Sweetgrass May 2014 final

Alberta Sweetgrass - May 2014

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$5.00 + GST where applicableVOLUME 21 • NUMBER 6MAY 2014

THE ABORIGINAL NEWSPAPER OF ALBERTA

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By Shari NarineSweetgrass Contributing Editor

EDMONTON

Aboriginal offenders now facea better chance of receiving acourt sentence that fits theirpersonal circumstances.

In April, the provincialgovernment announced that itwould provide $200,000 toNative Counselling Services ofAlberta to coordinate andundertake Gladue Reports.Gladue Reports were created asa result of a Supreme Court ofCanada decision in 1999 andfurther enforced in the Ipeeleedecision two years ago. Courtscan request Gladue reports whensentencing first time offenders,repeat offenders and dangerousoffenders of Aboriginalbackground.

“The misnomer is that theinterpretation of Gladue is a get-out-of-jail-free card or a reducedsentence. I think what’s importantfor people to understand is that isnot the case at all. If a Gladuereport is done properly and it’sinterpreted properly by asentencing judge, a sentence willbe appropriate to the person’shistoric background, to the crimeand matching that to publicsafety,” said Dr. Allen Benson,CEO for Native CounsellingService of Alberta.

Presently Gladue reports are

not written in a specific formatand are implementedsporadically. There is nospecified funding available topay writers and moreimportantly, they are notnecessarily prepared byAboriginal people. Instead,reports are undertaken byprobationary officers, courtworkers or other members ofthe Justice department.

“It’s important to have eitherAboriginal people or someonewho has extensive knowledgeof historic trauma,intergenerational trauma andunderstanding of community inorder to articulate thecircumstances of an accused,”said Benson.

The funding commitmentfrom the province is anindication that the governmentis “seriously concerned aboutthe over-representation (ofAboriginal people in thecorrections system) and Ibelieve there’s a realcommitment on the part of thisprovince to change that,” saidBenson.

NCSA has now been taskedwith coordinating andmanaging Gladue reports,which will include hiring andtraining people to specificallywrite the reports. While NCSAis based in Edmonton, theorganization will be putting

writers in place throughout theprovince.

Benson admits that $200,000will probably not be sufficientfor the work that has to beundertaken. He surmises theprovince reached the figurethrough determining the numberof outstanding Gladue reports.However, Benson holds thatonce reporters are trained,sentencing judges will startdemanding Gladue reports.

A Gladue report can bemandated as part of a court orderbased on a number of factors,which include a request fromlegal counsel, the accused’sfamily, court worker or by theindividual, if he is representinghimself. While requesting aGladue report is left to a judge’sdiscretion, in Ipeelee, theSupreme Court said thatsentencing could be overturnedif an offender’s circumstanceswere not taken intoconsideration.

Benson believes strongly thatmost of the province’s judgeswould support Gladue.

“In all fairness to the courts,Alberta … is probably one of themore progressive provinceswhen it comes to administeringour justice system. So I thinkwe’re in a position where wemight actually see a significantimpact on Gladue because Ibelieve the sentencing judges

Gladue reports receive provincial funding

Alberta First Nations join US protestEriel Deranger, from Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (left) and Crystal Lameman (right), from Beaver Cree First Nation, flank singer-songwriter activist NeilYoung at the Cowboy Indian Alliance’s “Reject and Protect” protest in Washington at the end of April. The protest was aimed at TransCanada’s Keystone XLpipeline, which would carry crude oil from Alberta to the Texas Gulf coast. The project has been delayed indefinitely in part due to an ongoing court case inNebraska.

PHOTO: IDLE NO MORE FACEBOOK

want the resource available tothem,” he said.

Having Gladue reportsavailable for sentencing willhave an impact.

“I believe that the sentencingjudges will have a tremendoussort of revisit or change of howthey might sentence an accused,”said Benson.

Instead of the usualsentencing, judges may nowinvolve cultural and traditionalmeans as part of a probationaryorder. Families may also need tobe involved in treatments. ForGladue reports to be effective,says Benson, additionalresources will be required.

“Healing work is harder thanjail time and anybody whobelieves that going to therapy orhealing or doing their culturalhealing, is easy time, it’s not. It’shard work,” he said. “It meansthat people now have to facetheir histories and be able to dealwith those things in a way thatis going to be healing so they canmove forward.”

Instead of dwelling on thelimited amount of fundingreceived to undertake the tasksassociated with Gladue reports,NCSA will begin to roll out itsGladue writing program and doa monthly assessment of how farthe funding has gone.

While there are no figuresavailable presently to indicate

how many Aboriginal offendersare being provided with Gladuereports, Benson says he believesthe number is low. Theprovincial funding will nowallow NCSA to determine howmuch work has to be done inorder to meet the needs ofAboriginal offenders.

NCSA will track the cases itis involved in to see the impactGladue reports have had onsentencing. Benson says the nextstep would be for the provinceto set up a process forcomparisons to previous years.

Possible unexploded munitions forceclosure of golf course, cultural grounds

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Child welfare system replaced Indianresidential schools

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CNRL given go-ahead despite continued leaksCanadian Natural Resources Ltd. has resumed

pumping high-pressure steam into wells on its ColdLake lease near four sites where bitumen continuesto leak to the surface uncontrolled. The Alberta EnergyRegulator has yet to determine the cause of the leaks,which totalled almost 12,000 barrels in the past year.However, last month, AER approved the company’sapplication to resume steam injection, with lowersteam pressures, to keep its Primrose wells producing.AER spokesperson Tracey Moore said the risk of moreleaks is reduced by using lower steam pressure andrequiring the company to check well bores forpotential leaks. Jesse Cardinal, with Keepers of theAthabasca, took exception to the ruling, stating in anemail, “Instead of AER pulling the company’soperating licence, they have instead, allowed them tocontinue to steam, in the same formation, near thespill that is still happening and can be stopped.”

Recommendations of new joint review panel needto be adhered to

Concerns are being voiced about the environmentalprocess for the proposed Frontier Oilsands Mineproject, as the federal government solicits input fromthe public on a draft agreement to establish a jointreview panel. “While the scope of the panel’s mandateis sufficient to capture some of the key impacts of theFrontier Mine on Aboriginal communities, we believethe real issue is how Alberta and Canada address therecommendations and findings of the panel,” saidDaniel Stuckless, manager, environment andregulatory with Fort McKay First Nation. “However,in our experience neither Alberta nor Canada followsup on recommendations made by joint review panels.”Teck Resources Limited is proposing to develop andoperate a new oilsands mine and processing plant

population,” said Allen. “I find it disconcerting thatthe federal government continues to reject the callsby Aboriginal and Métis groups across the countryfor an independent public inquiry into the murder anddisappearances of Aboriginal women.” Allen’s voiceis added to those of the Native Women’s Associationof Canada as well as the Assembly of First Nations.The federal government has refused to hold a nationalinquiry.

Mason to step down as NDP leaderNDP Leader Brian Mason announced that he will

be stepping down from his position effective Oct. 19.“I am proud of the work that we have done together,but I believe that it is time for a new leader to tacklethe changing political landscape and lead us in to thenext election,” he said in a written statement. “I feelconfident that I’m leaving the party in a strong positionand that we are ready to tackle the challenges that lieahead.” Mason said a leadership race would helpattract “progressively-minded Albertans” to the NDP.Premier David Hancock, who thanked Mason for hisservice, called the NDP leader “a skilled debater anda tenacious parliamentarian, who was utterly unafraidto stand up for what he believed in and hold thegovernment accountable.”

Steps taken to reduce FASDTo help raise awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum

Disorder, liquor stores, restaurants and bars now haveto display FASD prevention signage. The requirementis at the direction of the Alberta Gaming and LiquorAssociation as a reminder about the risks of alcoholconsumption during pregnancy. “The effects of FASDon children are devastating, but through commonsense initiatives like this, we will bring instances ofFASD down by raising needed awareness andencouraging people to step up and say ‘no’ when theysee someone drink alcohol while pregnant,” saidManmeet S. Bhullar, Minister of Human Services, ina news release. FASD includes a broad range ofdisabilities related to permanent brain damage causedby exposure to alcohol.

Air quality video translatedThe Wood Buffalo Environmental Association has

translated an informational video into both Cree andDene Native languages. The video providesstakeholders and community members with aninsider’s look at WBEA’s extensive air monitoringnetwork, and explains exactly how WBEA goes aboutthe job of continuously monitoring and reporting airquality for the Regional Municipality of WoodBuffalo. “We thought it was important to have thisresource translated to Cree and Dene in order to betterreach out to our Aboriginal partners and stakeholders,”said WBEA Executive Director Dr. Kevin Percy. TheWBEA worked with local Cree and Dene speakingcommunity members for the voice-over translations.

ATCO to collaborate with First Nations company tofulfill contract

ATCO will be collaborating with local Aboriginalcommunities in providing facilities and operationsmaintenance services to five resource developmentsites in northern Alberta. The Chipewyan PrairieDene-owned Northern Wolf Ltd. has been contractedto provide grounds maintenance services and certifiedtrades contractors, which supports Aboriginalemployment and local capacity building. ATCO willbe responsible for the maintenance of the interior andexterior of buildings, facility systems such as HVAC,electrical and plumbing, as well as grounds keepingand signage maintenance. All the work will bemanaged through a computerized maintenancemanagement system. ATCO has a two-year contract,which began in March 2014.

Compiled by Shari Narine

about 100 kilometres north of Fort McMurray and110 kilometres south of Fort Chipewyan, in theRegional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

Jail on Blood reserve closesAfter 25 years of operation, the Kainai Corrections

Society minimum-security facility in Standoff hasbeen closed. It was the only jail on a First Nation. Itshut down its 24 beds for inmates at the end of Marchwhen Alberta Justice cut off funding, saying thefacility was under-utilized. The facility received $1.1million in provincial funding last year and housed anaverage seven inmates. Probation, court worker andcrime prevention services, and an Elders program willcontinue. “The community really supported thefacility so ... there’s going to be a huge impact thereas well,” Rick Soup, director of the corrections centre,told the Canadian Press. Twelve people are out ofjobs. “Of all the offenders in Alberta, 37 per cent areAboriginal ... and we were the only First Nationscorrections facility on-reserve to help them,” saidSoup. Alberta Justice says minimum securityAboriginal offenders will now go to the LethbridgeCorrectional Centre, which has Native programming.

