SIKSIKA ROYALTY 2013-14

FREE
VOLUME 20ISSUE 10
(MOKOI-KISOM) October 2013
SIKSIKA ROYALTY
2013-14
Siksika Minor Hockey
Season underway.
Page 5
Maguire boys off to Indian
National Finals Rodeo
Page 8
Neighbours helping
Neighbours benefit
concert
Page 2
Introducing the newly crowned Siksika Nation Royalty
Centre: Miss Siksika Meliisa Little Chief, Left: Miss Teen Siksika Gloria Good Eagle,
Right: Miss Kookana Thelma Yellow Fly photographed at PII KSA-PI Memorial Arbour.
ROLLING THUNDER STUDIOS
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Recording and playing the hottest Aboriginal Rock,
Hip-Hop, Country, Gospel and Pow Wow
Featuring: Armond Duck Chief, Eldon Weasel Child, No More Moments, Siksika Ramblers, Young Swift, and more
Tune into 104.7 fm for daily Blackfoot Lessons
October 2013
Aitsiniki - Siksika Nation’s Newspaper
Natoka (2)
Corb Lund and Ian Tyson headline Siksika Flood aid concert
By Cory Alston Second year Mount
Royal College student Kelsey
Solway never dreamed her
idea of a flood aid benefit
concert would come to
fruition.
The flood benefit
concert not only happened but
attracted prominent country
singers, sold out in two hours
and raised over $30,000 for
Siksika Nation flood relief.
On Sept. 15 a
concert was held at the
Bassano Centennial Arena,
with country entertainers
Corb Lund and Ian Tyson
headlining the event. Local
artists Eldon Weasel Child
and Armond Duck Chief
opened up for the country
stars.
It all started with an
interview during stampede
when Kelsey came into
contact with Lund and they
discussed a show he could do
for Siksika. A couple weeks
after the interview Lund got
a hold of Kelsey to discuss
a concert date, but it was up
to Kelsey to find a suitable
venue. She
had less then a
month to plan it.
“Literally having
less then a month
to plan was nerve
racking to say
the least, but it
all wouldn’t been
possible without
the help of Tom
Rose, mayor
of Bassano,
as well as the
Bassano Vision
Committee. They really
stepped up and made the
concert great,” said Kelsey.
The concert wasn’t a
personal goal nor did she
plan this for her benefit, it
was simply her way of helping
displaced nation members
and contributing back to her
community. “I was doing this
for the benefit of the displaced
Siksika members because I
but little did I know it would
turn out even better than I
expected,” Kelsey said.
Kelsey’s mother Leonda
played a big role as well and
was pleased with the outcome
of the concert,
that is not only
raised money for
flood relief but
helped raise the
morale of the
victims as well.
She discussed
the steps taken
to ensure the
concert went
ahead.
“Corb Lund
requested that
he wanted to ensure that
some or all the flood survivors
could come out and take
in the concert for free. First
and foremost was for these
people to come out to enjoy
felt helpless,” Kelsey said.
I really wanted to help out
in the long run and I saw
this little concert idea as the
best way I could contribute,
themselves and take in a free
concert,” Leonda said.
The Mayor of
Bassano, Tom Rose had a
few hoops to jump through
as far as making sure the
arena was up to par with fire
regulations. With a building
capacity limit of 825 Rose
had to ensure regulations
were followed for the safety
of everyone that attended the
concert.
Rose is glad his
community could assist
Siksika Nation in its time of
need. “We hope the money
raised from the concert, silent
auction and 50/50, even if it
may be small in comparison
to what’s really needed, helps
our fellow neighbors to the
west of us. But, again, our
hearts and prayers go out to
you all and God bless,” Rose
said.
Dancing Deer Recovery Food Bank
affected by the flood. The
food bank is under the Flood
Relief through Siksika Family
Services. Pearl Good Eagle
is the Acting Supervisor for
the food bank and oversees
the food bank duties such
as; shipping, stocking,
hampers and assisting nation
members.
Merlin Breaker is the
Acting Senior Manager of
Operations for Siksika Family
Services, he over sees the
entire operation of the food
bank. The food bank is still
accepting food donations
that can be dropped off at the
white quonset building located
By Edeena Big Tobacco
The Siksika Flood
Relief Food Bank is currently
located behind Public Works
in the new quonset building.
The newly built quonset
was intended for the heavy
equipment for Public Works,
but once Public Works found
out the food bank was in
need of an area to operate
out of, they provided the
building and transformed it to
accommodate the food bank’s
needs.
Red Cross currently
supplies all the rations for
members that have been
Number of Issues
Color business card
Color banner
Color 1/4 page
Color 1/2 page
Color Full Page
B & W business card
B & W 1/4 page
B & W 1/2 page
B & W Full Page
1
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
6 (5% off)
50.00
$ 285.00
100.00
$ 570.00
200.00
$ 1,140.00
250.00
$ 1,425.00
350.00
$ 1,995.00
20.00
$ 114.00
100.00
$ 570.00
125.00
$ 712.00
250.00
$ 1,425.00
Banner (front page only) = 2.5” x 10”
A PRAYER
Creator
Help Us
To Listen
To be kind to one another
To try hard
To be honest
To be spiritual
Hear Us, Creator
Have pity on your Children
They are in need
Grant us safety
Help us raise our families
So that they may live long lives.
Business card = 2” x 3”
ATSIMOIHKAN
Ayo Apistotoki
Ispomokinnaan
Nahkayistsiyisinnaan
Nahkaikimoatsiyisinnaan
Nahkayikakimahsinnaan
Nahkokamotohisnnaan
Nahkawatoyiitaksinnaan
Ohtokinnaan, Apistotoki
Kimmis Kokosiks
Iksikmmatapsiya
Kaamotaani
Niistawatsimaani
Naapiio Sinii
1/4 pg = 5” x 7.5”
15”
behind public works office.
Nation members that
have been evacuated from
their homes due to the flood
are eligible for assistance
from the food bank.
