frustration and concern

TSINIKSSINI January 2015
JANUARY 2015
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 the Blood
Tribe Chief & Council and the people of the
Blood Tribe for your support.
Rick Tailfeathers: Communications
Director
Tom Russell: Communications
Writer
Myron Fox: Layout
Graphic Design
Sarah Sweet Grass
Photos/Stories
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
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First Nations Education
Community Rally Against Substance Abuse
Community Rally Against Substance Abuse
Kainai 2014 Year In Review
Kainai 2014 Year In Review
Cypress Group/Blood Tribe Police Donate
Blood Tribe Child Protection
Kainai Community Corrections Society
Blood Tribe Elders Dinner
Marie Small Face- Marule
Floyd Manyfingers
Piikani Chief and Council Swearing in
Piikani Chief and Council Swearing in
Theory Of Aboriginal Title
Theory Of Aboriginal Title
Bull O Rama
Blood Tribe Police Media Release
Upcoming Events
Concerned tribal members marched through the community of
Moses Lake to bring awareness to alcohol and drug issues.
Front page photo: Myron Fox
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TSINIKSSINI January 2015
CANADA LOOKING TO STRIKE REGIONAL AGREEMENTS ON
FIRST NATIONS CONTROL OF FIRST NATIONS EDUCATION
Edmonton, January 13, 2015 -
Alberta First Nations Education Leaders
met with Canada’s regional Aboriginal
Affairs Ministry this month to discuss
moving forward on First Nations Control
of First Nations Education.
Representatives from Treaty No. 6, Treaty
No. 7 and Treaty No. 8 (Alberta) met with
AANDC Regional Director Jim Sisson
who says Canada is interested in proposals
from Alberta on a regional approach to
First Nations Education. “There is no
appetite for legislation of First Nation’s
Education and statutory funding at this
time until after elections, however,
Minister Valcourt has said he will work
with willing partners to move toward
regional agreements based on some of the
principles laid out in the legislation. There
is an opportunity here.”
The federal Conservative government
introduced contentious legislation in
Kainai last April (the First Nations
Control of First Nations Education Act),
however Chiefs representing the majority
of First Nations from across the country
vehemently opposed it at a Special
Chiefs Assembly. Soon after the surprise
resignation last May of AFN National
Chief, Shawn Atleo - following the Act’s
second reading vote - the legislation was
put on hold. Chiefs in Assembly last
summer said it was a paternalistic effort
on the part of the government to retain
its ability to intervene in on-reserve
education, while downloading liability
onto the backs of the First Nations.
Since then, AANDC Minister Bernard
Valcourt announced he is looking to
strike local education deals with First
Nations. The federal government is
holding discussions with First Nations to
strike agreements for their communities,
saying he hasn’t given up on his plan to
introduce standards and better education
for First Nations children. “(We) will not
let the politics of the First Nations at the
national level deter us from working with
the First Nations at the community level to
improve education outcomes.” Currently,
the federal government is in talks with
Manitoba First Nations on an education
agreement.
Throughout the legislative debate,
Alberta First Nations have been working
on a proposal based on work already
demonstrated by the Memorandum
of Understanding for First Nations
Education. A regional approach has
since been developed on a treaty-based
approach that promotes a federal funding
formula while putting First Nations in a
position to run their own schools that meet
or beat provincial standards.
As Chiefs and Councils hold the treaty
right, under the draft proposal, First
Nations will have the authority to institute
its own authorities while upholding the
treaty right to education. Some of the
points being considered are: Stand alone
education act(s); amendment to the Indian
Act (sec.114-122) to include Chief and
council - and a statutory funding formula;
treaty approach - nation to nation. Once
statutory funding is in place, chief and
council could establish treaty boards of
education to provide education services.
First Nations representatives at the
January 13 meeting with AANDC agreed
that a regional approach is the way to
go. The proposal will be presented to
Alberta Chiefs at the upcoming Assembly
of Treaty Chiefs in February. While
promoting a funding model only, the
proposal will address the 5 points passed
by resolution at the December 2013 AFN
Assembly: respect/recognition of treaty,
inherent title and rights and First Nations
control of education; statutory funding;
language and culture; accountability
(reciprocal, not unilateral federal
oversight/authority); and co-development:
meaningful dialogue and development of
options by First Nations and Canada on a
framework.
Treaty 7 Education Director Sheena
Jackson says, “Under the Indian Act, the
education authority is already recognized,
but circumvents Chiefs and Council.
Education authorities do not have the
power to argue treaty rights. Only Chiefs
3
do hold the collective right based on
the peoples mandate and the Chiefs
have decided on a treaty approach to
education.”
Jackson says, “The treaty approach was
validated and forms the basis of the
Alberta proposal and sets out clear lines
of authority. I think the way forward
embraces First Nations control of First
Nations education founded on our rights,
jurisdiction and treaties; along with
secure, sustainable and fair funding that
supports student success and strengthens
our language and cultures.”
Valcourt’s department has been in
discussion with some First Nations about
agreeing to introduce standards and
receive federal funding in return. “When
I look at the reality of First Nations in
the country, they are so diverse from
all corners of Canada, that I think the
way forward is to work locally with the
communities, the willing partners who
are ready to take the steps to improve
the outcomes of education on reserve.
“We have tools in place where we can,
I think, move forward in a positive way
and achieve reform without imposing, or
without having, a national solution.”
Valcourt said, “It’s not a matter of
conquering and dividing. “It’s a matter
of addressing a real need. If those
socio-economic indicator gaps that
we know exist between aboriginal and
non-aboriginals are going to be reduced
or eliminated, it’s going to go through
education. It’s fundamental. To me, you
don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure
it out.”
Jackson says the Alberta proposal
requested by Minister Valcourt last
summer speaks to funding and First
Nations governance. “The MOU can help
set a framework to help guide individual
nations in developing and establishing
their own authorities. We have to stick
together and move forward for our
individual autonomy and treaty right to
education.”
Submitted by Brent Scout
TSINIKSSINI January 2015
MANY TRIBAL MEMBERS BRINGING OUT THEIR CONCERNS
TO COMMUNITIES IN RALLYING AGAINST SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Concerned tribal members walked through Moses Lake during awareness rally.
A strong slogan against drugs.
A growing number of tribal members are
showing their frustration and concern
regarding the substance abuse and selling of
illegal and prescription drugs on the Blood
reserve, and are taking it one step further
in support of rallies in ending this cycle.