MLA wants provincial support for inquiry intomissing, murdered Aboriginal women

Independent Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo MLAMike Allen is asking the province to demand a publicinquiry into the murder and disappearances ofAboriginal women. The request came in theLegislature April 7, following the seventh and finalnational event of the Truth and ReconciliationCommission, held in Edmonton. “It is important toacknowledge the horrors faced by the victims ofresidential schools, but we must not turn a blind eyeto other victimized groups within this unique

PHOTO: PROVIDED

Health minister sees latest technology in First Nation health facilityFederal Health Minister Rona Ambrose toured the Siksika Health Centre on April 4 and received ademonstration of the state-of-the art X-ray technology from Margaret Kargard, clinical services teamleader, as Councillor Barry Yellow Fly looked on. The centre, which opened in 2007 and is a partnershipbetween the federal and provincial governments and Siksika band, is one of the most technologicallyadvanced health facilities on a First Nation.

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PHOTO: SHARI NARINE

Reg Letourneau, president of Anvil GeoSpatial Corporation, shows a map where bombing occurred outside an area indicatedby the Department of National Defence.


ENOCH CREE NATION

Nearly a month after theEnoch Cree Nation closed itsgolf course and historic culturalgrounds because of the fear ofunexploded munitions, ameeting called by AboriginalAffairs and NorthernDevelopment Canada on May1 with the band and theDepartment of NationalDefence has yielded very littlenew information – and hasbrought the band no closer tore-opening Indian Lakes GolfCourse and the Ta-WowCultural Grounds.

Enoch Cree Chief Ron Morinis both frustrated with the lackof confirmed information andthe federal government’srefusal to speak publicly aboutexactly what happened in theYekau Lake area, which hadbeen used for bombing practiseby at least nine countries duringWorld War II.

“The Department of NationalDefence absolutely is elusiveand does not fully want to telleverything that’s gone on thelands,” said Morin.

The lack of information ledChief and council to hire itsown expert last year in order toget a better understanding ofthe extent and magnitude of theunexploded ordinances in thearea. Morin said they had beenled to believe by the federalgovernment that the site wasused to drop 11.5-16.5 poundsmoke bombs. He also saidthey were told 12,000munitions were dropped, butcouncil now estimates thatnumber at 140,000 to 200,000.

Morin stressed that the DNDnever received approval fromthe Enoch council of the day touse the area between 1941-46for a Commonwealth practisebombing site. Permission wasgranted by the Indian agent.

Morin said that Enoch CreeNation had requested fundingfrom the government toundertake an analysis of the

bombing site. The governmentrefused the request but insteadin 2008, with permission fromthe band and unfettered accessto the area, undertook its ownanalysis. While the governmentreleased some of its findings tothe band, Chief and council arestill awaiting the final report.

In response, Enoch CreeNation hired Anvil GeoSpatialCorporation to determine if thearea was safe for public use.

“Our findings to datecontradict the information thatwas made available to us (bythe federal government). Basedon that …I have to assume (thearea) is potentially dangerousunless the government canbasically demonstrateotherwise,” said RegLetourneau, president of Anvil.

Anvil conducted its ownresearch and investigative

ground work, but also usedinformation provided by thefederal government or garneredthrough the Access toInformation Act.

“Alarming” informationcame to light, said Letourneau,including two areas that“appeared to be the results of… bomb craters.” Alsodiscovered was an unexplodedpractise round.

“It’s relatively harmless, butit’s symbolic in terms of whatit represents. This is an artilleryround. A Nation has been ledto believe for almost 70 yearsthat this was a Commonwealthair practise bombing range andno one had ever suggested itwas an artillery range,” saidLetourneau.

“We are absolutely disgustedand angry… with thesefindings,” said Morin.

Following the May 1meeting, Morin said the bandhad received a commitmentfrom DND that it wouldcontract personnel to examinethe area in question, along withEnoch’s findings. DND alsosaid it would try to obtain moreinformation on what happenedon the First Nation.

Morin said that the band hasrequested DND assist in therelocation of the culturalgrounds. He added they are nottalking about compensation atthis point, but are insteadpushing for confirmation onwhat happened on Enoch lands.

“We want to make sure thesafety is first and foremost,” hesaid.

The safety of the rodeogrounds is also been drawn intoquestion as well as cratered-areas north and east of the golf

course near residences.Closure of the Indian Lake

Golf Course will impact at least50 employees and those withinthe Nation’s culturaldepartment will also beaffected.

Speaking in April, Morin saidthere was also concern thatGerman and JapanesePrisoners of War who wereheld in camps at the EnochCree Nation and died while incare may have been buried onEnoch land. He saidpreliminary examination hasfound what could be burial sitesor graves not far from the POWcamps.

“We need to give properhomage, respect and diplomacyto those nations and do properceremony here for any of theirloved ones that may have beenlost,” said Morin.

Possible unexploded munitions force closure ofgolf course, cultural grounds


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CALGARY

Driftpile First Nation ChiefRose Laboucan anticipateschanges in federal health carewill soon be coming, but shedidn’t hear that from federalHealth Minister Rona Ambrose.

Laboucan, representingTreaty 8, was joined by ChiefCharles Weaselhead fromTreaty 7 and Chief RustyThreefingers from Treaty 6, alsoleaders of the Health Co-Management Committee, in aclosed-door meeting withAmbrose in Calgary in earlyApril.

“I always wish … thatpoliticians would be honestwhen they come to the table andif they have intentions forchange, that they should let usknow and what those changesare going to be. Not after thefact when they’ve decided whatthey’re already going to bedoing,” said Laboucan. “I didn’tget that honesty.”

Laboucan points to the Non-Insured Health Benefits whichare sunsetting in 2015, whichmeans there are a number ofprograms up for renewal.

“I advocated for thoseprograms because I think theyare important. There was no yesor no answer,” Laboucan said.“There was no commitment

made.”Chiefs also expressed concern

over health care funding that isbeing returned to the federalgovernment as surplus dollars.The point of the existing co-management agreementbetween the province andHealth Canada is to keepsurplus funds in the province,says Laboucan.

“Our people are not gettingany healthier,” she said. “I’mnot sure why there was such alarge surplus, maybe because ofall the restrictions that areplaced on the programsavailable and how you canaccess them and people just giveup and don’t even use it.”

Health Canada is undertakingan analysis of the reasonsbehind the surplus dollars, saysLaboucan, who is hoping to getthe results in June. As well, shenotes, Treaty 8 is undertaking ahealth survey to determine whymembers are not using NHIBservices.

If those surplus dollars can bekept in the province, Laboucanwould like to see them investedin First Nations communities tofund “different programs thatcan really have a long-termeffect rather than short-term.”

Increasing First Nationscontrol and input into the healthcare system was discussed, aswell as how to closejurisdictional gaps between

health services offered on-reserve and those offered off-reserve, says HCOMcoordinator Peyasu Wuttunee.

Ambrose is the first federalhealth minister to meet withHCOM since 2010, althoughChiefs have been requesting ameeting for years, he added.

“Because she’s an AlbertaMP, I think that helped get a bitfaster access,” he said. “(Thismeeting) was really importantin terms of establishing arelationship with this ministerand also just to let her knowsome of the things we weredoing and what the Chiefs’interests were in movingforward.”

While Laboucan doesappreciate Ambrose’s time andfeels the minister is willing towork with the Chiefs, Laboucansays there is a frustrationinvolved in dealing with newministers on a continual basis.

“I know that (we) were veryadamant at that meeting that wedo have a treaty right to health,”said Laboucan, “and how shedevelops and comes to thatunderstanding will be herhomework.”

Another meeting withAmbrose is on the agenda andcould happen in July.

“They are small steps but theyare still significant,” saidWuttunee. “We are hoping toestablish an ongoing dialogue.”

Federal health minister notopen about pending changes


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EDMONTON

The statistics are staggering:68 per cent of children ingovernment care in Albertatoday are Aboriginal.

“When the residential schoolswere winding down in the1960s, the child welfare systemsimply became a place wherethey replaced the residentialschool system and damaged alot of our culture,” saidBernadette Iahtail, executivedirector of Creating HopeSociety.

Iahtail and her sister wereamong those taken in what hasbecome known as the ‘60sscoop. Aboriginal children wereapprehended from their parents,or in Iahtail’s case, hergrandmother, at an alarmingrate between the late 1950s tothe early 1980s. It is estimatedthat 22,000 babies and childrenwere taken in this time periodand fostered or adopted to non-Aboriginal families. Many ofthose children were taken to theUnited States.

Iahtail showed CHS’sdocumentary Broken Hearts toa packed room on the final dayof the Truth and ReconciliationCommission’s seventh nationalevent in Edmonton on March30. The documentary helpsoutline the rights mothers andparents have when it comes tofighting for custody of theirchildren.

Many people broke down asthey told what it was like to beone of those statistics.

Martha, a survivor ofresidential schools, spoke aboutlosing court-appointed care ofher grandson to his birth motherand then learning fromFacebook that the boy wasthreatening suicide.

“He told his cousin he wasgoing to jump off the High

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Child welfaresystem replacedIndian residentialschools

Level bridge and I’m going todo it because nobody caresabout me,” said Martha. Shephoned the Edmonton PoliceService, who responded andtook the boy for 24-hour careto the hospital. Martha’sgrandson attempted suicidetwice.

Vicki, who is turning 20, toldhow she and her sisters wereapprehended when she wasthree years old and her sisterswere two and five. Vicki’s oldersister committed suicide a yearago, leaving behind her one yearold son. Vicki said she had agood foster family andreconnected three years agowith her biological father and isworking on that relationship.

But she has no connectionwith her birth mother. “Thatanger, that hurt, that everythingis real, why didn’t you come andsee me, why didn’t you comeand see me when I was little?Why am I here?” Vicki says.“That anger towards her, whydo you do what you do? Maybenow I kind of understand. Shewasn’t able, she didn’t havemothering skills.”

Iahtail refers to those raisedin government care as “adultchildren of child welfare.Because a lot of it is when yougrow up in the system and youdon’t know who your family is,I mean you have a sense ofbelonging, ‘I am an adult childof children’s services,’” saidIahtail. “Because I grew up inthe system, it’s been some of thelanguage we’ve been able toestablish and understand aboutthe child welfare cycle.”

“Creating Hope Societybelieves that in order to heal, weneed to share our stories anderase the shame that binds usand the continuing impact of thechild welfare system on ourlives,” states the documentary.

