Ermineskin Newsletter

Ermineskin Newsletter August 13, 2014
Ermineskin Newsletter August 13, 2014
11th Annual Senior Nations Cup
In this Issue:
Page 2– 11th Annual Senior Nations Cup
Page 3– Elephant Thoughts Day Camp
Page 4– Heavy Equipment Grad
Page 5– Standing Rock Innovations
Page 6– NEP Merchandise and Prices
Page 7– Change It Up Careers
P:age 9– Opportunities
Page 11– Cree Corner/ Food Bank Calendar
Ermineskin Newsletter August 13, 2014
11th Annual Senior Nations Cup 2014
Black Bull Golf Resort Ma-Me-O Beach, Alberta
On August 5, 6, and 7th, the Senior Nations Cup was held at the Black Bull Golf Resort for the 11th year. In total there
were 142 participants, 114 Seniors 50+ and 28 Super Seniors 60+. Entry fees for teams of 6 players for the Seniors
were at $2,500 and Super Seniors were eligible to enter with a team of 4 at $1,500 per team. Each team was allowed
one substitute. A total of $50,000 in cash prizes and two Trophy’s for both Seniors and Super Seniors were to be awarded the final day, August 7, 2014.
Warrior Golf’s, Wayne Wood and Cordell Makokis from Saddle Lake, Alberta coordinated the event for the second year.
This three day tournament is specifically for men over 50+ who enjoy the game of Golf. It also gives the men a chance to
enjoy themselves amongst friends and play against their own age group.
“It’s great for them, a lot of these men don’t see each other all year and here they get back together, they're happy to see
each other, shaking hands and they see friends from way back…..this is their tournament, their laughing, having fun, its
good to see them sharing that, so we get a lot of satisfaction seeing smiles on their faces, they are our Elders,” expresses Wayne Wood, Head Coordinator of the Senior Nations Cup.
All teams entered are from several First Nations in Alberta. There were 17 different First Nations that included Ermineskin, Samson, Saddle Lake and Kehewin. This year is the most participants entered in the 11 year history. Five teams
out of seven in the Super Seniors Division were awarded cash prizes of a total $7350.00 and the with a top prize of
$2800.00. In the Seniors Division 10 out of 17 teams split a total of $33,000 with a top prize of $7200.00.
In the next few months coordinators will post the event out to bids to determine where the 12th Annual Senior Nations
Cup 2015 may be held.
“Props to Ermineskin, Bruce Littlechild who did a wonderful job, it was the biggest turn out and I believe it’s thanks to
him.” Says Cordell Makokis. Bruce Littlechild participated in the Senior Nations Cup and was the Host Community Contact for Ermineskin Cree Nation.
Congratulations to all First Nations!
Ermineskin Senior Nations Cup Winners 2014. Top Photo: Super Senior Champions
who placed 1st. They were awarded winnings of $2800.00 with a Super Seniors First
Nations Cup. L to R: Herbie Buffalo, Harvey Roasting, Rick Lightning, and Brian Lee.
Top Right Photo: Senior Winners who placed 2nd over all in their division. L to R: Terrance Ermineskin, Pete Wolfe, Bruce Littlechild, Ken Cutarm, Randy Ermineskin, and
Chris Rattlesnake. Photo on bottom right: Consolation winners L to R: Earl Littlechild,
Marcel Saulteaux, Alfred Morin, Elvis Cutarm, Terry Ermineskin, and Thane Headman.
Congratulations to all Seniors and Super Seniors! First prize in the Seniors Division
went to Saddle Lake for the 4th year in a row.
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Ermineskin Newsletter August 13, 2014
Ermineskin Education
Elephant Thoughts Science Day Camp
Thanks to the Ermineskin Education Trust Fund Department,
children 6-11 years of age had the opportunity to experience
hands-on Science activities based on the principals of education and fun! Elephant Thoughts is a non-for-profit organization
located in Collingwood, Ontario. Instructors Hailey Hagan and
Abir Tadros offered 21 Ermineskin Students a full week of science experiments and games during the week of July 21-25,
2014 at the E.E.T.F Building.
“One of the children’s favorite experiments was called “Elephant
Toothpaste”, where the kid’s practiced mixing and creating a
foam which they got to see a chemical reaction. It’s exciting for
them, they really liked it”. Shares Hailey Hagan. “The main goal
for our water games teaches a daily life simulation for countries
who are not as wealthy as Canada, so it teaches a lot about
water conservation.”