Volunteers are
welcome at the food bank
to assist with stocking, restocking, cleaning and putting
together hampers.
The Hours of
operations are from 10:00
a.m. to 4:30 p.m, Monday to
Friday; Food Bank number
(403) 910-1325.
12 (25% off)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
450.00
900.00
1,800.00
1,650.00
3,150.00
180.00
1,950.00
1,125.00
2,250.00
1/2 pg = 10” x 7.5 (or 5” x 15”)
Full Page = 10” x
AITSINIKI
Siksika Nation’s Newspaper
Wade Healy – Media Coordinator
Kenndy Smith – Office Administrator
Edeena Big Tobacco – Communications Officer
Cory Alston – Communications Officer
Siksika Media publishes on a monthly basis to the Siksika Nation
Contact us: P.O. Box 1490 Siksika, Alberta, T0J-3W0
1-800-551-5724 ext. 5339 (403) 734-5340 - fax (403) 734-5497
email: [email protected]
www.siksikamedia.ca
Subscription rate: $20 for 6 months, $40 for one-year
Make cheque or Money Order payable to: Siksika Media
Please send us your name and current mailing address
Articles and Letters to the Editors are subject to editing for
brevity, clarity, and accuracy. Anonymous letters will NOT be published.
Aitsiniki is protected by copyright and may not be reprinted without written consent.
ANONYMOUS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED.
MOKOI-KISOM
Aitsiniki - Siksika Nation’s Newspaper
Niokska (3)
RESTORATION OF CHICAGO BRIDGE HAS STARTED
By Edeena Big Tobacco
In June 2013, Siksika Nation was hit by a flash
flood that caused damage to homes, lands and bridges
that many used to get across the Bow River.
One of the bridges, known as Chicago Bridge,
was severely damaged during the flood, washing away
a quarter of the east side of the bridge and leaving
a gap at the entrance of the bridge. The bridge is
currently closed due to the extent of the damage and is
being prepared for restoration.
Allen Berringer is a bridge foreman for Volker
Stevin Highways LTD. and said preliminary construction
has begun on the bridge. “Construction is coming
along. The first phase is to build the berm and second
one is to fill the inside of the berm so we can have
access to the bridge,” said Berringer.
Berringer added that there will not be a detour
bridge during the construction process, but there are
alternate routes that people can use. Highway 842 that
passes through Carseland and highway 24 that runs
through Milo are two alternate routes that can be used.
Ubaid Khan is the Bridge and Water
Management Engineer in the southern Region and
said repairs to the bridge began on Sept. 4. Alberta
Transportation will be applying through the Provincial
Disaster Recovery program to cover repairs of the
bridge, estimated to be between three to five million
dollars.
The Chicago bridge is significant to Nation
members who reside on the south side of the bridge.
Many nation members have been travelling through
other routes to get to work, school and for business
purposes.
Glenn Running Rabbit lives on the south end
of the reserve, across the Chicago bridge along the
canal. He is employed with Elders and Disabilities
Services. Before the flood he would use the bridge to
get to work and it would take him roughly 15 minutes to
get to work. Since the bridge has been closed Running
Rabbit travels through the canal road, or county road,
which connects to highway 842.
A drive that used to take 15 minutes to work
now takes 45 minutes. The alternate route now costs
him an additional $25-30 a day in fuel costs.
Keith Rabbit Carrier and Amanda White also
live on the hill along the canal. The regular route they
would take was also over the Chicago bridge and it
would take 15 minutes to arrive at work. With the bridge
closed, if the weather conditions are good, it now takes
them 45-50 minutes to arrive at work. If the weather is
bad it takes them an hour to drive to work.
In 30 days it is estimated that Running Rabbit
and White each spend $900 dollars on fuel. With
other expenses such as: home bills, maintaining their
vehicles and the wear on the tires it is taking a toll on
their financial budget.
White added it is not only the additional costs
of going to work but the separation from the rest of the
community that is taking its toll.
“Feeling that separation and having to fend for
ourselves, that goes for all our neighbors and family
who live out this way along the canal, especially the
four elders’ homes,” said White
The bridge restoration work is expected to be
completed in the spring of 2014, but not soon enough
enough.fthose residing on the south side of the bridge.
Save the Children team up with Ikea to help out Siksika
By Cory Alston
It has been over 100 days since
a devastating June flood ravaged five
close-knit Siksika communities. Affected
families appreciated the continued
support they are receiving.
Recently Save the Children
(S.T.C.) teamed up with Ikea and donated
70 complete bed sets that included bed
frames, mattresses, and sheets to the
reserve to help the displaced members
that lost everything.
Senior Humanitarian Advisor
Colleen Malone headed up the operation
and says this was their first time they’ve
responded to an emergency like this in
Canada.
“We’re so happy that we
were able to provide the support to the
reserve, via Ikea, and you know it’s
actually our first time responding to an
emergency like this with in Canada. We
do this type of stuff all the time, all over
the world, but here was our first, so its
important and quite significant for us.
With that we are truly glad to continue
this relationship with your community,”
said Malone.
Displaced Nation member Kelli
Running Rabbit knows first hand of the
damage that the Bow River had cause as
her whole family had lost every thing.
“It really means a lot to me
and my family as we lost everything
and seeing that we may be getting a
home soon, and my kids don’t have a
bed, this means everything to us. There
are no words to express how greatly
appreciative I am for them donating these
beds, thank you and God bless,” said
Running Rabbit.
With the help of S.T.C and Ikea
the Running Rabbits, as well as survivors
of the flood, can rest a little easy knowing
that there are kind hearted people like
Malone and Ikea.
Siksika Strong Raises Flood Relief Efforts
Story By Brent Scout
Blackfoot Crossing, October 3, 2013 – The
Siksika Strong Fundraiser at the Blackfoot Crossing
Historical Park Interpretive Centre showcased an
evening of Art, Culture and raised much needed funds
for the Nation’s flood relief efforts. Many friends and
supporters from government, industry and community
were on hand to support Chief Fred Rabbit Carrier,
including Blood Tribe Chief Charles Weaselhead and
Alberta’s Aboriginal Relations Minister Robin Campbell
who expressed encouragement and commitment to
help.