On Monday, January 19, 2015, nearly one
hundred members staged a rally in the
community of Moses Lake to voice their
opinions in creating awareness that drug
and alcohol abuse will not be tolerated.
As the group marched through Moses Lake,
shouts of ‘We are mad, we are hurt, we
are fed up,’ echoed loudly throughout the
street. Once the group reached the Moses
Lake Hall, the media was then invited to
meet with the official spokesperson for the
group after the presentations.
Listening to speakers in the Moses Lake gymnasium.
On Tuesday, January 20th, another group
rallied through the Stand Off townsite as
their way of letting those involved in illegal
drug and alcohol activities that this will not
be tolerated, and on Wednesday, January
21, another rally in the City of Lethbridge
brought more people out to voice their
concerns at this epidemic.
With such a growing concern in bringing
an end to illegal drugs, a community
forum occurred at the Kainai Multipurpose
building on Thursday, January 22, where
a number of professionals and community
members had the opportunity to talk about
The voice of the youth is getting stronger in speaking out against illicit drugs.
4
TSINIKSSINI January 2015
possible alternatives available in ridding
the communities of illegal and prescription
drug and alcohol abuse.
Booths such as this offer information regarding the dangers of drug abuse.
Dr. Esther Tailfeathers, one of the
presenters at the gathering, spoke of the
deadly toxicity of the illegal drug Oxy 80.
“It’s a drug called fentanyl; it stops your
breathing,” she explained. “If we were to
put this on a scale, Tylenol 3 is a low-grade
narcotic, codeine, morphine, then percocets
or oxycodone, prescribed oxycontin, but
fentanyl is way up there in its potency. 10
miligrams will put out all the pain you have,
100 milligrams will put you to sleep, so, in
measuring the potency, the people taking
oxy 80s, it’s a street drug, where people are
putting anything in these drugs and people
are overdosing. It’s like playing Russian
roulette everyday with their lives, because
they don’t know what they are taking. Our
people are dying.”
During the gathering, several community
members shared their personal experiences
of drug abuse and their observations of
how it has affected our communities. Other
presenters included Sgt. Jim Bennett,
Blood Tribe Police, Chancy Blackwater,
Crime Prevention coordinator, Piikani
entertainer Trevor ‘Kitokii’ Prairie Chicken
and Dr. Cheryl Curry. Both Lance Scout (
Kainai Wellness Centre), and Darcy Vielle
set up booths.
Pam Little Bear interview with Chris Stewart of APTN.
Entertainers Adrianna Weasel Head
and Armond Duck Chief entertained
the audience which included elders,
community members, students and young
children.
Elder Dale Low Horn blessed the people
with a prayer and Travis Plaited Hair was
the emcee. The people were fed a meal
that was supplied by Chief & Coucil at the
conclusion of the meeting.
Dr. Esther Tailfeathers shares the dangers and effects drug abuse has within our communities.
5
“It’s like playing Russian
roulette everyday with
their lives, because they
don’t know what they
are taking. Our people
are dying.” - Dr. Esther
Tailfeathers
Story by Tom Russell
TSINIKSSINI January 2015
These are a few of the stories that occurred
on the Kainai Nation in 2014. We look
forward to another year of providing news,
information and the positive activities of
our people.
JANUARY
officially open to the public after its grand
opening on February 14, 2014. A large
number of people, many of them first
time visitors to the facility, shared in the
excitement as the Blood Tribe Recreation
department hosted the ribbon cutting
ceremonies.
ABORIGINAL YOUTH
ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM
LAUNCHED ON BLOOD RESERVE
It was a historic occasion, the launching
of the Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurial
Program at the Kainai High School on
the Blood reserve, a partnership that
seems promising…the attendance of high
ranking officials, Scotiabank President and
CEO Brian Porter, Chief Charles Weasel
Head, Canada’s 21st Prime Minister and
the Founder of the Martin Aboriginal
Education initiative.
MARCH
BLOOD TRIBE COUNCIL HOSTED
PUBLIC MEETING WITH
REGARD TO TRIBAL LAND USE &
OCCUPANCY
The Blood Tribe Chief & Council hosted
a public meeting to address concerns
regarding Blood reserve Land Use &
Occupancy on Monday, January 20, 2014,
at the Kanai High School gymnasium.
With approximately 300 tribal members
in attendance, elder Martin Eagle Child
opened the meeting with a prayer and
encouraged the Chief & Council and Lands
department employees to hear what the
people had to say concerning land issues.
TRIBAL MEMBERS GIVEN
OPPORTUNITY TO TASTE
TRADITIONAL BUFFALO MEAT
It was a day to reflect on our history as
many people were given the opportunity
to taste what sustained our ancestors for
thousands of years—buffalo meat. Parks
Canada, which has a herd of bison at the
Waterton Lakes National Park, offered
to give six bison to the Blood Tribe for
ceremonial and consumption purposes.
FEBRUARY
BLOOD TRIBE’S BTEST AND
FORT MCKAY FIRST NATION
RECOGNIZED FOR UNIQUE
EMPLOYMENT PARTNERSHIP
The Blood Tribe Employment & Skills
Training and the Fort McKay First Nations
were recently recognized by the Alberta
Chamber of Resources at the 2014 annual
awards banquet in Edmonton, AB., on
February 7, for their joint effort and
unique partnership in creating employment
opportunities.
MULTIPURPOSE GRAND OPENING
OPENS ITS DOORS AS COMMUNITY
WELCOMES BRAND NEW FACILITY
The Kainai Multipurpose Centre is now
THE TRUTH & RECONCILIATION
COMMISSION HOSTS 7TH AND
FINAL NATIONAL EVENT IN
EDMONTON
The 7th and final Truth & Reconcilliation
Commission National event from March
27-30, 2014, which was hosted by Alberta
in Edmonton, was attended by thousands
of people from across Canada who had the
opportunity to share their experiences and
to seek the strength to move forward.
APRIL
OPOKAA’SIN RECEIVES $125,000
CHEQUE FROM THE ALBERTA
LOTTERY COMMUNITY FACILITY
ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
Oopokaa’sin Early Intervention Society
received $125,000 on April 30, 2014, in its
grant application from Alberta Lottery Fund
toward renovations at its new location, 241
Stafford Drive North.
TRIBAL STUDENTS ATTENDING
LETHBRIDGE COLLEGE
CELEBRATE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
WITH HONOR NIGHT
The students attending the Lethbridge
College celebrated their achievements with
an honor night at the Coast Hotel on April
25, 2014. Each of the 81 students received
an eagle feather at the convocation
and certificates in recognition of their
dedication in accomplishing their goals.