Iahtail holds true to thatsentiment as well.

Bernadette Iahtail talks to a group of people about theCreating Hope Society’s work with Aboriginal children in care.

PHOTO: SHARI NARINE

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6 E D M O N T O NE D M O N T O NE D M O N T O NE D M O N T O NE D M O N T O N

Turning a negative experience into positive actionChevi Rabbitt (second from right) recently received the 2014

Hate Crime Awareness Youth Award from Minister of Justice andSolicitor General Jonathan Denis. In response to being assaultedin the university area in 2012 by three men who yelled anti-gayremarks at him, Rabbitt organized the first “Hate to Hope Marchand Rally,” which has now become an annual event. Shortly afterthe assault, Rabbitt joined Edmonton’s Sexual MinoritiesCommittee which works with Edmonton’s Police Services tofurther promote community safety.

Accomplished Métis Elder to receive honourary degreeFourth-generation Métis Elder Elsie Yanik will be one of 11

recipients of honourary degrees from the University of Albertathis spring. It is not the first time Yanik, from the Wood Buffaloarea, has been recognized. She is past recipient of the GovernorGeneral’s Commemorative Medal, the Stars of Alberta VolunteerAward, an honourary diploma from Keyano College and an EsquaoAward. She was also blessed by Pope John Paul II for her workwithin the Catholic Church. “It is my hope that these outstandingindividuals will inspire our graduates to consider leadership rolesin the many local, national and international communities ouruniversity serves,” said U of A Chancellor Ralph Young.

Inner city newspaper celebrates long historyBoyle McCauley News, Edmonton’s inner city newspaper, is

celebrating 35 years. That milestone marks the BMC News as oneof Edmonton’s longest-running community newspapers. BMCNews has been a way for the community to celebrate the successesof the neighbourhood and its residents, to foster communication,and to discuss issues relevant to the area. BMC News also providesa forum for the concerns and challenges of living in an area of thecity that is currently in transition, with McCauley’s Revitalizationprocess and the development of The Quarters in Boyle Street. “Hardto believe the Boyle McCauley News has often entertained,occasionally outraged, but always informed the residents of theBoyle Street and McCauley neighbourhoods for that long,” saidJohn Kolkman, long-time McCauley resident and volunteer withthe paper. “The newspaper is an indispensable source of news andopinion in our community.” Boyle McCauley News has grown withthe two neighbourhoods it serves. It started off as a newsletterproduced sporadically, with minimal production. Now, it is a 16-page newspaper published 10 times a year, complete with colour,style, and a professional production team. The paper also has afully developed website.

Blackstone recognized once morePrairie Dog Film + Television’s dramatic series Blackstone has

received seven nominations at the 2014 Leo Awards. Along withbeing nominated for Best Dramatic Series, it is competing in fiveacting categories: best lead performance for both male and female;best supporting performance for both male and females; and, bestguest performance for a female. It has also been named in theBest Cinematography category. Recently Blackstone won sixRosies at the annual Alberta Film and Television Awards.Blackstone season three tackled universal themes of domesticviolence, criminal justice, child and family welfare, the devastatingconsequences of addiction and the long worthwhile process ofhealing and reconciliation. Blackstone season four is currently inproduction and is slated to air Fall 2014 on APTN. Along withbroadcasting in Canada, Blackstone also currently broadcasts inNew Zealand and Australia, and is internationally distributed.Blackstone has been nominated for 79 awards, winning 26,including two Geminis, four Leo Awards and multiple Alberta Filmand Television Awards.

Compiled by Shari Narine

PHOTO: SUPPLIED


EDMONTON

As a young man, DaleBelcourt went through a difficultperiod. Born in the Lesser SlaveLake area, he spent much of hischildhood passed betweenfamilies in Vancouver. But itwas when he returned to Albertaat the age of 14 that his lifebegan spinning out of controland he was in and out ofinstitutions. It was in one ofthose institutions that hediscovered he could paint. Hisart work mirrors his life’sjourney.

“Back then I was troubledmyself and basically that’s whatmy art showed. I wanted to showthe separation between theNative world and the non-Nativeworld, show all these emotions.But now as I got older, I’mstarting to get calmer and I wantyou to be able to look at mypaintings and be calm, relaxed,”said Belcourt.

Belcourt’s pain is depicted inhis 1984 painting “Out in theCold,” which shows a log cabinfilled with light and a lone figurestanding in the snow looking in.The window frame casts a crossin the snow but it does not reachthe figure, who huddles outside.

Today Belcourt paintslandscapes, wildlife and birds.

“I do scenery now that showsmore kind of peace andharmony for me,” he said.

“Out in the Cold” is one of20 or so paintings by a dozenAlberta Aboriginal artists,which comprises kiyas aspin,which will be on display at theEnterprise Square Galleriesuntil May 24. The exhibitopened on March 27 inconjunction with the seventhand final national event for theTruth and Reconciliationcommission, held in Edmonton.

The art displayed is only asmall representation of about200 pieces that AboriginalAffairs and NorthernDevelopment Canada owns andwhich comprises the full bodyof work undertaken by the

Indian Arts and Crafts Societyof Alberta. The society operatedbetween 1975 and 1992, whenfunding cuts forced it to closeits doors. The work was to beauctioned off a piece at a time,but a handful of artists protested,forcing the federal governmentto step in and purchase the fullcollection. It has been over adecade since the work has beendisplayed in a single dedicatedexhibit. Kiyas aspin is Cree for“it’s been a long time since.”

“The title came from a talk Ihad when I interviewed JaneAsh Poitras and she had said tome, ‘It’s been a long time sinceeverything was beautiful and itwas all about making art,’” saidDawn Marie Marchand, whowas tasked by AANDC to pulltogether information for theexhibit.

Marchand is proud of thecollection and the variety ofsubjects depicted within theframes. She regrets the loss ofthe Indian Arts and CraftsSociety, noting that the societyadvocated for Indigenousartists, providing them with

grants and loans as well as spaceto display their work.

“If you follow contemporaryAboriginal art… our art formsare dynamic. They areconstantly pushing theenvelope. But having said that,they are also still anchored inour culture, faith, and tradition.It’s hard to say what isAboriginal art because whenyou do that you almost putyourself in a box. And so manyof our artists aren’t in that boxanymore,” said Marchand,herself a contemporary artist.

Belcourt says he is “veryhonoured” to have his work ina collection that involvesPoitras, Joane Cardinal-Schubert, Edward Harpe, FayeHeavy Shield, Alex Janvier,George Littlechild, AnnMcLean, KimowanMetchewais, Ken Swan, SamWarrior, and Lauren I.Wuttunee.

“This is 20 year old art here.Can you imagine what they’regoing to see if they opened upthe doors to us today?” askedMarchand.

Métis artist Dale Belcourt’s painting “Out in the Cold” depicts how he saw Aboriginal people in1984: shunned and ignored.

PHOTO: SHARI NARINE

Contemporary Aboriginal artshowcased in downtown gallery


7C A L G A R YC A L G A R YC A L G A R YC A L G A R YC A L G A R Y

PHOTO: SUPPLIED BY BRIDGES SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Youth participants, volunteers, and Bridges team membersduring the Grand Entry, facing Elder and honoured guestRandy Bottle who opened the day with a prayer andsupportive words for the youth.

Aboriginal youth showcasedOn April 12, Bridges Social Development hosted its annual

Aboriginal Youth Explosion at Mount Royal University’s WyckhamHouse. This year’s event, sponsored by Suncor Energy Inc. andthe Rozsa Foundation, brought together Aboriginal youth fromCalgary and surrounding area to tell their stories through art andperformance. The youth participate in Canada Bridges’ UnveilingYouth Potential Program, which supports youth leadership rolesin building community. This year 26 youth told their stories throughdancing, drumming, singing and music, and public speaking. Anadditional 10 youth used artwork to do their talking. Approximately200 family and community members from Alexis, Siksika, Morley,Calgary and Tsuu T’ina attended to support the young Aboriginalson their journey as they grow into leadership roles.

New Attainable Homes project launchedOn April 15, Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Ward 7 Councillor Druh

Farrell officially launched Attainable Homes first inner-citydevelopment. Nenshi unveiled the artist’s rendering and salesinformation for the project which is part of the 16 Avenue NorthUrban Corridor Area Redevelopment Plan and the first lanewayhousing project in the city. Attainable Homes Calgary Corporationis a non-profit organization that is a wholly owned subsidiary ofthe City of Calgary. It links developers, builders, lenders, lawyersand insurance companies to lower the costs of home ownership.Three key elements contribute to making new homes affordablefor Calgarians with moderate incomes: forgivable equity loans,affordable home prices and a joint appreciation plan.

“Alesha’s Dream”On May 21, the Stardale Women’s Group and The School of

Alberta Ballet will be performing Alesha’s Dream in the WrightTheatre at Mount Royal University. In the performance, a groupof teenage Aboriginal girls explore the issue of youth suicide andits prevention. Following the play, Stardale will launch its newbook titled “Committing,” hosted by Helen McPhaden and theauthor, Eugene Stickland.

BluEarth Launches Aboriginal Clean Energy ScholarshipOn April 16, Calgary’s BluEarth Renewables Inc. launched its

Aboriginal Clean Energy Scholarship. For its inaugural year, theACES program will offer financial support of $3,000 per academicyear to Canadian Aboriginal students pursuing trades certification,diploma, degree and other programs at accredited post-secondaryinstitutions. ACES will also offer skills development through paidinternships. Successful candidates will be paired with BluEarthteam members as learning partners throughout the academic year.“The scholarship offers a unique opportunity for Aboriginalstudents to gain work experience and learn from one of the mostexperienced renewable power generation teams in the country,”said Kent Brown, president and CEO of BluEarth.

Esquao Awards honour outstanding womenThe Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women is

hosting its 19th Annual Esquao Awards Gala on May 22 at theCoast Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre. An initiative of theIAAW, the awards gala recognizes and honours the achievementsand successes of Alberta First Nations, Métis and Inuit women.The women are nominated by their communities. The EsquaoAwards has grown since its conception in 1995 and has nowbecome the largest sponsored event to recognize the achievementsof Canada’s Aboriginal women.

Compiled by Darlene Chrapko

Distress

Centre

2X4

By Darlene ChrapkoSweetgrass Writer

CALGARY

Calgary Mayor NaheedNenshi has proclaimed March27, 2014-March 27, 2015 as theYear of Reconciliation. It is thefirst time in the city’s historythat a year-long proclamationhas been made.

