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

yearsof nourishinghuman potential.

STORY NO. 11

Archery • Athletics • Baseball (Male)Basketball • Canoe/Kayak • Equestrian • Golf

Soccer • Softball (Female) • Swimming Tennis • Triathlon • Volleyball

JULY 24 - JULY 30

proudly supports the Regina 2014 North American Indigenous Games

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facebook.com/SaskatchewanGames

WWW.SASKGAMES.CA

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AN INDIGENOUS LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE FOR EVERYONE

Vol. 2 No. 8 Fall 2014

PUBLISHER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF,ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

Chris Tyrone Ross

ADVERTISING SALESShane Bellegarde

Harvey Knight

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Quentin Karmark

COPY EDITOR Lani Elliott

REZX WRITERS Aaron Tootoosis, Bill Stevenson, Chris Tyrone Ross,

Haris Khan, Ikuhkskiituwa Smithx AKA Cowboy Smithx, Jay Bird, Karen Kay, Lacy Morin-Desjarlais,

Novalee Fox, Rodger W. Ross, Shane Bellegarde, Shauneen Pete

PHOTOGRAPHERS Bill Stevenson, David Knight, Karen Kay,

Michael Dubois, Ryan Peterman, Thatconradguy, Trina Kingfisher

REZX EDITORIAL BOARD:Bill Stevenson, Chris Tyrone Ross, Jay Bird,

Lani Elliot, Shane Bellegarde, Shauneen Pete

CONTACT INFOBusiness: 306.205.3778

Please E-mail RezX for our mailing address E-mail: rezxeditor@gmail.com

website: http://www.rezxmag.com follow us on twitter: @rezxmag facebook:

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REZX MAGAZINERezXMagazine is a division of RezX Multi-Media Company (founded in 2004) and is published 5

times per year distributed province wide in 4 cities/towns of Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Fort Qu’Appelle and 75 First Nations and Tribal Councils

Digital Edition: 4000+ viewsPrint Circulation: 7000 copies

Estimated Readership: 35,000 copies

DISCLAIMERAny content, images, graphics are hereby copyright

of RezXMulti-Media Company, unless otherwise noted and cannot be reproduced, reprinted or

republished without the expressed written permission of the Publisher.

ABOUT THE COVER:COVER: Kendal Netmaker

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Chris RossPHOTOGRAPHER: Curtis Cameron

About a month and a half before the 2014 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) took place in Regina, SK (July 20-26, 2014), my company, RezX Multi-Media was brought on board to design and print their Official Program (along with a Volunteer’s Handbook and a Participant’s Handbook). Given the short amount of time that was given, it was a daunting task to say the least.

With the help of some amazing NAIG staff (specifically Rodger Ross, Lachlan Madill, Jerome Laforgue, Guy Laird, Brenna Pratt, Brenda Bathgate and CEO Ron Crowe) we finished all projects on time. We also had some amazing help from our printing partners and our team of RezX graphic designers (Quentin Karmark, Clayton Binning) and writing crew (Trina Kingfisher, Lani Elliott and Karen Kay) who worked on these projects. During the games, we also had a booth at the Cultural Village (First Nations University of Canada) where we distributed official programs and past issues of RezX. We also covered the games everyday and posted the latest medal counts, picture galleries, videos and stories on our website (www.rezxmag.com).

When the games were over, it left many people with some great memories - of course not without some controversy in between - but overall memories that will last a lifetime. So for this issue’s main feature, I wanted to devote an entire 8-page section to the games featuring some of the best pictures from our photographers and freelancers along with a journal to tell the story which you can find on Page 16, “The Best Indigenous Games in History”. I’m sure the pictures and stories will bring back some great memories.

Now, seeing this issue is based around “Education, Careers and Sports”, I knew there was no better cover story than Kendal Netmaker, CEO and Founder of the thriving clothing company, Neechie Gear.

Having met Kendal and seeing his company rise, reminds me of Damon John, the founder of FUBU (For Us By Us) who is now a billionaire. Like Neechie Gear, FUBU started off small and grew with an urban audience and focused on its brand name. For those who remember FUBU back in the

day, it was everywhere, just like how Neechie Gear is everywhere today.

Kendal is building a brand right now but more importantly, he finished school before venturing out into the business world. That’s the message our magazine wanted to get out there, as writer Shane Bellegarde perfectly tells the story of how education and sports laid the foundation for his growing company, which you can read on Page 14, “Neechie Gear”.

Other interesting reads include a feature by Bill Stevenson on “Stephen Harper’s Pipe Dreams” (Page 10), which shows both sides of the argument. Other work from Bill includes his popular horoscopes and a fashion gallery of “Everything Beaded” (Page 24).

New things added to the magazine, include a popular RezX blog, “What Does The Fox Say” from Novalee Fox and a new writer by the name of Aaron Tootoosis who provided his coverage of the recent Treaty 1 -11 Gathering.

Finally, we are proud to announce that the Treaty 4 Education Alliance (formerly Treaty 4 Student Success Program) has subscribed to RezX for all 11 of their First Nations community schools for the whole year. This will make RezX an even better educational resource for the classroom through the stories we share.

I would like to thank the staff for inviting me to be their keynote speaker for their 2014-2015 school launch event held in Ochapowace First Nation and for subscribing. I also wanted to thank the 2014 North American Indigenous Games for believing in RezX as we were proud to be part of the team.

Here we go again, another issue in the books, enjoy the new school year everyone, hiy, hiy!

Sincerely,

Chris Tyrone Ross

Editor-In-Chief & Publisher, RezX Magazine

North American Indigenous Games and Neechie Gear fill the pages of this issue

TREATY EDUCATION

Page 12

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NEECHIE GEAR

Page 14

‘AM I NEXT?’

Page 9SHOP TATANKA Page 28

HARPER’S PIPE DREAM

Page 10

2014 NAIG

Page 16

New Column:

What Does The Fox Say?by Novalee Fox

“Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world”.

- Nelson Mandela

Tânisi. Novalee Fox nitisiyihkâson. Ochapowace ohci niya mâka oskana kâ-asastêki niwîkin. okiskinwahamâkan niya nistam iyiniwak kihci-okiskinwahamâtowikamikohk.(Hello my name is Novalee Fox from Ochapowace First Nation but I live in Regina attending the First Nations University of Canada).

I am a fourth Year Indigenous Education Student majoring in Indigenous Studies with a minor in Cree.

I love my University; it is where I feel I belong. It is my home. It is a place where I am learning who I am as a First Nations woman. Identity is very important for our people and for any of us, for that matter, because you need an identity to survive in this world in all facets; spiritually, physically, emotionally and mentally.

I am so excited to be in my fourth year, I never thought that I would ever make it this far on my educational journey. This road has been a hard one because being a student working on a degree there is always going to be challenges. The creator tests you, and everyone else around you tests you. You have to be motivated, and you cannot ever give up when you are working on bettering your life in any way, shape, and form.

When you are a student your whole lifestyle changes, your whole world revolves around getting to class, reading, studying, writing and more reading. I am especially proud to be attending the FNUniv because it promotes my culture, values and traditions which I was raised with at home. This is my home away from home, and it reinforces the pride with the values, customs and traditions I have grown up with.. Here we have an incredible support system with elders who are always willing to help pick us up when we are down, the concept being how it takes a village to raise a child.

Every student has their own unique background and as the friendships mold, it is a class in itself. When times are hard we rely one another and we study and socialize and support one another, not only through the academics but through moral support. We warn each other about alcohol and try to live a balanced life.

There is so much more to say and learn and I’ll leave that for my next column. I would also like to say good luck to the returning students and say welcome to the first year students. Work hard and believe in yourself!

JANUARY Kisê-pîsim The Great Moon – DeerYou can track which rez a strange car is from just by the type of dirt on the car! Now that’s skill but as you read this, three deers, two moose, and a bunch of ducks have passed by you and you are still hungry! You better go find the hunters and ask them to take you out hunting so you learn a bit more about living off the land, not just who is from where.

