May 2012

CONTENTSSamson Cree Nation Grass rootsGov` Canada News ReleaseGraduatesSamson Day Care CenterSamson Day Care CenterSamson Healthy Families UpdateParks & Rec Schedule for MayCommunity Wellness Schedule for MayCommunity Announcements

P . 1P . 3P . 4P . 6P . 7P . 8P . 9P . 9

P . 10

ArchivesThis Month in...... 1873: The Northwest Mounted Police were creat-ed under the Federal Act (19). The prefix was added to it’s title by grant of King Edward Vll in 1904.

... 1944: Treaty #6 Adhesion: Crees at Rocky Moun-tain House

... 1950: Treaty #6 Adhesion: Chippewas at Rocky Mountain House.

... 1960: Tipi Church Opened.

... 1995: Roots and Berries Pharmacy opens.

Samson Cree Nation would like to congratulate Mark Louis, son of Dennis Louis of Montana Cree Nation, for his recent achievement signing a one-year contract with the Phoenix Coyotes.

Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today the Coyotes have signed defense man Mark Louis to a one-year contract. As per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed. The 6-foot-4 tall, 225 pound Louis collected four assists and 72 penalty minutes (PIM) in 23 games with the Portland Pirates, the Coyotes American Hockey League affiliate this season. Louis signed a PTO (professional try-out agreement) with Portland on Feb. 27. He signed an AHL contract with the Pirates on Mar. 5. The 25 year old native from Ponoka, Alberta appeared in 41 career games with St. Francis Xavier University (Atlantic University Sport- Canada) recording 1-3-4 and 92 PIM. Louis also appeared in 303 games in the Western Hockey League (WHL), registering 10-40-50 and 379 PIM with the Brandon Wheat Kings (20003-04 through 2007-08) and Red Deer Rebels (2007-08)

CONGRATULATIONS

ACIMOWIN

NIPISIHKOPAHK NIPISIHKOPAHK NIPISIHKOPAHK NIPISIHKOPAHK

PINAWEW-PISIMMAY 2012

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 5 PAGE 1

Samson Cree Nation Grass RootsFeaturing: Kora-Lee Bruno

Kora-Lee Bruno, a mem-ber of the Samson Cree nation, has definitely taken the path less trav-eled. At the young age of 18 she left the reserve to pursue her love for dance in the entertain-ment industry in Los Angeles. It’s not a com-mon career path for any individual, not even one

she thought she could become successful at. She be-gan dancing at the age of 7 at Andy & Tina’s dance FX in Wetaskiwin in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, lyrical, pointe, contemporary and musical theater and contin-ued to pursue it year after year until it was time to step into the real world. Upon high school graduation she enrolled to Grant MacEwan University where she had to put dance on the back burner and focus solely on her studies. After switching her rigorous dance schedule for textbooks and assignments, she realized that dance was truly what she wanted to be doing as a career. The summer of 2010 Kora-Lee decided that she was go-ing to make the big move to LA to chase her dream of becoming a professional dancer. October rolled around and she was still at home and unprepared until one day she found her strength, booked a flight and told her mom she was moving in 2 weeks. With little cash, no plan and a hockey bag full of clothes she was off to take the biggest risk of her life. “I’d rather chase after my dream and fail at it than to live the rest of my life wondering what if” mentioned Kora-Lee. For her, the risk of chasing after her dream was well worth it. After a year of training and trying to make her mark in LA she was finally signed to the prestigious dance agency, McDonald Selznick and Associates. This was a monu-mental moment for Kora-Lee as this represented her success in achieving her dream of becoming a profes-sional dancer. With the insight she’s acquired from in-dustry professionals over the years she was prepared for what comes with this career choice, especially re-jection. After 5 months of being signed and sent out on tons of auditions, no luck has come her way. But