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MAY
SAIPOYI
COMMUNITY SCHOOL
CELEBRATES ITS GRAND OPENING
WITH TRIBE AND DIGNITARIES
It was a day of excitement for the
administration and staff of the Saipoyi
Community School as they hosted a grand
opening on Monday, May 5, 2014, for the
much anticipated expansion of classroom
space with the addition of a computer lab
and much needed lockers for students.
KAINAI BOARD OF EDUCATION
OBSERVE 25 YEARS PREPARING
STUDENTS TOWARD CAREER
CHOICES
The Kainai Board of Education
commemorated their 25th year anniversary
on May 9, 2014, at the Kainai High School
gymnasium which began with an array of
speakers and concluded with a traditional
powwow.
JUNE
BLOODS DECLARE STATE OF
EMERGENCY AS A MAJOR
RAINFALL CAUSES FLOODING
It was a particularly menacing report that
came from Environment Canada on June
16, 2014; a heavy rainfall warning for
Southern Alberta with a predicted rainfall
of 100 mm – 120 mm possible overnight.
With calculated accuracy, the rain came
late that night and continued for three days,
often pouring like buckets of water falling
from the sky.
BLOOD TRIBE CELEBRATES KAINAI
DAY TO HONOR OUR OWN PLACE IN
HISTORY
The Blood Tribe Community Development
and its committee hosted the first ever
Kainai Day celebrations near the old
Saipoyi School on June 20, 2014. The
first annual festivity replaces the National
Aboriginal Day event as Community
Development Coordinator Charlie Fox said
this is more toward celebrating this day on
our own terms.
TSINIKSSINI January 2015
JULY
LIBERAL ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS
CRITIC LENDS AN EAR TO BLOOD
TRIBE MEMBERS
Liberal Aboriginal Affairs Critic Carolyn
Bennett had some harsh criticism of the
Conservative government in dealing
with Aboriginal issues and specifically
with Treaty issues at a town hall meeting
in Lethbridge at the Sik-Ooh-Kotoki
Friendship Centre, July 3, 2014, co-hosted
by the Liberal Party’s Aboriginal Peoples
Commission and Bennett.
AITSIPOYIIKS MEET ON
BLACKFEET TERRITORY IN
WORKING TOWARD KEEPING
LANGUAGE ALIVE
The Aitsipoyiiks Committee met in
Browning, Mt., to continue their efforts
in working toward keeping the Blackfoot
language and our culture strong. A number
of committee members presented their
ideas and efforts toward the sharing of
teachings dedicated to instilling one of
our most precious assets in ensuring the
Blackfoot language remains integral and
intact.
AUGUST
BLOOD
TRIBE
POLICE
COMMISSION’S CHAIR ELECTED TO
PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL BOARD
Tammy White Quills-Knife, BTPC
Chair was recently nominated and voted
onto a very prestigious national board,
the Canadian Association of Police
Governance. In the 25 years of existence,
the CAPG has never had First Nation
representation on their board and welcome
her into their fold.
SIK-OOH-KOTOKI FRIENDSHIP
CENTRE REACH OUT TO THE
YOUTH DURING SUICIDE
PREVENTATION DAY
A number of youth residing in southern
Alberta recently attended an awareness
session on August 27, 2014, on a topic
many feel reluctant to talk about—suicide.
SEPTEMBER
CALGARY MAYOR RECEIVES
BLACKFOOT NAME
In traditional Blackfoot culture, the naming
of a person is a significant event in that
person’s life, and the name bestowed
on that person from a Blackfoot elder is
considered a blessing. Calgary Mayor
Naheed Nenshi was honored by the Treaty
7 First Nations…Blood elder Dr. Pete
Standing Alone performed the ceremony…
& 13. It brought together a large group of
participants, educators and tribal leaders,
who came to share their common concerns
regarding education on their respective
reserves. The conference gave participants
the opportunity to discuss new initiatives,
or old concerns that plague most Native
communities. It was a time for information
gathering and sharing.
YOUNG MEDICINE BRINGS HOME
APTN MUSIC AWARD
Prominent entertainment group, ‘Young
Medicine’ has been around for nearly
a decade and has been spreading their
message of self-awareness and success to
aboriginal youth across the country with
positive results. The members of the duo
are Jamie Medicine Crane and Curt Young.
BRUISED HEAD BRINGS HOME
WORLD TITLE IN WINNING THE
INFR ALL-AROUND AWARD
For the second time in two years a young
Blood cowboy has brought home a world
championship. The lanky, wild spurring
Cam Bruised Head performed well-enough
in both the bull riding and bareback events
to claim the prestigious title as the AllAround champion at the Indian National
Finals Rodeo on November 7-11, 2014, in
Las Vegas, Nevada.
OCTOBER
DECEMBER
ELEVEN TRIBES SIGN A HISTORIC
AGREEMENT IN BRINGING FREE
RANGE BUFFALO BACK HOME
It was a time of immense pride in
the celebration of a historic event on
September 23, 2014, signifying a collective
intention between the northern plains tribes
and including the Salish, Pen d’ Orielle
and Kootenia to recognize the buffalo as
a free ranging animal on both sides of the
Canadian and United States border.
BLACKFOOT CONFEDERACY
TRIBES MEET IN PIIKANI TO SHARE
TRADITIONAL AND CURRENT
INFORMATION
The four tribes gathered on the territory
of the Piikani on September 29, 30 and
October 1, 2014, as members from each
First Nation met to discuss issues and to
share current and historical information
at the annual Blackfoot Confederacy
conference.
NOVEMBER
Treaty 7 Education Conference 2014
“Knowing Where We’re Going by Learning
Where We’ve Been”
The Treaty 7 Education Conference 2014 at
Grey Eagle Casino & Resort was hosted by
Pikanni Nation, in Calgary November 12
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AITSIPOYIIK’S CONFERENCE
SHARING KEY ISSUES IN SEEKING
METHODS OF PROMOTING
LANGUAGE
The Aitsi’poyiik’s Language Symposium
lll in Lethbridge, AB., on December 1-2,
2014, had a number of Blackfoot speaking
guests and administrators who stressed the
importance of keeping our language alive.