Nenshi’s announcement wasmade at the final national eventof the Truth and ReconciliationCommission for IndianResidential Schools held inEdmonton in March. Nenshihad letters of support fromTourism Calgary, the CalgaryStampede and CalgaryEconomic Development.

The proclamation, whichacknowledges the harmfuleffects of colonization and setsthe tone for reconciliation,states, “Whereas: The firstEuropean settlers did not honourthe unique culture of our

Aboriginal ancestors.Aboriginal people were isolatedfrom their traditional andspiritual ways. This isexemplified by the manythousands of Aboriginalchildren who were forciblyremoved from their homes andtaken to residential schools, butis also evident in many otherexamples ofdisenfranchisement.”

In addressing those gatheredin Edmonton, Nenshi said it was“deeply humbling” to be thereand to listen to the stories. Henoted that in the last few weeksthe city of Calgary had finalizedan agreement with Tsuu T’inato service the Nation with waterand waste water infrastructure.

“Why is this important to me?It’s important to me becausesince I’ve been mayor, I’ve saidin our own small way the cityof Calgary would be part of thesolution to the scandal of thelack of fresh clean drinking

Calgary issues first-ever year-long proclamation

water on reserves in thiscountry,” said Nenshi.

It is this kind of leadershipthat Lorna Crowshoe, issuestrategist, research andplanning, Community andNeighbourhood Services withthe city believes that Calgarycan exhibit for other cities.

“This is an opportunity fordialogue and an opportunity forgreater understanding of localAboriginal history, a time whenwe can educate people. We needto acknowledge thoseresidential schools andacknowledge this tragic history,by reconciling and moving on,”she said, pointing out that theproclamation brings thediscussion, which many peopledon’t know and understand, tothe forefront.

Echoing the DeputyMinister’s remarks, she added,“We need to understand thehistory, and we need tounderstand the treaties.”

For Crowshoe, reconciliationis about healing and looking atthe many opportunities forhealing that will enableAboriginal people to reclaimtheir cultural identity.

“First and foremost, healinginvolves introducing the culture,language and customs back tothe community,” she said.

Crowshoe also sees the Yearof Reconciliation as offering anew beginning.

“I work downtown,” she said.“I see our people downtown,know where they have comefrom. They are people who’venever had the opportunity tocome to a place to start healing.There are really simple thingspeople can do, includingexpressing empathy andunderstanding.”

Aboriginal performers prominent in Folk Festival line-upJuno Award winners A Tribe Called Red (above) will highlight this year’s Calgary Folk MusicFestival. The group, which hails from Ottawa, consists of two-time Canadian DMC ChampionDJ Shub, DJ NDN and DJ Bear Witness, and mixes traditional pow wow vocals and drummingwith cutting-edge electronic music. The lineup will also showcase other North AmericanIndigenous performers including Eya-Hey Nakoda, Leonard Sumner, Nick Sherman, andMartha Redbone. The festival runs from July 24-27 on Prince’s Island park.

PHOTO: NADYA KWANDIBENS)

(See Calgary on page 14.)


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10 S C H O L A R S H I P SS C H O L A R S H I P SS C H O L A R S H I P SS C H O L A R S H I P SS C H O L A R S H I P SALBERTA

_________________________________________Joe P Cardinal Bursary/Internship AwardAboriginal Multi Media Society (AMMSA)AMMSA is pleased to offer an annual Bursary/Internship Award to an Aboriginal student tofurther their education in communicationsspecializing in broadcasting and/orjournalism. This Bursary is intended to assiststudents in the 2nd or subsequent years of adegree program in radio broadcasting orjournalism.The Bursary is named to honour Joe P. Cardinal,Elder, AMMSA Board Member and leader whobelieved communications was key to greaterunderstanding between people and cultures.Applicants MUST:Be First Nations, Inuit or Métis, hold permanentCanadian resident status and have in AlbertaBe enrolled in the 2nd year (or beyond) of aCanadian post secondary Journalism or Radio& Television Arts Program or EquivalentCertified Training Program (as recognized byAlberta Learning) and be able to produce atranscript of grades from the 1st yearBe available to participate in a 4 weekinternship program at AMMSA at thecompletion of the school year. (There is anopportunity for the internship to be extendedto a 4 month paid internship.)Be interested in acting as an ambassador forthe broadcast industry and serving as a role

facilities. Successful applicants will demonstratea balanced lifestyle and commitment in thepursuit of education. These awards, bursariesand scholarships are awarded to select studentswho demonstrate leadership capabilities andstrive to be role models in their schools andcommunities.Since the program was launched in 2011,†thisprogram has seen 74 students from across theprovince receive awards.There are three different awards available:• Merit Awards - merit awards of $500 to begranted each year;Must be attending High School (completinggrades 10-12); Maximum one award perapplicant per calendar year; Must re-apply tobe considered for subsequent years• Bursaries - bursaries of $1,000 to be grantedeach year; Must be registered in a recognizedtrade/community/technical college diploma orcertificate program; Preference will be givento those enrolled in a program relating to thenatural gas industry; Maximum one award perapplicant per calendar year; Must re-apply tobe considered for subsequent years• Scholarships - scholarships of $1,500 to beawarded each year; Must be registered in auniversity program intended to lead to abachelor or graduate degree; Preference willbe given to those enrolled in a program relatingto the natural gas industry; Maximum oneaward per applicant per calendar year; Mustre-apply to be considered for subsequent years

ELIGIBILITYAll applicants must be enrolled full-time in asecondary or post-secondary educationalprogram, be Canadian citizens of Aboriginalancestry and originate from within 50km ofATCO Pipelines facilities. ATCO employeesand/or their children will not be consideredfor these awards.

HOW TO APPLYThe deadline to submit an application is August1st annually. Applications received after thatdate will not be considered during the reviewand selection process.The following information must ALL be includedin the application package in order to beregarded for any one of these awards:• A completed application form• One reference letter from a teacher, facultymember, employer or community leader• A short essay (minimum 250 words)describing why you are a suitable candidatefor the award• Proof of enrollment for the upcoming semesterin a secondary or post-secondary institution• Transcripts from a secondary and/or post-secondary institution in which you are currentlyenrolledMail or deliver completed applicationpackages, and direct official transcripts, to:

Corporate CommunicationsATCO Pipelines

#1300, 909 – 11th Avenue SWCalgary, AB T2R 1L8Website:http://www.atcopipelines.com/Community/Aboriginal-Education-Awards-ProgramSELECTIONAll applications will be reviewed by a selectioncommittee comprised of representatives fromvarious departments within ATCO Pipelines.Committees will be established each yearspecifically to review candidate submissions forthis program._________________________________________The Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards

Value: $2,000 - $9,000If you are a Métis residing in Alberta and needfinancial help to pursue your education orupgrade your skills, a Belcourt Brosseau MétisAward can help you take the next step. It willgive you the opportunity to continue youreducation by covering a portion of your tuitioncosts.Deadline: March 31For more information call: 1-866-626-0015Web site: www.bbma.ca_________________________________________AltaLink Aboriginal Scholarship ProgramThis scholarship program is designed torecognize leaders in the Aboriginal communityby offering eight scholarships to Aboriginal

model for other Aboriginal people toencourage them to pursue careers inbroadcastingGuidelines:One bursary valued at $4,000 will be awardedeach year. This award may be applied toacademic and/or living costs. An additional$1,000 will be awarded to the student for theirparticipation in the AMMSA Internshipprogram.Bursary recipients are eligible for continuedscholarship awards each year they continuein the approved programs in the amount of$2,500 annually to a maximum of $10,000Selection Committee:The management team of AMMSA will gradeeach application on the criteria outlinedDeadline for submissions: May 15, 2014Please submit toCarol RussAMMSA Bursary Selection Committee13245 - 146 StreetEdmonton, AB T5L 4S8Fax: 780-455-7639Email: [email protected]_________________________________________ATCO Pipelines Aboriginal Education AwardsProgramThe ATCO Pipelines Aboriginal EducationalAwards Program is aimed at supportingAboriginal students from First Nations andMétis communities in close proximity to our


11S C H O L A R S H I P SS C H O L A R S H I P SS C H O L A R S H I P SS C H O L A R S H I P SS C H O L A R S H I P Sstudents attending post-secondary institutions.Two eligible students from each of Treaty 6, 7,8 and the MÈtis community in Alberta will beawarded with a $1,000 scholarship.ELIGIBILITY:To be eligible, applicants must be currentlyenrolled in a post-secondary institution and:• Treaty applicants must be born in Alberta.• Métis applicants must either be a member ofthe Métis Nation of Alberta Association or anAlberta Métis Settlement or must have beenliving in Alberta for at least the past threemonths with a Métis membership card fromanother province.

HOW TO ENTER:Application forms are available online atwww.altalink.ca/Aboriginalscholarships andmay be submitted by email or by mail to theaddress below. A transcript, either official orunofficial, and a photocopy of your status cardmust be submitted for the application to beconsidered. The deadline for receipt of thecompleted application is October 15.ATTN: Kim Greenstein-StarkAltaLink2611 3rd Ave SECalgary AB, T2A [email protected]_________________________________________Alberta Blue Cross Scholarships for AboriginalStudentsClosing date: September 20Value: Varies ($375 - $1,250 depending oninstitution)Number of Awards: ThreeApplicants must be Registered Indian, Inuit orMetis and must have been residentsm ofAlberta during their previous year of study.Applicants must have just completed their finalyear of high school and be entering into thefirst year of post-secondary studies at anaccredited Alberta post-secondary institution.Applicants will be evaluated based on theresults as shown on their Alberta EducationHigh School transcript. The top five courses witha minimum five credit value will be averagedto determine a percentage score. Financialneed and community involvement will also beevaluated in determining the recipients of thescholarship.Students will be ineligible if receiving more than$3,500 in other scholarships or bursaries forthe current academic year.

Field of Study: Any full time program of two ormore years duration.

