In this Issue.. BT Public Services Open House page 3

TSINIKSSINI August 2012
VOL. 4 Issue 7 August 2012
In this Issue..
Published by Blood Tribe
Administration
COMMUNICATIONS Department
The Blood Tribe Council Review entitled
‘TSINIKSSINI’ is dedicated to the sharing
of information for the people of the Blood
Tribe. The magazine format features news,
stories, articles and an array of items as
our way of sharing what is occurring on the
Blood reserve and beyond.
We hope you enjoy your magazine and
invite any suggestions you may have in
improving our coverage on any number
of events and activities. The magazine
will be printed on a monthly basis and will
be distributed to various locations on the
reserve.
The magazine is free of charge.
The magazine is published by the Blood
Tribe Communications department and
is printed by Graphcom Printers (2011) of
Lethbridge.
The collection of information, photographs
and layout of the magazine is from the
Blood Tribe Communications department.
We would like to acknowledge Darlene
Plume, Senior Executive Officer, the Blood
Tribe Chief & Council and the people of the
Blood Tribe for your support.
BT Public Services Open House
page 3
Majorville Medicine Wheel
page 4
Majorville Medicine Wheel
page 5
Youth Entreprenuership program
page 6
Blackfoot Family Lodge Society
page 7
Journey to Brazil on Horseback
page 8
Rez Rodeo Finalspage 9
KCSC “Our Dreams Matter Too” Walk
page 10
Blood Tribe Parade Representation
page 11
Piikani Nation Pow Wow
page 12
Cardston/Moses Lake Pow Wow
page 13
Blackfoot Arts Festival in Waterton
page 14
BT Land Management Public Notice page 15
Notices & Up-coming Events
page 16
Darlene Plume: Blood Tribe
Senior Executive Officer
Rick Tailfeathers: Communications
Director
Tom Russell: Communications
Writer
Myron Fox: Layout
Graphic Design
Lyndon Knife
Photography/Ads
Published by the authority of Blood Tribe
Chief & Council
Box 60 Standoff, AB T0L 1Y0
ph: (403) 737-3753 FAX: (403) 737-2785
visit our website for more... www.bloodtribe.org
COVER:
The Rez Rodeo Cowboys Association finals provided plenty of entertainment
as the contestants competed for the opportunity to represent their First Nations
in Albuquerque, N.M. Smiley Whiteman, Browning, taps one out on a Pete
Standing Alone bronc.
Front page photo courtesy of Maria Russell.
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FEATURE
TSINIKSSINI August 2012
BLOOD TRIBE PUBLIC SERVICES OPEN HOUSE
PROVES TO BE INFORMATIVE AND A SUCCESS
The Moses Lake gymnasium was the venue for an Open House hosted by the Blood Tribe Public Services Pillar.
Blood Tribe Public Services Pillar had
a successful 2nd Annual Open House
on Friday, June 22, 2012, at the Moses
Lake Gym. The Open House attracted
over 300 participants from the Blood
Tribe membership. Clayton Blood did
an excellent job as the event master of
ceremonies and Blood Tribe Elder Mary
First Rider opened the day with a beautiful
prayer. Chief Charles Weasel Head and
councilors Marcel Weasel Head, Josh Curly
Rider, Ira Tailfeathers and Andrew Bull
Calf welcomed the participants and gave
updates on the Public Services endeavors.
Shawn Singer informed the audience of the
Moses Lake Committee activities and Les
Iron Shirt gave an inspiring speech as the
events motivational speaker. “The Open
House was successful and has grown from
last year when it was held at the Kainai
Sports Centre in Standoff. The new multipurpose building will accommodate our
needs in the future for similar events,”
commented Marcel Weasel Head, Public
Services Chairman.
The participants had the opportunity to
listen to the Blood Tribe Public Services
Directors and the committee provided a
brief orientation to the public. Many of the
program staff were available at the various
booths to share more information on the
department’s programs. The Open House
was followed by a barbeque at 5:30 p.m.
and a jackpot bingo at 6:30 p.m. The event
was enjoyed by everyone and was a great
resource for networking among the Blood
Tribe’s Public Service pillar.
“It is great to see the departments working
together for the benefit of our community,”
said Councilor Josh Curly Rider.
“It is encouraging to see so many
community members participate in this
event,” added Councilor Andrew Bull
Calf. “They received a lot of pamphlets
and promotional items and they were also
entered to win draws throughout the day
for bikes, t-shirts.”
Bikes were donated by the Kainai Board of
Education. The Public Services Committee
(Marcel Weasel Head, Ira Tailfeathers,
Josh Curly Rider and Andrew Bull Calf),
would like to thank all the Blood Tribe
Administration Public Services Pillar
departments for participating in the
Open House and also to the Blood Tribe
membership for attending.