luckily for this dancer she understands that getting cut at an audition is just another day at the office. “Rejec-tion comes with the career choice I’ve made” stated Bruno “I trust in the creators plan and I know that he wouldn’t make me sacrifice time away from my fam-ily if this career wasn’t for me. The way I look at it is that all these auditions and rejections are just build-ing me up towards something greater. Perhaps I’m not completely ready to take on some of the jobs I’ve au-ditioned for and I’m ok with that. But a day will come when it’s my turn”. With her optimistic outlook, Kora-Lee continues to strive to reach her fullest potential de-spite the systems of her career. She proudly represents her community and her plains Cree culture as part of her brand and hopes to make an impact on the dance industry by being the first Native American working professional dancer. Since being in LA she has ap-peared in a commercial, short films, event showcases and has had the privilege to audition for Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Justin Beiber, The Wayans brothers, Pussy-cat dolls and Disney just to name a few. It’s another day in the ‘life of’ but to Kora-Lee Bruno her career is very surreal. “I haven’t booked any amazing jobs or have come close to where I want to be in my career yet but I still think the fact that I’m here and going for it, is insane. It’s something I only dreamed about so to be living it still hasn’t hit me yet”. To Kora, growing up on the reserve and having such big dreams seems to be words that are never in the same sentence. She shared that it has always been her lifelong goal, aside from being well accomplished in the arts, to be the move-ment that ignites the motivation in aboriginal youth. That is a phrase she has come up with that defines her aspiration to motivate through her dancing. She hopes that she can inspire aboriginal youth, especially from her community, to take that risk and chase after their dreams. “I want everyone to know that it’s ok to leave home to venture out into this world to do what you love or even to discover a new found love. I encourage you to do so. There is so much that this universe has to offer you that you’re not necessarily going to be able to access on the reserve. Your dreams are meant to be lived out loud. Dare yourself”.

PAGE 2 ACIMOWIN

Kasohkohwew Child Wellness SocietyOpen House

RCMP Spring FeastNipisihkopahk Elementary


Government of Canada Announces Renewal of Legal Aid Program and Aboriginal Justice StrategyOTTAWA, April 30, 2012 -- The Honorable Rob Nich-olson, P.C., Q.c., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Jus-tice and Attorney General of Canada, announced that federal funding for the Legal Aid Program and the Aboriginal Justice Strategy will continue at cur-rent levels.“Our Government is committed to keeping our streets and communities safe. This funding helps make the justice system more effective , fair and ac-cessible, and ensures value for taxpayers` dollars.” said Minister Nicholson. “Our Government is con-tinuing to support the provision of criminal legal aid for economically disadvantaged persons charged with serious criminal offences and to help Aborigi-nal communities develop community-based justice processes.”Ongoing federal funding helps the province and ter-ritories deliver criminal legal aid for economically disadvantaged adults and youth ($111.9 million an-nually) and legal aid in public security and anti-ter-rorism cases ($2 million annually). Federal funding of $11.5 million for immigration and refugee legal aid and $1.65 million for court-ordered counsel in fed-eral prosecutions has been renewed for two years ( 2012-2014 )As well, the one year renewal of the Aboriginal Jus-tice Strategy will provide $12.5 million to on- and off- reserve, urban, rural, and northern Aboriginal com-munities for community-based justice programs.Criminal legal aid is fundamental to a cost-effective, well-functioning criminal justice system in Cana-da. It protects Canadians` rights, helps support the Government`s ability to combat crime and hold criminals fully accountable for their actions. The government of Canada is committed to continu-ing to work with the provinces and territories to pro-vide criminal legal aid in immigration and refugee matters.The Aboriginal Justice Strategy is a federally-led, na-tional program that has operated for twenty years to assist on- and off- reserve, urban, rural and northern Aboriginal communities to develop and implement community-based justice processes that operate

within the Canadian justice system. Provincial and territorial governments provide equivalent contribu-tions.The Strategy has been shown to play an impor-tant and effective role in helping to achieve safer and healthier communities and reducing crime in Aboriginal communities by holding offenders ac-countable and enabling Aboriginal communities to take greater responsibility for the administration of justice services.The Aboriginal Justice Strategy`s community-based justice programs are linked to lower recidivism rates and are cost-effective in dealing with non-violent of-fenders, where circumstances warrant. The delivery of community-based programs helps to address the high rate of over represented of Aboriginal people in the Canadian justice system, both as victims and offenders.In addition, funding totally $49.59 million annually to support initiatives such as the Access to Jus-tice Service Agreement, the Aboriginal Courtwork Program, the Supporting Families Initiative, the Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision Program, and the Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Support Fund will continue at current levels.

PAGE 4 ACIMOWIN

CONGRATULATIONS

I just want to send out a huge thank you to all the family, friends and businesses in Hobbema for the support and contributions to the Wetaskiwin Prac-tical Nurse Celebration on May 11, 2012. On behalf of all the graduating nurse’s from your community, I would like to say your support is gratefully appreci-ated.