Accredited Institutions: Alberta College of Art& Design, Ambrose University College,Athabasca University, Augustana UniversityCollege (U of A), Blue Quills First NationsCollege, Bow Valley College, CanadianUniversity College, Concordia UniversityCollege, Fairview College (NAIT), GrandePrairie Regional College Keyano College,King’s University College, The, LakelandCollege, Lethbridge College , MacEwanCollege, Maskwachees Cultural College,Medicine Hat College, Mount Royal College,NAIT, NorQuest College Northern LakesCollege, Olds College, Old Sun CommunityCollege, Portage College, Red Deer College,SAIT, University of Alberta, University ofCalgary, University of LethbridgeApplications should be sent to:Alberta Blue CrossCorporate Offices10009-108 Street NWEdmonton AB T5J 3C5Fax: (780) 498-8096web site: www.ab.bluecross.ca_________________________________________Andy Collins Memorial ScholarshipEligibility RequirementsApplicant mus te of Aboriginal ancestry withinZone II Métis Nation of Alberta regionalboundariesEntering a field in one of the following areas:

oil and gas, music or sportsEntering or enrolled in a post-secondaryeducational instituteMust demostrate a financial needApplications Process:Fill out an application form available at theZone II Regional Council office in Bonnyville

Attach the following with your application:Letter of Acceptacne or proof of enrollment fromthe institute, short type-written profile onyourself and proof of Aboriginal ancestry

Applications will be accepted from January 15of each year to July 1st.A panel will review all applications.Two letters of support must be submitted withapplication.For More information:Zone II Regional CouncilMÈtis Nation of AlbertaBox 6497Bonnyville, AB T9N 2H7Phone: 780-826-7483_________________________________________Apeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc.ScholarshipsApeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc. hasannounced that they will provide six $1,000cash bursaries to any qualifying Métisindividuals that are in their first year of Post-Secondary education.All the applicant needs to do is go to our website at www.apeetogosan.com to receive a copyof the details and application.Michael Ivy, General ManagerApeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc.#302, 12308 - 111 AvenueEdmonton AB T5M 2N4Phone: 780-452-7951Toll Free: 1-800-252-7963_________________________________________Apeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc.BursariesApeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc. ispleased to offer 6 annual bursaries of $1,000to qualifying Métis students wishing to furthertheir education. The application form can beobtained by going to our website atwww.apeetogosan.com.The bursary is for qualifying first year postsecondary students.Michael Ivy, General ManagerApeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc.#302, 12308 - 111 AvenueEdmonton AB T5M 2N4Phone: 780-452-7951Toll Free: 1-800-252-7963_________________________________________Alberta Apprenticeship Scholarship ProgramNumber: 165Value: $1000Alberta industry is in desperate need of skilledtradespeople.Funding for the Scholarship program wasraised through an industry and governmentfund-matching campaign. Industry, withsupport from the Alberta Apprenticeship andIndustry Training (AAIT) Board, raised a grandtotal of $1.3 million and Alberta Learningcommitted to match the double of industry’scontributions up to $1 million.The first Alberta Apprentice Scholarships willbe awarded in Fall 2002.Complete criteria and applications will beavailable later this spring atwww.tradesecrets.org and at local AlbertaApprenticeship Industry Training offices.Information:Fairview CollegeFinancial Services DepartmentToll free 1-888-999-7882, ext.654E-mail: [email protected]_________________________________________Edmonton Métis Cultural Dance SocietyCommunity Scholarships - High SchoolTo encourage Aboriginal students in Albertato pursue Studies at recognized High School.


12 S C H O L A R S H I P S S C H O L A R S H I P S S C H O L A R S H I P S S C H O L A R S H I P S S C H O L A R S H I P SValue: Two $500.00 scholarships one to afemale and one to a male.Eligibility: An Aboriginal youth in an Albertahigh school. Must live in the province ofAlberta, have a lot of community involvement,is helping to preserve the Aboriginal culture intheir community.Duration: AnnualDeadline: September 30thScholarships, will be given out at the AnnualLouis Riel Gala during Métis Week inEdmonton. All recipients must be in attendanceand available for the award.Edmonton Métis Cultural Dance Society10104 - 121 StreetEdmonton, Alberta T5N 1K4Phone: (780) 451-1072 Fax: (780) 451-1137E- mail: [email protected]: www.metisdance.com_________________________________________Edmonton Métis Cultural Dance SocietyCommunity Scholarships - Post SecondaryTo encourage Aboriginal single parents, andchildren of single parent families, to further theireducation at the post-secondary level.Amount: Two $500.00 scholarships one to afemale and one to a male.Eligibility: An Aboriginal Person in arecognized post-secondary institution locatedin Alberta. Must live in the province of Alberta,have a lot of community involvement, is helpingto preserve the Aboriginal culture in theircommunity.Duration: AnnualDeadline: September 30thScholarships, will be given out at the AnnualLouis Riel Gala during Métis Week inEdmonton. All recipients must be in attendanceand available for the award.Edmonton Métis Cultural Dance Society10104 - 121 StreetEdmonton, Alberta T5N 1K4Phone: (780) 451-1072 Fax: (780) 451-1137E- mail: [email protected]: www.metisdance.com_________________________________________Laurence Decore Awards for StudentLeadershipEligibility: Applicants must be Alberta residentswho are currently enrolled in a minimum ofthree full courses at a designated Alberta post-secondary institution. Applicants must also beinvolved in either student government or studentsocieties, clubs, or organizations.Additionally, candidates may be involved instudent organizations at the provincial ornational level or in non-profit communityorganizations.Selection: Applicants must be nominated byfellow students from their institution.Each institution is responsible for the formationof a Selection Committee to review nominationsand recommend recipients.Award: A total of 100 awards are dividedamong eligible Alberta post-secondaryinstitutions.Awards are valued at $500 each.Nominations must be submitted to theinstitutions by March 1. Some institutions mayimpose an earlier deadline.Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund (AHSF)9th Floor- 9940 106 StreetBox 28000 Station MainEdmonton, Alberta T5J 4R4Phone (780) 427-8640(In Alberta, but outside Edmonton dial310-0000)_________________________________________Jason Lang ScholarshipsBackground: These scholarships were namedin memory of Jason Lang, a 17 year old highschool student who was killed in a schoolshooting. They are designed to reward theoutstanding academic achievement of Albertapost-secondary students who are continuinginto their second year of an undergraduateprogram.Eligibility: Nominees must be residents ofAlberta who continuing in the second year ofa full-time program. Students must be attendingan Alberta institution.They also must have completed one year of anundergraduate post-secondary program thatis at least two years in length.The nominee must have been enrolled in atleast 80 per cent of a full course load in theirfirst yearand have earned a grade point average of atleast 80 per cent.Selection: Students will be nominated by theAwards Office of the Alberta institution wherethey completed their first year. The nomineemust take at least 60 per cent of a full courseload in their second year of the same program.Students are not allowed to receive the JasonLang Scholarship and the Louise McKinneyScholarship for the same period of study.Post-secondary institutions may establishadditional requirements for their nominees.Award: Scholarships are valued at $1,000each.Deadline is August 1.Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund (AHSF)9th Floor - 9940 106 StreetBox 28000 Station MainEdmonton, Alberta T5J 4R4Phone (780) 427-8640(In Alberta, but outside Edmonton dial310-0000)_________________________________________

AlPac Aboriginal Education PartnershipProgramAward: Varies - full tuition for maximum fiveyear periodDeadline: May 30.Eligibility: Aboriginal person residing inAlberta-Pacific Forest Management area forat least on year pursuing post-secondarystudies leading to a recognized degreecertificate or diploma. Must possess suitableattitude and be willing to participate in apartnership.Contact 1-800-661-5210_________________________________________Theodore R. Campbell ScholarshipDeadline is June 1.This scholarship was created to reward theaccomplishments of an aboriginal student fromBlue Quills First Nations College. Thescholarship was established by the family ofTed R. Campbell through the Alberta HeritageScholarship Fund Endowment Program.Eligibility: Applicants must be Alberta residentswho have completed the first year of anEducation degree (university transfer) at BlueQuills First Nations College. Applicants musthave completed a minimum of 24 credits withpassing marks in all courses. The applicant mustbe continuing in the Education program.Selection: Blue Quills will determine thequalifying applicant based on their 1st yeargrade point average.Award: Each year 1 scholarship of $1,500 willbe awarded.Application forms are available from theResearch and Planning Office at Blue QuillsCollegeORAlberta Heritage Scholarship Fund (AHSF)9th Floor - 9940 106 StreetBox 28000 Station MainEdmonton, Alberta T5J 4R4Phone (780) 427-8640(In Alberta, but outside Edmonton dial310-0000)_________________________________________Robert C. Carson Memorial BursaryDeadline: Students should contact the financialaid office of their institution.Value: $500Number Available: FiveEligibility: Awarded to Aboriginal studentswithout sponsorship enrolled full-time in theirsecond year of the Law Enforcement, CriminalJustice Diploma or Faculty of Law programs atLethbridge Community College, Mount RoyalCollege, Grant MacEwan Community College,University of Calgary or University of Alberta.Applicants must have been a resident of Albertafor a minimum for three years prior to applying.Application forms are available from theinstitution’s Student Awards Office._________________________________________Sylvia Schulze Memorial Bursary for AlexTaylor SchoolOffered through Grant McEwan CommunityCollege, Edmonton to female student whoattended Alex Taylor School in centralEdmonton, with priority given to an Aboriginalstudent.For more information contact:Executive DirectorGrant McEwan Community CollegeFoundationEdmonton, AlbertaPhone: (780) 497-5545_________________________________________TransCanada Aboriginal Awards ProgramTransCanada has been a long time supporterof educational initiatives focused on Aboriginalpeople. By encouraging and supportingAboriginal people to obtain an education, wecan help increase the number of Aboriginalprofessionals and trades people in theworkforce. We are proud of our long-standingcommitment to education and we will continueto enhance and find new ways of furtheringour support. The TransCanada’s AboriginalAwards Program is designed to encourage andassist Aboriginal people (status and non-statusIndians, Métis and Inuit) to obtainundergraduate post-secondary education.Closing Date: Administered by the collegesValue: Variable (based on interest earned onthe endowment)Eligibility: Aboriginal ancestry; maintain fullcourse load in chosen program; possesspromising academic qualifications; requirefinancial support.Available to students attending: Grande PrairieRegional College; Lakeland College; MountRoyal College; Northern Alberta Institute ofTechnology; Olds College.For more information contact: Student Aid andAwards at the applicable colleges and/or visitthe college’s website to complete the on-linescholarship/bursary application_________________________________________NAIT Aboriginal Student ClubValue: $800Number: 1Eligibility: Available to students of AboriginalHeritage who are enrolled in the second yearof the Forest Technology program.Conditions: Awarded on the basis of academicachievement.Applications: Apply on the NAIT applicationfor scholarships AFTER August 1Deadline: September 30thOffice of the RegistrarStudent Awards and Financial AidThe Northern Alberta Insituitute of Technology

