Samson Cree Nation News January 2009 Volume 2 Issue 1 Samson Cree Nation— Box 159, Hobbema, AB T0C 1N0 debra @samsoncree.com (780) 585-3793 Samson Cree Nation Vision Statement “ Samson Cree Nation is a healthy, educated, knowledgeable and industrious community”. Samson Cree Nation Mission Statement “ Samson Cree Nation is a Sovereign Nation that is dedicated to improving quality of life for all our People by maximizing our human resources and respecting our Cree language and traditions of our Peoples”. We need to all work together as a nation of one tribe, the tribe of Human Kind, to make this world a good place for all. That all starts with education of the young. Howard Lyons, Mohawk Wolf Clan Wishing everyone in Maskwacis a year filled with renewed hope for a wonderful and peaceful new year. Committed to the Future…. Inspired by Our Past
Samson Cree Nation Vision Statement “ Samson Cree Nation is a healthy, educated, knowledgeable
and industrious community”.
Samson Cree Nation Mission Statement “ Samson Cree Nation is a Sovereign Nation that is dedicated to improving quality of life for all our People by maximizing our human resources and
respecting our Cree language and traditions of our Peoples”.
We need to all work together as a nation of
one tribe, the tribe of Human Kind, to
make this world a good place for all.
That all starts with education of the young.
Howard Lyons, Mohawk Wolf Clan
Wishing everyone in
Maskwacis a year filled with
renewed hope for a wonderful and
peaceful new year.
Committed to the Future…. Inspired by Our Past
Deborah Dion—Arkinson is a member of the Samson Cree Nation and she is the eldest daughter of late Floyd and Lillian Dion. Her father Floyd was her role model who inspired her to further her education. He advised her “to achieve the knowledge.. it is something that no one can ever take away from you”. “It is important to have an education to survive in the Western European environment”. Deborah also proudly acknowledges two other community members who encouraged her to continue her education namely former Chief Victor Buffalo and late Myers Buffalo. In 2003 Deborah moved to Bozeman, Montana and decided she would finally complete her bachelor studies. It was very challenging for her to return to college being a mother and the oldest student in some of the classes that she was taking at MSU. Deborah gradu-ated from Montana State University in December 2006 earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management with a minor in Native American studies. The following summer of 2007, Deborah decided that she wanted to further her education and enrolled in the Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) program at the University of Phoenix. With today's technological advances Deborah was excited to learn that she would have the opportunity to obtain her degree through online schooling. The online classroom environment left little time for her daily activities of being a wife and a mother, allowing only two weeks off during the entire program. Through hard work and dedication to her studies Deborah was able to complete her courses and finish the program. Deborah is extremely gratefully and to the friends and family members who were in attendance at the graduation commencement cere-monies held at the University of Phoenix Stadium and cheered when her name was called; Joey Arkinson, Lillian Dion, Tanya Dion, Carla Dion, Tyra Dion, Ivor Redcrow, Tyrelle Dion, Corbin Rabbit, Gloria Baptiste, Sophia Baptiste & children, Donna Potts-Johnson and Alvina Omeasoo. Thank you to the Samson Cree Nation, Nipsihkopahk Education Authority and Samson Education Trust Fund for the financial support. Thank you also to the Creator for listening to the prayers during the times of struggle and to the Native American Church members who have supported her through the power of prayer. “Hai, Hai” to everyone who supported Deborah on her journey and for helping her achieve her goals and for making her dream become a reality.
On November 8, 2008, Deborah graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Masters Degree in Business
Administration.
Our People .. Their Story Deborah Dion
Message from the Chief
―Tansi and a very Happy New Year to everyone, may peace and prosperity reign throughout this
year to every home.‖ Reflecting back over the past year I am grateful to our people who have
persevered and will continue to demonstrate community pride as we forge ahead into 2009. I
am encouraged that the Christmas holidays brought many families together and celebrated the
season and new year with one another. Our Nation was very peaceful and I am grateful to the
many people who prayed for the communities of the Four Nations, ―Ninanas’komon‖.
The month of January began with the Strategic Planning of nation departments along with each
Director. It is the hope of everyone involved to provide strategic planning of nation divisions for
programs and services. I am confident with each Portfolio/Councillor and Director who
unanimously agreed to provide a monthly review of every departments progress and statistics to
nation members. Each of the twelve pillars of the SCN organizational structure will do an
informational presentation to the nation membership at the monthly band meetings. The overall
goal is to maintain a direct communication channel to nation members as changes take place.