FEBRUARY Mikisiwi-pîsim The Eagle Moon – EagleYou promised yourself that when the kids were going back to school you would make time for yourself to get back to your studies. What are you waiting for? Those applications ain’t going to fill themselves out…

MARCH Niski-pîsim The Goose Moon – CougarHey! Snagging season is almost over, better snag one that you can shack up with soon eh? Wrap that blanket tight around the next one and say ‘this time we’ll go live at your moms!’ But plan on buying your fair share of bingo dabbers and giving rides to the community hall!

APRIL Ayikî-pîsim The Frog Moon – BeaverGetting nominated for the bucket challenge scared you cause you thought you’d have to go buy everyone chicken... Cha! As if! Showing up with a bucket of chicken telling people you’re going to dump it on yourself! Trying to drink the gravy too! You need to start thinking about the future and how your health is going to impact the quality of your life later. Seriously.

MAY Sâkipakâwi-pîsim The Budding Moon – BearYou were told, feed a rez dog and it keeps coming back! Now here you are buying dog food for a dog that you don’t even know where he is half the time, just comes back when it is hungry or needs a place to crash or just wants a good belly rub. That is right, they know you are weak to them and that is why they keep coming back. Think about it...

JUNE Pâskâwihowi-pîsim The Hatching Moon – ThunderbirdIt’s fine! Just cut off the burnt parts of your fry bread! But that pile of burnt ends is not getting any smaller - maybe turning down the heat might be a good place to start. In fact, turning down the heat in all aspects might be good for you; people are starting to feel burnt from the words you use in anger at them.

JULY Paskowi-Pîsim The Moulting Moon – CoyoteHow is that ipad holding out after all these years? It is getting slow and full of stuff. Maybe it is time you went through it, deleted apps you never use like Power Bannock Slap App. Update your music and maybe delete that “one” section – you know the one I’m talking about...

AUGUST Ohpahowi-pîsim The Flying Up Moon – MouseYou’ve always fought hard for everything you’ve wanted, why should this be any different? The haters, the naysayers, the people who only want to use you for a reference because you have your stuff together and they do not, the people who never pay you back - don’t worry about them. People are noticing your effort and are reaching out to help you.

SEPTEMBER Nôcihitowi-pîsim The Mating Moon – SalmonDon’t forget your anniversary is coming up, and don’t you dare buy your sweetie that scale, saying that it goes from 0 to 200 in 3.6 seconds just like she dreamed. My advice? The tried and true romantic dinner, flowers and listening to everything she has to say about anything is a good start. Really, she just wants some time with you, and for you to fall in love with her again. Make it happen!

OCTOBER Pinaskâwi-pîsim The Migrating Moon – TurtleQuit trying to get your kids into places on the cheap! Trying to pass your 14-year-old as 10 years old, boy you eh! Always trying to make them wear hand-me-downs from their siblings or cousins or your nieces or nephews, or the community Sally Anne. Don’t be afraid to splurge a little on them; they won’t be spoiled!

NOVEMBER Iyikopiwi-pîsim The Frost Moon – WolfEverything is a circle, the pow wow circle, the round dance, the drum, but your dating relationships don’t have to be! Your little circle of friends needs to find fresh meat. Stop dating each other or dating each others ex’s because you are all beginning to look at each other like “naw, that’s my old snag” or “stop getting jello”. You are messing up the circle, it is not supposed to work that way. Just stop it and expand your dating pool! You’ll be glad you did!

DECEMBER Pawâcakinasîsi-pîsim The Frost Exploding Trees Moon – SpiderAlways trying to be a dollar store elder, you with your package of magic fire and deep Facebook status updates! Quit being in such a hurry to be an elder that you forget to live your life now, for it’s here that your experience instills into the wisdom that will later help you pass on advice to the young people.

NDN HOROSCOPES “Your Stereotypical Standard Indian jokes” Edition By Bill Stevenson

Find online exclusives @ www.rezxmag.com

REGULAR BLOGSWhat Does The Fox Say? Blogger: Novalee Fox

Bill’s Right On Blog! Blogger: Bill Stevenson

Indian Horoscopes Blogger: Bill Stevenson

ON-LINE FEATURESRezX Behind the Scenes Every issue we have done now features behind the scenes footage and pics of interviews, cover stories and more!

Relive the 2014 North American Indigenous Games Every day of the games, we posted various pics, videos and stories for you to enjoy and relive the special moments of the games.

SOCIAL MEDIAFollow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/rezxmag

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/rezxmagazine

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

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

RE-FASHIONING NORTH CENTRAL http://is.gd/ELAdAs

North Central is getting a makeover…maybe. The talks of a shared facility to replace Scott Collegiate have been in the works for years and is now being finalized as we could have a building by 2016. The building would face Elphinstone, between 6th and 7th avenue.

So what will be in that building? “The 100,000-square-foot building will contain Scott Collegiate, a library, an infant-toddler centre, a community centre and a community policing facility” (Emma Graney, Leader Post)

By Jay Bird

Photo Credit: Pandemonium Express

Photo Credit: Jens Kalaene

ERIN BROCKOVICH’S NATIVE SUPPORT http://is.gd/nuWkqH

“Tests conducted last year showed the mill was producing emissions that were 78 per cent above legal limits, but the company says there has been a 25 per cent improvement in particulate levels since then.” (CTV Atlantic)

Brockovich stands alongside Pictou and Pictou Landing First Nation in condemning the air pollution caused by the Pulp Mill. Brockovich’s sentiments are familiar in First Nations circles when dealing with Canadian Gov’t and their industry deals ‘Naively and well sadly, I expected more from Canada…”

THE ROUNDTABLE TO NOWHEREhttp://is.gd/JohlWF

The Justice Minister, Provinces, and just five Aboriginal leaders may have opened the doors to having a roundtable on Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women in Canada. What is a roundtable you ask? All talk.

The majority of Aboriginal communities want an inquiry (also known as a royal commission) into the issue. The inquiry would be a fact finding mission that could lead to serious recommendations for national change. But the Gov’t wants to talk about it some more. One step back in justice for many of these missing women and their families I guess.

LOOK AROUND, SEE A FAMILIAR FACE?http://is.gd/yA1KuT

“Enrolment of aboriginal students has increased 10 to 25 per cent this year compared to two years ago” (Ryan Pilon, CBC News)

FNUniv, U of S, and SIAST report Indigenous student numbers are growing and this is a great sign for the future of Indigenous communities. Not only will we have better leaders for the future but also a well-rounded workforce in trades, professions,

business, and governance.

Now if we could only get adequate funding for our students, as per treaty rights on education, imagine how much higher that number would be. Instead of 25% we could be looking at 75% growth and a more fair representation in the university experience.

THE FALCON HAS LANDEDhttp://is.gd/YXrGeS

“Ouellette was labelled a “fringe candidate” in the local editorials” (Sean Kavanagh, CBC News)

It appears Winnipeg has its first credible Indigenous candidate for mayor in Robert Falcon-Ouellette, who is making some waves. He is addressing a problem that Canadians refuse to tackle, racism.

Ouellette notices the division in the city along the lines of race and economic status, both categories affect Indigenous citizens in Winnipeg regularly.

So why is he a ‘fringe candidate’? Because Ouellette is not pandering to the majority, a majority who just happen to lie to themselves about problems they know nothing about.

Photo Credit - University of Regina Photography Dept.

Photo Credit - Shane Gibson Metro Winnipeg

Photo Credit - Pool Getty Images Europe

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

Indigenous News & Opinion

A new social media campaign called “Am I Next?” is gaining a lot of attention and is meant to call for an inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women in Canada. It is now trending on places like Facebook and Twitter and asks every day Indigenous women to post a picture of themselves holding a sign bearing the question “Am I Next?” and then nominating others to do so.