Chief Rabbit Carrier thanked the Minister and the
many supporters who made the journey to the
historical Blackfoot Crossing to assist in relief efforts.
“We are very grateful for your sharing, your help
and just want to thank our Nation members, Alberta
First Nations, Industry, neighbours, organizations
and friends in Calgary and throughout Alberta who
stepped up to help. Thanks especially to the Federal
and Provincial governments who have worked hard
to assist us in that desperate time. It’s all part of our
commitment to build stronger relations based on
mutual respect and caring.”
The Alberta Government announced its commitment
to help rebuild and replace homes devastated
by floodwaters in June at the Nations Fundraiser
Thursday. Due to the almost total state of destruction
in many areas, the rebuilding process and desperate
need for recovery and relief efforts remain critical for
the hundreds of people affected. “The Alberta Government has committed to rebuilding
and replacing homes at Siksika Nation to provincial
building standards in partnership with Chief and
Council,” said the Honourable Minister. “Work will
commence following the development of housing
plans and partnership agreements with the Alberta
Government. Premier Redford committed right
from the start that First Nations would be treated
as Albertans and she is following through on that
commitment.”
Minister Campbell thanked Chief Rabbit Carrier and
the Siksika Nation for the invite and spoke of the
strong working relationship developed over the past
year. “That relationship and mutual respect has been
a huge help in order to deal with the fallout from the
floods. Chief Fred and I were in close contact following
the initial disaster and we were able to mobilize
provincial resources quickly to deal with the immediate
needs. With the relationship we’ve developed due to
the exceptional leadership of Chief Fred, the response
was quicker than it would have been otherwise.”
The Siksika Strong event was well attended and
provided an opportunity for supporters to get an
update on the aftermath and to network with Siksika
leadership and senior managers. Invited guests were
treated to an elegant reception, silent auction, song
and dance performances and a powerful Siksika video
presentation chronicling emotional stories of total
devastation, desperation and hope.
“I am very honoured and humbled by the outpouring of
support from First Nations communities, governments
and industry. My heart goes out to each and everyone
who helped out,” says Chief Rabbit Carrier. “When
the Governor General came to visit, it included
a presentation of a commendation to the Siksika
community for working together and with Albertans
during the time of crisis. Thanks to the commitment
from the Minister, we are now drafting an MOU with
the Government of Alberta on Housing.”
Minister Campbell spoke about coming together
in support of our neighbours and fellow Albertans,
and said it is another step in helping the proud
communities of Siksika Nation get back on their feet.
“I am still shocked by images of the devastation, I
think it is how Albertans responded to the crisis that
will truly define this difficult period in our history. And
our government has said all along that First Nations
families in Alberta will continue to get the same
support as everyone else, regardless of jurisdiction.
We are committed to supporting Chief Rabbit Carrier
to address Siksika’s infrastructure and housing needs
as your communities recover from the flood.
My ministry is working with Municipal Affairs on
this, and our recovery teams will focus on creating
temporary neighborhoods, and rebuilding and
repairing damaged homes.”
“We are grateful for the emergency assistance to
the Siksika Nation, devastated by floodwaters. We
welcome further discussions with the Federal and
Provincial governments to work with Siksika and
all Alberta First Nations to develop disaster and
readiness plans for Treaty No. 6, Treaty No. 7 and
Treaty No. 8.” says Rabbit Carrier. “Every effort is
being made to meet the physical, emotional, spiritual
needs of the community. We have a food bank, a
clothing distribution centre; access to counseling for
those affected and we are seeking funding to have
nurses and counseling staff at the schools.
The Siksika Strong event raised amount raised
$37,836.00 from the auction and ticket sales. Another
$23,000 was donated from the Bob Breaker Golf
Classic, and another $16,000 donation from Peace
Hills Trust. Chief Fred says the event was great
success and all funds raised will go to the “Siksika
Nation Disaster Relief Fund.”
MOKOI-KISOM
Aitsiniki - Siksika Nation’s Newspaper
Nisowo (4)
Notice to Siksika Nation Members
This memo is to inform the members of Siksika that the General Elections are set for November 27th, 2013 from 9:00 am to 8:00 p.m. and Nominations are set
for November 7th, 2013 from 1:00 p.m. to 6 p.m. both at the Siksika Community Centre.
The Chief Electoral Officer position has been contracted to Marvin Yellow Horn from the Piikuni Nation. He can be reached at 403-324-2535 if you have any
questions pertaining to our upcoming Elections.
For those members interested in running in this Election, Clearance letters from a recognized Police Service can be obtained starting Tuesday, August 27th,
2013. The local R.C.M.P. detachment is requiring a letter along with a Photo I.D, from the Nation that indicates why Criminal Record Checks are being required.
These letters can be picked up at the Membership Office. Your clearance letters must be dated between August 27th, 2013 and November 27th, 2013. These letters
must be submitted on Nomination day along with the required fee. The RCMP in Gleichen has a cut-off date of October 7th for applications for the Records. For
individuals that receive a letter stating that they may or may not have a Criminal Record, they will be required to go to the Calgary Police Service at the Security
Clearance Unit to get an additional clearance letter.
The address is: Security Clearance Unit
5111 47 St. N.E. Calgary
Phone: 266-1234
If you as an individual believe that you may have a criminal record, you may go directly to Calgary to avoid two Criminal Record Checks. For the cost and hours
of operation you must call the Security Unit directly.
We will be including a mail-in ballot service for those members that will not be available to vote on Election Day. Anyone wishing to use this service must request
a Ballot in writing and they may do so after November 14th, 2013, for those persons residing off reserve, a ballot must be requested 10 days prior to Elections, for
those persons residing on reserve, a request for a ballot must be made 3 days prior to Elections. We will also have a Polling Station in Calgary for this Election.
The Location will be determined at a later date.
Copies of the revised Election Code and Regulations are available at the Membership Office.