There are many challenges facing First Nations across Alberta and Canada, nonetheless our con-
centrated efforts will be towards the wellness of our community. There is a time and place for
everything and I am sure as this year unfolds, critical decisions will have to be made. We need
to be aware at all times of the changes that are happening locally as well as on an international
level and their effects on us as First Nations.
In closing, I extend a sincere New Years greeting to all nation members and to our brothers and
sisters from the Montana, Louis Bull and Ermineskin Nations for health and happiness to all.
Hai, Hai
In the spirit of a New Year
Chief Marvin Yellowbird
Samson Cree Nation
The month of December was extremely busy for everyone with endless Christmas concerts, Christmas staff parties, com-munity events and final days of Christmas shopping. In celebration, the holiday festive season started off with the SCN Educational Awards Gala on December 4th. This was a wonderful evening celebrating the educational achievements of Samson Cree Nation members. Mr. Roy Louis was master of ceremonies for the evening, with Mr. Wilton Littlechild as the
Special Keynote speaker… a beautiful video tribute in memory of Late Walter Lightning was presented and the comedy duo of James and Ernie entertained the guests. The new SETF logo designed by Mr. Kenny Louis was also unveiled at time. (full story next edition) December 11th saw Nashville country music entertainers Johnny Reid and Tracey Brown roll into town on the CPR Holiday Train in support of local food banks across the country. By all accounts it was a great performance with the event donating $ 1,000.00 towards the Samson Cree Nation Food Bank Soci-ety. December 15 the Maskwacis Girl Guides joined together for an social evening of crafting as they decorated gingerbread houses, and made Christmas cards. Girl Guides will now be held the third Sunday of each month starting at 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a full day. This change will commence on Sunday Janu-ary 18th meeting at the Hobbema Parents Place. The second annual Maskwacis Day of Prayer was held at the Jim Rattlesnake Center on December 19th with members of the local clergies and nation mem-bers attending. It was a great afternoon of fellowship and the coming to-gether of community minded individuals who collectively prayed for peace and harmony for the communities of Maskwacis. December 18th was the start of the Christmas holidays for Nation. The eve-ning also featured the Power of Choice graduation ceremonies at the Wayside Inn in Wetaskiwin. The SCN Food bank Society hosted the Community Christmas Dinner on De-cember 23rd at the Samson Bingo Hall. The wonderful turkey dinner with all the trimmings was catered by Bob Ronnie Catering. A good number of fami-lies showed up to enjoy the meal and to socialize with one other before Santa’s arrival on December 25th. The event also featured children's face painting by Fancy Faces…
December Hi-lites—2008
Love Boat Cruise theme for 2008 SCN
Christmas Staff Party
With the cold wind blowing and 20 below temperatures outside, it was certainly a different atmosphere
indoors during the 2008 SCN Christmas staff party held December 11th at the River Cree Hotel and
Casino. With palm trees and vacation scenery adorning the wall and seashells and candle centerpieces
for the banquet tables you would hardly imagine this was the usual Christmas staff event. Accustomed to
the usual glam and glitter that usually accompanies any staff Christmas Gala, employees were showing up
dressed for the sunny beaches or a fantastic cruise holiday. Cutoffs and flip flops, brightly colored sum-
mer dresses and sunshades were the fashion statement of the evening.
As staff members and guests walked over the gangplank to board the Love Boat they were greeted by the captain of the Cruise
ship Captain Stubby. Nearby , Issac the bartender aka J.J. Dion and Julie the Cruise director aka Debra greeted those daring to
venture on this cruise. Love Boat travelers also received lei’s from the cruise ship crew members and were given souvenir photos
taken by Natasha Saddleback..
Right from the 5:30 p.m. All Aboard call to the final minute of the evening, it was a hilarious night of fun and entertainment.
Captain Stubby had the entire audience participating in activities throughout the evening. The delicious meal prepared by the hotel
was also set to the theme of the evening with a variety of seafood selections. We laughed all night long… Who can forget the
fashion show of the life jackets made from balloons and the guys strutting their stuff on the catwalk. In the end Thomas Buffalo
received the award for the most fashionable and innovative life jacket. The grand finale of the evening included
Herb Ledoux ,Trevor Swampy and the Captain Stubby donning sequined dinner jackets and getting down to the music of a classi-
cal serenade. Trevor and Herb are goods sports and they put on a great performance. The cruise ship company called and they
want to book you guys for their regular show. Cha…
Following the evening with Captain Stubby the guests were treated to songs by local singer and songwriter Alex Dion and
followed by the dance music of the awesome Dreamchaser Band from Maskwacis.
Thank you to the many corporate businesses and departments that provided wonderful door prize donations for the event.
