginning in The Committee meets twice a month for planning and fundraising year round and would like to acknowledge and show appreciation for the many volunteers and staff that support all their efforts. The Committee would also like to thank the Blood Tribe Chief and Council for the opportunity to not only showcase the Tribe to the powwow community of North America, but to also showcase the Tribe and the Blackfoot culture to the world. The Committee has many supporters and has worked hard to build relationships and partnerships across the Tribe and Southern Alberta. Members of the Committee would like to take this time to share their sincerest appreciation and gratitude for the many sponsors and donors that have supported their vision and their efforts to show case the Blood Tribe. Sponsors and Donors include: 1. Blood Tribe Chief and Council 2. Kainai Resources Inc. 3. Opokaa sin Early Intervention Society 4. LGX OIL 5. Blood Tribe Economic Development 6. Meyers Norris & Penny 7. Auto Value 8. Lethbridge Lodge 9. The Coast Hotel 10. Blood Tribe Education 11. Sik-Ooh-kotoki Friendship Society 12. Lowe Farms The Committee also thanks the Blood Tribe staff, the Powwow Head staff and most importantly all the volunteers for all their hard work, dedication and commitment throughout the weekend. They are the people that make this possible. Head Staff include: 1. Ruben Little Head 2. Jason Good Striker 3. Sterling Shouting 4. Treff Deerfoot 5. Tobias Provost 6. Blaine Wadsworth 7. David Spotted Eagle The Committee is proud of their success over the past 6 years and enjoys doing this for the people of the Blood Tribe and all its members. At this time they thank the community for all their cooperation and support. Lastly and very importantly, the Committee extends many thanks to the visitors and guests that have come from all over North America to join us in friendship for competition, visiting and for cultural exchange. The Blood Tribe looks forward to continue hosting you for many years to come. The Committee wishes you happy travels down the Powwow trail and look forward to seeing you again. 15

16