3
We look forward to seeing you at next
year’s Open House.
The people in attendance were pleased at the
information they received.
Submitted by Stacey Day Chief
TSINIKSSINI August 2012
FEATURE
MAJORVILLE – PLANNING THE FUTURE
OF BLACKFOOT TRADITIONAL USE AREA
The Majorville medicine wheel sits atop a hill and is a sacred site for the Blackfoot people. The sacred ceremonial site is southeast of Siksika..
A significant cultural landscape along the
Bow River in southern Alberta – called
Majorville – is the focus of a provincial
government planning exercise.
The
Majorville landscape was a traditional
use area of the Blackfoot people for
many centuries. Today, Blackfoot people
continue to visit the area, particularly the
Majorville medicine wheel, to engage in
spiritual and ceremonial practices.
The Majorville Cairn and Medicine Wheel
sits on top of a prominent hill in a native
prairie landscape situated northeast of
Lomond, Alberta, and southeast of the
Siksika reserve. This ancient rock feature
resembles the outline of a wagon wheel.
Radiating out from the central cairn are
numerous rock “spokes” that connect with
an outer stone circle. While surface litter
and vigorous prairie grass growth may
conceal many of the stones that form the
spokes and the outer circle of the medicine
wheel, the central cairn (a huge rock pile) is
plainly visible. In recognition of the unique
nature and interpretive significance of this
site, the Government of Alberta designated
the medicine wheel as a Provincial Historic
Resource on July 2, 1987.
Surrounding the medicine wheel are a large
number of archaeological sites, the vast
majority of these are stone arrangements
that were established by indigenous people
who occupied this area during the last
5 millennia. To the east of the medicine
wheel, along the western bank of the Bow
River, lies “bacculite beach.” Blackfoot
people have been collecting ammonite
shell fragments at this fossil graveyard for
many centuries. These ammonite (marine
life) fossil segments, which are known as
iniskim (or buffalo calling stones) to the
Blackfoot, bear a resemblance to the shape
of the plains bison and continue to be used
in traditional Blackfoot ceremonies.
Majorville is a sacred area for the Blackfoot.
This is confirmed by Blackfoot elders
and by the archaeological record. In the
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1982 National Film Board of Canada film
Standing Alone, the young Pete Standing
Alone (now Dr. Pete Standing Alone, Blood
Tribe elder), visits the Majorville medicine
wheel as he seeks to understand and connect
with his spiritual and traditional culture
[see the medicine wheel segment at the 16 21 minute mark of the online video: http://
www.nfb.ca/film/standing_alone/ ]. More
recently, the cover story of Alberta Views
(July / August 2012 edition) – having the
title “Stonehenge on the Prairies: Southern
Alberta’s mysterious Omahk” – states that
the medicine wheel is known to some by
its Blackfoot name Omahkiyaahkohtoohp,
meaning “old, big arrangement.” In the
magazine article an amateur archaeologist,
who has done extensive on-site research,
claims that Omahk and the surrounding
rock features that were established by the
Blackfoot and their ancestors constitute a
solar calendar that accurately points to (and
maps) various astronomical events during
the year.
TSINIKSSINI August 2012
photo courtesy of Cliff LeSergent - Images West Photography
FEATURE
The medicine wheel is clearly visible as the spokes extent outward from the center of the wheel. Over the years, grass is covering many of the rocks and stones.
In a meeting between Blood Tribe elders
and the Planning Team early in 2010,
Government of Alberta staff learned many
things from the elders. Messages shared
by the elders Andy Black Water and Frank
Weasel Head included the following:
• Majorville is an important site to the Blood
people. It is one of the most important sites
that we visit. It is a spiritual place. There
is a spiritual presence there – the spirits
of our ancestors are at Majorville. Blood
members continue to go there to make
tobacco and other offerings to the Creator.
• When we go to Majorville we try to be
respectful, we are quiet, we watch where
we step. These are sacred sites to us. We
don’t want to be disruptive and chase the
spirits away. The spirits of our ancestors
are present at our familiar traditional areas.
We Blackfoot people continue to make
contact with our ancestor’s spirits at these
“favourite places”.
• We don’t visit sacred sites unless there is a
reason to do so. We don’t make casual visits
to our cultural sites; we go for a reason, to
learn, to ask for wisdom and guidance, to
seek healing and wholeness, to pray, and to
make offerings to the spirits – our spiritual
ancestors. When we go to Majorville there
are protocols that we must follow including
making offerings of tobacco.