Maskwacis Minor Hockey sold 50/50 tickets throughout the evening with Olivia Buffalo winning half of the pot- total winnings
were $ 800.00. Congrats.. Olivia All SCN staff members who pay into the Samson Staff Association fund were eligible for the
grand prize draw of $ 1,500.00 cash. Prize winner was Twylla Soosay from the SCN I.T. department. Non- staff winner of the
$ 1,000.00 cash prize was Tina Northwest. Staff Association members receiving days off work with pay were Garth Buffalo
(5 days), Murray Simon (4 days) and J.J. Dion (3 days).
An event such a this requires a lot of planning and hard work. A salute to the hard working members of the SCN Staff
Association. Pat Swampy, Chantelle Cutknife, Jonathan Dion, Pricilla Swampy, Joy Simon, Debra Buffalo, Leigh Boysis,
Georgia Saddleback, and Brian Lightning. It was a night to be remembered.. and a job well done!!! .
Tina Northwest & Pat Swampy
Alex Dion Captain Stubby—One crazy captian !! George Nepoose & Olivia Buffalo
Harper, Twylla & Pat
A Message from S/Sgt. Darrel Bruno Wetaskiwin/Hobbema R.C.M.P.
Crime Prevention/Community & Youth Development Planning Coordinator Media Liaison
Wetaskiwin and Hobbema R.C.M.P., along with our enforcement partners, will step us efforts to edu-cate the public on pedestrian safety. Walking is a healthy lifestyle, and is many of Alberta’s primary form of transportation, particularly children and youth. In 2006, almost 40 percent of the drivers in collisions involving pedestrians fail to yield the right of way to the pedestrian. As part of it’s ongoing traffic safety campaigns, the RCMP advise pedestrians and motorists to follow these road safety tips: Pedestrians:
Obey all traffic signs and signals Always walk on the sidewalk; if there are no sidewalks, walk on the side of the road facing traffic Wear light- colored clothing or reflective strips when walking in dark and low-light conditions. Cross safely at corners and crosswalks, preferably at intersections with traffic lights Stop at the curb to show drivers you intend to cross the road; cross when traffic has come to a complete stop and make eye contact with drivers in each lane that you cross to ensure your are seen Continue crossing the street if the light changes to “don’t walk” while you are in the crosswalk Watch for traffic turning at intersections or entering and leaving driveways
Motorists:
Scan farther down the road and obey posted speed limits. Always be prepared to slow down or stop. Avoid loud music and other distractions while driving. Use caution when approaching intersections or mid-block crosswalks. Allow pedestrians to cross the road before proceeding. The fine for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk or passing a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk is $ 575.00 and four demerit points. Be cautious in parking lots or when backing out of a parking stall driveway Slow down around parked or stopped vehicles as they may hide a pedestrian who is crossing the road, particularly children who may dash out into the street. Stay alert and slow down on residential streets and through school zones; the speed limit for school and playground zones in urban and rural areas is 30 km/h unless otherwise posted. Watch for school safety patrol wearing orange vests, and stop as directed. School safety patrol-lers play a vital role in directing children safely across the street.
With these simple tips, we can make Wetaskiwin and Maskwacis a safer place for motorists and pedestrians alike.
“DEDICATED TO IMPROVING PUBLIC SAFETY ON OUR ROADS.”
CALL LETTER
To all Samson Cree Nation Members
Females ages 18—25 years
MISS INDIAN WORLD PAGEANT
The Legal Support Team at the Samson Tribal Administration offices are committed to
sponsor a candidate to the Gathering of Nations - Miss Indian World Pageant to be held
April 21—25, 2009.
We are requesting your submissions of candidacy before March 20, 2009.
Criteria:
Verifiable Samson Cree Nation Citizenship
Single
Never been married
No dependents - (no children)
Knowledge of tribal traditions
Abstainer—no use of drugs or alcohol
Access to dancing outfit
The Legal Support Team will assist in the training and coaching of our
candidate in the Plains Cree language and traditions.
Airfare, accommodations and registration fees will be paid by Legal Support.
We encourage our young people to reach for the universe and know that they are
special and important to the future of the Samson Cree Nation.