BLACKFEET CONFEDERACY
SHOW ITS CHRISTMAS SPIRIT IN
DELIVERING TOYS FOR TOTS TO
BLOOD TRIBE PEOPLE
The newly revived Blackfeet Country
Chamber of Commerce teamed up with
Blackfeet Community College and local
Veterans working with Toys for Tots to
bring Christmas cheer to one and all.
TSINIKSSINI January 2015
Also, with Heather Tailfeathers’ generous
donation, we had a total $257 to purchase
Christmas Hampers for five families. The
staff went to Hansen’s Family Foods to
purchase our Hamper’s and with Hansen’s
Family Food’s $43 contribution, our Five
Christmas Hampers consisted of: Turkey,
Potatoes, Stuffing, Cranberries, Apple Pies,
Buns, Candy Canes, Bag of Frozen Corn,
Gravy Mix and Bag of Chips.
The Christmas Hampers were delivered to
five families on the afternoon of December
23, 2014.
Members of the Child Protection Services with Christmas Hampers.
The CYPRESS Group donated a Tablet to Blood Tribe Child Protection Services
Corporation and the Corporation raffled off tickets only to BTCPS where $207 was
fundraised. A draw was made at our Staff Christmas Dinner on December 17, 2014, and
Natalie Rabbit-Shade was the lucky winner of the Tablet.
Story by Tom Russell
BLOOD TRIBE POLICE CONTINUE EFFORTS
IN HELPING OUT THOSE LESS FORTUNATE
Roper attended the Moses Lake Shelter,
along with Suzanne Stepan and others
from the Cardston Wards, and donated 25
bags of clothing. These items included
toques, gloves and jackets. Also brought
were baked goods, which were distributed
among those at the shelter who were in
attendance for a Jamboree in which Jim
Door was playing guitar. Also in attendance
was Bruce Iron Shirt. Many of the youth
that came from the Wards were music
students of Ms. Stepan and they brought an
electric piano and played Christmas music.
All the donations received were distributed
to the Blood Tribe Women’s Shelter in
Moses Lake, the Moses Lake homeless
shelter, the Kainai Food Bank, and the
Blood Tribe Police cell bay.
Volunteers help serve food.
Over the last few months, members of the
community, and members of the Blood
Tribe Police Service have been gathering
donations to assist community members in
need. Constable Drew Kanyo and family
gathered 40 large bags of items ranging
from jackets, coats, gloves, shirts, pants
and socks. The various items are for men,
women, youth , children and babies. These
Many children offer their support.
donations came from his family and from
the Raymond 1st Ward of the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
I wish to thank all those who have donated
this winter season. We are more than happy
to receive any donations such as food,
warm clothing and children’s items.
Martin Eagle Child of the Blood Reserve
donated approximately 10 large bags of
shoes, winter coats and clothing.
On November 30, 2014, Sr. Constable Don
8
Submitted by Sergeant J.D. (Jim) Bennett, Blood Tribe Police
TSINIKSSINI January 2015
CHILD YOUTH & FAMILY ENHANCEMENT ACT OUTLINE
SEVERAL REASONS CHILDREN MAY BE APPREHENDED
--Warning to adults/caregivers/guardians who subject their children to
harmful dangers of injury and drug abuses--
Child Youth & Family Enhancement Act has authority to apprehend if children are in harmful living conditions.
In light of recent deaths regarding Oxy 80’s
and/or alcohol and drug abuse, this will
serve as a reminder that the Blood Tribe
Child Protection is an authority governed
by the Child Youth & Family Enhancement
Act. This act outlines several reasons that
children may be apprehended according to
the Interpretation for example:
Interpretation (3) (a) a child is emotionally
injured (ii) if there is reasonable and
probable grounds to believe that the
emotional injury is a result of: (F) chronic
alcohol or drug abuse by the guardian or by
anyone living in the same residence as the
child (see attached file).
Please be advised that Kainaiwa Children’s
Services Prevention and Support (403727-2900) department promotes families
staying together in a healthy environment
by facilitating voluntary parenting
programs and a wide variety of prevention
and support programs. We understand that
family members and BTA departments
may have concerns regarding Blood Tribe
Families with whom we interact with on a
daily basis that have cause for concern in
alcohol or drug abuse. There are 2 options
to consider when calling your concerns
to KCSC with one being that you call the
Prevention and Support department to
speak to an intake worker to voice your
concern and our staff may determine if a
home visit is required to the particular
family and determine which other BTA
departments may need to be involved and/
or which supports to put in place to keep
the family healthy. This option is a less
intrusive approach with minimal disruption
to the family unit in the event that the
family is willing to accept the supports and
follow through.
Another option would be to call BT Child
Protection Unit (403-737-3437) and speak
to the intake worker to help determine if
the child(ren) are in need of intervention
services such as the section quoted above.
Your name will be kept confidential and
the family will not be given your name
if an investigation takes place. Details of
this investigation and/or consequences (ie
apprehension) cannot be released to you
(the caller) and may take time to complete.
This option is formal and may involve
court appearances for the caregivers, which
is a more intrusive approach, however
the safety and wellbeing of the child is of
concern first and foremost.
issues and get back together again. They do
not realize the long-term issues they face
with their actions.
KCSC believes that the Blood Tribe has
several professional helping services to
access and place in support for our family/
clients to remain together and that we
should avoid apprehending children if
possible. However the family/clients also
have to understand that they need to be
willing to accept the assistance as well or
their family unit may be jeopardized.
Thank you for your time and should you
require additional information or clarity
regarding this subject, please call an intake
worker at 403-737-3437 or 403-737-2900.
Please understand that once you call
the BTCPS and if an investigation is
warranted the caregivers name will be
kept on file indefinitely and may hinder
some employment options in the future. In
the past we have had spouses call on one
another during the heat of a dispute with
false accusations, only to resolve their
9
Submitted by Kainaiwa Childrens Services
TSINIKSSINI January 2015
FORMER KAINAI COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS FACILITY
AWAITING PLANS IN DETERMINING ROLE FOR CENTRE
Plans to utilize the former Kainai Correctional Centre are underway in promoting a new role for the facility.
In 1989, the Blood Tribe, in concert with
Alberta Solicitor General, created the 1st
provincial on-reserve minimum-security
facility. The facility ran successfully and
delivered Alberta Corrections Policies and
Standards along with a culturally sensitive
approach for Aboriginal male offenders.
Unfortunately, minimum-security programs
were eventually phased out by Alberta and
in 2012, Kainai Correctional Centre was
the last facility to be decommissioned. It
held status from 2012 – March 2014 as a
Temporary Absence facility at which time
funding from the province ceased. Alberta
Solicitor General’s department, Alberta
Aboriginal Relations department along
with the Blood Tribe have since invested
funding to determine a possible new role
for the Centre.