• When we are at Majorville we learn about
the origin of our people. Site visits inform
us about the purpose of these places. We
form a bond with our cultural sites. While
archaeologists adopt a scientific view of
our cultural sites, we see them as places
where our ancestors once were. We see
where their lodges stood, where offerings
were made, where smudges and ceremonies
once took place. We are hoping to receive
gifts – a visit from our spiritual ancestors
who are still present at Majorville. We are
seeking a vision, a spiritual encounter at
our cultural sites. The spirits give us gifts
and bundles.
• We always approach the Medicine Wheel
from the east side. New rocks are put on
the central cairn when offerings are left.
As offerings are made, the rock pile will
grow. Because of its large size, the rock
cairn at Majorville indicates that many,
many offerings were made here over a long
period of time.
• The Blackfoot are not interested only in
the big cairn and medicine wheel. The
surrounding landscape and all of the other
cultural sites in the area are linked with
and make the cairn complete. There is an
over-emphasis on the cairn. The cairn,
however, is connected with the surrounding
landscape. The total landscape is important
to us.
The Government of Alberta planning
exercise which is currently underway is
reviewing resource management policies
and practices on public (provincial Crown)
land in the Majorville area. A management
plan will be developed to ensure that
present and future land uses are not having
a significant impact on the historical and
natural heritage resources which are found
at Majorville.
The Planning Team is currently seeking
Blackfoot (Piikani, Siksika and Kainai)
feedback on preliminary planning proposals
contained in a draft document: “Majorville
Framework for Land and Resource
Management.” First Nations feedback will
be considered as the draft “Framework” is
developed for general stakeholder review
5
in 2013. Blackfoot First Nations have an
important role in clarifying their interests,
needs and concerns about the Majorville
landscape, and in sharing information
about the cultural significance of this
special landscape.
If you have an interest in this planning
project, or the Majorville area, please
contact your Tribe administration office and
speak with your First Nations Consultation
Coordinator, Dorothy First Rider, Senior
Researcher, Tribal Government & External
Affairs, Blood Tribe.
Article submitted by Sam Wirzba, Regional
Resource Planner, Prairies Area
Alberta Environment & Sustainable
Resource Development
Aerial view of the medicine wheel.
For those Blood Tribe members that
have and continue to visit Majorville,
please contact Dorothy First Rider at
403.737.8236, or by e-mail at dfirstrider@
bloodtribe.org, and share your continued
and current activities within Majorville
with her as this information is crucial to
ensuring that Blood Treaty and Aboriginal
Rights are not impacted or restricted by the
Management Plan, especially in the areas
of hunting, gathering and for ceremonial
activities.
The last line of the first paragraph on the Sobriety Run story should have read “…are now living their lives without alcohol or drugs.” Tsinikssini apologizes for this oversight.
TSINIKSSINI August 2012
FEATURE
BLOOD TRIBE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT’S
2012 YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM
Young entrepreneurs venturing out and sharing their small business enterprises with the public.
The Blood Tribe Youth Entrepreneur
Program is designed to provide educational
and practical entrepreneurship training
to youth ages 16 and 17. The program
has been very successful since the
creation of the partnership between Blood
Tribe Employment and Skills Training,
Aboriginal Development Initiative and
Blood Tribe Economic Development. This
partnership is a valuable component in
creating a program to assist the youth of
the Blood Tribe in supporting the vision of
creating a self-sustaining economy for the
Blood Tribe.
Background
The Youth Entrepreneur Program is an
annual small business training program
delivered by the Blood Tribe Economic
Development. This is the fourth year
the program has operated as a six-week
program, which prior was a two-week,
half-day camp. In 2009, the program
received additional funding from the Blood
Tribe Employment and Skills Training
(BTEST). This funding extended the length
of the program in order to deliver it as an
employment training program. The Blood
Tribe Economic Development provides
the instructional resources, location,
coordination, supervision and additional
costs beyond BTEST’s contribution which
covers the student wage subsidy.
The purpose of the program is to encourage
and assist youth of the Blood Tribe to
become self-sustaining individuals by
utilizing their talents, skills and training
acquired to start a small business venture.
Program Outline
This program will facilitate a learning
environment, but will also incorporate fun
activities and motivational presentation by
member owned businesses. The program
for the 2012 July-August session consists
of two weeks classroom instruction, one
week preparing business plans and the
remaining three weeks operating a small
business.