Ida Duck Chief
MEMBERSHIP SR. MANAGER
IT’S ELECTION TIME!!!
What are you looking for in a leader?
Derrick Bear Chief, 39
“ What I’d like to see in a leader is
someone who is a servant to the
people.”
Evelyn Weasel Head, 74
“ A leader who strictly supports the
people and not just band
employees. They should do more for
the people.”
Keyvin Water Chief, 27
“To be a good leader you need to
have an open mind. Having a well
thought-out plan is great for our
people and caring for our people is
key.”
Thurman Little Light, 67
“We need someone who is willing
to look at the needs of the people,
especially a leader who will stand
up to the government and voice the
people’s needs. A leader who will
loo long-term at our future generations.”
Glenn Running Rabbit, 46
“ What I’m looking for in a leader is honestly and
integrity.”
Jonie Big Old Man, 32
“ First and foremost to be a good
leader you need to be honest
with yourself, be honest with the
people. We need a lot of wisdom and the knowledge of our
culture and also seek advice
from our elders.”
Rocky Crow Chief, 21
“I want to see a leader help
the people in any kind of situation and just be there for the
people; that’s why they are in
Council, for the people.”
Stewart Own Chief, 51
What I’d like to see in a leader
is committment, responsibility, dedication andabove all, a
people person.”
October 2013
Aitsiniki - Siksika Nation’s Newspaper
Siksika Minor Hockey back in full swing
By Cory Alston
The aftermath of the
June flood left a lot of hockey
players and hockey parents
wondering if there was even
going to be a 2013/2014
minor hockey season. With
the help of Hockey Canada
and surrounding communities
Siksika has pulled through
and the season will go ahead
as planned.
Councilor Jason
Doore contacted Siksika
Minor Hockey Coordinator/
Acting Recreation Director
Mick Breaker and had advised
him that Hockey Canada
Spokesperson Warren Crow
Child will be in contact.
Hockey Canada then made a
cheque out to Siksika Minor
Hockey for $12,000.00 to
cover the kid’s fee’s that were
directly affected.
A representative from
each temporary community
Poor Eagle Flats, Crowfoot
and Deerfoot went around
and had asked the parents
if their child(s) if they were
playing hockey this year and
Tournament.
surprisingly there was a total
Breaker was thankful
of 50+ kids that are playing
to the High River Minor
organized hockey or pond
Hockey Association for the
hockey.
donated hockey equipment
Siksika Minor Hockey
the players were allowed to
has six registered teams in
choose from just before the
the Central Alberta Hockey
season started.
League
(CAHL)
consisting of
Novice, Atom,
Peewee,
Bantam and
two Midget
teams. Each
team has a
rooster of 19
players with
a total of 114
Siksika Midget (1) huddle prior to puck drop
registered
players
competing this season.
“What I did was I
The youngsters who play
contacted the president of
with the Pre-novice team
CAHL, who happens to be
are not registered in CAHL
from High River, I mentioned
but for insurance purposes,
to him that I had families that
the parents pay the hockey
were asking if I could possibly
fee so the kids are able
find them some hockey gear
to play exhibition games,
as they had lost everything.
tournaments as well as in
So, I asked if they had any
the Alberta Treaty Hockey
left over donations and if they
could be so kind to donate
to our association. On the
following Monday morning,
a truckload of hockey
equipment arrived from High
River. It was a huge surprise
and very unexpected to see
all those people unloading all
that equipment. We
are truly thankful,”
Breaker said.
While team
Canada was in
Calgary over the
summer for an
evaluation camp
for the Olympics,
Breaker thought
this would be a
perfect opportunity
to maybe meet the
net minder for the
Montreal Canadians, Carey
Price and have him donate
a signed jersey. But his
agent mentioned that Price
wanted to do more, so with
that Carey Price is currently
having an on-line auction and
is auctioning off all his sports
memorabilia and collectables
with proceeds going to Siksika
Nisito (5)
Nation Youth programs.
You can find his
NHL collectables at www.
ledendsdepot.com but it is
still unsure whether Carey
Price will make a visit to
Siksika due to his busy NHL
schedule. Breaker is still in
contact with Price’s agent and
if there is time for him to make
a visit he will most definitely
be recognized for his valiant
efforts to support our youth
here in Siksika.
Each team from
Siksika is off to a great start
so far with a long season
still ahead of them. If you
would like to stay current
with each team you can go
directly to www.cahl_site.
stats.pointstreak.com also
the Aitsiniki will keep updated
stats each month as well. The
Nation’s Station 104.7fm will
broadcast weekend game
results as we get them.
Good luck to all
Siksika teams this 2013/2014
hockey season, play hard and
most importantly, have fun!
BREAKER CLASSIC CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT
This year the Breaker Classic was hosted at the Silverwing Golf
Course in Calgary, Alberta on Friday, July 12th, 2013, and brought out
the best in 140 golfers. A great time was had by all, with great golfing
weather, great competition, awesome food, and fantastic prizes. This
year the charity of choice was the Siksika Disaster Relief Fund after the
devastating flood on the Siksika Nation in June. With the excellent support
of all the golfers and the sponsors, we raised over $23,000 for the benefit
of the Relief Fund. Thank you so much for all your support, kindness,
compassion and generosity.
A special thanks to our volunteers: Natasha Water Chief, Sarah Breaker &
Erin Breaker, and for our Coordinators: Shane Breaker & Jerilynn Breaker.
All this was made possible through the support and sponsorship of the
following individuals, community agencies, and organizations:
Fort McKay First Nation
BDO Canada LLP Crow Chief Consulting
& Mentoring Serv.
Individual Prizes:
High Clouds Incorporated Siksika Nation Chief & Council
St.
