SAMSON CREE NATION ERMINESKIN CREE NATION LOUIS BULL TRIBE MONTANA BAND

October 23, 2013

PRESS RELEASE

Re: Official Name Change to “Maskwacis” (Bear Hills) in Place of “Hobbema”

The official name change to “Maskwacis” is seen as a welcome change. It signifies respect for our Cree way of life, our language and our authority over the traditional territories we have historically occupied.

The Maskwacis Cree, collectively, and individually known as Samson Cree Nation, Ermineskin Cree Nation, Louis Bull Tribe and Montana First Nation, are a distinct part of the Plains Cree Nation, who have occupied a territory known as “Maskwacis” since time immemorial. The territory is shown on the attached map obtained from a collection of maps of John Palliser’s Expedition to the West between 1857 – 59.

The Elders speak of being related to the land; of knowing the land. The identity of the Cree peoples is intimately tied to the land which has always been known as our mother, the earth. Individually, the Crees of Maskwacis are also known as: Neyaskwayak (the Northern treeline) or Ermineskin Cree NationKispahtinaw (the end of the hill) or Louis Bull TribeAkamihk (across – the river) or Montana First Nation, andNipisihkopahk (willow meadows) or Samson Cree Nation

In much the same way, Maskwacis is a reflection of the physical surroundings. At one time, this large area, includingthe hills at the crest of highway 611 West driving towards the Queen Elizabeth Highway, from Ermineskin, were covered with blueberry bushes attracting a large population of bears to the area, hence the name Maskwacis or Bear Hills. Also, one of the local creeks is known as Muskwa (Bear) Creek and it drains into Bear Hills Lake just north of present-day Louis Bull reserve.

As long as Maskwacis Elders can remember, to the present day, this area has been called Maskwacis. Some of this territory would eventually be set aside for the Maskwacis Cree as reserve lands under Treaty. Today, the combined reserve land base of the Maskwacis Cree is comprised of some 319.8 square kilometers located in the area known as Maskwacis and Pigeon Lake.

Reclaiming our traditional names for Maskwacis territory, instills a sense of pride in Cree values, languages, culture and history and a sense of belonging among our Nations, especially our youth. In particular, as the bear is so significant to the history, culture and spirituality of the Plains Cree at Maskwacis.

Since 1891, Maskwacis has also been known as “Hobbema”, named after a Dutch landscape painter who was admired by the then President of the Canadian Pacific Railway. When the railway line between Edmonton and Calgary was built, he chose “Hobbema” as the name for the flag station established in Maskwacis territory.

Despite there being many Indigenous place names in the surrounding area, including Wetaskiwin, a Cree name meaning “Hills of Peace”, Ponoka, a Blackfoot name for “Elk”, Minihk, another nearby flag station (or siding) along the Canadian Pacific Railway meaning “Spruce” in Cree, yet, for more than a century, the official name for Maskwacis, namely Hobbema, has persisted until now. The Maskwacis Cree have been advised by the Ministers and Ponoka County that the name will be changed effective January 1, 2014.

/Enclosure

ACIMOWIN NIPISIHKOPAHK NIPISIHKOPAHK NIPISIHKOPAHK NIPISIHKOPAHK

IHKOPIW-PISIMNOVEMBER 2013

Official name change to Maskwacis (Bear Hills)in place of “Hobbema”P . 2

PAGE 1 NIPISIHKOPAHK ACIMOWIN

CONTENTSP . 2 Official name change to Maskwacis (Bear Hills) in place of “Hobbema”P . 3 Samson Cree Nation GrassrootsP . 4 ‘Youth Leaders in Action”P . 6 Changing the state of play in the communityP . 7 Nipishikopahk Pamihowin- Restorative JusticeP . 8 Restorative Justice Calendar P . 9 Kinohtenehiyawan ciP . 11 Halloween Fun P . 12 RCMP ReportsP . 12 Samson Cree Nation CurfewP . 13 ClassifiedP . 13 Birthday GreetingsP . 13 Community Announcements

Photo of the month

Submit your photo for next months

newsletter to Jenn Nepoose:

jnepoose@gmail.com(780) 585-3793

ext. 281

Pie Throwing at the Nipisihkopahk Secondary School

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11 PAGE 2

SAMSON CREE NATION ERMINESKIN CREE NATION LOUIS BULL TRIBE MONTANA BAND

October 23, 2013

PRESS RELEASE

Re: Official Name Change to “Maskwacis” (Bear Hills) in Place of “Hobbema”

The official name change to “Maskwacis” is seen as a welcome change. It signifies respect for our Cree way of life, our language and our authority over the traditional territories we have historically occupied.