“Each experiment we engage the kids in, focuses on teaching
the kids positive aspects about life and daily living. We had the
children draw a personal picture which gave them a chance to
express anything dealing with science and the environment.”
Says Abir Tadros. The instructors shared they were happy to
surprise the kids with T-shirts imprinted with their personal
drawings.
“They really enjoyed that as well.”
On the final day of the camp, the instructors celebrated a fair
well pizza party for the children to end the Summer Day Camps
for that week.
Elephant Thoughts offers Summer Day Camps for First Nations
Children across Canada. There were 6 other teams from, the
organization who were offering their Educational Science and
Technology Camps to First Nations children across Ontario and
Canada. The program inspires children in pursuing science,
ignites their imaginations, and exposes them to exciting aspects
of Science and Technology. Other activities included live animals, robotics and astrology.
Elephant Thoughts Summer Science Camps aim to empowering First Nations to believe in themselves as students, excite
them about learning, cultivate environmental stewardship, relate
First Nations culture and values to Science and most importantly, give the kids the greatest summer of the year!
www.elephantthoughts.com
To all Ermineskin Students. Summer is
almost at an end and it’s almost time for
school. Ermineskin Schools hope to see you
August 25, 2014!
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Elephant Thoughts participants and facilitators July 21-25, 2014
at the E.E.T.F. Building. Above photo: Children wear their personal picture t-shirts gifted by Hailey and Abir from Elephant
Thoughts, Ontario.
Ermineskin Newsletter August 13, 2014
Heavy Equipment Graduation
Ermineskin Cree Nation
The Heavy Equipment program was a three month program
offered to Ermineskin Band Members to get their foot in the
door towards a career in the Heavy Equipment Field. The
Heavy Equipment Training was offered at Ermineskin
ASET’s that was created on behalf of a working group that
included more than a few E.T.E Departments. The course
with High Velocity Heavy Equipment Training College began in May 8, 2014 to July 25, 2014. The working group to
fund the program consisted of Public Works– Christian
Minde, Carol Wildcat– First Nations Consultation who
spearhead the training, Barb Rain-Grants Officer, Social
Development, E.T.E Finance Department and Ermineskin
ASETS. It would not have been successful if it were not for
these contributors.
Heavy Equipment Students and Ermineskin Public Works teamed up to
give the Heavy Equipment Operators the opportunity to experience actual
hands-on practice with operating the machinery while reconstructing the
Louis Bull Administration Road in June 2014.
Instructors from “High Velocity in Camrose, AB came to
Maskwacis to guide several students in a cutting edge
heavy equipment training on a variety of heavy machinery.
“A lot of the knowledge was through the school part, like
trenching and sloping, all the safety aspects, and how to
preach our machines. Actually all the operations of the
equipment included just doing certain exercises with the
machines to become more fluent with them.” Says Taylor
Buffalo, High Velocity’s Heavy Equipment Instructor who is
from Samson Cree Nation.
“An actual job assigned to the students following the training was initiated by Ermineskin Public Works, where they
got to experience constructing the Louis Bull Administration
Road doing hands-on work that gave them a taste of the
kind of jobs they are working towards. It was a good experience for them.” Shares Ryan Gear from High Velocity
Heavy Equipment College.
High Velocity Heavy Equipment Instructors July 25, 2014 at the Ermineskin Elders Centre. Taylor Buffalo and Brian Gear.
The trainees are on Phase 2 of their training and will be
constructing 7kms of roadway on Power line Road and other local areas. They will have completed their Practicum in
October 2014 and will have a title of a “Certified Heavy
Equipment Operator”.
The Course was offered at the Ermineskin ASET’s Classroom for 12 weeks. The Graduation honoring was held at
the Ermineskin Elder’s Centre July 25, 2014. There were 12
students from Ermineskin who completed the course. Congratulations to Nancy Morin, Alfred Morin, Jaime Morin, Craig Littlechild, Joey Littlechild, Ida Roan, Billy-Joe Wolfe, Jordan Wolfe, Jamie
Ward, Thane Headman, Dominick Littlechild, and Ricky Giroux.
For the instructor's it was a great experience. They are sad
that it’s over, but for them to be able to assist the students
on bettering themselves to get out there career wise to help
themselves, their families and the community, is rewarding
enough for them.
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Ermineskin Newsletter August 13, 2014
Standing Rock Innovations
Kid’s Computer Camp
Growing up with a great interest for computers and technology,
Shawn Yellowbird, Facilitator and Founder of Standing Rock Innovations, offers a fun summer Computer and Technology Day
Camp. Shawn has offers this opportunity to the Four Nations children and youth. Groups are split into ages 8-12yrs & 13-17yrs.