Ø Ladies Longest Putt – Leslie Daniels
Mary’s University/Colle
Ø Men’s Longest Putt – Tyson Spring Chief
Yellowhead Tribal Community Corrections Society Yellowhead Tribal
College
Ø Ladies Closest to the Pin - Pauline Yellow Fly
Breaker & AssociatesHester & Lyle Breaker
Asset Insurance
Ø Men’s Closest to the Pin -
Manny Yellow Fly
Brokers
Ø Ladies Longest Drive -
LouAnn Solway
ATCO Sustainable Communities
BMO
Broadview Applied
Research Group
Ø Men’s Longest Drive – RJ Brass
Breaker Brothers Farm
Breaker Consulting
Burnco Rock
Ø Team Prizes:
Products Ltd.
1st Horton Running Rabbit, Cecile Running Rabbit, Lionel Two Horns, Wesley Running
Cartier Management
Det’on Cho Corporation
Dr. Deb
Rabbit
Crowfoot
2nd
Stewart Breaker, Drew Breaker, Clyde First Rider, Adrianne Lagrelle
3rd
Harvey Burnstick, Robert Burnstick, Armand Arcand, Rita Arcand
Jerome Slavik Professional Corporation
GEC Architecture
4th
Ellie Jerry, Connie Tuharsky, Roland Jerry, Toby Jerry
Sunrise Native Addictions Services Society Mackay LLP Chartered
5th
Chief Charles Weasel Head, Brigette Kenna, Charleton Weasel Head, Colton Weasel
Accountants
Head
6th
Tyson Spring Chief, Susan Spring Chief, Darrell Daniels, Joe Duck Chief
Strathmore Building SuppliesSiksika Plumbing
Silverwing Golf
7th
Alvin Big Crow, Lance Big Crow, Todd Big Crow, Bev Meguines
Course
8th
Tom Erasmus, Greg Erasmus, Carter Yellow Bird, Jerilynn Breaker
Walter Thompson, Investor Group Consultant
9th
Brian Cardinal, Edward?, Todd Cardinal, Victor Houle
10th
Rupert Arcand, Tyson Arcand, Leandro Avedutti, Annette Wilmot
Many other Participating companies and organizations...
SIKSIKA YOUTH GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO REPRESENT ALBERTA
By Edeena Big Tobacco
Siksika youth will
have a chance to represent
Alberta in the upcoming
North American Indigenous
Games being held in Regina,
Saskchtewan in July 2014.
Individual youths from Siksika
were giving the opportunity
to try out for the basketball
team, with majority of the
youths making the first and
second cut.
Charlton Weasel
Head is a part of the Team
Alberta Mission Staff for
NAIG, along with six other
coaches including himself,
six Chaperones and four
managers for the six teams
that will have the chance to
represent Alberta.
“As you can see that
NAIG 2014 is very exciting
time for Native athletes,
so we want our athletes to
be prepared”, says Coach
Weasel Head
The regional camp
was held from September
21-29, every athlete that
attended this camp was
invited to the central camp
that was held in Tsuu Tina
Nation from October 5 &
6. The first cut was held at
the Blood Reserve, second
cut was held at Tsuu Tina
Nation and the final cuts to
Team Alberta will be made
in the near future before
NAIG 2014. The coaches
for Team Alberta made the
selections for indivduals that
would move onto the final cut,
with assistance from other
coaches to help evaluate.
From now
until March 2014, it is the
responsibility of each athlete
to train on their own, with
many of them that will be
playing on their school
basketball team. Team Alberta
and NAIG have a code of
conduct that coaches and
athletes will have to abide by
all policies and procedure.
The code of conduct can be
found at their web site www.
aboriginalsports.org.
Team Alberta is
giving these indivduals the
opportunity to try out for the
team. “We want our athletes
to represent Alberta, their
Community and Tribe with
Diginity, Respect and with
committed hard work”, says
Weasel Head
Noi (6)
Aitsiniki - Siksika Nation’s Newspaper
October 2013
Blood Tribe Chief Charles Weasel Head, Chief Fred Rabbit Carrier, Hon. Robin Campbell, Hon. Ted
Menzies at BCHP flood recovery fundraiser
Photo By Wesley Water Chief
By Wesley Water Chief
Toni Good Eagle standing with Edna Vega who’s been volunteering
since the flood.
By Wesley Water Chief
Warren Drunken Chief accepts donation of $16,957.00 from Peace Hills Trust Senior Vice President Tony Shir.t
By Cory Alston
By Wesley Water Chief
Kelsey and Cedric Solway share a father and daughter
dance at the Corb Lund Benefit concert.
Former Miss Crowfoot school Gloria Good Eagle stands with princess pagenant participants.
Aitsiniki - Siksika Nation’s Newspaper
MOKOI-KISOM
Ihkitsika (7)
By Wesley Water Chief
Husky Energy’s Rudy Lepp, Chief Fred Rabbit Rabbit and Dave Lawrence and Kendall Panther Bone accept $100,000 for flood recovery.
By Cory Alston
Siksika Minor Hockey player waits in front of the net for
pass.
By Cory Alston
Amanda Spyce from Trans Alta donated 30 turkeys to
the food bank.
By Wesley Water Chief
Siksika Elders enjoying themselves at BCHP flood recovery fundraiser.
By Edeena Big Tobaccoo
Nanisowo (8)
Aitsiniki - Siksika Nation’s Newspaper
MOKOI-KISOM
Canada Bridges is building relationships with Siksika youth
By Cory Alston
Canada Bridges arrived to help during
the flood and now post-flood are
offering training through programming
called Unveiling Youth Potential.
The non-profit organization is currently
working with Siksika Employment and
Training with their Youth Employment
Perspective Program, which works
with the high school students aged 1821, but hopes to expand programming
to include older youth.
Canada Bridges Communications
Director Jennifer Kohlhammer said
they are looking to include youth in the
18-30 age bracket as well. She said
the objective is to build confidence,
personal leadership, self-awareness,
self-reflection and community
leadership skills as well as building
relationships through mentorship.
Kohlhammer said now that Siksika
is in the rebuilding stage, Canada
Bridges’ focus is on the potential of
the youth on the reserve. “Our main
focus is to invest in the youth out here
in Siksika and support some of the
youth initiatives that are already taking
place here.”
to the event. Thereby creating a
long-standing relationship with
Siksika families and youth through
programming in Calgary.