The campaign was originally started by Holly Jarrett of Hamilton, ON, who is a cousin of Loretta Saunders, another women who went missing earlier this year in Halifax, ON.

Loretta Saunders, 26, was an Inuit woman, living with two roommates in Halifax, and was writing her thesis on missing and murdered Aboriginal women. Her body was later recovered in a median off the Trans-Canada Highway near Salisbury, NB. Her two roommates, Victoria Henneberry, 28, and Blake Leggette, 25, were later arrested and charged with Saunder’s murder. Sanders was reportedly three months pregnant at the time.

Saunders story is only one of 1200 plus missing or murdered Indigenous women in Canada - which still has not received any acknowledgement

for an inquiry from Stephen Harper’s Conservative government.

Yet Saunders story is the reason Jarrett started the campaign and proves why the next missing or murdered Indigenous woman in Canada could be anyone, just like Saunders was.

Tracey George Heese (who was nominated by CBC Regina’s Merelda Fiddler) recently posted her pic (above) on Facebook and talked about what she hopes the campaign will accomplish.

“I am personally hoping to bring about awareness to mainstream society of the issue of our 1200 murdered and missing aboriginal women...Aboriginal women are being targeted,” said George-Heese.

“Am I Next?” is for everyone that has a mother, sister, daughter, auntie, niece, or female in your life.

(For me) I am vulnerable as an Indian Woman (because) our exploited Aboriginal women and young girls are being targeted based on race...we are not safe” warned George-Heese.

She also asked, “Am I Next because I am a Treaty Indian? Am I Next just because I am a woman? Human right’s law doesn’t care if I am next, Canadian Justice does not care if I am next. Society needs to value all of us regardless of socio-economics, regardless of lifestyles (because) Aboriginal Women matter”.

For now, the ‘Am I Next?’ campaign looks to have staying power as more and more women are posting everyday and nominating others to do so. Anyone can participate and you don’t have to donate any money or pour a bucket of ice over yourself. Just post a pic to support the movement and help these women get the inquiry they deserve.

‘Am I Next?’ Social Media Campaign Call for Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women by Chris Tyrone Ross

Stephen Harper’s Pipe Dreams for Canada (and his Indian Problem)The views expressed here are those of columnist Bill Stevenson and do not represent RezX as a company or magazine.

PIPE DREAMSCanada is at an interesting point in time at the moment; I wouldn’t say it’s at a crossroads but interesting nonetheless - currently there is an estimated 825,000 KM’s of transmission and distribution pipelines across this nation (105,000 of these lines are large diameter transmission lines and only 71,000 are federally regulated). Canada relies on this pipeline infrastructure for many reasons: from crude oil, natural gas and other petroleum products to many local and international markets around the world. Over three million barrels are transported through these pipes each and every day.

Canada, much like the United States, is dependent upon oil, and whether foreign or domestic, we need it. Not only does oil allow us to drive across this vast country visiting families, traveling to pow wows and round dances and wherever else we decide to go, it is also used to develop many of the luxuries, conveniences, and necessities of life that we use every day. Everything from our plastic water bottles and dish soaps to the petrochemicals used in our canned goods to keep food fresh longer, are just some of the items created from a barrel of oil.

What does this all mean? Any leader of Canada would be compelled to consider all options when we as a nation surround ourselves with petroleum products.

Indeed, Prime Minister Stephen Harper (Conservatives), Leader of the Opposition Thomas Mulcair (New Democratic Party), and Third Party Leader Justin Trudeau (Liberals) have all stated their support for pipelines across Canada in one form or another. Even Thomas Mulcair supports pipelines; while not the Keystone XL itself, the federal NDP does support a West-East cross-Canada pipeline.

Elizabeth May and the Greens seem to be the only party that opposes pipelines - but their chances of being elected to ruling government remain quite small. Despite having run 304 out of a possible 308 candidates in the 201 election the Green Party received less than 4% of the popular vote federally, electing only Elizabeth May as the only MP.

Regardless of whether or not the oil is going to be used domestically or shipped to international markets, one thing is sure, it is coming out of the ground.

Harper seems to have made it his focus and goal to make resource extraction the aim of his government and in doing so, has had to deal with the Aboriginal peoples of Canada. But Harper has the cunning of the white man on his side and has used it quite effectively against Aboriginal people.

As a pragmatic leader Harper is used to taking incremental approaches to issues and problems.

For example, his five priorities during the 2006 election were hardly earth shattering changes: a quick 2% reduction in the federal GST; introducing Accountability legislation; promising to crackdown on crime; work on reducing health care wait times; and, rather than a national day care program like the liberals were promising, a simple cash handout so families could choose their own child care providers.

These promises were vastly different from previous Conservative predecessors such as Brian Mulroney, who played with the idea of massive changes such as changing the hidden Manufacturers’ Sales Tax (MST) to a Goods and Services Tax (GST), Free Trade with the United States, and attempts at sweeping constitutional change with the Meech Lake and the Charlottetown Accords, which both failed.

From the days of Prime Minister Richard Bedford Bennett’s New Deal with Canadians to Prime Minister John Diefenbaker’s “Northern Vision” that didn’t have many details, Conservatives have never been afraid of introducing big ideas to change the image of Canada.

To this end, Harper is no different.

HARPER’S INDIAN PROBLEMArmed with the knowledge that pipelines are the means to get Canada’s oil reserves and resources to market, Harper began planning, but he knew he would have to deal with the traditional territories of the Ojibway, Cree, Anishinaabe, Algonquin and many other Aboriginal peoples. This was the start of his thinking for a new relationship with Canada’s Aboriginal people. Harper knew it would be difficult to implement if he hurried it along like the assimilative papers of Pierre Trudeau’s White Paper of 1969, or Brian Mulroney’s Buffalo Jump Paper of the 1980’s. Instead Harper would lay out a framework that would be doled out over a decade to lull the indigenous people into complacency and acceptance of this new relationship.

In order to accomplish this, the biggest issue Harper knew of seemed to be the Indian Residential Schools, A Common Experience payout of $10,000 for the first year of having to attend an Indian residential school followed by $3,000 for each additional year.

Ultimately, over $5 billion would be spent settling these claims but no amount of money is able to heal the sexual trauma, abuse and destruction of family units.

PAYOUT, APOLOGIZE, LEGISLATE, AND TERMINATEThen Stephen Harper stood up in parliament and apologized to the Aboriginal peoples of Canada for Residential Schools stating, “Two primary

objectives of the residential schools system were to remove and isolate children from the influence of their homes, families, traditions and cultures, and to assimilate them into the dominant culture. These objectives were based on the assumption aboriginal cultures and spiritual beliefs were inferior and unequal.”

Harper would go on to state that this would be the start of a new relationship between Canada and the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada. He meant that in every sense of the phrase.

Harpers plan in hindsight (and many will say they saw this from the beginning), was to “Payout, Apologize, Legislate, and Terminate” the Treaty Relationship that Aboriginals hold as sacred. Harper understood that as long as we were able to hold on to treaty we could dictate what could and couldn’t happen on our lands.

With that kind of power Harper knew pipelines would be a waste of time and effort in many territories. Thus he and his team began draft legislation that would lead to the termination of treaty rights and would also allow Aboriginals and First Nation bands to ‘opt-in’ to these agreements.

The new relationship he spoke of in the apology was not to be the expected Treaty Relationship First Nations people wanted but rather Harper continued to state the ambition to, “reset the relationship between government and the aboriginal community in Canada, moving forward with a vision to fully include their communities in the country’s economy” (The National Post, 12/1/24).

It wasn’t the sovereignty discussion expectation First Nations were now looking at, rather Harper plans included moving us forward by folding us into the Canadian economy.

