2� REZX�Magazine�

Sharing The Stories Of Our Communities

Exclusive to AccessTV subscribers you can enjoy local events & shows you can’t get anywhere else.

The Four

Engage, Educate, Inspire, Empower.

Join four indigenous women as they share their perspectives and experiences. Tuesdays 7 pm.

Pow WowFNUC 36th Annual Spring Celebration Pow Wow LIVE Coverage

Saturday April 12, 2014 LIVE 7 pm

Bringing the celebration and dancing to living rooms across Saskatchewan.

North American Indigenous Games Coverage

The 2014 Regina North American Indigenous Games will take place in the City of Regina on July 20-27, 2014. Access7 will be covering a large variety of sporting events including LIVE coverage of many of the finals.

Elders Of The North

Elders Of The North

Travel back in time with Aboriginal men and women discussing what life was like in Northern Saskatchewan. The discussions are in their native tongue, Cree and Dene and revolve around hunting, trapping and surviving northern winters.

As 100% Saskatchewan Community-Owned Co-operative we provide more than just TV.

New to Access? Sign up today and saveVisit www.myaccess.ca/save

RezX.indd 1 14-02-28 2:24 PM

Spring�2014� 3

Sharing The Stories Of Our Communities

Exclusive to AccessTV subscribers you can enjoy local events & shows you can’t get anywhere else.

The Four

Engage, Educate, Inspire, Empower.

Join four indigenous women as they share their perspectives and experiences. Tuesdays 7 pm.

Pow WowFNUC 36th Annual Spring Celebration Pow Wow LIVE Coverage

Saturday April 12, 2014 LIVE 7 pm

Bringing the celebration and dancing to living rooms across Saskatchewan.

North American Indigenous Games Coverage

The 2014 Regina North American Indigenous Games will take place in the City of Regina on July 20-27, 2014. Access7 will be covering a large variety of sporting events including LIVE coverage of many of the finals.

Elders Of The North

Elders Of The North

Travel back in time with Aboriginal men and women discussing what life was like in Northern Saskatchewan. The discussions are in their native tongue, Cree and Dene and revolve around hunting, trapping and surviving northern winters.

As 100% Saskatchewan Community-Owned Co-operative we provide more than just TV.

New to Access? Sign up today and saveVisit www.myaccess.ca/save

RezX.indd 1 14-02-28 2:24 PM

4�

intRo

January Kisê-pîsimThe Great Moon – Deer Plan on planting a garden this year. Look at the land surrounding your home and choose a spot with lots of sun! It’s easier than you think; google it, buy a book, ask a friend. But however you get ready, make sure and plan it out first. And don’t be afraid to make it a bit bigger than you need, your neighbours could use a few additions of veggies to their diets as well! Find some gardening tips at the Piapot pow wow!

FEBruary Mikisiwi-pîsim The Eagle Moon – EagleNo one remembers who got 4th place buddy. Train hard, push yourself, and practice it one more time. I know you just can’t wait for the North American Indigenous Games but trust me; you want to be in top form. Because not only are the other athletes going to be trying to knock you off, but they’ll succeed if you don’t take your practicing seriously. Determination. Practice. Focus.

MarCH niski-pîsim The Goose Moon – Cougar Dropped your iPhone in your cup of water again, eh? This time try taking it out of its Otter Box before you put it in a dish of rice first. Works much faster I tell ya! But while you wait for your phone to dry out, grab a friend and plan a trip to Manito-Ahbee this year. Road trips are always great times and you and your friends know the secret to a good one is AC/DC and a package of Twizzlers!

aPrIL ayikî-pîsim The Frog Moon – BeaverYou see your cuzzin’s working the pipelines or making money mining potash and you worry about your relations when you go out to protest. But you have a job to do and that means stepping in to protect Mother Earth when no one else will. So this summer as everyone else hits the pow wows in their camper trailers and gas guzzling 4x4’s you will be a twig in the dam holding back complete environmental destruction. And you are at peace with that.

May Sâkipakâwi-pîsim The Budding Moon – Bear You’ve fought a good fight and you’ve left your mark and many people are patting you on the back for a job well done. But they are also starting to wonder if you’re just a one trick pony - over ten years in the field and you have yet to branch out your endeavours. Take a chance! Prove them wrong! Plan to announce your retirement at the First Nations University Pow Wow and move onto bigger and better things!

JunE Pâskâwihowi-pîsim The Hatching Moon – ThunderbirdI’m warning you now to just stay away from Treaty 4, eh. You’ll never place more than 2nd there! That weekend head over to Regina and go play bingo with your aunties, when they win (you’ll come a close second there as well) they’ll take care of you, feed you and put gas in your car too! That way when your cuzzin’s come back with their first place winnings, you can say you were spending quality time with family!

JuLy Paskowi-Pîsim The Moulting Moon – Coyote Dance hard at Carry the Kettle this year! Your next snag will be watching you and secretly taking pictures of you sweating it old style! When you see your pictures pop up on Facebook you’ll know who it is! Hit them up and get ready for a summer of Indian loving! (No! Not that kind, the good kind!)

auGuST Ohpahowi-pîsim The Flying up Moon – Mouse Casinos! Poker tournaments! Roulette tables! After a hard day of work, you want nothing to do with the fast paced world of gaming, but your sister doesn’t understand that. Always trying to take you to bingo or one of those other casinos to play! Break away from her this summer and relax over at the Cowessess Tradish Pow wow, cool kukom tea, not a casino for miles and a golf course too! Relax! You’ve earned it!

SEPTEMBEr nôcihitowi-pîsim The Mating Moon – Salmon Aye! School is almost done for another year and you can smell summer underneath the still frozen snow. But don’t coast now, finish fast and hard! The way a warrior should! Remember when you said you wanted that certificate and you were going to get it? You’re almost there, don’t give up now! Your ancestors are cheering you on and waiting to be proud!

OCTOBEr Pinaskâwi-pîsim The Migrating Moon – TurtleHey, if you’re not careful, your snag from the FSIN pow wow is going to find out about your snag from Beardy’s, and that one is going to find out about the snag from Northern Lights! Stay home for a while. Otherwise, gopher is going to dig more holes in your stories and make it even harder to keep your partner happy at home. Because you know, when she’s on to you, her whole family is on to you!

nOVEMBEr Iyikopiwi-pîsim The Frost Moon – Wolf Colonized, decolonized, you know what’s up. You love your family, you learn when you don’t know, you teach what you do, you get it. Some people just want to judge you because you’re too white, or too Indian, or not gangsta enough or too clean cut or by whatever standards they think. You do what the Creator sent you here to do. Love. And you’ll be fine. Join an inter-tribal at Standing Buffalo and give thanks.

DECEMBEr Pawâcakinasîsi-pîsim The Frost Exploding Trees Moon – Spider Remember that dream you had where you were dancing pow wow and you kept winning contest after contest and you just couldn’t be beat? Yeah, it means you need to practice more! Walking down the street and hear a beat? Bust a move! Jamming at school and a deadly drum line comes on? Pound those feet! Sitting in the back yard and enjoying the sun? Grab your iPad, play some pow wow tunes and dance! In fact, every chance you get, pull a Lady Gaga and Just Dance!

nDn�Horoscopes�for�March�2014

Find�online�exclusives�@www.rezxmag.com

CONSTANT REMINDER - BEHIND THE SCENESPics and Video of the legendary photo shoot of Constant Reminder which took place at Leftboot Studios by photographer, Ryan Peterman.