With support from corporate sponsors,
Canada Bridges is able to operate as
a non-profit organization and not take
funding from the band, but still work in
partnership with Siksika.
As a capacity building organization we
would love to help out in these areas
and, if, and when it makes sense,
maybe start our own programming
through partnerships that we have
already established here on the
reserve. But mainly to invest in youth
and really see their potential realized
so they can do and be everything they
can,” said Kohlhammer.
Kohlhammer said Canada Bridges
is primarily a capacity building
organization and they do not build
buildings nor facilitate the construction
of infrastructure, but are about building
personal skills in youth.
For four years Canada Bridges has
held a large-scale celebration event
called Aboriginal Youth Explosion
that brought some youth from Siksika
Shalome Hope and Jennifer Kolhammer pose in front of Canada Bridges new office
located beside the Dancing Deer Recovery Food Bank.
Maguire boys qualify for INFR in Las Vegas
By Cory Alston
the Sarcee rodeo this past summer. But now
Travis and Justin Maguire have both
that the boys have had a taste of victory they
been riding and competing in rodeo
are focusing on bigger things like winning at
since the age of ten and it has been
this year’s INFR.
a whirlwind of ups and downs. This
“We both look up to our cousin Marty
November the whirlwind will take them
Black Rabbit, as we’ve seen him compete in
to the Indian National Finals Rodeo
a lot of big rodeo events and he’s the one that
(INFR) in the glittery lights of
basically got us started in rodeo. We
“We
Las Vegas, NV.
both look up just want to do the things that he’s
In the Indian Rodeo
done in rodeo; we just really look up
to our cousin to him and what to be just like him,”
Cowboy Association (IRCA)
rodeo tour, Travis, 20-years- Marty Black said Travis.
old, and brother Justin,
As these two young men wait
Rabbit, as
12-years-old, consistently
for the INFR they both keeping busy,
we’ve seen
placed in the top ten. The
Travis works while Justin attends
brothers competed in twelve him compete school. But the ultimate goal of these
regional events and whoever in a lot of
two young brothers is to become
wins the IRCA year-end event big rodeo
professional bull riders and compete
and the finals are on their way
in the National Finals Rodeo (NFR).
events...”
to INFR.
The Maguire boys are both
This year Travis placing tenth
still young enough and have all the potential to
overall but he led the IRCA all year,
become professionals if they keep their eyes
which guaranteed his spot going into the on their goals. They know it’s going to take a lot
finals. As for Justin he qualified for the
of practice, patience, hard work, resilience and
INFR by winning the finals.
dedication to have their dreams fulfilled.
Travis looks back and says
They also know it will be a few more
his biggest accomplishment so far is
years of whirlwinds and ups and downs before
winning a round at the 2011 INFR. As for they realize their dreams of riding in the NFR.
his little brother he remembers winning
Siksika Outreach School Students
Our names are Naato ohkotok
(Georgia Good Eagle) and Marlon
Drunkenchief. Last Thursday we
were invited by Carbon School,
Carbon Alberta, to speak about
our experiences during the flood.
It was an awesome experience for
many reasons; first we were glad
that others wanted to hear our
story. We both spoke to about 100
students grades 1 to 9. I (Marlon)
showed the video on You Tube
that was filmed and produced by
Wade Healy and filmed by Trevor
Solway. I am in the video and this
made it real for the students. I
talked about the time right after the
flood when my family had to move
to high ground and set up camp.
I told them about how we set up
tents and tipis and how my uncles
and I built a cooking shed. I also
spoke about living in the camps
and mentioned my gratefulness for
the food and shelter; I told them
too about how sad I was for the
loss of my home that had been the
home for generations of my family.
Next it was my turn (Georgia).I
spoke about my families race
to move before the flood
overwhelmed us. I told the
students that my family had been
flooded in 2005 and how we
thought this would be the same.
We started to move everything
upstairs but quickly realized this
was different. By the time we
got my little daughter ready, my
partner and I noticed the house
was surrounded by water. I
explained to the students how
shocked I was when I came
back to look the next day. The
students were surprised when I
told them I could only see the top
half of my house. The students
wanted to know about our life now.
We explained that many of the
families who lost their homes were
now living in ATCO trailers in 3
communities on Siksika. Both of us
live at the Crowfoot Community. I
told them that we don’t have much
room, and don’t have access to a
lot of activities. Both Marlon and
I go to school so we spend some
time doing homework.
The neatest thing that happened
was that every class that came
to hear our presentation brought
bags full of supplies for our school.
We were so surprised to see the
amount of donations they have
gathered for us. They told us they
wanted to be good neighbors
and learn more about our Siksika
culture. We’ve invited them to
come visit us during our school
year.
For anyone who wants to watch
the video we showed this is the
link.
www.youtube.com/
watch?v=itosniwQB9I
Aitsiniki - Siksika Nation’s Newspaper
October 2013
Piihkso (9)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Name Contact Number Position / Location Project Manager Communications Lead Crisis Communication Specialist Housing Lead Housing Lead Housing Coordinator Donation Coordinator Site Managers (Located at Dancing Deer Disaster Recovery Centre)
Darlene Munro Kera Black Curtis Stimson Jenny Goodin Carmen Red Gun Gene Bourque Richelle Wright Food Bank Clothing Donation Department Siksika Health Services Siksika Housing Siksika Mental Health Siksika Public Works Siksika Crisis Response & Victim Services Siksika Security Siksika Fire and EMS Siksika Medical Transportation Recovery Management Team
Stephen Yellow Old Woman Wes Water Chief Alayna Many Guns Stewart Breaker Eric Red Gun Warren Drunken Chief A/Stephen Yellow Old Woman Name Contact Number Position / Location (403) 734-­‐5316 or 5317 Sr. Site Manager Site Manager Site Liaison Site Manager Site Manager Site Manager Receptionist 1 (403) 910-­‐1325 Dancing Deer Community Centre Department Gleichen RCMP Complaint Line Kids Help Line Parent Stress Line Emergency Social Services Strathmore Mental Health Mental Health Help Line (403) 734-­‐3815 (403) 734-­‐9111 (403) 734-­‐5676 1-­‐800-­‐668-­‐6868 (403) 265-­‐1117 1-­‐866-­‐644-­‐5135 (403)361-­‐7277 1-­‐877-­‐303-­‐2642 24 hour line Where do I go and whom do I talk to if I have any questions and concerns?