The Maskwacis Cree, collectively, and individually known as Samson Cree Nation, Ermineskin Cree Nation, Louis Bull Tribe and Montana First Nation, are a distinct part of the Plains Cree Nation, who have occupied a territory known as “Maskwacis” since time immemorial. The territory is shown on the attached map obtained from a collection of maps of John Palliser’s Expedition to the West between 1857 – 59.

The Elders speak of being related to the land; of knowing the land. The identity of the Cree peoples is intimately tied to the land which has always been known as our mother, the earth. Individually, the Crees of Maskwacis are also known as: Neyaskwayak (the Northern treeline) or Ermineskin Cree NationKispahtinaw (the end of the hill) or Louis Bull TribeAkamihk (across – the river) or Montana First Nation, andNipisihkopahk (willow meadows) or Samson Cree Nation

In much the same way, Maskwacis is a reflection of the physical surroundings. At one time, this large area, includingthe hills at the crest of highway 611 West driving towards the Queen Elizabeth Highway, from Ermineskin, were covered with blueberry bushes attracting a large population of bears to the area, hence the name Maskwacis or Bear Hills. Also, one of the local creeks is known as Muskwa (Bear) Creek and it drains into Bear Hills Lake just north of present-day Louis Bull reserve.

As long as Maskwacis Elders can remember, to the present day, this area has been called Maskwacis. Some of this territory would eventually be set aside for the Maskwacis Cree as reserve lands under Treaty. Today, the combined reserve land base of the Maskwacis Cree is comprised of some 319.8 square kilometers located in the area known as Maskwacis and Pigeon Lake.

Reclaiming our traditional names for Maskwacis territory, instills a sense of pride in Cree values, languages, culture and history and a sense of belonging among our Nations, especially our youth. In particular, as the bear is so significant to the history, culture and spirituality of the Plains Cree at Maskwacis.

Since 1891, Maskwacis has also been known as “Hobbema”, named after a Dutch landscape painter who was admired by the then President of the Canadian Pacific Railway. When the railway line between Edmonton and Calgary was built, he chose “Hobbema” as the name for the flag station established in Maskwacis territory.

Despite there being many Indigenous place names in the surrounding area, including Wetaskiwin, a Cree name meaning “Hills of Peace”, Ponoka, a Blackfoot name for “Elk”, Minihk, another nearby flag station (or siding) along the Canadian Pacific Railway meaning “Spruce” in Cree, yet, for more than a century, the official name for Maskwacis, namely Hobbema, has persisted until now. The Maskwacis Cree have been advised by the Ministers and Ponoka County that the name will be changed effective January 1, 2014.

/Enclosure

ling Education and Supervision specializing with Cri-sis and Trauma. Lloyd currently works in the capacity of a mental health therapist, post-secondary instructor, and community resources worker. He provides ser-vices through his home-based company, Advocating and Mediating; Human Resources and Social Ser-vices (ARHC); Respite and Residential School Care; Community Service Resources and Counselling. His services reach from Edmonton to Calgary, Hobbema, Wetaskiwin, Enoch, and Ponoka. ARHC stands for a commitment to providing clients with community service needs and counselling support that meet the requirements for personal, legal, and social service type interventions along with reinforced client sup-port through individual and/or group counselling. AHRC provides all those certification and counselling support services. The goal of AHRC is to give clients in need a greater chance of success to get his or her balance back in life along with ensuring fair and rea-sonable goals are attained.

Llody offers this advice for anyone advancing their educational and career goals.“Balance is always a challenge in life. The key keep-ing balance between your family, career, and, educa-tion lies in your own self-care. Do not always try to force your life into balance rather allow yourself to be whole first and the rest will fall into place. After all if you do not take care of yourself, you will not be able to make those positive changes in your life or for your loved ones.”

PAGE 3 NIPISIHKOPAHK ACIMOWIN

Lloyd is a Cree, father of nine children, three grandchildren, and for the most part has been called a lifelong student and promotes his personal mantra as being a proac-tive consultant for posi-tive social change