THE FOUR - EXTENDED INTERVIEWMake sure you check out the extra questions we asked The Four like what would they do differently if they ran F.S.I.N.?

SAKEWEWAK STORY TELLERS FESTIVAL GALLERYCheck out the extended gallery of pics from the Distinguished Story Tellers Festival that took place recently.

REZX 10 YEARS EXTENDED STORYGo back to where it all begin with a journal filled with pics and videos, past issues, events and more of RezX’s 10 year history.

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

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/rezxsouth

SUBSCRIBE TO REZX ONLINETo 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!

Find�RezX�online

6� REZX�Magazine�

1. Indigenous activism is young

http://is.gd/qq5rB9

“Aboriginal Canada is young...The median age of aboriginal Canadians is 27, compared to 40 for non-aboriginals. One in 7 Canadians is over 65, while among aboriginals it’s just one in 20. And almost one in three aboriginals is under 15, about twice as high as the rest of Canada.” (Joe Friesen)

Indigenous people are young. That’s a great thing.

Indigenous parents are passing down education and success to their children. With these successes comes Indigenous people expecting more from their communities and politicians. Indigenous youth are upset Canada is not changing quickly enough.

Indigenous youth have developed new standards for our communities and that is refreshing for our future. - Jay Bird

2. It’s Cold, Try Walking for a Changehttp://is.gd/eIMl9u

“Walkers said issues such as poverty, poor housing and high suicide rates in many First Nations have led to their push for federal and provincial governments to uphold treaties and increase investments” (CBC)

For the past two months 16 walkers from a variety of northern Ontario First Nations travelled 1700 km’s over rough terrain in raising attention to the causes in their communities. Their goal is to ask this Conservative government to do something about the problems they face.

And why not...the only path to change is the one you create, step after step. - Jay Bird

3. Saskatoon Wants your Help!http://growingfwd.ca

“We need Aboriginal people to have a voice. We need to know what Aboriginal people need from the City as we grow to 500,000.” (Mayor Doug Atchison in Eagle Feather News)

Saskatoon wants to include Indigenous concerns in their plans for growth towards 500,000 people. 35,000 Indigenous people live in Saskatoon and that could double when they reach their intended population.

The website link is in this article. I would suggest getting involved (events and online) and make Saskatoon aware of changes of importance to you.

100% of the time you never change that which you never attempt. - Jay Bird

4. Indigenous People Shine at Olympicshttp://is.gd/a5HBoX

“Members of the remote interior B.C. community of Anahim Lake will gather at the Ulkatcho First Nation’s Nagwuntl’oo School to cheer on hometown hero Carey Price.” (CBC)

Indigenous people had a lot to be inspired from at this Olympics. Cary Price led Canada to a gold medal allowing only 3 goals and recording 2 shutouts. TJ Oshie scored 4 times versus Russia in an overtime shootout. Ted Nolan coached Latvia to their best record at the games.

These are all Indigenous people playing in the NHL and they enhanced their team’s Olympic performance.

What skills do you share with your community? Have are you improving on those skills this year? - Jay Bird

5. Fall from Grace http://is.gd/ST061y

“Suspended Sen. Patrick Brazeau has a new job at an Ottawa strip club, according to a patron.” (Carys Mills)

Patrick Brazeau’s career went from the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, to the Senate, to now having a job as a day time manager at a strip club. What happened to this guy?

His fatal flaws were his inability to control personal behaviors relating to spending, substances, and treatment of women. He also placed his trust in a group of people, the conservatives, which eventually used him as a scapegoat for their own issues.

Moral of the story is to trust those who have earned it and live by your convictions. - Jay Bird

nDn�nEwS�&�opinion

photo by Selina Saganish

10. Some people dislike me, I say, don’t get to know me, I would hate to prove you wrong! (December 14, 2013)

9. I was wrong to trust Stephen Harper. He’s a Reformist, not a Conservative. Regardless, all I really am is Patrick Brazeau. All that counts. (November 26, 2013)

8. On Dec 16th, 2008, Prime Minister Harper offered me a Senate position to support his, “Aboriginal Agenda”. I made a mistake. I will try to make it up. It’s never too late! (November 29, 2013)

7. Chapter 1- I was supposed to protect Duffy. Chapter 2- I made a mistake to protect Steve Harper. Chapter 3- not there yet! (November 29, 2013)

6. Rather than being a puppet politician trying to sell water to Inuit people, they taught me that water was someday going to be scarce! (November 29, 2013)

5. My CV:Senator of Canada,Nat’t Chief of CAP, Canadian Armed Forces, many other Honourable jobs. I’m 4 hire because Prime Harper suspended me! (November 29, 2013)

4. In December 2012, Senator Tkachuk told me I was going to be put under the bus to protect Duffy! (November 26, 2013)

3. It doesn’t matter anymore but I was the scapegoat PMSH was going to use to protect Duffy......and all for $144.97. Compare and contrast. December 2012 was the date and continued in Feb 2013. (November 22, 2013)

2. I’m officially enemployed. Anyone hiring? All because of $144.97. (November 13, 2013)

1. The best b-day present were people telling me PM Harper wasn’t being honest about the Senate scandal. The thought DOES count! (November 11, 2013)

top�ten�FaceBook�Statuses:��Former�Senator�patrick�Brazeau

nEwS�BitSnAiG�Appoints�new�CEoThe Regina 2014 North American Indigenous has announced that Ron Crowe will step in as interim CEO for Regina 2014 NAIG NAIG Board chair Edward Lerat says “Ron comes with the experience of 25 years of senior executive and political experience. These are the qualities the Board of Directors require for the planning and lead up to this summer’s games.” The appointment comes after allegations of harassment against current CEO, Glenn Pratt, are being investigated.

Bedford�Road�Forced�to�Change�its�Redmen�name��and�Logo�At press time, it was announced that the Saskatoon Public School Board passed a motion to change the name and logo of the Bedford Road Redmen by the end of the current school year. It was a victory for the group of Saskatoon First Nations students and activists lead by Erica Lee, who have been pushing for the name change for two and a half years.

Welcome to a new section in rezX, where we find a public figure and post their Top 5 Facebook status updates or tweets and share them for the world to enjoy! For the first entry, one of our writers, who is facebook friends with this former politician gathered up some of his best posts. So here it is: Patrick Brazeau’s Top 5 Facebook status updates which all took place around the time he was suspended from the senate - enjoy!

8� REZX�Magazine�

From February 16-21, I was the artist driver and runner for the Distinguished Sâkêwêwak 14th Annual Storytellers Festival in Regina, SK.

It seemed like a sweet and easy gig - I pick people up from the airport and took them where they need to go.

Monday afternoon was the Storytelling Bus Tour, hosted by Métis-Cree singer and songwriter, Cheryl L’Hirondelle. The guests on the bus were asked to think about a story that involved a place in Regina. Once the bus was en route to the locations, L’Hirondelle would sing and drum a song, or a passenger would entertain the bus in whatever way they liked.

Also on Monday afternoon, following a pipe ceremony, Daphie Pooyak, gave a talk at the Pasqua Native Healing Centre. Pooyak is a Nakota / Cree from the Sweetgrass First Nation. A traditional teacher, gatherer, and sharer of First Nation knowledge, she told us stories of healing, prophecies, dreams, and how she became a traditional healer. Pooyak says anybody she is helping with traditional medicines can improve within two months, while the Western approach to medicine can have people taking a pill for the rest of their lives.