The program will introduce the fourteen
students to the concept of the small business
by providing instructional material on the
following topics, discussion and activities:
• Who is an Entrepreneur
• Marketing Research
• Developing an Idea
• Financing and Budgeting
• The Business Plan
• Stress and Time Management
• Business Etiquette
• Starting and Operating a Small Business
• Extra-curricular activities
Youth Small Business Operation
The program allows for the students to
learn all aspects of a small business, from
developing an idea to starting a small
business. They will have the opportunity
to utilize the information they have
acquired by operating a small business for
approximately three weeks. This gives
the students the opportunity to apply the
knowledge and skills acquired in this
program. This project will provide them
the experience of researching their idea,
drafting a business plan, financing, pricing,
researching their industry, marketing and
operating a small business. They will
understand the business planning process,
importance of research and how their
business plan plays an important role in
their day-to-day small business operation.
On July 30th, 2012, the YEP had their grand opening event at the Old Saipoyi Gym, in
which they presented their business plans and business setups to invited guests. The
following are the businesses:
BUSINESS NAME
BUSINESS OWNER
Kineisha Tack and Accessories
Keniesha Eagle Bear
Pro-Sports
Justin Little Shields & Sky Mountain Horse
Shadey GlitzChelsie Shade
Athletes LifestyleJamelyn Weasel Head
Bed, Bath & Beyond The Rez
Kaisley Russell and Brandon Singer
Rez Munchies
Starlight Fox and Lainey Oka
Teeoff Riley Healy
Wet Gopher’s Tropical Drinks
Tyson Good Striker
Devine T-shirts and accessories
Shawnee Fox and Morgan Devine
The program will be ending on August 17, 2012, and we would like to thank those who
attended the Grand Opening event and those who supported these future entrepreneurs
during their small business operation.
Please continue to support the visions of the youth, as it is through them we can begin to
prosper as a community. Thank you!
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Submitted by Norma Wolf Child
FEATURE
TSINIKSSINI August 2012
BLACKFOOT FAMILY LODGE SOCIETY
L to R: Kelly Young Pine (Programs Coordinator) Paula Wolf Child (Residence Manager) Elaine CreightonFox (Executive Director) Rae Ann Cross Child (Accountant) Gerry First Rider (Housing First Outreach)
Tamara First Charger (Admin Assistant) Issac Yellow Wings Jr. (Maintenance Manager) Bonnie Stabsdown
(Follow-up Outreach) Seated; Christina Fox (Elder)
Aboriginal Women relocating off reserve
to the city of Lethbridge need not feel
alone as there is assistance available as
a part of that transition. The Blackfoot
Family Lodge Society (formally known
as the Lethbridge Native Transition Home
Society), is a licensed 20-client facility
located in the city that provides assistance
for Aboriginal women. The three-month
program provides housing, educational
access, childcare, traditional knowledge,
employment opportunities and the
necessary training skills to live in an urban
setting.
Executive Director Elaine Creighton-Fox
has been with the Lodge for over two years
and understands that the big move can be
challenging. “There are a number of reasons
as to why our community women want to
relocate. This includes going to school, lack
of housing on the reserve, health reasons,
or wanting to seek employment.”
Creighton-Fox adds: “the Blackfoot Family
Lodge is not a shelter for battered women.
We offer a temporary interim housing
accommodation for Aboriginal women and
children coming off the reserve, mainly
for our Blackfoot women. We provide
the necessary support until they are
independent and can live on their own.”
The program gives sufficient time for
clients to access outreach and network
with other service providers in the city.
In addition to the in-house program, the
Lodge works closely with the all Native
and non-Native agencies within the city of
Lethbrige that addresses housing and social
needs.
has a staff of twelve who provide technical
support and is located at 830 7th Street
North in Lethbridge.
For more information about the program or
how to apply for residency, you can call the
Lodge at (403) 329-6506.
Creighton-Fox busy with day-to-day activities.
The Family Lodge is open to all Aboriginal
women from the Treaty 6, 7, and 8
areas. Currently 65% of the women who
participate in the program are from the
Blood tribe. The Blackfoot Family Lodge
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Story submitted by Lance Tailfeathers
TSINIKSSINI August 2012
FEATURE
JOURNEY TO BRAZIL ON HORSEBACK
--young rider passes through Blood reserve--
it just doesn’t sit well with me. I hope in
my travels, I will be able to share stories
about issues that are important to me,” he
stated. “And maybe I will help close that
gap between those that have and those that
have not.”
For the youth he has another message:
“Live out your dreams,” he says. “Don’t let
anyone tell you, you can’t do it. If you have
dreams, you can achieve them. Look at me,
one of my dreams was to leave from the
Calgary Stampede on its centennial year.”
The 20-year- old Brazilian has family in his
home country. He has lived for the past few
years in Toronto where most of his other
close friends are. “I am torn between my
home and family in Brazil and my other
family of close friends in Canada,” he said.