TERMINATION PLAN This termination platform of his plan came into being on September 4th, 2012, with the various bills included:

• Bill C-27: First Nations Financial Transparency Act (Received Royal Assent and is now Law)

• Bill C-45: Jobs and Growth Act, 2012 - Part of the Omnibus Bill which included Indian Act amendments regarding voting on-reserve lands surrenders/designations. (Received Royal Assent and is now Law)

• Bill S-2: Family Homes on Reserve and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act (Received Royal Assent and is now Law)

• Bill S-6 First Nations Election Act (Received Royal Assent and is now Law)

• Bill S-8: Safe Drinking Water for First Nations (Received Royal Assent and is now Law)

TREATY 1-11 GATHERINGBy Aaron Tootoosis

Treaty 4 Reserve, SK - I had the opportunity to attend the National Treaties 1 – 11 Gathering on the Treaty 4 Reserve in Treaty 4 Territory (near Fort Qu’Appelle) on August 12 – 14. My intention in being there was to sit, learn, and observe respectfully.

The gathering actually began on Monday (August 11) with an academic forum, which I did not attend. But the people I interacted with the following day had great things to say about the academic forum; where there were many great thinkers who provided many great insights about Treaty from an academic and traditional perspective. It made me wish to be there, having a decent footing in both the traditional and academic realizations of Treaty.

I did make it to the Gathering for Tuesday’s agenda, which was an agenda that bothered me the most. The Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Derek Nepinak, was one of the notable presenters for the day’s agenda. He spoke about the need for us who know our Treaty Indians, to begin exercising our right to determine who we are as Treaty people and to impair the Government of Canada’s legacy of control in identifying our people as Status Indians.

As Chief Nepinak spoke, he also had a document circulated to those in attendance. It was a letter from Boudreau Law to which Chief Nepinak sought legal advice on the developing of a Treaty identity, specifically a Treaty Identification Card.

Although he spoke from a position of sovereignty and nationhood, the letter contradicted what he was trying to sell. The lawyer reveals Chief Nepinak’s agenda by stating, “You further suggested that this approach can be employed through section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. More specifically, we have explored that the holder will be identified as an Indian within the meaning of s. 35”. This is not good.

We have to keep in mind that Treaties 1 – 11 are International Laws. We also have to keep in mind that we were recognized as Nations by Britain since 1763. To allow for the development of our identity to be included within Canada’s Constitution is a huge mistake. Simply put, we as nations have every right to determine who our citizens are. No other nation in the world can determine who the citizens are in another nation. With that said, Britain

could never have had the ability to determine who “Indians” are in its application of the 1867 British North America Act. We’ve simply allowed Canada to determine who our people are, when it was (and still is) an impossible thing to do. The Crown of Great Britain had no such power to tell Indians who they were, so when it gave Canada Constitutional obligations, Canada gained no such powers as well.

To include our right to determine who we are within Canada’s Constitution will be the worst mistake we can ever make. As it is, we are continuing to live the nightmare allowing the Indian Act to decide who has Indian Status. With the domestication of our right to determine who we are via Section 35, Canada will literally gain the ability to kill our Treaties. Canada will then officially be able to rid itself of its “Indian Problem”.

We have been indoctrinated to undermine our own Treaty Rights in exchange for benefits under the Indian Act. Instead of benefitting from our Rights through Treaty, we are choosing to apply and become “eligible” for benefits through policies that are developed by our own people as administrators of Government policy. In a way, we are contributing to Canada’s scheme to discount its Treaty Obligations.

We are very fortunate that our Treaties have not become part of Section 35 of Canada’s Constitution. Our only solution and hope of escaping the Indian Act is our identity. It is through identity that we can build true self-determination, and more importantly, nationhood. Through exercising our own law and customs, we can develop a citizenship that does not need Canada’s approval or assistance. We don’t have to ask Canada, period. We never lost this inherent right, so there is nothing to fear either in doing so.

Many people think we will have nothing, because all our funding comes through the Indian Act. This is not true. Canada has a Constitutional Obligation to live up to the Treaties it cannot escape. The Indian Act was Canada’s response to the Treaties, but it does not define them since our interpretation of the Treaties can supersede anything Canadian Law suggests.

The key to our suffering under the Indian Act begins with figuring out who we are. To agree that our right to determine who we are belongs under Section 35 (Canadian Constitution, 1985) would be no different than locking ourselves in our own prison and handing Canada the keys. We must always be wary of anything our so-called leaders say that involves placing any of our rights under Canadian Laws.

• Bill C-428: Indian Amendment and Replacement Act (Private Conservative MP’s Bill, supported by Harper government) (Reinstated)

• The Senate Public Bills:

• Bill S-207: an Act to amend the Interpretation Act (non derogation of aboriginal and treaty rights) (Dead June 4, 2013)

• Bill S-212: First Nations Self-Government Recognition Bill (Dead March 26, 2013)

These Bills were designed to assimilate First Nations into existing orders of Canadian governments and terminate constitutionally protected Inherent, Aboriginal and Treaty rights. Harper’s game of hardball forces the negotiation tables of Modern Treaties and Self-Government Agreements to agree to the terms of Canada’s Comprehensive Claims and Self-Government policies.

If they refuse to – the federal government leaves the negotiation process taking funding with them.

Many Aboriginal organizations have already gone through massive funding cuts. The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations funding was cut by $2 million, along with many other Aboriginal and Métis organizations who saw reduced funding.

The federal government said the changes would help make First Nations communities healthier and more self-sufficient. These funding cuts greatly affected things such as social housing on reserve, educational funding, and advisory services for First Nations, and as a result, have left many First Nations outraged and disgusted with the federal government.

But what made these Bills stand out is how they were introduced in the House of Commons.

Rather than a complete overhaul, or imposition of a termination plan, Harper again used his Modus Operandi of the incremental approach to systematically introduce the needed changes, even burying them in his now famous ‘Omnibus’ Bills.

Also getting bands to sign on to agreements came in the form of “requiring First Nations to agree with all existing legislation and government publication as well as any amendments or changes that might be made to them in the future”, in order to receive yearly funding, making many bands feel bullied into signing the transfer agreements ‘under duress’.

It will be interesting to see what future governments do with these pieces of legislation, now signed by First Nations bands.

Trudeau has talked about revoking the First Nations Transparency Act, but what about the other Acts? What’s a First Nation community to do about all this?

(continued on page 26)

Mandatory Treaty Education has been a priority in the Province of Saskatchewan since 2008 when the Office of the Treaty Commission (OTC), the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and the Ministry of Education Treaty Education signed an agreement to ensure that every Saskatchewan learner gain an understanding about the important role that Treaties have and continue to play in the lives of Canadian citizens.

The OTC has delivered Treaty Education to teachers throughout the province, yet many teachers claim that they don’t know how to teach this topic. Some claim they don’t have enough access to the resources to teach this topic. Others are more forthright, “I can’t teach what I don’t know”.

For our part in the Faculty of Education (University of Regina), our students are provided with mandatory two-day training with the OTC. Our undergraduate students are required to report on how they taught to the Treaty Essential Learnings during their internships. Our faculty model a variety of ways that Treaty Education can be taken

up across the subject areas. But what supports do long serving educators have in order to gain the experience to teach Treaty Education more effectively?

Earlier this month (September) teachers in the Regina Public School Division were offered an innovative approach to Treaty Education. Teachers from Scott Collegiate and Gladys McDonald School were on location at the University of Regina where the training was taped. Elementary and Secondary teachers gathered

together in locations around the city as Treaty Education was live-streamed to them. These educators had the opportunity to learn from skilled facilitators like Sandra Bellegarde and Noel Starblanket. In the schools, Treaty Education catalyst teachers provided in-house support to their colleagues. Teachers worked with the resources in the OTC Treaty Kits and were asked to identify additional resources and instructional practices – all while communicating with other teachers in the division via Twitter.