The first group of children 8-12yrs began July 21 to August 1,
2014 daily from 9AM-3:30PM at the Outreach Centre in Ermineskin. All computer day camp participants paid a fee of $325.00,
which included the costs of a 100.00 administration fee with the
remainder to provide instruction, supervision, camp materials, Lab
Rental, and recreational activities.
Back in 2006 the idea of a computer camp sparked, knowing their
was nothing technology based for kid’s rather than sports and other things. The Maskwacis Community has a very lose network of
people passionate for computers. Finding funders to put a camp together began Shawn’s intention in pursuing a career
in computers, teaching and instructing young children who may want to know more about computers and technology.
“A lot of my knowledge comes from pure computer passion. I have always been interested in computer’s.” explains
Shawn. “My mother enrolled me in a computer camp as a child, which was at the old Maskwacis College and I really
liked it.” He shares. “The rest is history.”
Shawn holds a Fourth Year Honors Psychology Degree, which opened him up towards the teaching portion. He also has
a Third Year of Computer Science from the University of Calgary, which he then switched goals to pursue the Theory of
Computers at NAIT receiving his Server Degree.
“Some of the activities during the computer day camps included safe internet browsing scavenger hunts, internet gaming, typing and group instruction. It’s fascinating to see how fast the kids catch on. We do different styles of gaming,
showing them different styles of Windows and topic computer’s wise like the hardware of the computer as well as safety
in using a computer.” Shawn enjoys working with the kid’s seeing the excitement in their eyes as they handle a computer. “I find the group activities do focus more around the socialization of computers. One of the other activities the kid’s
really got into was the internet scavenger hunt. The kid’s got into groups of three or four searching and working together
to find the list provided. Prizes were given and it worked out really well and it really brought out the socialization in the
kids and it was a very fun factor. We encourage the kid’s to be themselves and be comfortable with others. Out of all the
day camps we have had, zero incidents and no problems. The kid’s really enjoy it.”
Shawn is currently instructing the second group at ages 13-17yrs of age at the Outreach School in Ermineskin. Thank
you to all sponsors Ermineskin Recreation, Samson Administration and anyone who contributed to this successful technology based camp. For more information please visit www.standingrockinnovations.com
Gaming
Instructor Shawn Yellowbird and
some of his students
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Teamwork
Ermineskin Newsletter August 13, 2014
Neyaskweyahk Employment Program
Merchandise and Prices
The Neyaskweyahk
Employment Program
provides community
work experience for
members. They are
committed to assisting
the community with
general hauls, maintenance hauls (garbage),
tilling services & manual labour, firewood, tipi
poles and woodcraft
products.
Bruce Omeasoo, Art
Ryan Morin- Carpenter/Painter, Terry Littlechild-NEP Instructor for NEP
Manager, Bruce Omeasoo- Artisan and Aston Little- creates wood craft
products with First
child– Stainer/Painter
Nations Cultural expressions. He also does craft and pow wow regalia on the side, as well as business signs, fine arts, wall murals, dream catchers, logos, and letter heads etc.
He has done work for the Louis Bull School and HBMC.
“I use my imagination and I been here 12 years and every year it’s different.”
Bruce shares. “I’m not a one trap artist. I can go any direction. I’m self taught
and very creative. I have been doing art since I was 7 years old and has always
been apart of my life. It does not feel like a job and I get paid to do what I love
doing. It comes so natural. I am willing to give back to the community by teaching the youth to be creative as well.”
Wood crafts like Rocking Bikes/Horses, Raw Hide Shields, Wall mural's, Lamp
Stands, and Wood Burn Designs are crafted together either by request or idea.
A lot of the merchandise available is spoken for and sell out very quickly.
NEP will be set up at the Samson Cree Nation Pow wow, showcasing the wood
crafts and merchandise they have created. They will also be at the Cree Market
August 20, 2014 at the HBMC.
For any request or ideas you may have for Bruce Omeasoo and his artisans
please call the NEP Shop at 780-585-2101.
Night Lamp Stands $110.00
Rocking Bikes @ $100.00
Raw Hide Shields @ $125.00
Wood Burn Designs @ $65.00
Tipi Poles (see price chart)
Prices to be revised. Any questions regarding prices
contact NEP Management at 780-585-2101.