Filipe is travelling with two horses--one
he rides and the other carries his essential
belongings such as food and shelter--and
he also carries a smart phone that he uses to
stay in touch with his family and supporters.
He even sends and receives photos via the
internet which keeps him well connected.
So far, his horses have been able to graze
on hay along the roadside and donations
of feed from generous land occupants
have kept them healthy. As he reaches the
warmer climates, he will not have to worry
about winter.
The young traveler does not seem to be too
concerned about where his next stop will
be. Most of the people he has met have
been very good to him because they believe
in his message of peace and kindness.
Filipe Leite seeking to fulfill a lifelong dream as part of a 16,000 kilometre journey.
It was a dream for young Filipe Leite to
travel a 16,000 kilometre journey from
Calgary to Brazil on horseback with
a message he feels needs to be heard:
“Peace and kindness for all people of the
Americas”.
He began his trek from the Calgary
Stampede on July 16, 2012, and passed
through the Blood reserve four days later;
by the fifth day, he reached the Canada--
U.S. border. He estimates it will take two
years to reach his destination in Brazil. He
will travel through 12 countries in North,
Central and South America, covering about
30 kilometers a day.
He studied journalism in Toronto and has
a keen interest in social injustices that
exist in the world, but in his homeland, it
seems more acute. “In Latin America, there
is huge division between rich and poor,
8
Leite travels with two horses and relies on the
goodness of people along the way.
Story by Rick Tailfeathers
FEATURE
TSINIKSSINI August 2012
REZ RODEO FINALS PROVIDES THE FANS
WITH THRILLS SPILLS AND SMOOTH RUNS
A young cowgirl shows her technique in rounding the barrels during the finals.
The Rez Rodeo Cowboys Association finals
rodeo at the Kainai rodeo arena featured
plenty of action and excitement for the
fans during the two-day event on August
14-15, 2012. The top ten contestants in
each event were shooting to qualify for the
International Indian Rodeo Finals at the
Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, N.M.,
in September.
Katie Rabbit-Young Pine, RRCA secretary,
was pleased at this year’s performances.
“The volunteers, rodeo personnel and
contestants themselves stepped up to create
a fantastic two days of rodeo. I especially
want to thank our sponsors. They certainly
helped in making our two day event a
success.” she said. “There were some very
excellent performances at this year’s final.
I believe RRCA will bring back some
championship titles when the dust settles in
Albuquerque.”
Although one of the stock contractors,
who was scheduled to bring his stock to
the rodeo, couldn’t make it, Rabbit-Young
Pine and the RRCA committee scrambled
to secure other stock contractors in the area
who were more than willing to contribute
to the success of the rodeo. Dodging Horse
contractors from Tsuu T’ina First Nation
and local contractors Pete Standing Alone
and the Cardston Agriplex made sure the
contestants had top-quality stock to test the
cowboy’s abilities.
This year, the Hi-Point champions were
crowned and were awarded trophy saddles
The calf roping event was competitive.
for their skill and determination. Darryl Taypotat, a talented cowboy from Saskatchewan,
earned the title of HI Point Champion on the Cowboy side of things and Hi-Point
Champion Cowgirl was Tsuu-T’ina cowgirl Rhonda Crow Child competing in both the
Ladies Barrel Racing and Breakaway Roping events.
Following is a list of the winners of each event:
Saddle Bronc: Wynn Bruised Head (Year-end); Kevin Scout (Finals)
Bull Riding: Rylan Red Crow (Year-end); Smiley Whiteman (Finals)
Jr. Bull Riding: Casey Scout (Year-end); Riel Bruised Head (Finals)
Tie Down: Wright Bruised Head (Year-end); Lane Wolfe (Finals)
Steer Wrestling: Brent Dodging Horse (Year-end); Kyle Running Rabbit (Finals)
Team Roping: Darryl Taypotat/Ollie Benjamin (Year-end); Lane Wolfe/Marcel Saulteaux
(Finals)
Sr. Breakaway: Darryl Taypotat (Year-end); Keith Left Hand (Finals)
Ladies Breakaway: Rhonda Crow Child (Year-end); Kiley Shade (Finals)
Ladies Barrel Racing: Paige Meyer (Year-end); Lacey Bish (Finals)
Jr. Barrel Racing: Rita Crow Child (Year-end); Kyra Runner (Finals).
Group photo of the contestants representing the RRCA in Albuquerque, N.M., in September.