Suite 100011762-106 Street N.W.Edmonton, Alberta T5G 3H1_________________________________________Syncrude Aboriginal and Women EducationAwards ProgramDeadline: June 30Two awards of $2000.00 each for Aboriginalpeople attending post secondary educationalinstitutions in programs related to the oil sandsindustry (i.e. engineering, computer science,technologists etc.)Two awards of $2000.00 each for Aboriginalpeople attending post secondary educationalinstitutions pursuing studies in the Finance/Accounting/Business disciplines.Two awards of $2000.00 each for womenattending post secondary institutions pursuinga degree in Science & Technology.Eligibility: Aboriginal peoples (Indian, Inuit &Métis)Women pursuing studies in science &technologyYou must: have lived in Alberta for at least oneyear immediately prior to applying for theaward, or formerly long-term residents; meetthe academic requirements for the program ofstudy; maintain a full course work load leadingto a recognized degree or diploma; provideproof of acceptance into accredited collegesor universities within Canada (must be providedbefore awards are received)A selection committee, comprised of Syncrudeemployees and community members willevaluate applications and its decision will befinal.Criteria to be used in selecting award recipientsare: financial need, academic performanceand potential, and appropriateness of thediscipline of studies to Syncrude..Syncrude Canada Ltd. will notify all applicants,in writing, of the results no later than mid-August.How to apply:Application forms are available from theaddress listed below. Please send yourcompleted application form along with therequired transcripts and proof of acceptanceto the address outlined below.

Please note that if proof of acceptance and/ortranscripts are not available at that time, thenit must be produced prior to receiving theaward.For further information regarding this awardprogram contact Lana Agecoutay at Phone:(780) 790-6356E-mail: [email protected] Aboriginal/WomenEducation Awards ProgramP.O. Bag 4023, M.D. 1200,Fort McMurray, Alberta T9H 3L5Web Site: www.syncrude.com_________________________________________Northern Alberta Development CouncilApplication deadline: May 15Are you interested in living and working innorthern Alberta? If so, consider applying forone of the 125 NADC Bursaries offered eachyear to Alberta students. Bursaries are offeredto students in a wide range of programsincluding education, technical programs,health, business and social services. Bursariesare valued at $3,000. Upon graduation,recipients live and work for one year withinthe Northern Alberta Development Councilboundary. Applicants must be Alberta residentsbased on Students Finance regulations.Applicants must also be within two years ofcompleting their program. Students receive amaximum of two bursaries.Applications are available online:www.nadc.gov.ab.caOR:Northern Alberta Development CouncilPostal Bag 900-14Peace River, Alberta T8S 1T4780-624-6545 (toll-free first dial 310-0000)Email: [email protected] Scholarship Programs9th Floor, 9940 - 106 StreetEdmonton, Alberta T5J 4R4(780) 427-8640 (toll free first dial 310-0000)Email: [email protected]_________________________________________Grant MacEwan College Foundation - AlbertaDeadline for application June 15 for followingacademic yearAboriginal business Leadership Award

Four (4) awards of $1,500 eachExecutive DirectorGrant McEwan Community CollegeFoundationEdmonton, AlbertaPhone: (780) 497-5545_________________________________________Imperial Oil - Aboriginal Education AwardEducation award for students of Aboriginaldescent, from the local Aboriginal communities,that are enrolled in a petroleum relatedprogram at a post-secondary institution. Onerecipient will receive a one time payment of$1,000. The recipient of this award will begiven consideration for summer and/orpermanent employment.Application Deadline: June 30

Imperial Oil - Billion Barrel ScholarshipIn 2009, Imperial Oil reached one billionbarrels of production at its Cold LakeOperation. The Billion Barrel Scholarship wasintroduced to celebrate this milestone. Thiseducation award is for all students that arepursing post-secondary education. All highschool graduates in the Lakeland are eligibleto apply. Two recipients will receive a one timepayment of $5,000.Application Deadline: July 31

Imperial Oil - Women in Wage AwardThis award is for women who are enrolled ina technical program at a post-secondaryinstitution. The program of study will employthem in a non-traditional role in the petroleumindustry. Supported programs of study include;Power Engineer, Petroleum Tech,Instrumentation/Electrical (IE) and Millwrighttrades. One recipient will receive a one timepayment of $1,000. The recipient of this awardwill be given consideration for summer and/or permanent employment.Application Deadline: August 31

For more information on our EducationalPrograms and Scholarships, visit:www.imperialoil.ca/coldlake or call 780-639-5195._________________________________________


13 S C H O L A R S H I P S S C H O L A R S H I P S S C H O L A R S H I P S S C H O L A R S H I P S S C H O L A R S H I P Srepresentatives review all completedapplications and makes the final selection ofthe award recipients primarily based onpersonal and academic achievements andindividual financial need. Successful applicantsare notified of the committee’s decision by June15 of each year. All decisions of the committeeare final.You will receive up to $4,000 per academicyear for educational and living expenses for amaximum of four years. To receive the fullamount for all years of study, you must attendan accredited post-secondary institution,remain in the program of study we awardedthe scholarship for and maintain a full-timecourse load and good academic standing. RBCrequests confirmation of your full course loadand good academic standing at the beginningof every fall and winter semester. Thisconfirmation will be collected in a waysatisfactory to RBC. You will receive the firsthalf of your scholarship at the beginning ofthe fall semester. If you maintain a goodacademic standing, you will receive thebalance in January. Please note that RBCreserves the right to change or discontinue thisprogram at any time. We will honourcommitments already in place if the programchanges or ends.Toll-Free Fax: 1-866-780-2188Toll-Free Fax: 1-866-780-2188Mail:RBC Aboriginal Student AwardsC/O Aboriginal LinkPO Box 50058, 17-2595 Main StreetWinnipeg, MB R2V 4W3www.gotoapply.ca/RBC_____________________________________________________Strategic Alliance of Broadcasters forAboriginal Reflection (SABAR) ScholarshipDeadline: May 16, 2014.SABAR is pleased to offer our first annualScholarship to an Aboriginal student inJournalism or Radio/Television Arts. SABARis particularly proud to play an important partin supporting the development of a futurecommunity leader who may have the potentialto help us meet our primary goal of increasingAboriginal reflection in Canadianbroadcasting.Eligibility: 1. First Nations, Inuit or Métispermanent Canadian resident;2. Desire to follow a path to a career in thebroadcast industry;3. Enrolment in Canadian post secondaryJournalism or Radio and Television ArtsProgram or Equivalent Certified TrainingProgram; and4. Interest in acting as an ambassador for thebroadcasting industry and serving as a rolemodel for other Aboriginal people toencourage them to pursue careers inbroadcasting.Guidelines: One scholarship valued at$5,000.00 will be awarded. This award maybe applied to academic and/or living costs.Scholarship winners are eligible for continuedscholarship awards each year they continuein their approved programs in the amount of$2,500.00 annually to a maximum totalscholarship value of $10,000.00.For more information: www.sabar.ca_________________________________________Canada - US Fulbright ProgramDeadline: November 15Student must be American or Canadian withNative Heritage and attending a post-secondary education institution studyingcountries relations between other countries.Value of award is $15,000.00 for student and$25,000.00 for faculty members enrolled ingraduate studies.For more information contact:350 Albert Street, Suite 2015,Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 1A4Ph: (613) 688-5540Fax: (613) 237-2029E-mail: [email protected] site: www.fulbright.ca

Investing in the future growth of AboriginalYouth - Canadian NationalCN makes awards available to Inuit, status ornon-status Indian or Métis students entering orenrolled full-time in a post-secondary programin Canada that leads to a career in thetransportation industry. This includes fields suchas engineering, business, computer science,communications and technical studies.Deadline: June 1 of each year.For more info. contact your band office,friendship centre or college of your choiceWeb Site: www.cn.ca/en/careers-offer-scholaships-aboriginal-awards.htmTo obtain further information or an applicationform, please contact:Aboriginal Awards Programc/o Indspire70 Yorkville Avenue, Suite 33AToronto, Ontario M5R 1B9Telephone: 1-800-329-9780 (toll-free)_________________________________________CN Scholarship For WomenDeadline: October 15 each yearCN encourages women to pursue non-traditional careers in areas such as trades,technology and operations. To date,participation by women in these fields has beenlimited. This is a special CN initiative aimed atpromoting employment equity in Canada.Scholarships are awarded annually to womenin selected community colleges and institutes

of technology across Canada.Web Site: www.cn.ca/en/careers-offer-scholarships-women.htm_________________________________________CMHC Housing Awards: Housing for Youth

Individuals, firms, institutions and governmentagencies that are delivering programs thatimprove choice, quality or affordability ofhousing for youth may be nominated for aCanada Mortgage and Housing Corporation(CMHC) Housing Award. Awards andhonourable mentions are given to thoseindividuals or groups that have achievedexcellence in one of five categories: financingand tenure, technology and production,planning and regulation, concept and design,and process and management.