Maintenance ShopMaskwacis Employment Center SocietyHobbema Mental HealthNiwihchaw Acceptance Ltd.Hobbema Bingo Family therapist Maskeptoon Auto bodySamson Realty Maskwacis Health ServicesRaymond O. Ensminger, MSW (Family Therapist)

Thank you,Mandy Morin

Congratulations to Chandelle Cardinal, Chloe Crane, Jeffrey Crane, Clinton Cutknife, Verda Greene, Jor-dan Lightning, Jody Nepoose, Cheyenne Okeymow, Clayton Potts, Wolfgang Rain, Teresa Simon, Belin-da Soosay, and Joel Thom for completing the Trans Canada (Literacy First) Program. This program was in conjunction with Samson Human Resources Training and Development. It ran also with the other two na-tions which was Louis Bull Human Resources Depart-ment and Montana Human Resources Department.The program was an online class that was based on English which consisted of live lectures with the in-structor (Mr. Moreau), lessons (these were 10 bench-marks in total which are like modules), assessment tests for each lesson and assignments that needed to be submitted online by the students.

From Left to RightCharlene Gillis, Mandy Morin, Tamara Large, Billie-Dee PottsMissing from the picture, Winona Lee

All the graduates of the Trans Canada Literacy First Program from Samson, Louis Bull and Montana First Nations.


Maskwacis Health Services has support-ed several Gardening Initiatives over the past few years; from container garden-ing to community garden plots & flower planters. This year the Diabetes Edu-cation & Care Center will be providing seeds, some plants and soil mixtures for Maskwacis community members who wish to plant their own Garden.If you would like to plant an in ground garden please contact Alberta One Call (1-800-242-3447) and they will lo-cate underground lines.For more information please contact An-drea Dion at 780-585-2268*GARDEN supplies are limited and will be based on first come first serve basis*

BBQ, “jumpy castles”, Door Prizes and so much more!!!!!

Hope to see you there!

FLOORBRITESpring is here and

cleaning is in order...Get your floors refinished to a high gloss

professional appearance.

Call Paul Dempsy @ 780-806-2541OR

[email protected]

Jerry Jr. & Teddi Saddleback3 years on May 30

From your children Tia and Teagan

From your children, grandchildren and

Rod & Georgina Baptiste32 years on May 3

great-grandchildren

To place you advertisement or announcement in the next issue of the Nipisihkopahk Acimow-in contact Jenn Nepoose, 780-585-3793 ext. 281. The submission deadline is the 25th of each month and the fee ranges from $75.00 for a full page to $10.00 for a business card size. Feel

free to inquire for more info or to place your advertisement today!

PAGE 6 ACIMOWIN

Samson Day Care CenterGreetings to all parents, kokoms, mosoms and caregivers. We are entering May and with all the unpredictable weather, please dress your child accordingly as they will be going outdoors.There are 22 days this month and that means $10.00x22 days = $220.00/child.I will be on annual leave from May 7-18th. At that time Marie, our supervisor, will be in charge. Parent volunteers will be needed as there are field trips and outings planned.Take some time to read the notes that are placed in your child’s cubby.Label all your child’s belongings and please supply your child with pampers, wipes, creams, milk and cloth-ing.Finally, if you have any concerns, please let us know.

Hai Hai,

Charlotte RainManager

The Little Bear RoomWowzers! May has arrived, YAY! Our little bear babies will be exploring the outdoors on an every day basis. Please dress your child according to the weather. Raincoats and rubber boots are needed. We’d like to take the babies exploring on light rainy days. As well, for May, we’ll be introducing the ani-mals and insects we find outdoors. We’ll be doing a lot of pudding and food color painting, planting flowers for Mother’s Day and finally counting and singing. For painting we like to use pudding and food coloring and we use A LOT! If you’d like to donate vanilla pudding it would be greatly appreciated. This month we have no birthdays to announce :(This is a friendly reminder to please make sure to tag all your child’s belong-ings. Thank you, Sharmaine, Tamara and Nicole

Little Bunny?

The Ninja SquirrelsGreetings Parents:Spring is here so please provide proper wear for children as we’ll be going on nature walks and looking at trees budding and flowers blooming. We’ll spot the colors of the butterflies that come out to play.Parents please provide LOTS of pampers, wipes, diaper cream and a set of clothes. Happy birthday to those that will be celebrating in May!May 13th is Mother’s Day and to celebrate we will be painting with colors as the spring season is here!!Bye for now!Elaine, Tasheena and Heather

‘Bubbles’ has her basket and is searching for eggs!