Respectfully
Legal Support Services Team
Samson Cree Nation
Gingerbread Building Challenge 2008
On December 2nd the Samson Youth and Sports Development department issued a challenge to the other Nation depart-ments to participate in the 1st Annual Gingerbread House Building Challenge. Not one to back down from a challenge six of the Nation departments threw their names into the challenge and the battle began. Teams had 15 days to come up with their ultimate creations. To ensure a fair playing field the following rules were imposed for participants: 1. All gingerbread designs including sceneries must be built on a single 2 foot by 2 foot cardboard or thin-ply. 2. All adhesive materials must be a type of food product. No glue allowed. 3. Judging December 17th—2:00 p.m. On December 17th the finishing touches were put onto the Gingerbread displays and they were brought forth for the judging. Spectators and participants were absolutely amazed at the intricate details of each of the displays and the originality and beauty of the gingerbread designs. Members of the Citizens In Action committee handled the difficult task of judging the winning entries and selecting the overall winner. After much debate and reviewing the rules, first place honors was awarded to Samson Oil and Gas Inc. Their creation was very well thought out, every little detail of the design was edible and they followed the rules as set out. For their winning en-tries they received a $ 300.00 gift certificate to Huckleberries Restaurant in Wetaskiwin, 2nd place winners was the Samson Elders Program receiving a $ 200.00 gift certificate to Boston Pizza and rounding out 3rd place was Samson Youth and Sports development receiving a $ 100.00 gift certificate to Tim Horton’s. Community Wellness received honorable mention— overall they had the most creative design, however they bent the rules a bit which put them out of the standings.
Recreation coordinators John Buffalo and Kira Buffalo worked hard at organizing this event, they did a really awesome job !!!John would like to continue with monthly department challenges such as this one, it really does a lot to build teamwork strate-gies and creates good working relationships amongst staff members and other departments. SCN Departments should be preparing for the upcoming Valentine’s Challenge in February.
If you have any ideas for Challenges, please contact John or Kira at (780) 585-3012.
Samson Oil & Gas—1st Place
2nd Place—SCN Elders Prog 3rd Place—HBMC
Celebrating the holidays with our Elders The management and staff of the SCN Elders Program hosted a wonderful evening of food and enter-
tainment at the Howard Buffalo Memorial Centre on December 5, 2008. A delicious Christmas
meal of turkey and all the trimmings was prepared by the Elders Program staff members. While
guests enjoyed the Christmas meal Harvey Buffalo and Bobby Ward provided the evening entertain-
ment with their ever popular musical selections and some wonderful Christmas songs.
Elders Program Coordinator Patrick Cutfknife handled the M.C. duties for the evening.
Following the meal the dance band of Ed Poirtais and family provided great toe tapping music and
jigging displays .
Bobby Ward & Harvey Buffalo Ed Poitras Family Band
Paul & Hazel Chartrand Percy Williams & the girls
Rod & Georgina Baptiste
Alice & Alec Rain
“ An elder carries the spirit of a people from one generation to the other..”
Rick Williams, President, American Indian College Fund.
Samson Cree Nation
Elders
The Maskwacis Employment Center is a Labour Market
Resource Center that is available to all Four Nations
residents.
Maskwacis Employment Center (MEC)
is pleased to present
MEC Logo Contest
Logo details include :
- Original Concept
- Clear crisp lines
- First Nations Theme
Submit your applications by: email, fax or in person.
Original artwork can be a drawing, painting or digital format.
Cash Prizes: 1st $ 500.00
2nd $ 250.00
3rd $ 125.00
Deadline for submissions: January 21st, 2008 For more information contact Samuel Minde at
The Alberta Foundation for the Arts Travelling Exhibition Program invites all
visual artists living in Maskwacis to tell their stories and submit art work for consideration in a
Provincial Travelling Art Exhibition
scheduled for January of 2010 to December of 2012. Artists of all ages are invited to submit works for consideration in this special exhibition showcasing both the realities and dreams of the residents of Maskwacis to others in the Province of Alberta. Works submitted for consideration may be in any media (painting, drawing, print-works, photography, sculpture, mixed-media, traditional crafts and materials). Two dimensional works must be no larger than 3 feet in size while sculptural works must be no larger than 12 inches in height in order to be considered.
This call for submissions is open to all artists regardless of age. Deadline for submissions is MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2nd, 2009.
Submissions may be delivered to Sandi Hiemer Montana Community School (780) 585-2799 [email protected]
“MASKWACIS”
What does your community mean to you?
If you could describe your community
to an outsider through art,
How would you do it.. What would you say?
Community Greetings Birthday greetings to:
Lindsay Montour January 6
Levi Montour January 9
Debra Buffalo January 11
Jimmy Boysis January 11
Justine Ermineskin January 17
Harmony Montour January 17
Kashius Montour January 23
Kieran Montour January 23
Tanner Montour January 29
George Montour Jr. January 30
Misty Montour January 31
Coming from the Montour Family
Birthday greetings to Kieran Montour for January 23
coming from mom Courteny, Kendrick, Miguel, Reese
and Kokum Dinah and Justin.