Canada Mortgage and Housing CorporationSocial and Economic Policy and Research700 Montreal Road Room C7-417Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0P7Phone: 1-800-668-2642Web: www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca____________________________________ATCO Pipelines Aboriginal Education AwardsProgramThe ATCO Pipelines Aboriginal EducationalAwards Program is aimed at supportingAboriginal students from First Nations andMétis communities in close proximity to ourfacilities. Successful applicants will demonstratea balanced lifestyle and commitment in thepursuit of education. These awards, bursariesand scholarships are awarded to select studentswho demonstrate leadership capabilities andstrive to be role models in their schools andcommunities.This program was launched in 2011 and saw26 students from across the province receiveawards.There are three different awards available:• Merit Awards - of $500 to be granted eachyear; Must be attending High School(completing grades 10-12).• Bursaries - bursaries of $1000 to be grantedeach year; Must be registered in a recognizedtrade/community/technical college diploma orcertificate program; Preference will be givento those enrolled in a program relating to thenatural gas industry• Scholarships - scholarships of $1,500 to beawarded each year; Must be registered in auniversity program intended to lead to abachelor or graduate degree; Preference willbe given to those enrolled in a program relatingto the natural gas industry; Maximum oneaward per applicant per calendar year; Mustre-apply to be considered for subsequent yearsEligibilityAll applicants must be enrolled full-time in asecondary or post-secondary educationalprogram and be Canadian citizens ofAboriginal ancestry and originate from within50km of ATCO Pipelines facilities. ATCOemployees and/or their children will not beconsidered for these awards.The deadline to submit an application isAugust 1st annually. Applications receivedafter that date will not be considered duringthe review and selection process.The following information must ALL be includedin the application package in order to beregarded for any one of these awards:• A completed application form• One reference letter from a teacher, facultymember, employer or other community leader• A short essay (minimum 250 words)describing why you are a suitable candidatefor the award• Proof of enrollment for the upcoming semesterin a secondary or post-secondary institutionOfficial transcripts from a secondary and/orpost-secondary institution in which you arecurrently enrolled must be ordered and sentdirectly to ATCO Pipelines.Mail or deliver completed applicationpackages, and direct official transcripts, to:

Corporate CommunicationsATCO Pipelines#1300, 909 – 11th Avenue SWCalgary, AB T2R 1L8_________________________________________Indspire Awards(formerly National Aboriginal AchievementFoundationFine Arts: Two deadlines anually on May 1and November 30OFIFC Bursary:For Mature Aboriginal Women withDependant Child(ren) Residing in an UrbanSetting in Ontario: Deadline May 1Legal Studies for Aboriginal People (LSAP)PRE-LAW Bursary Award: Deadline May 15

Oil and Gas Aboriginal Trades & TechnologyTwo deadlines anually on May 1 andNovember 30

Aboriginal Health Careers:One deadline annually on June 1

Post-Secondary Education Awards:One deadline annually on June 1

Imperial Oil Aboriginal Scholarship AwardsProgram (Inspire)Imperial Oil has formed a partnership withIndspire to manage its Aboriginal Scholarship

NATIONAL_____________________________________________________The Canadian Medical Foundation Dr. JohnBig Canoe Memorial ScholarshipDeadline: Applications and supportingdocumentation for the 2014/2015 academicyear must be received by October 2014.During each year of the program, a $2000scholarship may be awarded to anundergraduate Aboriginal student enrolled inthe last or second to last year of study in aCanadian school of medicine who hasdemonstrated both strong academicperformance and outstanding contributions tothe aboriginal community in Canada.Applications and supporting documentation to:Marie-Jeanne Schoueri, Office ManagerThe Canadian Medical Foundation,1867 Alta Vista Drive,Ottawa, ON K1G 3H7Phone: (613) 520-7681Toll Free: 1-866-530-4979Fax: (613) 520-7692Email: [email protected] site: www.medicalfoundation.ca_________________________________________Canadian Medical Association SpecialBursary Program for UndergraduateAboriginal Medical Students

Deadline: October 9The bursary is awarded based on financialneed and will provide a maximum of $4000per academic year to each successful applicant.A total of up to $40,000 in bursaries may beawarded in each academic year of theprogram. Given that financial resources areoften limited by the end of the academic year,bursaries will be awarded at this time. Bursaryrecipients will also receive memberships in theCMA, the relevant division of CMA (provincialor territorial) and the Native PhysiciansAssociation in Canada.Applications and supporting documentation to:Marie-Jeanne Schoueri, Office ManagerThe Canadian Medical Foundation,1867 Alta Vista Drive,

Ottawa, ON K1G 3H7Phone: (613) 520-7681Toll Free: 1-866-530-4979Fax: (613) 520-7692Email: [email protected] site: www.medicalfoundation.ca_________________________________________Heroes of our Time Scholarships - Assemblyof First NationsSponsored by: Assembly of First NationsEligibility: First Nations CitizenValue: TBADeadline Date: June 1 each yearTommy Prince AwardWalter Dieter AwardOmer Peters AwardRobert Smallboy AwardJames Gosnell AwardApplications submitted to:Selection Committee – Heroes of Our TimeAwardsThe Assembly of First Nations – EducationSector473 Albert Street - Suite 810Ottawa, ON K1R 5B4Toll-Free: 1-866-869-6789Phone: (613) 241-6789Fax: (613) 241-5808_________________________________________Tom Longboat AwardSponsored by: The Aboriginal Sport CircleEligibility: Nominations are invited from alllevels of sport. To be eligible, nominees mustmeet the following criteria:Must be of Aboriginal descentMust have amateur status in the sport whichthey are nominatedMust be for athletic achievements within theawards calendar yearMust submit a completed Nomination Form tothe appropriate Provincial/TerritorialAboriginal Sport Body on or before the annualdeadline.Value: TBACriteria: Currently enrolled/accepted inmedical program, demonstrated exceptionalacademic abilities, involved and committed toextra-curricular activities

Deadline Date: January each year.For more information contact :Aboriginal Sport Circle atEmail: [email protected]: (613) 236-9624 ext. 223website: www.aboriginalsportcircle.ca_____________________________________________________Educational Awards Program - Husky OilDeadline: May 31Awards announced: July 31Up to 7 Aboriginal students are selected eachyear.Awards of up to $3,000 per year will begranted to cover a portion of tuition, books, orliving expenses.Aboriginal people (Inuit, Métis, Status and NonStatus Indians) who meet the followingqualifications:* Canadian citizen* in need of financial assistance* demonstrate serious interest in furthering theireducational and career developmentPreference will be given to applicants whoseresidence is located on or near one of Husky’sexploration, development or operation sitesIndividuals pursuing academic post-secondarystudies at a university, community college ortechnical institute are eligible to apply.Diversity and Aboriginal AffairsHusky Oil Operations LimitedP.O. Box 6525, Station DCalgary, Alberta T2P 3G7_________________________________________RBC Aboriginal Student AwardsDeadline: January 31Ten (10) awards of up to $4,000/ year forfour (4) years at university or two years atcollege.* You are a permanent resident or citizen ofCanada* You have been accepted to or are currentlyattending an accredited post-secondaryinstitution in Canada* You maintain a full course load that leads toa recognized degree, certificate or diploma* You require financial assistance to pursueyour educationA committee of Aboriginal academics and RBC


14

By Sam LaskarisSweetgrass Writer

EDMONTON

Alberta will still be sendinga rather large contingent to thisyear’s North AmericanIndigenous Games, but theprovincial entry will beattending without many of theathletes who qualified.

Ron Buffalo, who serves asthe chef de mission for theAlberta squad, said severalathletes who earned the right torepresent the province at thisyear’s NAIG, scheduled forJuly 20-27 have withdrawn asthey cannot afford the $460 feeto attend. The fee will cover busexpenses, accommodations andmeals. NAIG is being held inRegina.

The Indigenous SportsCouncil Alberta, which isorganizing the Albertacontingent for NAIG, hadoriginally planned to chargeeach participating athlete $600.

But even the reduced rate hasnot prevented masswithdrawals.

“It’s still pricey,” Buffalo

Reduced numbers of athletes to attend NAIGsaid. “For some parents $460is a lot of money and they can’tafford to pay it.”

Buffalo added the ISCA doesnot have the financial resourcesto help out.

“We just don’t have enoughmoney to assist these kids,”said Buffalo, who is an ISCAdirector.

Alberta had originallyplanned to send about 450athletes and about 80 coaches/managers to NAIG.

While the number of coachesremains the same, Buffalo saidthe province will now berepresented by 335 athletes.

“We’re going with what wecan,” he said. “We’re not goingwith our gold-medal winningteam (but) we’re confidentwe’ll be bringing homemedals.”

All of Alberta’s qualifyingevents for NAIG were held in2013. Athletes who have sincewithdrawn from thecompetition can only bereplaced by those who hadoriginally been selected asalternates for a team.

A total of 15 sports will be

contested at NAIG. They arearchery, athletics (track andfield), badminton, baseball,basketball, canoeing, golf,kayaking, lacrosse, rifleshooting, soccer, softball,swimming, volleyball andwrestling.

Alberta will haverepresentatives in every sportexcept wrestling.

As proof that the provincewill not be sending its bestpossible athletes, Buffalosingled out the basketballsquads.

There will be a total of 72Alberta players on six teams;female and male entrantsparticipating at the under-14,under-16 and under-19 levels.

“Of the 72 players, maybeeight to10 of them will bealternates (who did notoriginally make the finalrosters),” Buffalo said.

All of the competing Albertateams are being asked to dotheir own fundraising to gettheir athletes to NAIG.

As a result, many athletes arestill trying to figure out if theywill be able to attend.

The ISCA has until June 13to submit its final roster for allof its participants.

NAIG have been heldsporadically since 1990. Thegames seem to have moresuccess when they are stagedat Canadian sites as opposed toAmerican venues.

British Columbia’sCowichan Tribes hosted thelast NAIG, back in 2008. Thegames were to be held inMilwaukee in 2011 but werecancelled.

Six years between gamesmarks the longest stretch sinceNAIG’s inception.

The city will continue thework it has started through thefour key initiatives of theListening Circles of the CalgaryUrban Aboriginal Initiative, theCalgary Aboriginal UrbanAffairs Committee, theimagineCalgary Plan , and theCalgary Poverty ReductionInitiative.

“There is lots of activity inCalgary,” said Crowshoe.“Calgary is doing somephenomenal things.”

She cites the twoReconciliation Canada eventsthat will be hosted in the city,Aboriginal Awareness weekwhich runs from June 15-21,and the Making of Treaty 7, aunique interactive project thatwas launched at Fort Calgaryfollowed by a second productionat Heritage Park. The thirdpresentation of Making Treaty7 will be held in mid-Septemberat Heritage Park to coincide withthe original signing of Treaty 7at Blackfoot Crossing.

It is Crowshoe’s hope thatMaking Treaty 7 will go on theroad as a production that othercities can take on for Canada’s150th birthday.

(Continued from page 7.)