The Rainbow Bunny RoomTansi and hello, April showers bring May flowers. Last month was a very fun filled month starting off with a bang! We attended an eggestravaganza held at the HBMC. Our children participated in the egg hunt. Then we kicked back with coloring paper eggs and headbands. The children seemed to love it! Awesome work Healthy Families! :) They went home that day with so much goodies. Wel-come to a few new faces, Ridley Buffalo and Neveah Ermineskin-Yellowbird. New themes, new crafts and new stories are selected for this month. Please feel free to take a look-see at our weekly formats posted on our bulletin board. Happy birthday to Kealan Crane for May 17th! Here are some reminders: We request for proper outside wear from head to toe, extra clothing, home toys are not allowed to be brought in with your child, no sippy cups or bottles and keep bringing those pampers, wipes and creams.By all means ask questions about your child’s daily routines. We encourage your child to have a great time. Before you know it, the day is over and it’s time to go home.Have a great May!Alexis Rain, Crystal Eagle, Kristy Rain and Melanie Okeymaw

Alexis is helping Kealan to find eggs.

The Tree House RoomNow that spring is here we can look forward to new feature like brighter days and warmer weather. Spring make overs in the room will be feature this month using children’s crafts and decorations. The staff and children will be going out for walks to enjoy the spring weather. Therefore, we remind parents to dress their children accordingly. Don’t hesitate to talk to the staff if you have any concerns. Child ob-servations and body assessments are documented daily for your reference. Please take a few minutes to read them or request a copy from staff.Hai Hai, Jessica and Cherilyn. Planting Flowers

The Amazing RoomTansi Parents!Spring is finally her and as the days get warmer we will be continuing our walks and playing at the playground. Please provide proper clothing and extra cloth-ing as accidents do occur. For the month of May we will be going on a field trip to Lacombe Corn Maze on the 25th and having a bake sale on the 18th to cover of souvenirs for our children. Please feel free to donate items for the bake sale. Any kind of food donation is greatly appreciated. This month we will be learning a lot about trees and planting flowers. Happy birthday to Bobbi-Ann Ermineskin for May 2nd, Emilie Morin for May 10th, Brooke-Lynn Nepoose for May 13th and Kayleaha Lightning for May 31st!Thank you!Shayna, Heather and Delores

Amazing children waiting to find those

eggs!

PAGE 8 ACIMOWIN

Program Changes

• COUPONS: will no longer be available for pickup any day of the week. We will now have scheduled coupon days throughout the month and clients MUST pick up coupons on those days. Failure to pick up coupons on set days will result in a lost coupon for that week. Keep a calendar posted for coupon days (i.e. Informa tionals and COHI)• Personal pick up only for coupons.• We will no longer be dropping off coupons for clients on Fridays at Lucky $. • BREAST FEEDING MOMS: will only receive a coupon for 6 months instead of the 12 months of breast feeding. Effective immediately. • HOME VISITATION PROGRAM: Workers will provide rides to monthly informationals.• COHI days are on your own, no transportations will be available. • Home visitors will visit clients during the “Coupon Week” from Tuesday to Thursday. Talk to your home visit- tor/mentor for more information. • PRENATAL CLASSES: We will be providing rides to Maskwacis Health Services Prenatal Classes starting May 1 every Tuesday evenings. Prenatal driver will be listed on the monthly calendar. • We will continue our own prenatal classes with the U of A Students starting July & August. Call office to be updated on classes.

SAMSON EDUCATION AWARDS 1ST ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

Friday June 8th, 2012 3 - $10,000 Hole-in-One Sponsors

PROCEEDS TO SAMSON EDUCATION AWARDS NIGHT

SHOTGUN START AT 9:00

$1,000 ENTRY FEE/per team (INCLUDES GREEN FEES, POWER CARTS & STEAK DINNER) MUST HAVE ONE FEMALE PER TEAM & MINIMUM COMBINED 40 HANDICAP

1ST & 2ND PLACE FOR A & B DIVISION ($5400 PAYOUT, BASED ON ENTRIES)

RULES COMMITTEE WILL BE WOLF CREEK GOLF STAFF ALL PAYMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE TOURNAMENT.

CREDIT CARDS CANNOT BE PROCESSED

Darlene Johnson / Paul Johnson [Tournament Coordinators] Email <[email protected]> <[email protected]>

Make cheques payable to: Samson Education Awards Golf Tournament

Send cheque to: Samson Education Trust Fund P.O. Box 658; Hobbema, AB; T0C 1N0

Location: Wolf Creek Golf Resort – The Old Course

ENOUGH CHALLENGE FOR A LIFETIME.

Ranked in SCORE Golf magazine & Golf Weeks top 25 courses in Canada / 4.5 Star rating by Golf Digest.