The Twitter-verse was abuzz! The #rpstreaties remained in the top 5 Canadian tweets throughout the day. Teachers had the opportunity to send their questions to the facilitation team. They had to opportunity to begin to dialogue on twitter with colleagues

with similar interests. I even got into the discussion by sharing resources and instructional approaches.

I followed a discussion from a Business Education teacher who was interested in urban reserves and urban business development. I also followed the discussion threads of some of the Faculty of Education interns who were preparing to practice teach-in schools this fall. For more experienced teachers and for those new pre-service teachers - this was a highly engaging day for all who participated.

Effectiveness can’t be judged by engagement levels alone, and I wondered what are teachers learning that will change their teaching practice. As I read the tweets I was encouraged to find that many individuals addressed how the Treaty training was changing their thinking about how and what they will teach this coming school year. There was a renewed commitment to better this work by many teachers. One teacher commented, “I feel much more confident in [Treaty Education] teaching…”.

One of the most frequently occurring tweets was from teachers who said they were so grateful for the teachings provided by Noel Starblanket. Others thanked Sandra Bellegarde, Sarah Longman and Calvin Racette for their leadership and vision. Over and over again teachers said this was the most engaging and effective approach to providing professional development to large numbers of people that they had ever experienced.

I want to congratulate Regina Public Schools for their efforts towards meeting the provincial mandate on Treaty Education. I also want to acknowledge Noel Starblanket for his commitment toward teacher development. What an exciting start to the school year.

Photo by Bill Stevenson

Education: Innovative approaches to Treaty Education Dr. Shauneen Pete

FIND OUT HOW AT SASKCULTURE.CA

FUNDING, PROGRAMS, IMPACT AND MORE.

CULTURE COMMUNITYbuilds

CHECK OUT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES:

ABORIGINAL ARTS AND CULTURE LEADERSHIP GRANT

Deadlines October 15 & April 15

MÉTIS CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDDeadlines October 31 & April 30

For more information contact Damon Badger Heit • 306-780-9251 • dbadgerheit@saskculture.sk.ca

RezX Aboriginal Scholarships and Bursaries Guide: 2014

Come learn about the University of Regina and everything that we have to offer!Talk to current students, tour our campus, see our residences, and learn more about

the programs that you are interested in. Visit uregina.ca/futurestudents for more information.

STUDY. BREAK. FIND THE PERFECT BALANCE.

SATURDAY | OCTOBER 18 | 2014

GABRIEL DUMONT INSTITUTE SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIESThe Gabriel Dumont Institute has been administering scholarships for Saskatchewan’s Métis since the early 1980s through the Gabriel Dumont Scholarship Foundation. Scholarships are awarded to Métis students who are Saskatchewan residents and are registered as full-time students at an accredited post-secondary institution.

The programs are intended to recognize leadership, academic ability, financial need, and community involvement of students who meet the eligibility criteria for any or all scholarship programs. The scholarship fund is based on a $2.5 million capital investment and scholarships are awarded on the interest earned on the fund’s principle and through individual corporate partnership donations.

For more information of each scholarship, please visit; https://gdins.org/student-services/scholarships-bursaries/#sasktel-metis-scholarship.

FARM CREDIT CANADA ABORIGINAL STUDENT EMPOWERMENT FUNDFarm Credit Canada (FCC) is supporting the Aboriginal Student Empowerment Fund to assist students of Aboriginal Ancestry. The Fund is a way for FCC to assist Aboriginal students and to create awareness about FCC as a potential employer. By

providing up to $1,000 per applicant to assist with costs such as bus passes, child care and damage deposits, students will be able to spend more time on school and less time worrying about finances. This fund is not intended to cover costs associated with tuition.

To print application, check out http://gosiast.com/admissions/resources/documents/Farm-Credit-Canada-Aboriginal-Student-Empowerment-Fund.pdf

SASK POWER DIVERSITY AWARDS PROGRAMAward description: There are two awards categories

Entrance: up to seven awards will be presented in each academic year for students entering first-year studies.

Continuing: up to eight awards will be presented in each academic year for students entering second-year studies and beyond.

Award value is $1,500

Application deadline: No later than September 30.

Awards are presented on a one-time only basis and recipients may only receive one SaskPower post-secondary award during their studies.

For Eligibility info and Application forms, please visit www.saskpower.com/awards

SIGA SCHOLARSHIPSThe SIGA First Nations Scholarship Awards provide opportunities to encourage education and continued learning. At SIGA, we look forward to providing scholarship opportunities for students to successfully achieve career goals within SIGA and the broader community.

SIGA SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATIONApplications accepted beginning June 1st

Deadline is October 1st (midnight)

$5000 scholarships may be awarded to students in Information Technology, Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in HR, Accounting, Finance or Marketing), Hospitality and Tourism Management, or to students pursuing a Masters or Ph.D in any field.

$2500 scholarships may be awarded to students studying Communications or Electronics.

$1000 scholarships may be awarded to eligible students in any other field.

Scholarships amounts awarded are at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee (meaning, you may be awarded an amount that you did not select in your application)

For Eligibility Info and Application forms, please visit: http://www.siga.sk.ca/community-investment/scholarship/

Story by Shane Bellegarde Photos by Curtis Cameron

Kendal Netmaker Neechie GearKendal Netmaker Neechie Gear

Kendal Netmaker is the CEO and Founder of Neechie Gear, a fast rising clothing brand that strives to be much more.

“We are a street and sportswear brand that powers youth through sports,” says Netmaker.

He backs his word by donating 5% of his net profit to the cause. This is a passion fueled by his own story, which RezX reported on last year from a story by Miranda Hanus.

“When Netmaker was a child, he was one of the few Aboriginal children at his elementary school in Cutknife, SK. He loved playing soccer, but couldn’t join organized teams due to financial barriers. So when one of his friends family found that out, they paid his membership and gave him rides to and from games. It was this kind gesture that would later give Kendal the inspiration to give back to the community through Neechie Gear” (Entrepreneur of the Year: Kendal Netmaker, RezX Winter 2013 Edition)

Since this latest issue is based around careers, education and sports, I asked Kendal when he started to take his education seriously. He admits, “In high school I was just all about playing sports, taking advantage of that area of my life. I played as many as I could possibly play.”

Beyond High School his options seemed limited. The role models from his community were tradespeople and he never thought University was an option. “I applied to U of S (University of Saskatchewan)

Education department but I never got in. At the end of my grade twelve year, after I didn’t get in I was kind of like, uh-oh! What am I gonna do now?”

It’s here that Kendal’s athletic ability and the opportunities he had to develop it, paid off. “Thankfully I was talented enough in sports and I was given an athletic scholarship to play volleyball for Keyano College in Fort Mac (Murray), Alberta.”

It was a long way from his home on the Sweetgrass First Nation but he jumped at the chance. “I moved nine hours away from home for the first time. I didn’t even go visit the place. I just packed up my little vehicle and I left.”

As per usual, the sports came easy to Netmaker. “Volleyball wise, that was my passion. My first year, I was rookie of the year and my second year I was the team Captain.”

His scholastic stats didn’t begin so impressively. He recalls, “One of my first classes was a psychology class and I ended up failing that class and thankfully it was the only class I failed throughout my university career.”

It served as a wake up call and left him thinking, “I really have to buckle down, start taking school more seriously if I wanted to stay first off playing volleyball and secondly, if I wanted to complete anything, whether it be a diploma or a degree. So the next semester I smartened up.”

It was a wise decision because after those two years he was ready to move along to ITEP through the U of S.

“It wasn’t until I actually went into University and started to realize how important education was, that I was presented more opportunities and that’s how Neechie Gear was born. That’s how I created my company.”

Kendal drives the point home, “There would be no Neechie Gear if I wasn’t in University.”

The opportunities that he was referring to were a number of business creation workshops and competitions that he attended, entered and eventually won. It wasn’t easy though.