Mr. Rick Soop of the Blood Tribe and Kainai
Corrections Executive Director since 1989,
was given direction in September 2013
to develop the new model in association
with Consultants’ input and support from
the Blood Tribe Chief & Council, Blood
Tribe Support Agencies and the Kainai
Corrections Board of Directors. This
process is now complete.
Highlights of the New Model
The program is designed to assist multi-
barrier individuals in becoming more
positive, self-reliant and contributing
members of society. This process will
be achieved by creating a supportive
environment whereby individuals can
develop balanced, healthy lifestyle
approaches and employable job skills
through a client-centered, community
driven approach utilizing all available
supports including cultural and spiritual
programming.
The program is designed to be clientfocused and responsive to individual
client needs. Through the involvement
of a number of disciplinary approaches
an intervention care model has been
developed to determine an entry point for
potential candidates either involving day
programming or residential care.
Potential candidates may come from
various spectrums including: Correctional
Services,
Mental
Health/Wellness
programs, Income Support clients, Post
Alcohol and Drug Treatment candidates,
Alternative Justice Program referrals,
Police referrals, Education and Training
programs, other Support agencies, as well
as possible corporate referrals.
A gap has been identified whereby a large
number of Blood Tribe members are not
10
properly utilizing services that can assist
them in becoming more productive and
self-reliant. These individuals may be
under educated or untrained, may have
addictions issues, unemployed, receiving
social assistance, mental health issues,
have had some involvement with the
criminal justice and family court system,
may have low self-esteem partly due to
abuses including residential school trauma,
domestic/family abuse, have housing
and shelter difficulties and other social/
economic issues. They usually do not have
the support systems in place to help them
out of their circumstances. As a result they
become disengaged and reluctant to seek
support, which will positively impact their
ability to help themselves.
The program will address issues such as
unemployment, under employment, lack
of access to opportunity, problem solving
skills, alcohol and drug abuse, low literacy,
negative attitudes, values or beliefs in
addition to many other factors identified in
the proposal.
In addition to an intervention care-model,
the Job Corp philosophy and approaches
will be emphasized in assisting individuals
in finding employment.
Submitted by Rick Soop
TSINIKSSINI January 2015
BLOOD TRIBE ELDER’S DINNER WELL ATTENDED
AS THEY CELEBRATED NEW YEAR WITH FRIENDS
Many elders enjoyed themselves with a good meal.
Blood member Ed Fox.
On January 16th, 2015 at the Lethbridge
Lodge, Blood Tribe Administration hosted
the annual Elder’s Dinner.
Approximately 147 Elders from Kainai
were in attendance, with 250 Blood Tribe
members in attendance altogether.
Master of Ceremonies Clayton Blood
hosted the Elder’s Dinner. Chief Charles
Weasel Head, as well as Blood Tribe
Councillors Mike Bruised Head, Frankie
Black Plume, Myron Eagle Speaker,
Nolan Little Bear, Dexter Bruised Head
and Lance Tailfeathers were in attendance.
The Lodge provided a great meal,
entertainment was provided by Napi
(Santa), drumming by Old Agency. Each
elder received a gift.
The event was considered a success and it
was great to see many of the tribe’s Elders
in attendance. We look forward to next
year’s elder’s dinner.
The Blood Tribe Administration
Management and Staff who all contributed
to this wonderful evening wish all of the
elders a Happy New Year.
Respected elder May Weasel Fat.
Safe in Grandmother’s arms.
Napi performing a hoop dance.
Blood Councilor Frank Black Plume.
11
Story and photos by Sarah Sweet Grass
TSINIKSSINI april/may 2014
Marie Smallface-Marule, prominent educator and advocate for indigenous rights.
--Marie Smallface-Marule--
The Blood Tribe community is mourning
the loss of Marie Smallface-Marule on
December 31, 2014. Former president of
Red Crow College, she died at the age of
70 on New Year’s Eve, leaving a legacy as
an educator and advocate for Aboriginal
rights around the world.
Marule was born and raised on the Blood
reserve and attended nearby Cardston
school where she graduated with high
academic standing. She left home to earn a
post-secondary education at the University
of Alberta, earning her bachelor’s degree in
sociology and anthropology in 1966. She
was the first woman from the Blood reserve
to earn a post-secondary education.
After graduating from the U of A, she spent
four years in Zambia, Africa, with CUSO
International, helping with adult literacy
and community development. Her work
in Africa sparked a fire within to fight for
human rights issues.
While in Zambia, she met the man who
would become her husband, a South
African named Jacob. Together they had
two daughters and raised a grand-niece as
their own.
Upon her return, she was the Executive
Assistant to Grand Chief George Manuel,
and was later the Executive Director
of the National Indian Brotherhood,
the forerunner of the Assembly of First
Nations. As an educator, she taught at
the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology
in Merritt, B,C., and was an Assistant
Professor at the University of Lethbridge.
While working fulltime, she also helped
create the World Council of Indigenous
Peoples (WCIP), which has brought the
concerns of indigenous peoples around the
world to international attention.
Her other activities include: acting as Chair
and Vice-Chair of the Blood Tribe Police
Commission; Chair and Member of the
Blood Tribe Elections Appeal Board; Chair
and Vice-Chair of Indian News Media;
Secretary of the Indian Association of
Alberta, and Chief Administrator of the
World Council of Indigenous Peoples.
Over the years, Ms. Smallface-Marule
has traveled extensively in Europe, Africa
12
and South America to gain respect for
indigenous voices around the world.
She is known for her work as an educator
and advocate of human rights issues for
Aboriginal peoples around the world.
She helped create the World Council of
Indigenous Peoples (WCIP) in the ’70s,
bringing concerns of Indigenous people to
the world stage. When Marule was chair
of the Indian News Media society in the
’80s, she was promoting the publishing
of communications including the Kainai
News, a well-known aboriginal newspaper
featuring cartoonist Everett Soop and
sports photographer Jim Goodstriker.
As president of Red Crow College, she
designed curriculum for Indigenous
students. In 1995, Marule received a
National Aboriginal Achievement award
(now Indspire) for her work in education.