Calgaryissues first-ever year-longproclamation


15 C A R E E R S & T R A I N I N G C A R E E R S & T R A I N I N G C A R E E R S & T R A I N I N G C A R E E R S & T R A I N I N G C A R E E R S & T R A I N I N GAwards Program (ASAP).The purpose of the awards program is toencourage and assist people of Aboriginalancestry to pursue post-secondary educationalstudies in disciplines relevant to the petroleumindustry.Please apply on-line at Indspire’s post-secondary education bursary awards programor contact Indspire at 1-800-329-9780._________________________________________Aboriginal Health Careers ProgramScholarship (Indspire)Deadline: May 1Provides support for students who are pursuingaccredited health studies leading toemployment in the health professions and whohave demonstrated the potential for academicsuccess.Eligible fields of study: medicine, nursing,dentistry, biology, chemistry, physiotherapy,pharmacy, clinical psychology, laboratoryreasearch and technology and any other healthfield in which a study of the hard sciences is apre-requisite._________________________________________Aboriginal Veterans’ Scholarship Trust -Canada (Indspire)For students engaged in fields of study thatsupport and contribute to Aboriginal self-governance and economic self-reliance. Formore information check out the web siteAboriginal Veterans Scholarship Trust._________________________________________Business, Sciences and General EducationProgram (Indspire)Value: Varies from $1,000 to $8,000Eligibility: Aboriginal ancestry (Status, Non-Status, Métis, Inuit) attending a CanadianCommunity College (CEGEP) or university(first year or returning students); registered inprograms such as busieness, health sciences,new and advanced technologies (not limitedto these). Priority is given to students enrolledin business and sciences.Deadline: June 1_________________________________________Diane Fowler Leblanc Aboriginal Social WorkScholarship (Indspire)Value: The amount of each scholarship is basedon the individual needs of each candidate(tuition, course materials, living expenses,daycare, travel) up to a maximum of $10,000per year for three or four years, depending onthe institution‘s course requirements.Eligibility: The scholarship is open to allAboriginal people, including Métis, Inuit, andStatus and Non-Status Indians, interested instudying at the Bachelor of Social Work levelat a recognized educational institution inCanada._________________________________________The Alberta Museology Internship (Indspire)Value: Varies.Two four month internships at the ProvincialMuseum of Alberta for Aboriginal studentspursuing a career in ethnology, natural historyor Canadian history._________________________________________Arts Scholarship Program (Indspire)Deadline: March 31.Value: Based on Budget needs. All areasrelated to the visual, performing, media,graphic and literary arts. Award decisionbased on merit of project, quality of rainingand financial need. Art work samples will needto be sent with application._________________________________________Petro Canada Education Awards for NativeStudents (Indspire)Deadline June 15Five education awards of up to $5,000 are

available to native students of Canadian or Inuitancestry entering or enrolled in post-secondaryprograms where studies can be applied in anindustrial setting in the oil and gas industry.Selection is based on financial need, academicperformance and potential, appropriateness ofstudies to industry, and future aspirations.Contact individual schools for applicationforms._________________________________________Shell Canada Aboriginal Scholarship Program(Indspire)Preference will be given to studies in business,science and engineering._________________________________________CIBC Achievers (Indspire)Fields of study an unlimited._________________________________________TransCanada Pipelines Leadership Awards(Indspire)With these awards, TransCanada Pipelines ishelping Aboriginal students prepare themselvesto play leading roles in the fields ofengineering, business and commerce, law,science and technology, environment andcommunications._________________________________________BP Canada Aboriginal Young AchieversScholarship (Indspire)Priority for these scholarships may be given tostudents who are pursuing careers in business,engineering, environmental studies andphysical sciences._________________________________________Great-West Life Business EducationScholarship (Indspire)This scholarship was created to help Aboriginalstudents from across Canada to succeed in theareas of business and entrepreneurship._________________________________________TD Bank Financial Group Scholarships(Indspire)Through its support of the scholarship program,TD Bank Financial Group is helping to make iteasier for Aboriginal students to realize theireducational goals._________________________________________UGG Agricultural Scholarships (Indspire)UGG is pleased to provide scholarships toencourage Aboriginal students from the PrairieProvinces to pursue careers in fields related toagriculture._________________________________________The CN Aboriginal Scholarships (Indspire)These scholarships provide funding assistanceto Aboriginal students from across Canadawho are engaged in studies that will preparethem for careers in the transportation industrysuch as engineering, business, computerscience, communications and technical studies._________________________________________Suncor Energy Foundation “SharedAchievements” Aboriginal Scholarships(Indspire)These scholarships were created to assistAboriginal students who are pursuing post-secondary education in business, teaching andscience, particularly engineering, earthsciences, natural resource management,environmental studies and computer science.Preference will be given to students from Centraland Northern Alberta, Northeastern andSouthwestern British Columbia and the NorthWest Territories._________________________________________3M Canada Aboriginal Health EducationAwards (Indspire)With these awards, 3M Canada is making apositive contribution to the lives of Aboriginalstudents who are pursuing careers in fieldsrelated to health care.

_________________________________________Sun Life Financial Careers in Health Awards(Indspire)With these awards, Sun Life Financial isproviding increased opportunities forAboriginal students to receive training andeducation for careers in health care._________________________________________Weyerhaeuser Aboriginal Scholarship(Indspire)Weyerhaeuser is pleased to offer scholarshipassistance to Aboriginal students who arepursuing careers in business and science.Contact individual schools for applicationforms.Indspire Head OfficeP.O. Box 7592160 Fourth Line Rd.Six Nations of the Grand RiverOhsweken, ON, N0A 1M0Toll free: 1-800-329-9780Phone: (416) 926-0775Fax: (416) 926-7554www.indspire.ca_________________________________________Foundation for the Advancement ofAboriginal Youth (FAAY) - Canadian Councilfor Aboriginal BusinessDeadline: October 15Number of Awards: The number of awards isdependent on the sponsors of the program. In2010 we disbursed 140 awards, 95 werescholarships and 45 were bursaries.Award Amount: Scholarships for post-secondary applicants range from $2,500 -$5,000. Bursaries for high school applicantsare $750.Eligibility Factors: Canadian residents of FirstNations (Status or Non-status), Métis and InuitHeritage attending High School or a Post-secondary Institution full-time within Canada.Mature students and adult education programsare included.Supporting Documents Required:1. Letter of introduction: introduce your-self,mention education goal and career plan, anychallenges, any successes, contributions tofamily, school, community, and answer why youthink staying in school is important.2. Proof of Heritage includes: copy of IndianStatus Card; copy of Métis membership card;copy of Inuit beneficiary card; parent/grandparent heritage information & documentsshowing your relationship to them (long-formbirth certificate, baptismal records.); letter ofacknowledgement from First Nation, MétisAssociation or Inuit Agreement Administrator.FAAY Awards now administered by Indspire:Indspire Head OfficeP.O. Box 7592160 Fourth Line Rd.Six Nations of the Grand RiverOhsweken, ON, N0A 1M0Toll free: 1-800-329-9780Phone: (416) 926-0775Fax: (416) 926-7554www.indspire.ca_________________________________________

This is only a partial listing of the fundingcurrently available to Indigenousstudents. There are many more listingsposted online at www.ammsa.com.

This online list is updated throughoutthe year as new information becomesavailable. To add/update scholarshipinformation from your school ororganization please forward theinformation via email to us at:[email protected]


16 C O M M U N I T Y C O M M U N I T Y C O M M U N I T Y C O M M U N I T Y C O M M U N I T Y


EDMONTON

Don Langford thinks thegovernment is moving in theright direction when it comesto changes to the childintervention system, but he isnot totally sold on theamendments proposed in Bill11.

“I support the minister … butI’m concerned about how muchpush back will he get from therank and file, from hisministry….How much do theysupport him?” said Langford,executive director with MetisChild and Family Services.

Langford was in theLegislature on April 22 whenHuman Services MinisterManmeet S. Bhullar introducedBill 11, the Child, Youth andFamily EnhancementAmendment Act. Langfordsaid his presence – and hisintroduction by the minister –wasn’t in support of the bill butbecause he voiceddisappointment over the lack ofAboriginal voices when it cameto changes to the system.Langford points out that nearly70 per cent of children ingovernment care are Aboriginalyet there are no Aboriginalexperts guiding the changes thedepartment plans to make.

“I’m concerned thateverything is rolling down fromthe top and there’s really beenno community participation,”he said.

Bill 11 focuses on threepoints: changes to thepublication ban on the namesof children who die while incare; the creation of a qualityassurance committee; andincreasing the powers of thechild and youth advocate.

The publication ban has beena point of contention forparents who have lost childrenwhile in care. Presently naminga child publicly can lead to a$10,000 fine.

“I see this as a human rightsissue. I see it as something thatanybody should have the rightto mention their child’s nameor show their picture if theywant to,” said Frank Klemen,former social worker of 35years and founder andpresident of Support toIndividuals at Risk inEveryone’s NeighborhoodSociety. SIRENS held a Day ofMourning to recognizechildren lost in care andviolence the day before Bhullarintroduced Bill 11.

Bill 11 now sets the onus oncourt action to obtain apublication ban. However, thegovernment, through thedirector, who serves as

guardian for many children incare, can still seek a publicationban along with the parents orfamily members. Bhullar saiddetails on how a publicationban will be achieved need to bedetermined by regulations,which have yet to be set.

The bill also enables thechild and youth advocate toexamine the deaths of children,who have left government care.

A quality assurancecommittee will work to collectand share data to improve thesystem. It will also make anannual public report. Bhullarnoted that social workers willbe encouraged to speak outabout changes needed withoutfear of repercussions.

“Anything we can do tomake improvements based ondata, research and learningfrom incidents is a good thingand the amendmentsintroduced today will helpbring forward the informationwe need as a government andas citizens of Alberta to createa system that is transparent,accountable and focused onquality assurance andcontinuous improvement,”Bhullar said.

Bhullar’s five-point plan forimproving the system is alsofocused on addressing rootcauses that lead to childrenbeing taken into care.

While Liberal leader RajSherman commends Bhullarfor his efforts, Sherman holdsthe provincial government haslost all credibility when itcomes to improving the childintervention system.

“This should have been doneyears ago. The government hasknown about this for years,”said Sherman, who attendedSIRENS Day of Mourning.“This is the very governmentthat has caused the problems,has turned a blind eye.”

Bhullar said the amendmentsrecently introduced are onlythe first step in improving thesystem.

“We’re building a system ofcontinuous improvement. Weare focused on action. Thisapproach is helping to insurewe have the best possibleservices for vulnerablechildren and families,” he said.

Langford supports theapproach of moving forwardon changes that can beundertaken immediately.

“I’m optimistic,” he said. “Ihope (Bhullar) has thecapability to make sure hisstuff gets put into practise anddoesn’t get watered down as itworks its way down. That’s mybiggest fear that a lot of whathe wants to do will get watereddown or diverted before it getsto the front line.”

Changes onlyeffective if not“watered down”

Sweetgrass May 2014 final

Documents

Transcript of Sweetgrass May 2014 final