One of our venues was The Artful Dodger, a downtown restaurant with a stage. Tuesday at noon, Jack Dalton, a Yup`ik storyteller from Anchorage, Alaska, told a traditional story about Inuit foods. The evening had two events – a panel discussion at New Dance Horizons with Laura Kramer and filmmaker Sarah Abbott; and the sold out A Tribe Called Red (ATCR) concert at the Exchange, hosted by the Regina Folk Festival.

Wednesday afternoon, The Artful Dodger served brunch for Stephen Fadden’s talk. Fadden, a Haudenosaunee from the New York area, lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico as an instructor at the Institute of American Indian Arts. Unfortunately, I missed

Fadden’s talk, but for a good cause. I had to drive Cheryl to the Paul Dojak Center for some outreach work, where she spent some time drumming for a group of young men. She also teaches song writing to female inmates across Canada.

Thursday, storytelling was at the First Nations University (FNUniv) with Fadden and emerging storytellers, Jacqueline Anaquod and Novalee Fox in the morning. When the crowd grew smaller in the afternoon, the audience arranged their chairs in a circle for Jack Dalton’s Yup`ik traditional children’s story. Elder Bob Smoker, talked about prophecies and shared his knowledge of the moons.

Thursday evening continued at the FNUniv with a panel discussion moderated by Jesse Archibald-Barber, Associate Professor of English. The panelists were Fadden, Dalton and Maori loop artist, Mihirangi, from New Zealand. Mihirangi talked about her ancestral connection to the Coast Salish people of B.C., and the importance of being her family’s keeper of genealogy.

The festival wrapped up with a live taping of the Red Man Laughing Podcast hosted by Anishinaabe and Métis comedian, Ryan McMahon. Special guests were Mihirangi, and spoken-word poet Moe Clark, a Cree-Métis woman from Montreal. After some stand-up comedy, Ryan spoke to Moe about her activism. She shared a story about a very special connection she made with a woman at a missing and murdered Indigenous women march.

Next up, Mihirangi talked with Ryan about her connection to the land and how she can name back several generations of her family.

(This podcast episode is already online, so download and listen at http://rmlpodcast.com/listen/2014/2/red-man-laughing-sakewewak-distinguished-storytellers-festival)

After the podcast taping, Clark performed songs and spoken word poems. L’Hirondelle and Saskatchewan storyteller Joseph Naytowhow joined Clark onstage for three songs. After a very powerful set, Mihirangi took the stage and performed her mind-blowing looping artistry.

The week flew by with so many great storytellers and different experiences and I am really glad to have been a part of it. I was wowed by not only every storyteller’s ability to transform into powerful performers, but also by their knowledge and commitment to traditional storytelling.

Sometimes, we tell ourselves that we are too busy to go to these festivals. Next year, make the time to take in some great storytelling events. You won’t regret it.

For more information, check out the Sâkêwêwak website; http://sakewewak.ca/

Sakewewak�Brings�Distinguished�Guests�to�Storyteller’s�Festival NON

-PROFIT

PROFILE

By Trudy Stewart Photo credit: Sakewewak

ARtS

Lacy Morin-Desjarlais

Novalee Fox

Stephen Fadden A Tribe Called Red with hoop dancer James Jones

� 9

Education�Column

KidsFirst:�Strong�Families,�Stronger�CommunitiesBy Dr. Shauneen Pete

The KidsFirst Program is a family education program. It is an interagency program that includes tribal councils, First Nations service agencies, the Ministries of Health, Social Services, Education and other agencies. The KidsFirst Program operates in nine locations across the province.

In Saskatchewan, newborns are screened to assess challenges by the families that may benefit from the support offered by the program. KidsFirst staff work with expectant parents and new parents with children up to five years of age. Parents volunteer to work with home visiting staff to become the best parents they can be. Years ago, I was fortunate to work as a program manager for KidsFirst. I saw firsthand the benefits that this home visiting program can have for families.

Home visitors emphasize relationship building with their clients. An initial visit with the parents provides them an opportunity to identify some of the supports that they may need. In some cases, clients are offered a ride or a taxi to prenatal appointments or specialists. In other cases, parents are provided with direct instruction on nutrition, infant care and self-care.

A visit with a new parent will include an introduction to the KidsFirst resource materials. These materials guide the home visitor in their work with their clients. The home visitors use a strength-based approach to their conversations with these parents. A visit may include a conversation led by the home visitor that asks the parents to share their observations about their newborns progress. Parents will be asked how their other children are responding to the infant. The home visitor may demonstrate routines and play that support healthy baby development. The home visitors support the developing baby-parent bond. Parents are also offered the chance to socialize with other new parents in the program as workshops on infant massage, or how to read with their young ones is

offered by the program. Home visitors often do this work in a culturally reflective manner, and outreach to elder services and urban First Nations services are provided.

As the relationships grow, parents begin to practice self-advocacy. Parents begin to ask for referrals to other community agencies and sometimes they begin to transition to employment or further schooling. As they begin to try new things the home visiting staff can offer support as the parents make day care and schooling choices. While in the beginning the home visitor supports the developing bond between parent and child; at these later stages in the relationship workers prepare to step back as these parents lead their families in new directions. As a former manager for the program, there was never a prouder moment than when the workers told me that their clients were self-sufficient, confidence and self-advocating and ready to move on.

Parents who have developed a strong bond with their children are often more actively involved when their children move onto school. Parental involvement in school is a factor which supports student achievement. Early learning is an important key to closing the gap on achievement; so too are engaged parents. Family education programs like KidsFirst not only transform families they have the potential to transform our communities for the better.

RezX is more than just a magazine. We are also a full service multi-media company. We now offer printing, graphic design, web design and more!Check out our website @ wwCheck out our website @ ww-w.rezxmag.com under the ser-vices tab to view our full portfo-lio.

SUBSCRIBE ON-LINESubscribe to RezX Magazine for your organizaiton or school in our easy to fill out subscription order form

ADVERTISEFind out how to book ads in Find out how to book ads in future editions of RezX in print and online

WEB DESIGN Check out our portfolio and let us design your next website

GRAPHIC DESIGNWWe can design anything such as Posters, Logos, Templates, Sta-tionary, Flyers and more!

> LOGO DESIGNStarting at $300 flat rate

> POSTER DESIGNStarting at $200 flat rate

> STATIONARY DESIGNStarting at $300 for a package;Business cards, envelopes andletterheads.

PRINTING SERVICESWe can also print your product like Newsletters, Business CardsPosters, Flyers & moPosters, Flyers & more!

FLYERS 4” x 6“Full Colour Gloss Card Stock$250 for 2500 flyers$350 for 5000 flyers

POSTERS 11” x 17“11” X 17” 100 lbs. gloss$30 for 50 posters$30 for 50 posters$45 for 100 posters$60 for 150 posters

CONTACT REZXPh: 306.999.3055 / 306.205.3778E-mail: rezxeditor@gmail.comwww.rezxmag.com

MAG.com

An Indigenous Lifestyles Magazine for Everyone!NON

-PROFIT

PROFILE

EDuCAtion

Photo by Bill Stevenson

10� REZX�Magazine�

AMp�CAMp�JouRnAL:aboriginal Musicians Gather for One Week

MuSiC�REViEwS:AMp�CAMp�EDition

From February 9th to the 14th, eighteen musicians and performers selected from across Canada gathered at The Falcon Lake Trails Resort, an hour and a half East of Winnipeg. This gorgeous location was the setting for the seventh year of the Aboriginal Music Program (AMP) Camp created in 2004 to assist people in the Aboriginal community to develop sustainable careers in music by connecting them with opportunities that they might otherwise not have.