“I was competing against a lot of mainstream people so I had to just throw myself out there. As shy as I was, as scared as I was, I just went.”

He adds, “Most of your success will come from just showing up. I was always there. I was committed. I was there early. I proved to myself that I was serious about it.”

He then offers another great lesson for anyone who is afraid to try new things.

“Being scared is good, people don’t realize that. Being scared is good because it shows that you’re human and people like to see that you’re human.”

Most importantly Kendal stresses the importance of converting your dreams into actions.

“You can have any idea in the world in the back of your head but you have to do something if you want it to be a reality. You have to physically do something about it.”

Kendal seized his opportunities and made his dreams a reality. Now he has the opportunity to give back. “Every

How Sports and Education Played A Role In His Thriving Clothing Company

Kendal Netmaker Neechie GearKendal Netmaker Neechie Gear

year we give out some bursaries... we evaluate

the applications and choose a

recipient. It’s really phenomenal. It’s

empowering.”

The stories of the bursary

recipients can be found on http://www.

neechiegear.com as well as pictures of the hockey, basketball, volleyball, baseball and track and field athletes proudly donning Neechie

Gear uniforms and jerseys.

Empowering youth through sport isn’t the

only way that Neechie Gear has been making

a positive impact. The

slang term ‘neechie’ comes from the Cree word Nichewakan; my friend, my partner.

“That’s the only message that we promote with it. It’s a friend word. We educate our non-aboriginal brothers and sisters that way and we’re finding a ton of people wearing it now, it’s becoming a brand.”

The brand is spreading. “I wholesale to various stores across Canada now.”

He continues, “There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing a non-aboriginal person wearing my stuff down the street or in the mall or wherever. That touches my heart right there just seeing that, because it shows that I’m making progress in this world (and) it says that I’m making progress in eliminating stereotypes and racism.”

Kendal Netmaker has broken a lot of ground in his short life as an entrepreneur. It should be noted and applauded that amidst starting his business he completed his BA (Bachelor of Arts) and BEd (Bachelor of Education).

“I didn’t get a chance to teach but I’ve got a few degrees that have helped me along the way. I wouldn’t have had the opportunities had I not been in school.”

Photos by Mike Dubois, Ryan Peterman, Karen Kay, David Knight, Trina Kingfisher, Thatcongradguy.

THE ANTICIPATION: SUNDAY, JULY 20, 2014 On the morning of the Opening Ceremonies of the 2014 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG), I woke up early and made my way to the games head office at the First Nations University of Canada. There was a feeling of relief with some nervousness in the air, as staff in each department were getting ready for the big day. After almost two years of planning it came down to this one week, but today was only the beginning.

There at FNUniv, crews were still setting up the

Cultural Village, which was to begin the next day. It was very quiet here, as most of the NAIG staff and volunteers started making their way to Mosaic Stadium where the Opening Ceremonies would take place hours later.

Before making my way to Mosaic Stadium, I had some last minute errands which took up most of my morning. I was with Rodger Ross, NAIG’s Marketing manager, as we went to Staples which didn’t open until 11am. As we waited in the car for Staples to open we talked about what to expect this week. But with an event like this, you really can’t predict what to expect, you just roll with it with everything you know. So once I got my things

from Staples away we went into the unknown and into the storm of the biggest event Regina has ever seen.

Finally, we were on route to Mosaic Stadium, where I thought I would have at least half hour to set up my booth. But the doors opened earlier making things hectic before it even began. We had just entered into a storm of people who wanted their official programs “right now!” Thousands of people were making there way inside as the stands were filling up quick and the anticipation was building.

Aside from no ATMs available anywhere in the building, probably due to the venue management, Mosaic Stadium was still a perfect place to launch an event like this. There I met up with RezX blogger, Cowboy Smithx who also goes by Ikuhkskiituwa Smithx. I asked him to share his perspective of these opening ceremonies (which he later did in a humorous blog originally published on www.rezxmag.com). So to continue our NAIG Journal, I wanted to republish his blog again...

2014 North American Indigenous Games JournalThrough the experience of RezX Editor-In-Chief, Chris Tyrone Ross and through the lens of RezX Photographers (and Independent Freelancers).

Journal told by Chris Tyrone Ross, Rodger Ross, Karen Kay, Ikuhkskiituwa Smith

2014 NORTH AMERICAN INDIGENOUS GAMES

The Greatest Indigenous Games In HistoryPhoto by Ryan Peterman

Photo by Ryan PetermanPhoto by Mike Dubois

Opening CeremoniesAs told by Ikuhkskiituwa Smithx

Regina, SK – The winds were crisp, fluid and smooth at Mosaic Stadium. The thousands in attendance exuded a pride stronger than that of the colonial transplant nations of the Americas, the Mosquitos kept at bay by the medicine of a thousand First Nations. The ceremony kicked off in anthem as the “star spangled banner” came first as thousands of our young Indigenous people waited on stand-by. Once the French/English Canadian National anthems came to a close, the “Drummers” were summoned and the festivities were official “Un Der Way.”

Dancers from the Thundering Hills Dance Troupe stood ready as the first of the bunch broke turf with his orange hoops. Team BC entered the stadium first, since they were the previous host of the games at Cowichan Valley. A lone seagull looked down from 100 feet up – blinked like Furbie and thought “whoa!!”

MCs Sarain Fox and Jeff Richards did their best with frantic running commentary as other teams made their way inside. Team Alberta followed next in their blue track suits, Team California entered lacking numbers but not lacking confidence, Team Colorado and Connecticut also rolled in ready to

rumble. Team Kahnawake ripped the eastern door open looking sharp in their slick white jackets complete with Mohawk and Iroquois flags, Florida made the next cameo - another team low in bodies but high in tribal pride.

Team Manitoba marched in next like a pre-contact war party of hungry hunters chanting “Team Toba!” New Brunswick sauntered in like a maroon lagoon, shouting “NB!!” Newfoundland and Labrador strolled in with patriotic maple leafs at arms. Nova Scotia showed up with good numbers holding a large baseball as if to prophesize a trip to the podium in that sport.

Nunavut by far has the best flag of the games, which is fronted by a traditional “inukshuk.” NWT walked in looking solid, gwich’in pride abound. New York purple AKA Haudenosaunee were next representing the Big Apple State, the MCs began to waver a bit, not really knowing who was coming in next, while directing traffic.

MC Fox yelled “Ontario” as her voice began to crackle with excitement. PEI must have entered eight times according to the frazzled hosts, but when they finally entered they were stopped in their tracks by the poorly timed and placed blockade of Ontario competitors. The dozen or so green Prince Edward Islanders eventually found their place in the spotlight.

Team Washington came in complete with west coast style paddles, followed by Wisconsin Red and Grey, the hosts reminded the crowd to “use that #NAIG hashtag.” Yukon made it right on time led by members wearing traditional cedar hats and well matched uniforms.

Team Sask came last to close an impressive parade of teams. The white, yellow and Roughrider green were well represented as the host team represented a good mix of Cree, Saulteaux, Métis and Sioux lineage.

Then there was rumbling – the show was about to begin. Aerial shots of various traditional territories took over the big screens which were being wielded by Archer Pechawis’ Digital Drum. The contemporary dancers dragged blue canvas and called out to the spirits watching in the next life on APTN.

A special dance performance from the Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company followed that depicted the history of Indian people. Musical performances from Plex, Crystal Shawanda, Inez Jasper and George Leach wrapped up the opening ceremonies in fine fashion. And lastly, the 2014 NAIG Lance Runners, who just finished a province wide marathon made their way into the stadium with loud cheers to light the flame to officially open up these 2014 North American Indigenous Games. It was time to let the games begin.

Photo by Ryan Peterman Photo by Ryan Peterman

Photo by Ryan PetermanPhoto by Ryan Peterman

The Lance Run for the North American Indigenous Games 2014 was more than an athletic event, it was a spiritual journey that involved vision, prayer and community.