9
Story by Tom Russell
TSINIKSSINI August 2012
FEATURE
KAINAIWA CHILDREN’S SERVICES STAFF
FOR “OUR DREAMS MATTER TOO” WALK
T he group of people who walked from Outwest gas station to Stand Off shared their vision of hope for our children
On June 11, 2012, Kainaiwa Children’s
Services Corporation (KCSC) participated
in the National “Our Dreams Matter Too”
Campaign from the old Outwest Gas Bar
to the Post Office in Standoff at the Blood
Tribe Administration, which marks the
fourth anniversary of the Prime Minister’s
apology for Residential Schools.
First Nations’ children get less funding for
services like education, health and child
welfare than all other children enjoy. This
makes it hard for First Nation’s children to
achieve their dreams and grow up proud
of who they are. The purpose of the walk
is to show how many people support First
Nation’s children into receiving the same
opportunity to succeed as all other children
in ways that respect their cultures and
languages. These peaceful and respectful
walks support three campaigns:
Shannen’s Dream (www.shannensdream.
ca) for “safe and comfy schools” and
quality education
The “I am a witness” campaign (www.
fnwitness.ca)
to help First Nations
children grow up safely at home.
The Kainaiwa Children’s Services
Corporation would like to thank the Walk
Participants, the Blood Tribe Police, Blood
Tribe Recreation, KCSC, Adolescent
Treatment Centre, Blood Tribe Child
Protection Services, Blood Tribe Youth
Ranch, Kainai Women’s Wellness Lodge.
We also appreciate people who take the
time to send letters. Postage is free for
letters to the Prime Minister and Members
of Parliament. Download a sample letter at
http://fncfcs.com/our-dreams-matter-too/
participate, or you can email your letter at
this website.
Prime Minister Harper’s apology: http://
www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/DAM/DAMINTER-HQ/STAGING/texte-text/rqpi_
apo_pdf_1322167347706_eng.pdf
Tired, but nearly at their destination.
The placards were clearly visible.
Jordan’s Principle (www.jordansprinciple.
ca) to ensure equitable access to all
government services, and;
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Submitted by Stacey Day Chief
FEATURE
TSINIKSSINI August 2012
BLOOD TRIBE WAS WELL REPRESENTED
DURING SUMMER GOODWILL EFFORTS
At the Calgary Stampede 100th Anniversary Parade.
The Indian Residential School Survivor float.
Blackfoot Family Lodge float.
The Cardston parade also had fine representatives of the native heritage.
Proudly waving to the crowd is Zoe Many Fingers and Gary Tailfeathers.
Master Cpl. Melissa White Grass-Bruised Head honorary parade marshall.
This summer, the Blood reserve was well represented during the many parades and festivals throughout southern Alberta. Many
individuals and departments shared their time and imagination in creating floats for the public’s enjoyment.
In Cardston, Lethbridge and during the Calgary Stampede, involvement from tribal members in these parades was appreciated. There
were various types of floats representing different themes, including traditional riders in full-regalia who shared their colorful outfits
with the visitors and guests from around the world.
The Lethbridge Whoop-Up Day celebrations featured Master Cpl. Melissa White Grass-Bruised Head as the honorary parade Marshall.
White Grass-Bruised Head was injured in Afghanistan.
11
Story by Tom Russell
TSINIKSSINI August 2012
FEATURE
SUPPORTERS OF ELIMINATING ALL VIOLENCE
BRING AWARENESS TO MOSES LAKE FAMILIES
Pearl Long Time Squirrel.
Many supporters of bringing awareness
to issues surrounding victims of violence
and other related negative impacts walked
through the community of Moses Lake
despite the hot temperatures. Pearl Long
Time Squirrel, coordinator, Prevention of
Family Violence, thanked the participants
for their involvement and explained her role
in working toward eliminating violence in
our communities.
“I try to coordinate activities for the Blood
Tribe to get people aware that we don’t
have to be in violent situations, and that
we don’t have to be in violent homes—
we can do something about it,” she said
of her duties. “Each and every one of us
has an obligation to ourselves first, and to
our family and loved ones, to have a safe a
healthy home.”
This past April, the first Victims Awareness
Walk brought attention to the work in
eliminating violence in our communities.
The Prevention of Family Violence
program is part of the Kainai Wellness
Centre whose mandate is to achieve
and maintain the best possible level of
physical, mental, emotional and spiritual
health for all members of the Blood Tribe.
Long Time Squirrel says they are looking
forward to the annual conference which
brings together many organizations and
professionals who bring forth information
geared toward helping people overcome
issues which contribute to violence.
“The Prevention of Family Violence is
coming up, and you’re all welcome to
attend,” Long Time Squirrel told the people
who participated in the walk. “We do a lot
of activities and look forward to seeing you
all there.”