I spoke with Alan Greyeyes, the Aboriginal Music Program Manager for Manitoba Music about the inception of AMP Camp. “It was a great idea that filled a number of programming gaps in the Aboriginal music community. Gerri Trimble from the Canada Council for the Arts and my old boss Sam Baardman were the people who put the project together.”

AMP Camp is a constant barrage of valuable information and tutelage that aim to help the attendees make music their full-time job. Some of the information packed into this year’s five day schedule were workshops on Vocal Coaching, Audience and Market Development, Songwriting and Composition, Working with Sound Techs, Song Editing, Building Buzz, Rights Management, Biography Consultation and Guitar Chord Theory and Application just to name a few.

Industry professionals representing all aspects of the music business were there to lead these workshops and Songwriting Sessions. Some of the instructors on hand this year were Alida Kinnie Starr, Doug Cox, MJ Dandeneau, Steve Dawson, Matt Mayor, Sherry St. Germain, Dave McLeod, Jill Snell, Kim Wheeler and Guillaume Decouflet.

The days began were full of workshops and sessions culminating with a concert each evening where artists could perform for their peers and get feedback from some of the industries finest. Afterwards they gathered around the lodge fire and would take turns sharing stories through song.

AMP Camp happens every other year now and has been progressing since it began. Alan Greyeyes said, “We changed it up a bit and offered more concurrent workshops than years past. This gave us the ability

to provide the more experienced participants with a chance to focus in on specific business skills or fine tune a couple of songs. AMP Camp was really great this year!” - Shane Bellegarde

For a list of all the participants and links to their music please visit us online at RezXMag.com

The participants: Bonnie Couchie (On) http://music.cbc.ca/#/artists/Bonnie-Couchie Brad Bellegarde (SK) https://www.facebook.com/theLocalOnlyz Brendt Diabo (QC) https://soundcloud.com/brendtthomasdiabo Candace Curr (BC) https://www.facebook.com/candace.curr.art Cassidy Mann (MB) http://cassidymann.com Crystal Schooner (BC) Gillian Thomson (BC) https://www.facebook.com/sistersaysmusic Jason ross (MB) https://www.facebook.com/fargoarizona Leonard Sumner (MB) http://rezpoetry.com Malcolm Campbell (MB) Matthew Miller (On) https://www.facebook.com/MatthewJesusMiller Melody McKiver (On) http://www.melodymckiver.com Miranda Currie (nT) http://www.mirandacurrie.ca/Home.html robert Thomson (BC) https://www.facebook.com/sistersaysmusic Shane Bellegarde (SK) https://www.facebook.com/thesnakeoilsalesmen Shy-anne Hovorka (On) http://shy-anne.com Tara Williamson (On) http://tarawilliamson.netInez Jasper (BC) http://inezjasper.com

Cassidy Mann: Blue Skies and Bright Eyes Cassidy Mann might only be 18 years old but this Winnipeg girl has talent that some people work a lifetime to achieve. In these cold prairie months it was great to put on an album that made me feel like I was on a summer road trip. Cassidy’s voice is the one you hope shows up at an open mic night to remind you of falling in love for the first time. Her lyrics have the ability to take you feel nostalgic no matter when you grew up. Cassidy is definitely someone to follow. My favourite tracks so far are “Drive” and “The Atlantic.” - Shane Bellegarde

Brendt Thomas Diabo: Something’s Gotta Change, Something’s Gotta Give The first track on Brendt Diabo’s EP is a haunting, gritty 46 seconds of slide guitar. That is all the time it takes to shift our minds to what seems like a different era. Simple arrangements are able to highlight Brendt’s rootsy style of guitar playing and his rich, no nonsense vocals. “Front Lights” is one of the best songs I’ve heard in a long time and reminded me to play my Townes Van Zandt records. The title track has been stuck in my head for about a week now but I’ve got no complaints. I recommend you listen to the whole EP because it is only 12 minutes long...then just put it on repeat like I did. - Shane Bellegarde

EntERtAinMEnt

Editor’s note: If you would like your music reviewed in this section, please e-mail us: rezxeditor@gmail.com

(4 Sterlings)

(4 Sterlings + 1 Sterling Head)

2014Juno�Awards:�Aboriginal�nominees��An�impressive�Group

MuSiC�REViEwS:AMp�CAMp�EDition

Tara Williamson: Lie Low Tara Williamson is a fantastic piano player and performer who writes bold, dynamic songs that can be heart-wrenchingly honest even as they maintain a playfulness that is inviting and familiar. Tara’s voice has a theatrical quality that pulls you gently into the world her lyrics create. The arrangements on the album showcase her ability to be delicate with the piano as well as rock out on it. Subtle accordion and smooth, clean trumpet make appearances and share the space wonderfully with Tara’s playing. After a couple listens my favourites so far are “I Should Have Been a Tree” and “F*** Pretty.” - Shane Bellegarde

Sister Says: The Only WayRobert and Gillian Thomson are the talented sibling duo behind Sister Says. They collaborated in the writing of all ten songs on the album and have delivered polished, laid back tracks with catchy hooks, groovy baselines and seductive vocals. Gillian’s tone is unique and floats effortlessly from low ranges up into the higher registers while Rob is hard at work on the keyboard, synthesizer, bass or programming beats. Great backing musicians help fill out the sound on the album with guitars, viola, cello, trumpet and more. My favourites so far are “Street Cars,” “The Only Way” and the wicked bass on “Get Lost.” - Shane Bellegarde

The 2014 Juno Awards will take place in Winnipeg this year, March 24th-30th. This year’s selection of Canada’s greatest musical treasures will converge on the prairies to be showcased, televised, instagrammed, tweeted and shared with the world all while hoping to bring home a Juno for their mantle. My favourite category of course is Aboriginal Album of The Year and this years nominees are diverse and incredibly talented.

Amanda Rheaume’s ‘Keep A Fire’ is a folk, roots blend album that highlights great stories, hauntingly honest vocals and a full warm acoustic driven sound. Amanda has been releasing music since 2007 and this Metis songstress has been honing her skills of weaving together true-life tales that drag your heart along for the ride.

Inez Jasper sang her way into the spotlight in 2010 when her debut album ‘Singsoulgirl’ was nominated in this same category. Proving that was no fluke, she has returned with her sophomore album ‘Burn Me Down‘ and has garnered another nomination. This is a far more Pop’d out version of Inez than her first soulful offering and her beautiful vocals float over strong danceable beats that make you want to shake something. She’s taking great steps towards becoming a household name across the country.

Desiree Dorion’s ‘Small Town Stories’ is a top shelf country album with some boot stomping attitude and a number of tracks that would fit seamlessly into the rotation of mainstream radio.

The Winnipeg Juno’s should be proud to show off Desiree as her hometown is Dauphin, Manitoba.

Nathan Cunningham is a country artist who makes his home in Edmonton Alberta and his album ‘Road Renditions’ is an upbeat country album with an old school feel. This collection of songs is geared towards hard working blue collar folks and it definitely hits the mark. This album has held 5 number one spots on the National Aboriginal Top 40 and with his songwriting ever improving, Nathan is poised to be around for a long time.