10 by 12 ft. Sheds @
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Ermineskin Newsletter August 13, 2014
Change It Up Careers
Cree Market
Samson Cree Nations Change It Up Program held their Cree Market at the HBMC July 20, 2014.
They had more than 30 vendors showcasing their merchandise. The Cree Market began at 10AM
throughout the day. Tables were $20.00 in advance and $30.00 upon arrival. The Change It Up
Entrepreneur Program is a business launcher that creates opportunity to anyone with a valuable
idea to merchandise and pursue in business management. The Cree Market opens the opportunity for the Entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas they have in mind and generate a profit start to
develop their idea into something bigger.
Ivor Buffalo, Maskwacis Barber offering haircuts part of his Change It Up
idea at the Cree Market July 20,
2014
One student by the name of Ivor Buffalo wants to promote a Barber Shop Business for
Maskwacis. He is 38 years old and grew up in the Four Nations. Nine years ago he wanted to
pursue a career in the Barber Business but didn't really follow that dream. A friend mentioned the
Change It Up Entrepreneur Program Opportunity to Ivor and decided to give it a shot.
“On June 5, 2014 I started. I have been here for three months, and operating now for about a
month. I really enjoy it, it is actually turning out pretty good. I didn't really do any formal advertising yet. For now we are set up at the Four Directions Shop.” Ivor mentions. The Four Directions
Shop is located at the Samson Cree Nation Mall. “I have done about 28 haircuts so far cutting
boys and seniors hair. I enjoy being here.”
Omiyisiw Nails. Shanna Omeasoo
offers Nail Art at the Cree Market
July 20, 2014.
The Change It Up Program includes a lot reading, public speaking, learning about subjects concerning business, and ton of webinars. As of now the classes are in the morning from 9AM to
12PM at the NEA Building in Samson Cree Nation. Students open up their small businesses from
12 –3PM to kind of get a sense of transactions with the community. Check out the Four Directions
Shop also known as Bev’s Décor at the Samson Cree Nation Mall to support out local Entrepreneurs. Ivor charges Hair Cuts at $6.50 for boys, $9.50 for seniors, Men at $13.50 and Youth at
$11.50.
Shanna Omeasoo is interested in nail art. She always has been a girly-girl growing up, getting her
nails done, which can become very pricy. Knowing how to do a lot of the designs, Shanna started
to do her own nails. She had the idea of bringing a Nail Salon to Maskwacis. She began the
Change It Up Program in June 2014 and got started on her business plan.
“The Change It Up Program really pushed me towards getting started with this.” Shanna says. “I
had a five year plan but this all happened in five months. One of my goal is to expand my vision to
pursue my dreams and meet my goals. I will be attending Evelyn Charles and CMAC to further
my skills in becoming a Certified Nail Technician for not only nail art designs but to do the Gel and
Acrylic Designs as well.”
Change It Up Mentor’s Darren Simon and Leiha Crier.
Shanna charges $20.00 for nails. She is located at the Four Directions Shop along with a few
other entrepreneurs. , She also offers her services to children at $10.00 and Pedicures at $30.00.
She will be raising her prices as her experience grows.
For more Information please visit www.changeitup.ca.
Ermineskin Education Trust Fund Post
Secondary Graduates
Marlene Crate – Medical Assistant Certificate
Earl Ermineskin Jr – UCEP Certificate
Stephanie Lightning – Advanced Medical w/ Accounting
Diploma
Carmen Littlechild – Bachelor of Social Work Degree
Terry Littlechild – Lands Diploma
Colleen Morin – Microsoft Office Professional Diploma
Chelsea Rowan – Health Care Aide Certificate
Angel Smallboy – General Studies Diploma
Felicia Swampy – Practical Nurse Diploma
Tyrelle White – Management Studies Diploma
Devon Wildcat – Bachelor of Arts Degree
Shari Wolfe – Business Administration Certificate
L to R: Norine Saddleback, Terry Littlechild
and Elder Raymond Littlechild. Terry Littlechild was granted the Land Agent Diploma
from Olds College. He is currently Managing the Neyaskweyahk Employment Program Department.
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Chandler Littlechild graduated
grade 12 as an Ermineskin graduate at Ponoka St Augustine School
2014, he plans to attend U of A in
the fall.
Ermineskin Newsletter August 13, 2014
Membership Department Notice:
These people are asked to come
finish their applications for
membership. Please and thank you.
Need Birth Certificates; Cherish white,
Brittney Wolfe, Bradley Evert, Reah
Buffalo, Tyson Ward, Krystle Whitebear, Louise Saddleback, Shelton
Potts, Candace Cutarm.