Roger Hunt, Kainai Wellness Centre
addictions worker, spoke to the people
in attendance of the importance of living
positive lifestyles. “What you do at home
is what you teach your children, your loved
ones,” said Hunt in speaking with the
group. “We can teach our loved ones how
to drink, do drugs. Is that what we want
for our children? I have a grandchild who
knows how to smudge, how to pray. That’s
what we should be teaching our children.”
Other speakers included Shauna Day
Rider, Blood Tribe Youth Ranch, Merle
Spear Chief, Kainai Wellness Centre, elder
Roger Prairie Chicken, crisis coordinator,
Wellness Centre, Verona Tailfeathers,
Brighter Futures coordinator, and Kevin
Mountain Horse.
Each of the participants were fed a
traditional meal at the conclusion of the
walk.
Roger Hunt.
PIIKANI NATION CELEBRATES ANNUAL POWWOW
AS NEW ARBOR TAKES CENTER STAGE THIS YEAR
The Piikani Nation powwow celebrations
was a huge hit as people enjoyed
themselves in the new arbor constructed
just months before their annual festivities.
With the heat hovering in the mid-30’s, the
dancers shared their dancing styles with
the drumbeat of the talented singers who
came from far-and-wide to join in on the
entertainment.
This year, the beautiful young princesses
were named as Jasmine Crow Chief was
crowned the Sr. Princess. Pretty Maddison
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Little Moustache-Scott was named the Jr.
Princess and young Erin Little Leaf-Smith
is the Little Miss Piikani Nation as they
look forward to representing their proud
First Nation throughout the year.
FEATURE
TSINIKSSINI August 2012
NEIGHBOURS SHARING A VISION POWWOW
PROVING TO BE POPULAR AMONG GUESTS
Evening Grand Entry.
Blood elder Arnold Mountain Horse.
The drummers provided beautiful songs for the dancers and guests.
The annual Neighbours Sharing A Vision powwow on August 4-5, 2012, in Cardston, AB., featured many well-known dancers and
drummers who supported the intent of the powwow celebrations. Cardston Mayor Rick Schow and Blood Tribe Chief Charles Weasel
Head welcomed the guests and visitors to the spectacular event.
A colorful grand entry lead by respected powwow individuals, royalty and the various distinguished guests brought in the flags
representing both Canada and the United States into the dancing arena. Respected elders were among the dignitaries and followed by
the dancers of each category. As the dancing filled the arbor, the drum group rotation began by singing the beautiful songs that echo
throughout North America during the powwow season.
The Cardston--Blood Tribe powwow is quickly attracting dancers who share their talent and skills with the people in attendance.
Young dancers enjoying their favorite summer
pastime.
Cardston Mayor Rick Schow with Blood elders.
Proud Blackfoot women sharing their grace and colorful regalia.
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Story by Tom Russell
TSINIKSSINI August 2012
FEATURE
THE NATIONAL PARK SHOWCASES
BLACKFOOT ARTS AND HERITAGE
The dancers enjoyed dancing in the mountains during the powwow.
Against a beautiful Majestic Mountain
backdrop, visitors from all parts of the
world had the opportunity of experiencing
Blackfoot culture in Waterton Lakes
National Park. The Blackfoot Arts &
Heritage Festival from August 6-8, 2012,
provided spectators with Native dancing
and singing in both a traditional and
contemporary setting.
The three-day multidisciplinary arts
festival included a visual arts exhibit with
an opening reception on the first day, an
exhibition powwow and contemporary
music performances on the second day,
and an arts workshop by artist Kerry Scott
was presented on the final day. Aboriginal
performers and artists included Valerie
Good Rider, Debbie Kelman, David John
Dragon Fly, the Blackfoot Ambassadors,
Lance Tailfeathers, Sherry Goodstriker,
Curtis Black Rabbit and Alfred Young
Man.
Organizer Mary Ann Crow-Healy,
executive director for the Blackfoot
Canadian Cultural Society (BCCS), was
pleased with this year’s festival. “This
is the second year that the BCCS has cohosted the event. Last year was a pilot
project to see how the festival would turn
out, and based on the success from last
year, we knew we would have another
positive turn out.”
The highlight of this year’s festival was
a Blackfoot naming ceremony for the
park’s Product Development Officer
Christy Gustavison, who was bestowed
with a traditional Indian name piitaipo’taki
(Flying Eagle Woman). Ms. Gustavison
was very instrumental in assisting with
the festival since its beginning along
with Visitor Experience Manager, Locke
Marshall.