We’re glad that we had a chance to interview George Leach and have him on RezX’s Winter edition cover. His album ‘Surrender’ earned three awards at the APCMA’s (Aboriginal Peoples Choice music Awards) and now he has received the Juno nod as well. The only rock album to be nominated in the category this year, it highlights George’s impeccable guitar playing and his incredible vocal range. When asked about the acclamation George said, “The Juno’s are definitely a big deal. It’s very exciting and I’m very honoured to be nominated.” Now that Regina has claimed him as our own, we can all feel proud and excited.

Also making waves at the Junos this year are A Tribe Called Red. This amazing Electric Pow Wow group out of Ottawa are nominated for two Junos. Breakthrough Group of the Year as well as Electronic Album of the Year. ATCR were just in Regina playing The Exchange on a tour that took them across Canada. Their unique brand of music stands up to the scrutiny that a buzz like theirs requires.

Congratulations and good luck to all those nominated! If you’re lucky enough to be in Winnipeg this March be sure to check out the talent that will be on display. Anyone going? I got chip-ins! - Shane Bellegarde

Make sure you check out the nominees on-line:

Inez Jasper http://inezjasper.com George Leach www.georgeleach.com Desiree Dorion www.desireedorion.com nathan Cunninghamwww.reverbnation.com/nathancunninghamamanda rheaumewww.amandarheaume.com

Editor’s note: If you would like your music reviewed in this section, please e-mail us: rezxeditor@gmail.com

George Leach: Photo by Ryan Peterman

Inez Jasper

(3 + 1 headless Sterlings)

(4 Sterlings)

12� REZX�Magazine�

CONSTANT REMINDERCoVER�StoRY

This past February, Constant Reminder, an up and coming rock band from James Smith Cree Nation made history.

They became the first local performers to play a full concert gig at Prince Albert’s E.A. Rawlinson Centre - a venue only reserved for legends like Blue Rodeo, Platinum Blonde and Bryan Adams (who all just performed there days earlier).

I was there to witness such history and while I was watching the young men saunter onto the stage, I caught my breath a little.

In spite of being teens, they thrilled a crowd of over 400 people of all ages and ethnicities in this inaugural concert which saw seniors smiling with pure joy, girls screaming, people dancing in the rows, thundering applause, a standing ovation and an encore.

THE BEGInnInGI met Constant Reminder in 2011. At that time the band consisted of Seth, Cole and Rene.

I had heard of them for a number of years but we had never connected. They were always too busy for any event I had been organizing. Finally, I was coordinator for Prince Albert’s Evergreen Artisan Market, which was remade to include musicians. In spite of their already burgeoning success, Luther Constant, the band’s Dad/Manager, agreed to have his boys come to perform.

When the day came, in spite of a horrible blizzard, I met Luther with three polite, very quiet and very well dressed boys.

This was Constant Reminder.

I led them to their spot on a corner of the stage and there they got ready to play. Rene, was 11 and barely noticeable behind the drums. Seth and Cole stood up front with their guitars. Cole walked up to the microphone and said, “Good afternoon. We are Constant Reminder,” and they started to play.

The hundred or so people standing in the area literally quit everything they were doing to watch this band. Shoppers were drawn from throughout the vast and sprawled out building and the stage filled. Children, including my own, squeezed through the legs of adults to get up to the front.

One artist stood with me, listening. We were both stunned. He whispered, “This is what it must have been like to hear the Beatles before they were famous.”

I had to agree.

Several months after the show, Luther phoned. He knew that in spite of the fact my son, Liam, has a mild form of cerebral palsy, he wanted to play the guitar. Luther asked if he could bring his sons to jam. I put the phone down and started to cry at this offer of incredible generosity and empathy and before we knew it Luther, Seth and Cole were in our living room playing music with my six year old son. I knew this was pure kindness and we have been good friends ever since.

Through the years, I have equated Constant Reminder to a glacier. The strength of them is unseen. It is their family.

STOry By KarEn Cay

Spring�2014� 13

CONSTANT REMINDERThe current band members Seth (19), Cole (17), Ethan

(15) and Rene (13) glisten brightly for everyone to see. Meanwhile their mother, Karen, is the rock; the strength of the

band and the family. Luther is always there: organizing gigs, taking the band everywhere they need to go, arranging recordings of their four self-written CDs. The lone daughter, Tianna, is often in the background while the boys play on stage, but is critical to the happiness of the whole family and much loved by brothers and parents. She too, loves to sing and will eventually shine on stage with her brothers.

Constant Reminder did not come to where they are now, easily. The road has been long with many bumps along the way, many detours. I have seen them excited and on top of the world, especially with large opportunities like opening for Big Sugar last summer, but I have also seen them frustrated and discouraged. Still, they keep working, keep perfecting.

They have no family background of music, no large pools of money to buy the guitars, amps, drums, strings; the vehicles, gas, and time to make their dream easy. They have just sacrificed and worked hard.

Their home has no living room. Instead the larger area of the house is filled with musical equipment. The boys practice several hours every single day in addition to playing gigs, often several, in the evenings and weekends. Aside from all this, they are all doing well in school with Cole preparing to graduate grade 12 and Seth finishing up a Professional

Cooking course at SIAST Woodland Campus.

This isn’t the biggest event they have played – but it is certainly the most prestigious. As I watched them play on that big stage, I was struck by their history that brought them to this enviable point.

As young people, Luther and his cousin/soul-mate/best friend, Bryce Daniels, would cleave together growing up, facing the same challenges First Nations youth face today. Music was what got them

through and Luther has talked about how he and Bryce would sit together listening to all the songs on the local rock radio station, Power 99 FM, and dream.

Years later, Luther became Chief and as such needed to be away from his family dealing with issues affecting his community. His family, though, were his constant reminders of what was important as he faced his own challenges and temptations in the larger world.

He saw music as the answer to many of

the issues he was dealing with as a father. Recalling its healing power, he picked up the guitar and started to work with his sons.

Bryce passed away just as the band was getting going but the family, along with Bryce’s

wife, Jackie, have continued on remembering that the dream they are living was inspired by this beloved

part of their lives.

Constant Reminder started from scratch; from a father determined to raise a family that had big dreams, a work ethic and life philosophy to make those dreams come true.

As a friend who has watched them all grow, I feel overwhelmed with the joy and inspiration these unlikely Rock stars have given to so many people.

Constant Reminder is just getting started.

FOr MOrE InFOrMaTIOn On THE BanD:Constant reminder has released three CDs: Volume II, Volume III and Volume IV. The release date for their newest work, CD V will be april 1st. They can be found at www.constantreminder.ca and have a Facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/Constantreminder1. Videos of the band can be found on their youTube page, https://www.youtube.com/user/ConstantreminderBand

PHOTOS By ryan PETErMan

14� REZX�Magazine�

If you have not got the chance to watch the new hit TV Show called The Four, which airs on Access 7 every Tuesday, then you need to check it out (or if you don’t get Access, maybe it’s time to subscribe).

The Four was created by four Aboriginal women - Dr. Shauneen Pete, Bevann Fox, Shannon Fayant and Robyn Morin - who wanted a way to express themselves and show how Aboriginal women are reclaiming their power and voices.

Last summer, they brought their idea to Wade Petersen, Director of Community Programming for Access, and he loved the concept.

“Community programming itself is really the pulse of what’s happening in our community in Saskatchewan, so with The Four, they had the idea and approached us with the concept, we had a meeting and worked out some details and we loved the idea...so we ran with it” said Peterson.