Samson Healthy Families

RECR

EATI

ON

CO

NFE

REN

CE

ENERGY With Pat Buffalo

PROVINICIAL FUNDING With Wayne Page

RISK MANAGEMENT

With Ted Hodgson & Ron Buffalo

SELF CARE PLAN Samson Youth & Sports

Development

ACM CERTIFICATION

With Bruce Littlechild

MAYMAY 1616--17, 201217, 2012

HOWARD BUFFALO MEMORIAL HOBBEMA, ALBERTA LUNCH & DAILY DOOR PRIZES Pre-Registration:$20.00 Contact: Ted Hodgson: (403)202-6539 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR-ISCA Charmaine Crane: (780)585-3012 PROGRAM COORIDINATOR-SYSD

Proposal Writing For Sports

N.A.I.G Info Session & Team Alberta

Presentation

MAY 2012

Building Closed on Sundays

*Track*Tae-Kwon do/Jiujitsu 5:00-7:00

*Volleyball 5:00-7:00

*Basketball 5:00-7:00

*Board Games

3:50-5:00*Zumba 6:30-7:30

*Youth Un-limited Floor

Hockey7:00-9:00

*Iskwesis Dance 4:00-5:00

*Computer Lab 4:00-5:00

*Arts’n’Crafts 5:00-7:00

*Tae-Kwon do/Jiujitsu

5:00-7:00*Women’s Floor

Hockey 5:00-6:30


*Iskwesis Sewing 4:00-5:30*Zumba 6:30-7:30

*Youth Power Hour (89.1FM)

4:00-5:00*Basketball

6:00-8:00*Volleyball 5:00-7:00

*Movie Night 6:00-8:00

*Arts’n’Crafts 5:00-7:00

*Volleyball5:00-7:00

*Basketball 6:00-8:00


P.O Box 159Hobbema, ABT0C 1N0

Phone: 780-585-3012Fax: 780-585-3714

Telus Sports Day

*Open Gym and Weight Room

10:00-6:00


Sign-Up Deadlinefor Fastball,

Community Clean Up

3 on 3 B-BallTourney

Ping Pong Tourney

Movie Night in Wetaskiwin

Community Wellness Schedule for MayMay 4-7: Women`s Healing Circle. Max 20 participants, first come first serve. Applications at Community Wellness.May 7-24: Stepping Stones Level One. Max 20 participants, first come first serve. Held at the Willowview Building. Lunch and transportation provided.May 14-18: Aboriginal Shield Training Program Max 20 participants. Requirements- Completion of Stepping. Stones Level 1 - 3. Lunch and transportation provided.June 1-4: Men`s Healing Circle Max 8 participants. Applications at Community Wellness

SHINE - Embracing Life Committee Meetings every Thursday 7pm- Willowview. Everyone is welcome. Transportation provided to Samson Mem- bersAA Meetings Every Monday at Henwood Treatment Centre Max 12 participants. Transportation provided

For more information on these programs or to apply please contact Community Wellness, 780-585-3634, or stop by their offices located in the Willowview building in the East wing.

Recreation Conference

Community Market

Golf Program Begins5:30-8:30 Golf 5:30-8:30

Golf 5:30-8:30 Golf 5:30-8:30

Please Note:The Golf Program is first come first serve basis an there is a $50 fee for 2 months. To sell your goodséprod-ucts at the Community Market there is a $10 rental fee of the table.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

ACIMOWINSamson Cree Nation’s Newsletter

Jenn Nepoose- Communications Coordinator(P) 780-585-3793 ext. 281(F) [email protected]

PAGE 10 ACIMOWIN

BirthdaysMay 5: Congrats going out to Mr. & Mrs. Dale Rain, may the creator bless you both on your special day! From Mom Louisa and Dick & LeannMay 13: Happy 6th Birthday Brooke-Lynn Love momMay 16: Happy Birthday Jeanette Dion xoxoxo LennyMay 17: Happy 3rd Birthday Mistahaiya Smallboy Rain. From Dad, Sweetgrass and Kohkom & Mosom Dick & LeannMay 25: Happy Birthday Alma Saddleback-PattersonMay 27: Happy Birthday Roxena OkeymowMay 29: Happy Birthday Pauleyye OkeymowMay 30: Happy 29th Birthday John Nepoose! Love BMay 30: Happy Birthday Adrienne Larocque! From Jenn

EventsMay 8: Regular Council MeetingMay 9: Pigeon Lake Poker Walk, starting at the Health CenterMay 11: Samson Healthy Families- Mother`s Day CraftsMay 13: HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!!May 16: Open Band Meeting May 17: Minor Hockey Banquet May 22: Economic Development Trade Fair at Samson Bingo Hall Texas Scramble at Wolf Creek. Banquet at Howard Buffalo Memorial CenterMay 23: Eocnomic Development Trade Fair at Sasmon Bingo Hall

Samson Cree Nation

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May 2012