General concerns and progress updates
Please contact your Community Representative. The community
representatives act as the liaisons between the community members and the
Recovery Management Team, as well as the Tribal Administrator.
Area Bridge & Chicago Kids Help Line Parent Stress Line Emergency Social Services Strathmore Mental Health Mental Health Help Line Siksika Nation Departments
Contact Number (403) 734-­‐5686 (403) 734-­‐5200 (403) 734-­‐5687 (403) 734-­‐4388 (403) 734-­‐2596 Important Numbers
Contact Number (403) 734-­‐3923 24 hour line Representative Shawn Axe 1-­‐800-­‐668-­‐6868 (403) 265-­‐1117 1-­‐866-­‐644-­‐5135 (403)361-­‐7277 1-­‐877-­‐303-­‐2642 Contact Number (403) 24 hour line Bridge / Chicago – Shawn Axe (403) 361-0830
Rufus and Carmen Red Gun (403) 901-3653
Poor Eagle Flats – Gayle Poor Eagle (403) 324-3875
South Camp – Leanne Sleigh (403) 901-5752
Cecile Running Rabbit (403) 901-5184
Washington – Warren Drunken Chief (403) 324-0470
North Camp – Marilyn Melting Tallow (403) 324-4450
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS for EVACUEES
Matters
Daily issues at ATCO Relief Shelter Sites and Hotels Dancing Deer Recovery Center
Security Concerns at ATCO Relief Shelters Sites
• Bernie Bear Hat, ATCO Security Manager
• Doug Bear Hat, Deerfoot Security Manager
• Rod Scout, Crowfoot & Poor Eagle Flats Security Manager
Gleichen RCMP Line
Contact Number
(403) 734-5316 or
(403) 734-5317
(403) 934-1275
At a duly convened meeting on October 10th, 2013, the Siksika Chief and Council
executed a Band Council Resolution number #2013-28 which provides Security and the
RCMP authority to immediately evict tenants who breached Relief Shelter Rules and
Regulations or committed an offence. The Eviction Policy will be made available to you
shortly and it will be your responsibility to read it.
The eviction process will vary depending on the severity and the nature of the violation.
(403) 734-3923
General Health Issues and Concerns
Siksika Mental Health Counseling
Siksika Crisis Help Line (24 hr Immediate Help)
Status of Your Home and other Housing Questions –
Warren Drunken Chief (Housing Coordinator)
Private Well Testing
Food Bank
Clothing Donations
Child Welfare
Reimbursement for personal household items lost during
the flood (DRP)
General concerns and progress updates –
Recovery Management Team
Dear Relief Shelter Tenant,
(403) 734-5687
(403) 734-2596
(403) 734-5200
1 (780) 721-1176
(403) 910-1325
Community Centre
(403) 734-5140
1-888-671-1111
(403) 734-4359
• A criminal offence will result in immediate and permanent eviction from the
Temporary Relief Shelters.
• For drug and alcohol consumption, aggressive behaviour, or tempering with
electrical equipment offenders will be given a written warning with a 24 hour
suspension. After re-entry, offenders will be provided with counselling, and other
supports as needed to assist in coping with the issue. Hoverer, if another
violation occurs, the offender will be permanently evicted.
• Minor offences, such as failure to obey quiet times or smoking outside of the
designated areas will result in a verbal warning. Upon the second violation,
offenders will receive a written warning with a 24 hour suspension; a third
violation will result in permanent eviction.
NOTE: You will also be responsible and liable for the behaviour of your guests. Acts of
guest(s) in violation of the Relief Shelter Rules will be deemed a default by tenant.
The Nation will not be paying for your accommodation if you are suspended or evicted.
Thank you for working together, respecting rights of other tenants, and ensuring that the
Relief Shelters are a safe place to live.
Sincerely,
Recovery Management Team
October 2013
Aitsiniki - Siksika Nation’s Newspaper
Kiipo (10)
On SRDL Heavy Construction Business Partnership (Niitsitapi-Graham LP) and SRDL success
in securing $10 million contract on ATCO Electric’s Eastern Alberta Transmission Line (EATL) project
1.0 Introduction
In late 2009, some Siksika Nation Councillors began research into opportunities to do contract
work that were arising for other Western First Nations on major projects in their territories. They
appeared to be arising along with Consultations with private companies about the projects.
Siksika Nation had had a Siksika Consultation Office (SCO) since 2004, but the focus and
purpose of the SCO at that time wasn’t clearly defined.
2.0 Supreme Court Decisions and Siksika Traditional Use in its Territory
“Aboriginal Rights” have been protected by Section 35 of the Constitution of Canada since
1982. Since then, the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) has been defining what aboriginal
rights are protected and how they can be infringed by the provinces. The SCC has said
governments must exercise restraint when applying their powers in interference with aboriginal
rights. And, provincial legislation can only limit aboriginal rights if it has given them appropriate
priority [Sparrow, 1990]. Any time government is interacting with Aboriginals the “Honour of the
Crown” is said to be at stake [Haida, 2004].
The principle of the “Honour of the Crown” has imposed a number of “duties” upon provincial
governments. One of these is the “Duty to Consult” with First Nations when they have
knowledge of the potential existence of Aboriginal rights and plan projects that might adversely
affect First Nations’ rights. The SCC has also held that consultation about aboriginal rights must
be “meaningful” [Haida, Taku River, 2004] and that consultation must be undertaken with the
real intention of substantially addressing First Nation concerns [Mikisew, 2005].
The Crown (Alberta and the other Western Provinces) sometimes delegate responsibility for
Consultation to private companies that want to built projects in First Nations territories.