“With it being their concept they are the community producers of the project and they had editorial control and we supported the set up..it fit right in with our community programming mandate here at Access.”

The Four debuted on January 21st and will run until April 8th (12-episodes). Currently the show is in mid-season, which is one reason why we wanted them on the cover and rushed to get this issue out sooner.

For the cover story, we didn’t want to do a general story, instead we set up a meeting and agreed on a variety of topics for the women to discuss (like they do on their show) and let them go at it. From the “Got Land Thank an Indian” controversy to smudging in school to native sports logos/mascots and what if women ran First Nations politics instead of predominantly men - all of them had something interesting to say:

RezX: There was a recent case at a Regina High School, where a student was reprimanded for coming to school smelling like, what one teacher described as ‘weed’. It turns out the student had been merely smudging with sage and sweetgrass prior to coming to school. The teacher called it a ‘scent policy issue’ and told him to leave the classroom. The students’ parents complained and then took their story to the media which created a firestorm of controversy. Although, the school held a talking circle to fix

things, the student and parent still felt the issue was unresolved. Could you explain your thoughts about smudging in school?

Shauneen Pete: (The school) facilitates a smoking area. They facilitate that. And kids have a shower after Phys. Ed. (Physical Education) class and then they load up on Axe products or whatever kind of body spray products they put on it’s a horrendous amount of scent coming out of those locker rooms. Yet those things are tolerated. Even in the name of the scent-free policy.

Robyn Morin: And this isn’t anything new because even moving into my new place of residence I was moving into a place where it was older homeowners who were not Native and I told them I don’t smoke but I smudge, so it’s not going to necessarily be smoke-free. So he asked, ‘What’s that?’ So I proceeded to explain what it is. And he said, ‘Well I don’t know about that.’ And I

said, ‘well it’s not like I’m sitting down smoking 10 cigarettes a day and it’s smoke filled and it’s sticking to the walls. It’s not that way.’ So he says, ‘Well I think I need to educate myself’ and I said ‘I think that would be a really good idea.’ So the next day he texted me and said ‘I did some further research and I don’t have a problem with you smudging.’ So I was fortunate (because I was able to have that conversation.) But unfortunately, that’s not always the situation.

Shauneen Pete: What a great way to communicate that! It’s welcoming and open.

Bevann Fox: (My grandkids) know the difference between smudging and cigarette smoke. If I smudge at home and just finish going through the house smudging and they happen to come in they (smell the air) and say ‘Mmmmm, it smells like a lodge in here!’ They just love that.

Shauneen Pete: Even children know the difference, why can’t these adult teachers who are educators learn the difference?

Robyn Morin: Or want to learn the difference (and) seek out people who could teach them.

RezX: What are your thoughts to the reaction to the girl who wore the ‘Got Land? Thank an Indian!’ sweater at one rural school near Regina, and was told to wear it inside

out because some of the students found it offensive?

Shannon Fayant: I went to the Balcarres School from

Grade 7 to 12. And I wasn’t surprised with the reaction.

I witnessed some of the negativity in the late 80’s, early 90’s. But at the same time, there were members who either rallied for or against, as a community and it made me really proud. Because how do we address stereotypes from

back then, to here and now.

Robyn Morin: I don’t agree with that statement -- ‘Got Land? Thank an Indian’. I think a statement like that really gives some type of idea that we own the land. I think it really just comes from a religious background . . . because in some

The fourcovER�StoRy

Spring�2014� 15

facets of Christianity man is above the land. But that’s not what Indigenous people are taught (by our ancestors). They didn’t abuse the land; they knew there was a balanced relationship and therefore, we’re good to it and maintain that relationship. They didn’t manipulate it and take advantage of it and just kind of waste it. We have more respect knowing the land sustains us; therefore it’s our job to sustain the land as well.

Bevann Fox: But we’re not owners of it. Even to First Nations peoples we don’t even have control of it. There’s potash, there’s oil. (The oil products) we consume it every day (like) make-up. We don’t’ even have control of that.

Shannon Fayant: I had talked about this with an older colleague who identified herself as Indian and said ‘I am proud to be an Indian.’ But that’s how she identified herself.

Shauneen Pete: The shirt was the impetus for a potential conversation about all of these issues of stereotypes, about self-determination, about traditional teachings...And all of that opportunity was shut down because the schools response was to the girls was suspension…Instead of using it as a jumping off point for a variety of really important conversations in teaching about what this means.

Shannon Fayant: My understanding is after the community came together and Chief Mike Starr came with the parents and said ‘No. You are wrong. They are still wearing this (the sweaters.)’ was a resistance to a résistance. It was a challenge. They diffused the situation (by coming together to talk.) There are some people who are offended. There are community members in Balcarres who are non-Aboriginal and they applauded the girls and they said ‘This was a long time coming here.’ It created that conversation and it created that ‘we need to know what we’re talking about.’

RezX: I want to talk about cultural appropriation in the prairies. The Moose Jaw Warriors are celebrating their 30th Anniversary with these retro-jerseys (depiction of a smiling, cartoon Indian holding a tomahawk on a giant skate). What’s your opinion on what you are seeing right now as cultural appropriation?

Shannon Fayant: I think what’s unsettling to me is that they used this racist imagery as a celebration of 30 years for that team. I’m thinking, Oh my God

(the organization) doesn’t even know that this is a racist logo and it’s offensive and it just shows every stereotype. But they’re okay wearing it? And they think this is a way of honouring Indigenous people. Like this is a good thing. I had no words when I read it I had no words but then I thought... ignorance.

Robyn Morin: I don’t’ think they’re honouring Indigenous people. They’re idea is to honour the Warriors... they’re thinking how they’ve come along, we’ve come this far, this is where we used to be and there’s absolutely no consideration on the stereotype they have on that jersey and how it’s known to perpetuate a stereotype throughout society. And how it impacts our children...I think about my son who plays sports and has long hair. He’s bearing the brunt of the racism. How is this impacting him and other young men?

Shauneen Pete: There is no good reason to maintain stereotypes these days. And yet we can say that in 10 different types of ways, but the privilege is with those who operate those organizations and they can deny us equality.

Robyn Morin: Why would you not consult with an Indigenous person? Is this appropriate?

Shannon Fayant: According to social media, every organization in the states (using stereotypical logos) is being challenged, the Fighting Sioux, the

Washington Redskins. But it’s dismissed over and over again.

Bevann Fox: Why haven’t our leaders stepped up to the plate? Or come forward?

Shauneen Pete: A member of the University of Saskatchewan’s education faculty is calling for letters of support (from colleagues) to change the team name at the Bedford High school.

Robyn Morin: It’s so unfortunate that it takes a university to get the point across. Why are the frontline people living in the communities, why are their voices not heard or considered?

Shauneen Pete: Or the students that attend Bedford? Why aren’t their voices respected in this? Their voices - of all voices - should cause the change.

Editor’s Note: At press time, it was announced that the Saskatoon Public School Board passed a motion to change the name and logo of the Bedford Road Redmen by the end of the current school year. It was a victory for the group of Saskatoon First Nations students and activists lead by Erica Lee, who have been pushing for the name change for two and a half years.

RezX: With the exception of Vice-Chief Kimberly Jonathan, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) has always been led by men since its

inception. So here’s a scenario, what if the roles were reversed and you were all Vice-Chiefs of FSIN. What portfolio would each of you hold and what would you do differently?