Story by Rick Tailfeathers
TSINIKSSINI January 2015
REMEMBERING BLOOD TRIBE LEADER AND
COMMUNITY BUILDER
FLOYD MANY FINGERS
(PISSTSKIA’TA)
The Blood Tribe community lost one of
its prominent leaders, Floyd Many Fingers
(Pisstskia’ta), a lifetime Minor Chief of the
Blood reserve. He served on council for
fifteen years and continued to be politically
active up until his passing on December 28,
2014, at the age of 85.
Floyd’s father, Morris Many Fingers, was
also a member of the lifetime council and
served on the Blood Tribe Chief & Council
for many years. Their family ties are with
the Mamioyiiksi (Fish Eater Clan). Floyd
is predeceased by his late wife of 55 years,
Mrs. Marjorie (nee Goodstriker) Many
Fingers. Floyd and Marjorie raised six
children and numerous adopted children
and a host of grand- and great-grand
children.
As a successful rancher, he was a role
model for other ranchers on the south-end
of the reserve where his ranch stood out
from others because it was meticulously
cared for.
Floyd is probably best known for his
achievements in the sport of rodeo where
he competed professionally for ten years
from 1954-1964. He acquired numerous
trophies, buckles and saddles during this
era. Just to name
a few of his many
championships
he
has put under his
belt: in 1960, Floyd
Many Fingers won
the All Indian Rodeo
Association five times
in a row from 19631967 in the calf roping
event; he won the 1st
United Indian Rodeo
Association
Calf
Roping in Browning,
Montana; in 1977,
Floyd won the title of
Canadian Champion
Team Roper Header;
in 1985, he won the
Southern
Alberta
Roping and Riding Club Champion Calf
Roper of the year; in 1989, he was the
Champion Calf Roper 60 & Over Category
at Kainai Rodeo & Indian Days, and in
1997, he was the Champion Breakaway
Roper at the Canadian Senior Pro Rodeo
Association Finals.
When speaking of ropers and roping,
Floyd needed no introduction. Spending
his formative years competing in the sport
of rodeo as a calf roper, he also excelled
in the team-roping event. His contribution
to rodeo is known and appreciated by all.
His numerous championships attest to
his own personal skill and ability and his
sportsmanship and his willingness to pass
along his knowledge to others is unmatched.
His athletic potential, however, wasn’t
limited to calf roping. He also excelled
in riding racehorses and played semi-pro
hockey as a high scoring defenseman.
Floyd has also held positions as President
and as Director in the I.R.C.A. (Indian
Rodeo Cowboys Association). He was
also instrumental in forming the I.R.C.A.
and in the Canadian Senior Pro Rodeo
Association.
In 1997, the Many Fingers Ranch on
the Blood reserve hosted the Lazy B 70
Memorial Rodeo, which was sanctioned
by the IRCA. As stated by Floyd Many
Fingers, Rodeo Producer: “Welcome to
the Many Fingers Ranch for the Lazy B
13
Memorial Rodeo. On Behalf of the Lazy B
Memorial Rodeo Committee, I would like
to welcome all contestants and fans to the
rodeo. I would also like to take this time
to thank all the volunteers, organizers and
sponsors of the rodeo and we hope that
everyone is acknowledged, especially the
key people involved in setting the rodeo.
I would like to wish all contestants luck
in their respective events and I hope that
everyone will be afforded the opportunity
to display their skills to the best of their
abilities. The sport of rodeo has almost
become a part of our culture and many
Indian contestants have been recognized
for their abilities in the past. We hope that
this tradition continues for your present and
future contestants. The committee hopes
you have a pleasant stay here at the ranch
and have time to renew old friendships and
make new acquaintances. Thank you on
behalf of the Rodeo Committee.”
Submitted by Chrissy Goodstriker edited by Rick Tailfeathers
TSINIKSSINI January 2015
PIIKANI NATION HAS SWEARING-IN CEREMONY
IN RECOGNIZING NEW CHIEF AND COUNCILORS
Chief Stanley Grier poses with council members after the swearing-in ceremonies In the Piikani Community Hall.
A large number of people came out
in support to witness the swearing-in
ceremonies of the newly elected Piikani
Chief & Council on January 12, 2015, at
the Piikani Community Hall as they begin
their four-year term in serving their people.
Head, Siksika Chief Vincent Yellow Old
Woman, Blackfeet councilor Bill Old
Chief and Fort Macleod Mayor Rene
Gendre who were given the opportunity to
share a few words and to offer their support
in strengthening the ties to the Blackfoot
Confederacy and beyond.
Chief Stanley Grier, a former Chief of
Police, was chosen by his people to begin
the process of leading his First Nation into
a promising future.
“I am honored to be elected the head
chief of the Piikani Nation,” he said. “My
commitment to this campaign was to never
make any promises, but to share a vision
of good governance, sharing a vision in
pursuing economic growth and prosperity
for the Piikani Nation.”
This term, it was decided that the Piikani
Nation would elect a chief and only eight
councilors on a reserve of approximately
3600 tribal members.
Piikani elder Jim Swag was called upon to
perform a pipe ceremony with Chief Grier
and the elected members of council. At
the conclusion of the blessing, each of the
elected officials were then brought before
the people to read and sign their oath.
Emcee and Piikani Administration
Chief Executive Officer Byron Jackson
acknowledged Blood Chief Charles Weasel
Former Piikani Chief and spiritual leader
Leonard (Bastien) Weasel Traveller
was asked to share his thoughts at the
conclusion of the swearing-in ceremony.
“I am honored to
be elected the head
chief of the Piikani
Nation,” - Piikani
Chief Stanley Grier
14
“From my heart, I would like to
congratulate Chief Stanley Grier and the
members of council,” he began. “We
have to create partnerships in developing
economic development, the Blackfoot
Confederacy; I have hope, faith and love
for our community. I am hopeful we can
see some changes in our community. I
support our new chief and council and I’ll
always be Piikani. I always carry you in my
heart and thoughts and in everything I do.”
Lowa Beebe served as the Chief Electoral
Officer along with many other volunteers
who contributed to the nomination and
elections process. A local drum group
sang the honor and flag songs during the
celebration. All the people gathered near
the podium to congratulate the chief and
councilors and were fed a meal to conclude
the swearing-in ceremony.
Story and photos by Tom Russell
TSINIKSSINI January 2015
Chief Grier and councilors meet and greet Piikani tribal members to offer their acknowledgements.
The Blackfoot Confederacy leadership welcome the newly elected Piikani officials.