Need Signatures; Tina Littlechild,
Rochelle Morin, Dale Littlechild,
Tennille Stoney, Dennis Jr. Whitebear
Maskwacis Minor Hockey
ATTENTION:
SPECIAL PAY WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AT
THE MASKWACIS MALL ON THURSDAY,
AUGUST 14TH FROM 9AM TO 4PM.
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One month from now hockey will be starting
up for league play in NCMHA. There will be
Registration forms at all 4 Band offices within
the community as well as the arena by tomorrow. Please sign up ASAP to ensure your
child is ready for the upcoming season. Next
week we will have a camp for all kids, and will
have registration forms there at Ermineskin
Arena as well. This week long camp will cost
50 per child and they'll go from Aug 1822. Please call 780-585-3771 or 780-5852273 for more information.
Ermineskin Newsletter August 13, 2014
Opportunities
Congratulations! A special thank you to:
One (1) Swingman with the Ermineskin Security
Department
Marlon Littlechild and Cathy Rattlesnake would like to
thank E.T.E Administration’s Bruce Littlechild and Fran
Minde for assistance in supporting their daughter,
Karleya Littlechild to attend Tsuu Tina First Nations
Pow wow. She place 1st in the Teen Girls Jingle Princess Special and brought home winnings of $400.00,
a Princess Special Champion Jacket and a Pendleton
Blanket.
Please submit your Application, Resume, Criminal
Record Check and Driver’s Abstract.
Closing Date: August 25, 2014
One (1) Data Entry Clerk with the Personnel Department.
Please submit Application/ Resume, Reference Letters and Criminal Record Check.
Closing Date: August 25, 2014
One (1) REA (Rural Electrification Association)
Board Member
Please submit Application/Resume and Criminal Record Check.
Closing Date: August 26, 2014
Karleya Littlechild, Tsuu Tina First Nations Teen Girls Jingle
Special Champion. Tsuu Tina Pow wow July 25-27, 2014.
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Ermineskin Newsletter August 13, 2014
Attention Parents
Please submit your child/children’s report cards TO EETF.
Incomplete Report Cards will not be accepted
Report Card Deadline: OCTOBER 24, 2014
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT TASH OR
GLORIA @ 780-585-4122
Wanted volunteers to catalog youth and
children's books. Time commitment is 3
hours/week. Training will be provided.
Collective community cataloguing starts on
August 18. Contact Manisha Khetarpal at
Maskwacis College at 780 585 3925 or by
email at [email protected]
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Ermineskin Newsletter August 13, 2014
CREE CORNER
Mother Earth------------------------------------------------Okowimawaski
Bear Hills------------------------------------------------------------Maskwacis
Ponoka-------------------------------------- (Bridge) ------------Asokanihk
Calgary--------------------------------- (Elbow River) -----Otoskwihnihk
Red Deer--------------------- (Elk River) ------- --Waskesiw-Sipiy
I’m from Ermineskin----------------------Neyaskweyahk ohci niya
Ermineskin first Nation--------- (Flat Land) ------Neyaskweyahk
Samson First Nation-------- (Willow Trees) --------Nipisihkopahk
Louie Bull First Nation----------------- (Hill) ---------------Kispatinahk
Montana First Nation------- (Across the River) ----------Akamihk
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Ermineskin Newsletter August 13, 2014
Restorative Justice
Samson Cree Nation Pow wow August 8-10th, 2014
Maskwacis Bear Park
Photo from www.facebook.com/samsoncreenation
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Restorative Justice may seem
like a new term to our community, but the practice of it is not.
Restorative Justice utilizes the
circle to create a safe place to
address crime or conflict, emphasizing on healing, equality,
accountability and working towards forgiveness. We have
utilized the circle in our culture
since the beginning of our time
here on Mother Earth, and now
it is time to continue to embrace our beautiful and rich
culture and use the circle process to our benefit. If you are
interested in learning more,
please contact Vanessa at the
Ermineskin Band Office and
let’s have a conversation. If
you are interested in volunteering for the program, please call
or come visit. As the RJ Coordinator, I am looking for volunteers to sit in the circles and
Restorative Justice Training is
free and coming up in October.
In order for this program to be
successful I need your support,
input, feedback, and participation, so let’s have a conversation on how this program can
benefit you and our community
of Neyaskweyahk. Vanessa
Omeasoo 780-585-3941 Ext.
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