Log on to http://www.rezxmag.com to read the rest of the article.

And for more provoking conversation, you can catch the “The Four”

Tuesday’s at 7 p.m. on Access 7, with reruns on Sundays at 5 p.m.

Shannon Fayant

Shauneen Pete

eXCLuSIVe INTerVIeW: The Women of The four Take on Current Issues

Robyn Morin

Bevann Fox

Story by Chris Tyrone Ross and Miranda Hanus / Photos by Bill Stevenson

16� REZX�Magazine�

Access�Communications�Gives�Back�To�Community

Carmichael�Outreach��

Access Communications is a 100% Saskatchewan-owned non-profit co-operative that is committed to providing exceptional communications and entertainment services.

With over 220 communities throughout the province, Access Communications exists to work in partnership with local community members, and their organizations, to provide great community programming coverage for local events and issues. Access Communications also reinvests its’ profits back into the communities with programs like the Children’s Fund, Centennial Scholarships and numerous other initiatives.

Wade Peterson, who is the Manager of Community Programming for Access talked to RezX about some of their initiatives.

“Access is all about community and our involvement with the people we serve. That is what is most important.”

“From local channels to community events to local fundraisers, we want to be part of it all. We are always wanting to be involved in what is going on and always strive to make an impact.”

A primary example of giving back is Access Communications TV Bingo which is played Saturday evenings. Local charitable organizations are able to fundraise by selling bingo cards, the proceeds of which are used by the Access Communication’s Children Fund, which assists local programs for at-risk youth.

This fund has its own separate board which accepts applications from various organizations that meet specific criteria, primarily that they serve the needs of children with projects such as after school programs.

Access Communications also has a significant scholarship fund for high school and university students and donates over $30,000 of its earnings to students each year with its Centennial Scholarship Program.

Helping organizations with larger financial needs is also within the mandate of Access Communications. Access has done on-air fundraising for projects such as the Show N Shine, United Way, Pumpkin Patrol, Regina Food Bank Drive, Salvation Army and a recent Filipino Relief Telethon.

‘Local viewers want to see themselves and their community members in their local programming. This continues to be a major goal of Access Communications which has a commitment to not only promote upcoming local events but showcasing many of those events to its’ viewing audience. These, aside from the Access generated programming, help viewers have a stronger sense of community” says Peterson.

Created to serve its community, Access Communications is the perfect fit for local viewers.

NON

-PROFIT

PROFILE

Story by Karen Cay

Carmichael Outreach Inc. is meeting basic needs that many of us take for granted.

Carmichael has been in existence for 25 years. Originally located in a church basement, they eventually moved to their current location in downtown Regina on 1925 Osler Street.

They offer many services including helping people find housing, food bank referrals, household goods, and clothing.

According to Executive Director, Cora Sellers Gajari they are so busy, they are outgrowing their current building.

“We feed 210 to 230 people daily. People come to the back door and pick up meals. The food is provided through our Food Recovery Program and some funding.”

“It’s a very busy place. The board looked into how to expand the facility. The options are to demolish and rebuild, renovate, or buy a brand new building.”

“At the end of last year we received a $50,000 donation. We will formally launch a capital campaign in the fall.”

They are currently undergoing some renovations. The coffee room floor was recently redone, thanks to help from community businesses. The kitchen is undergoing an expansion over the next month, thanks to funding from Farm Credit Canada. Noon meals will still continue and be served out of the Heritage Community Association building two blocks away.

Funding comes from various corporations as well as partners such as the University of Regina who hold an annual 5 Days for the Homeless fundraiser; and the Meyers Norris Penny (MNP) accounting firm for the Golf Tournament of Hope in August.

Carmichael relies not only on the funding from corporations but from individual volunteers as well. Their Christmas appeal envelopes are delivered door-to-door by volunteers. Gajari says one man “delivered a thousand envelopes on his own.”

So if you have some time to volunteer, or want to make some extra chili and bannock, learn more about Carmichael Outreach on their Facebook page and their website - http://www.carmichealoutreach.org - to find out how you can get involved and give back to the community.

NON

-PROFIT

PROFILE

Story by Miranda Hanus, Managing Editor

NON-PROFIT

Spring�2014� 17

The smell of spices, beans, stewed meat, peppers and onions simmers in the air of a building in the heart of Regina’s North Central neighbourhood. The clanging of pot lids, and ladles stirring, mixes with the excitement of competition. These were the sights and sounds of the 2014 Inter-Agency Chili Cook-Off at the Indian Metis Christian Fellowship (IMCF).

This year’s event raised a total of $513.75 and the defending champs, the Regina Police Service were knocked off of the top spot by The Circle Project. Executive Director Ann Perry stated, “It feels great because we came in second from 2001 to 2011. The competition was really tough and it is just awesome to win!”

Several years ago, staff members at the IMCF were joking about Valentines’ Day events and appropriate meals for romantic occasions. According to one-long time staff member, someone remembered the old childhood ditty, “Beans, beans, the musical fruit, the more you eat the more you toot! The more you toot, the better you feel, so let’s eat beans with every meal!”

Inspired by a verse that encouraged ‘good feelings’, the IMCF decided to host the Inter-Agency Chili Cook-Off. Each year now, the Chili Cook-Off is organized by IMCF every February on a Wednesday close to Valentines’ Day.

To inspire competition, it was decided to split the revenue from the entry fees 50/50 with the winning agency.

In 2006, the nurses from Four Directions Community Health put the prize money towards the purchase of a trophy for the event, which is displayed in the office of the winning agency.

In succeeding years, the funds raised by the competition were donated to a variety of charities including the Children’s Ward at the Pasqua Hospital in 2009. In 2010 and 2012, the funds went to the Haitian Earthquake Relief effort. In the last two years, the funds

were donated to the Canadian Food Grains Bank. In total, over $2,500 has been raised towards worthy causes.

Inspired by the success of the Inter-Agency Chili Cook-off, Betty Krohn, a family youth worker with IMCF’s Chimatawa youth group, invited other local youth groups to compete for the first Chimatawa Chili Challenge’ in 2009.

For the August 2011 competition, a special requirement was added for all participating chili entries to be strictly vegetarian-- hence the name ‘Garden Chili’.

IMCF staff say they are pleased these events build relationships between the staff and clientele.

NON

-PROFIT

PROFILE

NON

-PROFIT

PROFILE

inter-Agency��Chili�Competition��Encourages�Good�Feelings�Story and Photos by Bill StevensonN

ON-PROFIT

PROFILE

� REZX�Magazine�

HNV Productions Inc. is a non-profit Aboriginal organization and our mandate is to promote creativity, growth and development of Aboriginal peoples in all aspects of music. Since 2010, this organization has worked with a wide spectrum of Aboriginal talent in the form of live music in a concert setting. HNV Productions’ concerts range from independent artists, right through to Chester Knight, The C-Weed Band, George Leach and Crystal Shawanda. It is with confidence that we say HNV Productions has delivered top-notch exceptional concerts to satisfied audiences.

HNV Productions is once again collaborating with professionals in the music industry, this time with a whole new approach. HNV Productions sees a need to facilitate a program that encourages professionals in the music industry to work with, teach and inspire youth. Our goal is to teach different aspects of music and encourage participation in the learning process while having fun. HNV Productions sees that there is much musical talent overlooked within First Nations. First Nations youth living on reservations do not have the benefit of music lessons, music teachers or professionals in the music industry to guide or encourage the natural talents they possess. A music program would encourage creativity, a healthy form of expression and positive self-esteem through the art of music.