3.0 Consultation and “Duty to Consult”
In the past, companies have given little attention to Siksika’s traditional use rights. Now,
however, both the Crown and companies realize it is important to have good working relations
with Siksika. One way for doing that is for companies to works with the SCO on Siksika
traditional use issues on the one hand, while SRDL business managers talk separately with the
company about Siksika getting contract work on their projects.
Contract Signing
Chief Fred Rabbit Carrier signing 10 million dollar contact with
President S.F (Sett) Policicchio from Atco, and standing on the
back left CEO Tom Many Heads and right Councillor Kendall
Panther Bone.
4.0 Kinds of Contract Work and Benefits
There are many kinds of projects in Siksika’s territory that will impact Siksika’s traditional uses of
natural resources. Some of the bigger one currently include: East Alberta Transmission Line
(EATL), West Alberta Transmission Line (WATL), Calgary South-west Ring Road (SWRR),
TransCanada Pipelines Keystone XL (KXL) pipeline project. There are a large number of
smaller projects planned for Siksika territory in the next 5 years too. An estimate of the total
value of projects planned for Siksika territory in the next 5 years is about $21 billion. The
contract opportunities for Siksika could be $50 million/year or more. Siksika is securing these
contracts through its business arm, Siksika Resource Developments Ltd. (SRDL).
The type of contracts that could be available include: matting services, fencing, equipment
rentals, earth moving and preparation, trenching, foundation preparation, temporary bridges,
reclamation. These types of contracts will provide both profits for SRDL and Siksika, and jobs
for Siksika members. The kinds of workers needed will include: equipment operators, yard
managers, truck drivers, swampers, assistant swampers, cleaners, security, inventory control,
admin assistants, carpenters.
5.0 N-G LP and Graham as a partner
SRDL needs to be able to deliver on contracts before companies will award them to it. There
are two ways to do that. One is to grow a construction company from a very small size doing
little contracts to start and building up over the next 10-20 years. Or it can start big, and partner
up with a large construction company with a proven track record and the equipment, expertise
and finances to take on big projects. SRDL has decided on the latter route, partnering up with
Graham Construction (Graham.ca), Calgary. Graham Construction is the fifth biggest
construction company in Canada with over $2.9 billion in gross sales each year. The
partnership, which SRDL owns 51% of, is called Niitsitapi-Graham LP.
6.0 ATCO EATL Matting contract
Niitsitapi-Graham LP was successful is securing the first contract it went after, a $10 million
contract to provide matting services to ATCO’s EATL project, in the southern section of the
project from about Hanna to Brooks. The ATCO EATL project is a high voltage transmission line
that will run from Fort Saskatchewan east of Edmonton down to Brooks. The matting contract is
to clean and service about 2000 rig mats 8 ft x 20 ft made of oak that are used by the
companies constructing the line to drive their machines on so that they don’t damage farmers’
fields or transport weeds from one location to another.
Niitsitapi-Graham LP will employ about 20 Siksika workers full-time on the EATL matting project.
A new lay down yard will be built behind the SRDL building for the project which will be the base
of operations. In addition to providing employment for Siksika members, the contract will also
require gravel from Siksika Rock Products and contract water delivery. Project management will
be provided by Graham. The contract will last about 11 months from October 1, 2013 to about
August 31, 2015, and bring about $1.4 million in wages into the community.
Route Map
Niitsitapi-Graham LP secured a contract in the southern
section of the project from about Hanna to Brooks.
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2:00 pm – 4:30 pm Monday to Friday
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2:30 pm – 10:30 pm Monday to Friday
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9:00 am – 9:00 pm Sat thru Sunday
ROLLING THUNDER STUDIOS
Now taking new clients
Please book your recording session well in advance to allow sufficient
time to secure appropriate time slots outside of Old Sun College hours
Rolling Thunder reserves the right to refuse service for any reason
MOKOI-KISOM
Aitsiniki - Siksika Nation’s Newspaper
Nitsikopoto (11)
Kelsey & Leonda Solway
Would like to thank all of the volunteers & sponsors for their time and
generosity toward the Corb Lund & Ian Tyson Benefit Concert.
“NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
Corb Lund & The Hurtin’ Albertan’s
Ian Tyson
Bassano Vision Committee
Town of Bassano
Eldon Weasel Child
Armand Duck Chief
Telly Hunt
Trevor Solway
Al’s Audio
JBS Canada
Alberta Prairie Meats
Western Financial Group - Bassano
Melvin “Sonny” Solway
Bassano Bearcats Hockey Team
Bow Cattle Company Ltd
Sandra Maloney
The Sisters
Betty Ann Burrows
Debra Green
Duane & Lana Hale
MLA Jason Hale
Beezano Boys Bee Co
Tee Phraze Photography – Tayla Fraser
Roper Canada – Jim Nevada
Calgary Stampede
Shawn Calf Robe
Reo King
Thistles and Blooms
Pam Knaap
Dustin Bunney
Siksika Nation Chief & Council
Sikiska Resource Development Ltd
Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park
Dora McMaster
Mary Ann Amato
Bassano Family Foods
Alberta Treasury Branch
P&H
Bassano Liquor Store
MDM Trucking Ltd.
Creaky Floor Hardware Store
Import Tools – Ed Melville
Siksika Protective Services
Bassano RCMP
Lutes Building Centre Ltd
Town of Bassano
Q105.7 FM Radio
Chinook Credit Union
Siksika Health Services
Tyler & Krista White
Town of Bassano Public Works Crew
Bassano Centennial Arena Board
Desert Sales
Rod and Jeannie Hood
Bassano Arts Council
Bassano School Staff
Bassano School Students
Corporal Laura Lee Kelly
Wayne Bunney
Layne Johnson
Anna Dool
Jason and Connie Goudy
Al Crow Foot
Patricia Wellwood
Harry’s Place
Rosie’s Roadside Grill
All Volunteers throughout the event
Thank you for making it special!
Natsikopoto (12)
Aitsiniki - Siksika Nation’s Newspaper
MO KOI-KISOM