Special 1st birthday greetings going out to our
grandson Dylan Montour-Bull Brown for January 9,
coming from mom and dad. Also Mosom Garth,
Kokum Delia, Auntie Nicole and Uncles Drake and
Garret.
Special greetings to George and Helen Montour who
will be celebrating their 61st Wedding Anniversary
on January 16th
coming from your children, grand children and great-
grandchildren… have a great day.
Raymond & Sylvia Arcand & family
Vi Jackson & family
Dinah & family
Phyllis, Gary & family
George, Ida & family
Delia, Garth & family
Lucy, Vohn & family
Chantelle & family
Justine, Lance & family
Leon & family
Denise & family
Ursula & family
Robbie & family
Happy Birthday greetings to my son—Brett Greene
for January 5th
Love from Mom and Rod
Happy 3rd birthday to Ayisha Buffalo for January
29th Lotsa love from mom and dad.
Happy 7th birthday to Kalaija Ward-Buffalo for
January 14th Love Mom and Dad.
Birthday greetings to Mosom Pat Buffalo for
January 21st,
Love Kalaija, Ayisha, Baby Kayne. and Haleigh
Birthday Greetings for January 11th to:
Georgina Baptiste
Tammy Buffalo
Curtis Simon
Hope you have a great day, from Debra and Danny.
Family birthday greetings for the Month of January:
H.B. (Howard Brian) Buffalo January 2
Armand Buffalo January 5
Rona Buffalo January 6
Kalaija Ward-Buffalo January 14
Patrick Buffalo January 22
Marcia Omeasoo January 23
Tyson & Carol Buffalo January 24 (anniversary)
Austin Buffalo January 25
Ayisha Buffalo January 29
Coming from the Buffalo family.
Birthday greetings to our sweet lil Princesses….
Kalaija Latese Ward-Buffalo 7th birthday on January
14th and Ayisha Kiana Buffalo 3rd birthday on
January 29th
Wishing you both a wonderful birthday.
All our love Kokum and Mosom Buffalo, Auntie
Cameo, Uncles Huston and Brendan,
Also birthday greetings to Austin Buffalo for January
25.. Love Mom, Danny and the family.
Community Greetings Birthday greetings to Stephen Wagner for
January 22nd
Coming from the girls in Samson Mgmt.
Happy Birthday to my beautiful neice,
Taijence Saddleback-Montour and to my sweet
handsome nephews, Dakota and Brayvon
Swampy for January 7. Love you all so much!
From Auntil Cilla and family
Birthday Greetings to my sister, Paulette for
January 15th.
Love your big sister, Cilla.
Happy 8th birthday to my cute little nephew
Dravon Saddleback for January 25th,
Love Auntie Cilla and family
Wishing our beautiful God daughter,
Stephanie Saddleback-Rattlesnake, a very
Happy Birthday for January 13th, love you
other mommy and daddy, Auntie Cilla and
Uncle Wayne Joe.
Special Birthday greetings to my dear friend,
Debra Buffalo for January 11th, wish you all the
best for your birthday and always.
From your friend Cilla.
Birthday greetings to Cilla and Wanona for
January 21st and Pat Buffalo for January 22nd
Wishing both of all a very special birthday.
Coming from Holly, Chris and Joel.
Birthday greetings to Cilla for January 21st ,
best wishes and love from Dad and Pat.
Birthday wishes to the one and only ―CILLA‖
from Shelli… Have a wonderful day and keep
smiling.
Congratulations to all of the players from Maskwacis
who were selected to represent TEAM ALBERTA at
the 2009 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships
to be held in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Garret Montour
Devin Buffalo
Wayne Swampy
Bruce Baptiste
Joel Johnson
Wapan Johnson
Thomas Ward–Cardinal
Keaton White
Zachary Littlechild
Virgil Bull
Birthday Greetings to Debra Bufalo for January 11th
and Cilla Swampy for January 21st and Shelley Crier for
January 22nd.
Coming from SCN Administration staff, Finance Dept.
Human Resources, and Personnel.
Birthday Greetings to my friend and co-worker
―Cilla Swampy ‖ for January 21st.
Hope you have a great day.
From Debra
―Samson Cree Nation News” wants your input. Send us your stories, poems, profiles, photos or
announcements. If you have a story ideas that needs to be developed, please contact us for assistance.
There are many talented people in our community and we want to hear from you. Electronic format is recom-
mended. Submissions will be edited to suit space requirements.