HNV Productions has partnered with Touchwood Child & Family Services-Family Preservation Support Services, Freedom Sound Recording (Yorkton) and Yamaha (Canada) to offer free music lessons to interested youth. The Daystar, Fishing Lake, George Gordon, Kawacatoose, Muskowekwan and Pasqua First Nation communities will be participating in this exciting new venture.

HNV Productions believes in encouraging and valuing the natural talents that Aboriginal people possess. Music is a universal language that expresses what the spoken word can often overlook. HNV Productions is committed to promoting and lifting the spirits of Aboriginal people in the arts.

ON APRIL 04, 2014

VOTERODGER ROSS

For Council ofGeorge Gordon

First Nation

NON

-PROFIT

PROFILE

Music�promotions�Company��Supports�Youth

non-pRoFit

20� REZX�Magazine�

ABoRiGinAL�BuSinESS�MAtCH

BuSinESS

The Most Powerful Aboriginal-Driven Business Development Event in Canada is Coming to Saskatoon in June

On the heels of another successful run in BC, the Aboriginal Business Match or ABM is now coming to Saskatchewan for the first time. From June 16 to 19, 2014 a powerful group of Saskatchewan’s Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal corporate decision makers is expected in Treaty Six Territory to create opportunities for business.

ABM Saskatchewan follows the highly successful business development model pioneered in BC, where the event has taken place each year, beginning in 2012. This year, ABM BC welcomed over 300 delegates representing BC First Nations, Métis communities and the private sector who connected in Sylix/Okanagan Territory in Penticton.

“This was my third year attending ABM,” said Scott Roberts, Vice-President of the newly launched Aboriginal Travel Services. “In my opinion, this was the best ABM yet. We decided to launch Aboriginal Travel Services at this event because we knew ABM delivers an influential audience ready to do business. As expected we made more valuable connections in three days than we would in a year without this forum.”

ABM delegates use online technology to set up as many as 31 pre-qualified appointments that are 20 minutes in length. At the event, these appointments keep the conversation focused and efficient and help determine next steps if a

business match has been made. ABM levels the playing field by offering a three-day intensive experience that eliminates geographic barriers, condenses time requirements, reduces costs and facilitates opportunities.

“We host the event in BC annually and are pleased that ABM is now also accessible to Saskatchewan

First Nations,” said Chief Jonathan Kruger of the Penticton Indian Band. “ABM is useful no matter what stage of development a First Nation may be at as it connects a corporate network in tune with the vast opportunities and unique characteristics of Aboriginal economic development. People at ABM know why they are there.”

“Our motto is Prepare To Be Connected,” said L. Maynard Harry, Principal Partner with Raven Events and Communications, the Aboriginal event management company that owns the ABM trademark. “We offer sophisticated business matching software allowing ABM delegates to

create online profiles. Delegates prepare by reviewing each other’s profile and choosing who they would like to meet with one-on-one. This happens weeks before the event and when delegates arrive on the tradeshow floor, they have their personalized appointment schedule in hand. As a result a minimum of $30 million in new business deals were initiated at ABM 2013. We are still adding up numbers for this year but anticipate they will be higher.”

“Saskatchewan has a hot economy right now,” said Edmund Bellegarde, President and Chairman of the Board, FHQ Developments Ltd. “A lot of opportunities present themselves for Aboriginal communities. We are looking to align with businesses that understand the importance of environmental stewardship alongside economic development. ABM connects us with dedicated professionals that are serious about discussing mutually beneficial projects. We are looking forward to exploring possibilities for growth at ABM in Saskatoon this summer.”

For more information visit; aboriginalbusinessmatch.com.

Editor’s Note: RezX is proud to announce that we are a Bronze Sponsor for this event, and we would like to extend the invitation to all businesses, corporations and organizations to register so you can also take part in this one of a kind business event taking place June 16-19 in Saskatoon.

SPECIaL aDVErTOrIaL:

Spring�2014

naIG PrOFILE:TyrELL JaKE SInCLaIr – a WInnInG SPIrITWhen Tyrell Jake Sinclair entered Invesco Field in Denver, Colorado on July 2, 2006, he remembers in vivid detail the tremendous sense of pride, enthusiasm and “surreal” emotions he felt. More than 45,000 spectators, athletes, volunteers and support staff were in attendance for the kick off to the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) Sports Warrior Games™. The thunderous applause and fervour was not dampened by the downpour of rain at the Opening Ceremony. For Sinclair, the gold and bronze medal wins in his running competitions put him on the plateau he dreamt, sacrificed, and strove for.

“I would have been one of those statistics that we hear about, if not for sports,” Sinclair says. “Playing hockey and running were my way of making friends and belonging; breaking down barriers and helping to find things in common with each other”, he recalls.

Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Sinclair spent the first seven years of his life living in Regina before moving to the George Gordon First Nation, a Cree / Saulteaux community near the village of Punnichy, Saskatchewan in Treaty Four territory.

While most of Tyrell’s friends went to high school in Punnichy, he chose to go to school in Raymore instead. “My uncles and some of my family had a really rough time graduating from the Punnichy high school and being successful in university classes. I wanted to play sports.” He says sports helped him deal with racism. “Once people could see I was good at sports it helped with interacting with them – it gave me confidence with non-Indigenous people.”

Sinclair’s first confidence boost from sports came from hockey, and later, competitive running events. At the age of 15, he “cleaned up” at the Kawacatoose Summer Games, winning gold in every event he competed in. By 16, he was in a Denver, Colorado stadium realizing his dream of professional athletics and the pride of performing in front of his parents, family, and members of the George Gordon First Nation, who were bussed to Colorado to watch him and other athletes compete. “Saskatchewan does not have a high caliber, high impact track and field program. So for those of us who dreamed the dream of competing at a professional level, these Games were it. When I got to NAIG, it really was something I began to see as a way of gaining scholarships for university.”

Sinclair shares Games founder Willie Littlechild’s vision of an Indigenous specific game and to conceive and realize a dream.

He says it isn’t just about the participation of athletes or of cultural supports and programs, but an inner feeling, the pride that he himself experienced. “Littlechild called it ‘a winning spirit’, something we have in all of us, to be able to feel that and to share it, whether it’s with family, community, or nations. That winning spirit, it’s a feeling of how good it is to be an Indigenous person; I know for sure that’s one of the deepest experiences that I came away with. It has kept me going in life, knowing I can achieve anything I set my mind to.”

Today, Sinclair is on the team of staff at the Host Society of 2014 NAIG. He still competes in marathons including the Regina Police Service Half-Marathon and the Queen City Marathon. He is also a fourth-year Economics student at the University of Regina, with dreams of one day owning a home, having a career, and raising a family. His advice for athletes coming to compete in the Regina NAIG 2014 is “Go all in. Don’t hold back.”

- naIG 2014SPECIaL aDVErTOrIaL

SpoRtS

LASt�woRDS nEXt�iSSuE

Treaty 6 Territory - TCU Place, SaskatoonJune 16 to 19, 2014

PREPARE TO BE CONNECTED

ABM is the most powerful Aboriginal-driven business development event in Canada. The event connects Aboriginal communities with the private sector to

create opportunities for business.

At ABM 2013 120 Aboriginal communities and 140 corporations initiated over $30 millon in new business deals.

aboriginalbusinessmatch.com