15
Story and photos by Tom Russell
TSINIKSSINI January 2015
THE THEORY OF ABORIGINAL TITLE
IN THE EARLY HISTORY OF
Cree artist and singer/songwriter, Buffy Ste.
Marie once remarked that history has been
written in a “liar’s scrawl.” Indeed such
fabrications are deeply embedded in the
corpus of European and Eurocanadian law
by which Europeans and Eurocanadians
have attempted to justify and samitize
the nature of their relationship with the
Aboriginal peoples of North America.
Consider Canada’s first aboriginal rights
case, St. Catharine’s Milling and Lumber
Co. v. The Queen which gave rise to
a preposterous legal theory concerning
aboriginal title in Canada and set a legal
precedent which continues to haunt
Aboriginal peoples to this day.
The case arose out of a federal permit
granted to the St. Catherine Milling and
Lumber Company which was challenged
by the province of Ontario. The case
highlighted a dispute between the province
and the federal government over the
location of the province’s northwestern
boundary. In terms of background, a formal
treaty had been concluded on October
03, 1873, between the commissioners
appointed by the government of Canada,
in right of Her Majesty the Queen, and
the indigenous leadership of the Salteaux
tribe of Ojibway Indians. In exchange for
certain considerations, the Indians agreed to
surrender to the Canadian government their
title and rights to an area of approximately
50,000 square miles. Of the area “ceded”
to the federal government about 32,000
square miles is situated within the
boundaries of the province of Ontario and
the remainder in the province of Manitoba.
Both Canada and the province argued that
the legal effect of Treaty 3 was to transmit
to itself the beneficial interest in the lands
without restriction subject only to the terms
of the Treaty.
The federal government assumed that it
enjoyed the beneficial interest to the ceded
lands described in Treaty 3 and issued on
May 1, 1883, a permit to the St. Catharine’s
Milling and Lumber company to cut and
CANADA
Photo taken at Sundance camp.
carry away one million feet of timber from
a specified portion of the disputed area.
The province challenged the legal validity
of the permit and the federal governments’
interpretation of Treaty 3.
The case was ultimately appealed to the
Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in
London, at that time Canada’s final court
of appeal. The legal question before the
Privy Council was whether the federal
government of Canada had the right to issue
the timber permit to the lumber company.
However in order to resolve this question
is was necessary for the Privy Council to
address the question of what was the legal
effect of the Treaty of 1873.
The Privy Council held that the terms of
the Royal Proclamation of 1763 recognized
an Indian or Aboriginal interest to the lands
west of a line drawn along the Allegheny
and Appalachian mountain chains. The
Proclamation prohibited the provinces and
individuals from acquiring lands west of
this arbitrary line.
The Privy Council explained that it has
always been the policy of the Canadian
government to recognize Indian or
Aboriginal title, and that their Aboriginal
rights in this respect were restricted in this
way: that the Indian or Aboriginal people
were precluded from entering into any
16
real-estate transactions with the subjects
of the Crown. However that the Indian
or Aboriginal peoples could surrender
their rights to the Crown at a formal treaty
agreed to by the indigenous leadership at a
meeting organized for that purpose.
The Privy Council held that based on the
merits of the case, it was unnecessary for
the court to expound on the scope and
substance of Indian or Aboriginal title,
apart from stating that “... there has been all
along vested in the Crown a substantial and
paramount estate, underlying the Indian
title, which became a plenum dominium
whenever that title was surrendered or
otherwise extinguished.” One of the lords
held that the Indians had held a right of
occupancy before Treaty 3, but it was “a
personal and usufructory right dependent
upon the goodwill of the Sovereign.”
The Privy Council ruled that the timber
permit issued by the federal government
to the lumber company had no legal force
and effect. The beneficial interest in the
timber passed to the province of Ontario.
The Privy Council stated: “The fact that
the power of legislating for Indians and for
Indian lands which are reserved for their
use, has been entrusted to the Parliament
of the Dominion is not in the least degree
inconsistent with the right of the Provinces
TSINIKSSINI January 2015
THE THEORY OF ABORIGINAL TITLE IN THE EARLY HISTORY OF CANADA
to a beneficial interest in these lands,
available to one as a source of revenue
whenever the estate of the Crown is
disencumbered of the Indian title.”
From an Indian or Aboriginal perspective,
there is a certain arrogance embodied in
the proposition that by simply setting foot
in North America, the British had acquired
title to Indian lands in North America.
St. Catherine Milling and Lumber Co.
v. The Queen embodies a convoluted
strain of judicial reasoning. The theory
of Aboriginal title it created preserved
the idea of enlightened and progressive
European and Eurocanadian adherence
to international legality in its relations
with Aboriginal peoples, while justifying
a pattern of questionable acquisitions of
Indian and Aboriginal land.
It should be noted that elements of the
Laws of Nations such as the Doctrine of
Discovery are misunderstood today because
of their deliberate misinterpretation by the
Privy Council, the Supreme Court of
Canada and academic commentators. The
Doctrine of Discovery, for the record,
never conveyed title to the discoverers over
any lands already occupied at the time of
contact/discovery.
The [Doctrine of Discovery’s]
basic tenant-that the European nation
which first “discovered” and settled lands
previously unknown to Europeans thereby
gained the right to acquire those lands
from their inhabitants-became part of the
early body of international law dealing
with aboriginal peoples... [B]y the time
Europeans settled in North America, it
was well-established international law that
natives had property rights which could
not be lawfully denied by the discovering
European nation... The rights of discovery
served mainly to regulate the relations
between European nations. It did not
limit the powers or rights of Indian nations
in their homelands; its major limitation
was to prohibit Indians from diplomatic
dealings with all but the “discovering”
European nation ... Moreover, the right of
discovery gave a European nation the right
to extinguish Indian title only when the
Indians consented to it by treaty.
St. Catharine’s Milling and Lumber
Company v. The Queen completely inverted
international law by misinterpreting
the Doctrine of Discovery as imparting
“preeminent title” over North America to
Europeans. The theory of aboriginal title
articulated in St. Catharine’s may therefore
be understood as an attempt to rationalize
and legitimize a vast campaign of conquest
and colonization and satisfy the lust of
Europeans to acquire valid land titles from
Aboriginal peoples through treaties. St.
Catharine’s developed the theoretical basis
for the entire common law body of what
has subsequently been called Indian or
Aboriginal law in Canada.
Chief Red Crow.
Blackfoot warriors in full regalia with prized horses.
(1888)14 App. Cas. 46 (J.C.P.C.)