It was a tremendous honor for the Prince Albert Grand Council to be chosen as the beginning of this journey - as Prince Albert was where the North American Indigenous Games was last held in Saskatchewan in 1993.

“The Lance Run is very steeped in Aboriginal culture and spiritual infusion,” said Lance Run Coordinator, Allan Ross. “We had a sweat lodge and feast before the event. It is a spiritual journey.”

The ten athletes who participated in this adventure were nominated from across the province and then chosen based on their ability to be role models. For these young people the run required a lot of physical endurance, but also provided them with an opportunity to meet with aboriginal people across the province as they travelled to almost 23 communities in only 20 days.

Some of those included; Batoche, Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatoon, North Battleford, Flying Dust First Nation, Waterhen Lake First Nation, Canoe Lake First Nation, Ile-a-la-Crosse, Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Montreal Lake First Nation, Nipawin, James Smith Cree Nation, Cote First Nation, Yorkton, Peepeekisis First Nation, Ochapawace First Nation, Ocean Man First Nation, Pheasant Rump First Nation, Whitebear First Nation, Fort Qu’Appelle, Standing Buffalo First Nation and Piapot First Nation.

On July 19, the Lance Runners made a stop at a NAIG VIP Indigenous Leaders Night in Regina and then finished off the run the following day at the Opening Ceremonies at Mosaic Stadium, where they lit the flame to officially begin the 2014 North American Indigenous Games.

Lance Run Provided Spiritual and Community Aspect to the Gamesby Karen Kay

Photo by Trina KingfisherPhoto by Ryan Peterman

Photo by Ryan Peterman

Photo by Ryan Peterman

Photo by David Knight Photo by Mike Dubois

As told by Rodger Ross, NAIG Marketing Coordinator

The position of Marketing Coordinator for the Regina 2014 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) was one of the most challenging jobs I’ve ever encountered, but in the end it was also one of the most rewarding.

Almost everything that led up to the Opening Ceremonies pales in comparison to the genuine excitement and glee what we witnessed on the faces of the athletes in the crowd. Pride was front and center in absolute abundance.

I say ‘almost’ because leading up to the Games was an event called the Lance Run. I was fortunate enough to assist with some of the preparations leading up to the launch of the Lance Run. The Run itself was placed in the capable hands of Mr. Allan Ross (no relation as far as I know). Mr. Ross put together an amazing team and though I didn’t get to meet all of them I did keep track of their progress thanks to the daily Facebook posts provided by Faith McNab.

The young ‘Runners’ that were selected to carry the Lance during the run grew together as a team in their own right and it was a pleasure to see them come into their own over the duration of the run. With each community they ventured through, the bond between the young ones solidified and you could see it in the way the communities came together in support of the Lance Run. It was only fitting that the Lance Runners were selected to lead the parade of Athletes into Mosaic Stadium during the Opening Ceremonies.

There were a number of highlights of the Opening Ceremonies that will stick with me for awhile but the biggest highlight was seeing the wonder on the faces of my colleagues, as they were filled with pride in seeing the 2014 NAIG come into fruition. We were all overwhelmed by the amazing crowd that gathered that day.

I enjoyed assisting a number of Elders into the stands before everything started and it was a pleasure to assist Chief Tammy Cook-Searson from Lac La Ronge Indian Band who was intent on leading Team Sask into the stadium. She handed me her phone and I instantly became her personal photographer as I took photos of her at the head of the Team Sask delegation, all in good fun.

(continued on next page)

The Week That Was: Lance Run, Access TV Hosting Duties, Opening Ceremonies Were My Highlights

Photo by Thatconradguy

Photo by Ryan Peterman

Photo by Ryan PetermanPhoto by Ryan Peterman

Photo by Thatconradguy

Aside from our daily duties of handling press conferences and assisting national and international media, Lachlan Madill (NAIG Communications Manager) and I co-hosted the Regina 2014 NAIG Daily Wrap Up Show produced by Access Communications Ltd. Brad Bellegarde and Jerome Laforge also stepped in when needed which helped things run smoothly. The Access crew had everything ready for us, all we had to do was show up.

We had a blast on set interviewing athletes and presenting the daily Medal Count. Access

created a set specifically for the show along with original graphics and sound tracks. Access Communications Ltd was the official Broadcaster of the 2014 NAIG and they were gracious enough to provide a feed to APTN as well and offer a live webcast online to reach rural communities that may not have had access to cable or satellite.

Being NAIG’s Marketing Coordinator was a once in a lifetime opportunity - but for the many who witnessed the Games, it was a once in a lifetime experience.

Photo by Ryan Peterman

Photo by Thatconradguy

Photo by Ryan Peterman

Photo by Mike Dubois

Photo by Ryan Peterman

Photo by Thatconradguy

Photo by David Knight

Photo by Mike Dubois

Photo by Ryan Peterman

Photo by ThatconradguyPhoto by Mike Dubois

Photo by Mike Dubois

Photo by Karen Kay

Photo by Ryan Peterman

Photo by Ryan Peterman

Photo by Ryan Peterman

Photo by David Knight

Photo by Mike Dubois

Photo by Trina Kingfisher

Photo by Ryan Peterman

Photo by Ryan Peterman

Photo by Mike Dubois

Photo by Thatconradguy

Photo by Ryan PetermanPhoto by David Knight

Photo by David Knight

Photo by David Knight

Photo by Mike Dubois

Photo by Ryan Peterman

Photo by Ryan Peterman

Photo by Thatconradguy

2014 NAIGCLOSING CEREMONIES

On Sunday with the opening ceremonies over and the games underway, the feeling of getting down to business was in the air for these athletes. Even though the basketball competition already started on Sunday, most sports had different start times throughout the week.

Badminton, Baseball, Canoeing, Kayaking, Lacrosse and Soccer started on Monday. Then other sports followed later in the week like Golf, Wrestling and Rifle Shooting on Tuesday, Athletics on Wednesday, Archery and Volleyball on Thursday and Cross Country on Saturday.

Early in the week, Team Eastern Door was the first team to take the lead in the medal standings. On Wednesday morning, Team Sask jumped into first place with a demanding lead that lasted until Friday when Team BC eventually claimed the lead after their impressive showing at the swimming event.

Once the week was over, Team BC took the title

with 160 medals (63 gold, 49 silver, 48 bronze) over Team Sask who were one medal shy with 159 medals (72 gold, 54 silver, 33 bronze). Third place went to Team Ontario with 149 medals (55 gold, 54 silver, 40 bronze).

Even though there was stiff competition throughout the week with some controversy in between, you would think these athletes would have cared who took first and who took last - but when closing ceremonies began, it was the last thing on their mind. Based on the expressions of joy and excitement among the thousands of athletes who were filling up the Cultural Village, none of that seem to matter anymore.

During this week, athletes made friends and memories forever. At closing ceremonies, they traded pins, shirts, hats and jackets with each other all while taking selfies and jamming out to the performances. It was a beautiful night that featured some cultural performances and ended with the headlining act, A

Tribe Called Red.

As the DJ trio played their set, the athletes danced, crowd surfed and just enjoyed their last time together before they would all travel back home. Once it was over, fireworks behind FNUniv were set off, which no one could see, but again, it didn’t matter.

In the end, the original goal of these 2014 North American Indigenous Games was met with great success, which was; the kids had fun. As a parent, coach, leader, that’s why you do it in the first place.

As my father told me before he went back to Alberta after his work was done, “Son I think these were the best Indigenous Games in history!” Indeed he was right.