Visitors were also treated to the spectacular
display of Native regalia, the various
powwow dance styles, and of course, the
famous Blackfoot taco. Waterton Lakes
National Park attracts over 450,000 visitors
each year and has always wanted an
Aboriginal presence as a part of the park’s
attraction. Some of the visitors attending
this year’s festival came from as far as
Germany, Great Britain and Australia. The
BCCS wishes to thank its sponsors Parks
Canada, Alberta Foundation of the Arts
and the Department of Canadian Heritage,
Canada, for making the event possible.
Inter-tribal participants sharing their talents.
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Blood elders Wayne & Diane Plume.
Beautiful dancers in Waterton.
The young enjoyed themselves performing.
Story by Tom Russell
REPORT
TSINIKSSINI August 2012
LAND MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT – PUBLIC NOTICES
Blood Reserve Land Occupants are
encouraged and responsible for notifying
the BTLM office of address changes, to
ensure you receive any communications
regarding land you occupy. Please contact
the BTLM Receptionist at 403-737-8151
to provide your new contact information.
3. Agriculture Services
- Straw (Stubble) Baling
Every year, the Land Management
Department receives numerous requests
from Blood Reserve Land Occupants
regarding baling of straw (stubble). Due
to problems that have occurred in the past,
the Department will be recommending the
following guidelines on baling of straw for
the 2012 and future years:
1. Office Administration
- Department Donation Requests:
This is to inform that the budgeted amount
for donations from the Blood Tribe
Land Management Department has been
depleted. Effective August 1, 2012, there
will be no further donations issued. Also,
the B.T.L.M. Department will not be
responsible for the inclusion of B.T.L.M.
staff in any fund-raising activities such as
“jail-n-bail”.
2. Agriculture Services
- Request for Memorandum of
Understanding/Permit Renewals for
Dryland Crop Production:
This notice applies to those registered
Blood Reserve Land Occupants renting
acres for dryland crop production to nonBlood Tribe farmers. Blood Reserve
Land Occupants with a Tri-Annual, BiAnnual and Monthly Payment Schedule
are required to renew their 2013 – 2016
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
no later than October 15, 2012. Please
schedule an appointment at the BTLM
Office with staff to renew your MOU’s
and discuss any issues relevant to your
crop production agreement, such as
Permittee (farmer) changes, crop changes,
fencing, etc. Effective April 1, 2013,
there will be an increase in cash rent of
$5.00/acre, which will increase the rent on
dryland crop production lands to $50.00/
acre, up from $45.00/acre.
1)In the sustainable interest of Blood
Reserve land, it is not recommended
that straw be baled every year, as this
depletes organic matter and nutrients from
replenishing the soil.
2)Therefore, the Land Management
Department is recommending that straw
be baled once every three (3) years,
regardless of crop type (cereal or oilseed).
3)If Canola has been planted and
harvested, there will be no straw baling
for 2 years, as soil nutrients must be
replenished and soil erosion is minimized.
4)Due to problems in the past with
individuals and agencies other than the
Permittee (Farmer), that have requested
to bale straw, it is recommended that the
existing Permittee be given first right of
refusal on baling of straw (as long as the
Permittee agrees to bale and pays fair
market value). Land Occupants should
contact their Permittee (Farmer) to discuss
baling of straw ASAP.
4.Agriculture Services
– No Straw Baling on Lands Included in
Fire of November 27, 2011.
The Land Management Department is
recommending that no baling of straw
will take place for the 2012 and 2013 crop
year on lands included in the November
27, 2011 Fire that burned the Northeast
part of the Blood Reserve. This is due
to potential soil erosion concerns and
prevention.
These lands include Sections 13-36 –
Township 8 – Range 23 – W4M and
Sections 17-19 – Township 8 – Range 22
– W4M.
5.Environmental Protection
- Weed Control
Land Management Operational Weed
Control resources are limited. Therefore,
the Land Management Department is
unable to accommodate weed control
requests from Tribal Departments, Entities
and homeowners, including those with
farmyards. Information Packages are
available at the BTLM Department office
which includes weed identification and
control.
6.Accounts
October Cash Rental Schedule
October Cash Rental cheques will be
disbursed at the Old Saipoyi Gym on
October 1, 2012.
5)The following are current rates for
straw bales from the Alberta Agriculture
Website:
a)Round Bales: Range of weight is from
800 – 1000 lbs; $16 - $20.00 per round
bale.
b)Big Square Bales: Range of weight
approximately 1000 lbs; $20.00 per square
bale.
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Please contact the Blood Tribe Land
Management Department at
403-737-8151,
if you have any inquiries or concerns.
Thank you.
NOTICES AND UPCOMING EVENTS
SEPTEMBER 2012