Vattel, M.D., The Laws of Nations (Philadelphia: T & J. W. Publishers, 1855), pp. 160-61. Vattel is drawing on the work of the
Spanish legal theorist Franciscus de Vitoria, published as De Indies et De Jure Belli Reflectiones by the Carnegie Institution
in 1917. Also, consult Scott, James Brown, The Spanish Origin of International Law (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1934) and
Nussbaum, Alfred, A Concise History of the Laws of Nations (New York: Macmillon Publishers, [revised edition] 1954).
Coulter, Robert T., and Steven M. Tullberg, “Indian Land Rights,” in The Aggressions of Civilisation: Federal Indian Policy
Since the 1880’s, ed., Sandra L. Caldwater and Vine Deloria Jr., (Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1984), pp. 185-213, quote
at pp. 190-91.
17
Submitted by James Oka
TSINIKSSINI January 2015
TATSIKIISAAPO’P MIDDLE SCHOOL HOST BULLARAMA
IN RAISING FUNDS FOR TRIP TO NBA’S ALL-STAR GAME
Blood Councilor Mike Bruised Head.
Spectators fill Kainai Agriplex.
Bull rider in fine style.
The Tatsikiisaapo’p Middle School hosted
one of the most dangerous, but entertaining,
events in the sporting world to raise money
for a school trip next year—a bullarama.
This year featured many of the top talented
riders anywhere as they rosined their
bullropes and mounted rank and nasty bulls
from three stock contractors.
The middle school students are trying
to fundraise enough money to travel to
next year’s 2016 National Basketball
Association’s annual All-star Game where
the Toronto Raptors will host the prestigious
event. Ramona Big Head, middle school
principal, said the event was much more
organized this year and has been asked if
they should pursue this as a featured stop
on the bull riding tour.
“This year was so well organized,”
she mentioned as to how smoothly the
rodeo went. “I heard from some of the
professional cowboys that this bullarama
should be included on the bull-riding
circuit. That would be nice, but we are
hosting these events more as a fundraiser
for now. Our goal is to raise enough money
to attend the 2016 NBA All-star Game in
Toronto next year.”
The Tatsikiisaapo’p Middle School has
lofty goals in attaining the funds to travel
as they are talking about bringing at least
70 students and nearly 30 chaperones,
bringing the total to nearly 100 people who
will be making the trip.
“We are trying our utmost in raising the
This bull has the clowns on the run.
funds for this trip,” she said. “There are a number of hurdles we have to cross including the
possibility of acquiring the tickets. As you know, the cost of the tickets are high because
everyone around the world wants to attend too, so we still have much work to do.”
This year, the Tatsikiisaapo’p Middle School raised over $5000 dollars after they paid
out to the cowboys who placed in the event. It was young Blood and perennial champion
Cam Bruised Head who won the trophy buckle for the most points, but, during the ride-off
in the top-six final performance, all the bull-riders didn’t make the eight-second whistle.
Big Head wanted to thank a number of people who contributed to this year’s bullarama
including: Armond Duck Chief, Olivia Tailfeathers, Mariah Mistaken Chief, Mike
Bruised Head, Danny McDougal, Travis Plaited Hair, Floyd Big Head, Byron Bruised
Head, Lydia Mistaken Chief, Tina Pace, Maxine Willows-Big Head, Matt Lait, Chad
Besplug, the Kainai Agriplex, the donors and sponsors, Chief & Council, BTAP, Kainai
Board of Education, Eldorado RV, Steven Bruised Head, Blood Tribe Lands, the people in
attendance and to all the bull riders who participated.
Armond Duck Chief entertains people.
18
Story by Tom Russell
TSINIKSSINI January 2015
MEDIA RELEASE 17 January 2015
CHIEF OF POLICE ANNOUNCES A NEW POLICE UNIT TO
ADDRESS CONCERNS REGARDING ILLICIT DRUG ABUSE
The members of the Blood Tribe, their elected officials and their agencies have been expressing their deep concerns for the illicit drug
trade on the Blood Reserve and a number of deaths that they believe to be related to the use of pills sold as Oxycodone. The Medical
Examiner has not yet confirmed this information in relation to any of the deaths concerned.
These pills appear to be counterfeit and are not likely bonafide Oxycodone produced by a legitimate pharmaceutical manufacturer.
They are sold illegally. They are believed to contain fentanyl which, according to the literature available, can easily lead to a physical
dependency and offer a high risk of overdose and death. Illegal pills of this nature have recently been discovered in several police
searches in various locations across Alberta and have been reported in the press.
The Blood Tribe Police Service (BTPS) encourages anyone using these substances to stop immediately and seek assistance in dealing
with substance abuse. Friends and relatives of people using these and other illicit substances are also encouraged to assist them to address
their abuse and seek appropriate intervention services. The Blood Tribe has several services available through their extensive support
network.
BTPS has ongoing investigations related to these concerns as expressed by the community. Because of the impact in the community two
officers have been dedicated to concentrate their time exclusively to drug related investigations of this type. They have been assigned to
the newly formed Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) and have been chosen based on their related experience and training in drug trafficking
investigations. The tactics and methods they will use will not be discussed to protect the integrity of their investigations.
The father of modern policing, Sir Robert Peel, is quoted as saying, “The police are the public and the public are the police; the police
being only members of the public who are paid to give full time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests
of community welfare and existence.” Although this quote was made over a hundred years ago it remains true today. To be effective,
the police need the public’s assistance to gather information to legally support drug searches, make arrests and lay charges.
Information is needed quickly and police have to interact with witnesses to determine details of illegal activities. As a result, BTPS
has instituted a new email address the public can use to provide immediate information about drug dealers to the members of CRU.
Effective Monday, 19 January 2015 the public can confidentially email information to [email protected].
BTPS appreciates the support and thanks expressed by so many members of the community as a result of recent arrests and charges
related to illegal drug activities in the community.
Contact:
S/Sgt Joseph Many Fingers
[email protected]
Approved: 19
H.L. (Lee) Boyd
Chief of Police
Prevention of Family Violence
Committee Activities 2015
At Moses Lake Gym 2 Day Workshop
February 12 and 13, 2015
Day 1: Thursday, February 12th – 8:45 a.m. – 3:35 p.m.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Solvent and Prescription Abuse
3:35 p.m. Evaluation and Door prizes
Day 2: Friday, February 13th – 8:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Anger Management and Self-Esteem
4:00 p.m. Closing Prayer: Elder
Committee not responsible for injuries or theft