CLOSING CEREMONIES CAPPED OFF AN AMAZING WEEK THAT WAS by Chris Tyrone Ross

2014 NAIG Final Medal standings Source: 2014 NAIG Official Website ­ GemsPro

Team name Gold Silver Bronze Total

British Columbia 63 49 48 160

Saskatchewan 72 54 33 159

Ontario 55 54 40 149

Eastern Door and the North 20 21 17 58

Manitoba 12 20 22 54

Northwest Territories 7 17 27 51

Wisconsin 9 14 15 38

Newfoundland and Labrador 9 10 15 34

New Brunswick 8 5 13 26

Nova Scotia 1 8 14 23

Alberta 3 9 9 21

Yukon 4 3 4 11

Washington 6 0 4 10

Nunavut 0 4 1 5

New York 1 2 2 5

Connecticut 3 0 0 3

California 1 1 1 3

Florida 1 1 0 2

Colorado 0 2 0 2

Prince Edward Island 0 0 0 0

2014 NAIG Final Medal StandingsSource: 2014 NAIG Official Website - GemsPro

Photo by Mike Dubois

Photo by Mike Dubois

Photo by Mike Dubois

The International Indigenous Artist Residency (IIAP) was a first time program initiative that occurred alongside the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) in Regina, Saskatchewan. Youth artists from all over North America travelled to the games with fellow athletes to take part in the week long intensive program. The youth artists trained and created with five senior artists (Cheryl L’Hirondelle, Jason Baerg, Erroll Kinistino, Ramses Calderon, and Lyndon Tootoosis) and four emerging artists in a final performance piece that was aired live on Access 7 at the NAIG Closing Ceremonies (held at the First Nation University of Canada Cultural Village).

The IIAP performance storyline was an interpretation on the history of the Indigenous Peoples in North America and included specific plot points such as highlighting the experience of the Indian Plains People. Digital images accompanied the live stage dance, song and movements.

The senior artist team met months in advance to research and prepare the storyline and program

but when the youth arrived, they had so much more to add and contribute. Alongside the week of creation before the games another young group of emerging artists created the pre-production team which included: Lacy Morin-Desjarlais, Nicole Akan, Candy Fox, Jules Beudin-Herney, and Misfit Tootoosis.

It was influential to see so many Indigenous young people, who were well educated in their traditional song, dances and culture.

Tharonhianenite, a 19 year old artist from Kahnawake, Ontario, said his favorite part of the IIAP Residency was, “meeting all new people, making new friends all across North America and getting to work with them to create one performance. Also seeing a new landscape, seeing the prairie skies in Saskatchewan.

Even though we are from all over, we are all family and everybody’s dance and ceremonies should be respected. Creator brought us here and we are all connected, especially through our Indigenous identity” added Tharonhianenite.

Sarina Primozic, 16, of Yukon, Haines Junction, shared her experience as well, “Getting to share our songs from our dance group was a highlight, and also learning other peoples songs, and making friends”.

Jenine Burns, 20, from Red Earth First Nation, Saskatchewan said her favorite part of the program was, “collaborating with other artists across the country and exchanging cultural songs. It inspires me to start singing cultural songs”.

The performance was 15 minutes long and finished off with a Special Light Tipi Performance Piece introduced by Cheryl L’Hirondelle and Joseph Naytowhow in the audience. The tipi image was powered with special handheld light beams. Sage picked by the artists was burned and brought the tipi poles into view, a beautiful statement of contemporary Indigenous culture with the youth singing, drumming, and dancing in the background.

The IIAP was funded by Sask Arts Board, SaskCulture and in partnership with NAIG 2014 and Sakewewak First Nations Artists Collective.

IIAP Artists Links: http://regina2014naig.com/http://www.artsboard.sk.ca/http://sakewewak.ca/http://www.cheryllhirondelle.com/http://josephnaytowhow.com/http://www.jasonbaerg.com/http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0455631/http://ramsescalderon.com/

NAIG 2014 Hosts International Indigenous Artists Residency Story by Lace ModePhotos by Mike Dubois

Welcome to a new section called “Indigenous Shopping” where every issue we will feature various authentic Indigenous items from Indigenous artists and designers.

Every issue will have a different theme and this one is Beaded Everything. For these items, we are proud to feature the work of designers Thomas Benjoe,

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Shana Lonechild, Melissa Worme, Ron CrazyHorse Bison, Brandy Maier and Melissa Worme.

All these items are available at Tatanka Boutique in Regina, SK ( 2156 Albert St.) or on-line at http://www.tatankaboutique.ca/shopping

1 Beaded High Heels by Thomas Benjoe

$300.00

2 Beaded Medallion by Shana Lonechild

$200.00

3 Beaded Belt Buckle by Melissa Worme

$60.00

4 Beaded Moccasins (Size 8/0) by Roy Crazy Horse Bison

$450.00

5 Beaded Bracelet by Brandy Maier

$40.00

6 Beaded Set by Melissa Worme

$400.00

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DECEMBER - YEAR-IN-REVIEWFor our RezX readers, we are planning another great issue but filling the pages with a look back at 2014. This time, we are focusing on newsmakers of the year, best and worst news moments, the year in Indigenous art, music, film and much more!

After this issue, we will move towards a bi-monthly publishing schedule, so December is being planned as a big issue. But RezX Nation, we help your help!

Our cover story has yet to be decided, so if you have any ideas of who would make a great cover story, send us

your ideas to rezxeditor@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you!

For our current and potential advertising clients, we are releasing our “Christmas & Year-In Review” issue a little early, so if you have any Christmas or Happy New Year’s Events or Messages you want to share, this would be the best time to do it.

Advertising Deadline: November 21 Digital Release: November 28 Print Release: December 1

For submissions or ad bookings, e-mail: rezxeditor@gmail.com

(continued from page 11)

Stephen Harper’s Pipe Dreams TSILHQOT’IN NATION LANDMARK CASEMany First Nation communities and Aboriginals were ecstatic over this ruling of the Supreme Court of Canada, calling it a game changer for all – a victory granting Tsilhqot’in Nation title to 1,700 square kilometres of land that had been traditionally used. Being granted Aboriginal title to the land gives the Nation exclusive authority to the land, and even provincial laws will no longer apply. This ruling demands the Crown must take aboriginal title seriously and deal with First Nations in a manner that is open and honourable.

Economic development is being touted as a huge possibility now as bands use this legal victory to decide who will or won’t benefit from the use of their lands. Energy companies will be caught in the crossfire when they try to develop, extract or pipe resources through Aboriginal lands, as First Nations will now be able to ensure these companies come to the table and address the negative impacts of these companies that occur on traditional lands. This is a huge ace in the pocket of First Nations and Harper knows it.

Harper’s Conservatives likely see this as a huge loss for their pipe dreams of making Canada a world energy superpower. The 71,000 KM’s of federally regulated, wide diameter pipelines already pumping crude, natural gas, bitumen and other fluid resources likely isn’t going to be expanding anytime soon. With both Keystone XL being stopped south of our borders, and the Northern Gateway pipeline having to work with the local communities which are vastly opposed to it being built - the incremental planning of Harper may have been for naught as everything grinds to a halt.

Groups like Idle No More see this as a huge victory and many First Nations will most likely use this to utilize an even stronger bargaining chip when dealing with resource companies, but I ask, how dependant on oil are Aboriginals?

Remember it isn’t just fuel for vehicles, it isn’t just the gas that heats homes in the winter, it is the computer screens everyone looks at, it is the copper wire that brings electricity to homes, it is the make-up used on faces, and it is the everyday life of tumblers, dishes, and pens and buildings that we extract these resources for. And it isn’t just any one person; drive around any city and see that this entire society is addicted to oil consumption. Every house on every block is filled with people who need oil and resource based products. The demand for oil is huge and while it may be en vogue to protest the pipelines, the profitability and need of extracting it continues to grow.

It is possible that all this decision has done, has allowed our children’s children to profit from the resource sector in magnitudes we never dreamt possible. Or are we as a country, really on the wrong side of history when a future Canada still shows a heavy reliance on oil regardless of who is in power?

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