Llody has attended many educational institu-tions including Walden University, Concordia Univer-sity College of Alberta, Grant McEwan, Kings College, University of Alberta, Alberta College, Athabasca University, and the University of Calgary. He has also worked many of Edmontons non-profit agen-cies such as Mariam’s Footsteps, Protegra, The Bissell Centre, Catholic Social Services, Boys and Girls Club of Edmonton, Inner City Youth Housing Project, Ben Calf Robe, Bent Arrow, Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers, Samson Cree Nation, Peace Hills Trust, and Samson Management. Suffice to say, there will be many opportunities for anyone to learn in a variety of different environments! On May 10, 2013, Lloyd L. Saddleback grad-uated with Honors for the fourth time in his post-secondary academic career, receiving a Master’s of Science degree in Mental Health Counselling with Specialization in Forensics with Honors. Lloyd first graduated with a University and College Entrance Program degree in 1998, then went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology in 2002 and a Bachelor of Management degree in Human Resourc-es in 2008. While the degrees helped him advance to education and supervisory roles, he realized that he needed more credentialed education to move forward into fields of counselling and education. As of September he has begun what he expressed as the next credentialed step into career academia by working toward a Ph.D. doctoral degree in Counsel-

“Do not hold yourself or be rigid to one fixed fu-ture, rather keep open to any type of positive social change and the path to your future could just find you.”

“I work proudly with a majority minority First Na-tion Aboriginal population and saw there were not enough credentialed Cree people in these fields. I actually had a hard time finding credentialed practicum and internship First Nation supervisors and wanted to change that barrier for people like in the future. Now I am at a point in my career where I can offer my educational support and ca-reer experiences to future First Nation scholars of positive change. Now I can Pay Forward the train-ing I received to others and that makes me proud as a First Nation member.”

Samson Cree Nation Grassroots Featuring Lloyd Saddleback

Marcel Soosay of Samson Cree Nation has been chosen to par-ticipate as a volunteer in a Canada World Youth international educational exchange program between Canada and Indone-sia from October 10, 2013 to March 19, 2014. Marcel will take part in the Youth Leaders in Action program. He will be paired with a youth from Indonesia and they will live and work together for 6 months both in Indonesia and Canada. They will be acquiring new abilities such as profes-sional skills, communication, leadership, team work and organization. Also, a better understanding of the bonds which unite Nations and the interdependence of the North and South countries.

Each volunteer must raise $3200.00, Marcel and his family are seeking donations to support him in this life changing opportunity. If you would like to make a donation you may contact Gilda Soosay by email at gsoo-say@samsoncree.com or by telephone at 780-585-3793.For more information about Canada World Youth, visit their web site at www.canadaworldyouth.org.

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11 PAGE 4

‘Youth Leaders in Action’- Marcel Soosay

Letters to SantaWrite a letter to Santa this year!On the back page of this newsletter you will find a blank letter to Santa. Once you have competed your letter you can mail it to:

Santa ClausNorth Pole H0H 0H0

Canada

And remember your letter must have your full return address on it for Santa to be able to reply.

No postage is needed to mail your letter to Santa.

PAGE 5 NIPISIHKOPAHK ACIMOWIN

Did you know...20 to 25 liters of water needlessly

go down the drain when you leave

the water running while brushing

your teeth. Turning off the tap while

you brush your teeth will conserve

water and save money on your next

water bill.EMAIL: JNEPOOSE@GMAIL.COMFOR RATES & MORE INFORMATION

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11 PAGE 6

TENDER OPENINGS for the

Tenant Fit-Out for Robin’s Donuts &

2-4-1 Pizza at the

Samson Community Mall

Plans & Project Manual are available for pick up at the

SML Corporate Office.

We are located on the Third Floor of the

Cree Tribal Administration

SAMSON MANAGEMENT LTD. ‘”First Nation Owned & Operated”

Bid Closing Date:

November 15, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. local time

Box 539 Hobbema, AB. T0C 1N0

Phone: 780-585-2468 Fax: 780-585-2393

Toll-Free: 800-917-2818

SAMSON MANAGEMENT LTD.

Changing the state of play in the communityThe Samson Community Initiatives crew worked diligently through the month of October to complete two new playgrounds in Samson. One of these playgrounds is located be-side the Bingo Hall and the other in Knotts Landing. One parent in Knotts landing says “It’s nice to have a playground close to home for the kids in our area to play on” Thank you to all the individuals who helped assemble the playgrounds and those who supported these workers by providing food and bev-erages.

PAGE 7 NIPISIHKOPAHK ACIMOWIN

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11 PAGE 8

PAGE 9 NIPISIHKOPAHK ACIMOWIN

winter jacket...........................

winter boots...........................

gloves/mittens.......................

toque.........................................

scarf...........................................

sweater.....................................

Cree Sound English Sound Cree Sound English Sound

p pay i feel t take e bet k cake a far c cats o moon s say h hay m make i sit n night a cut o put

y yet w wet

Kinohtenehiyawan cipiponasakay

piponaskisina

astisak

sipihkiskawascocinis

kisowahpison

sipihkiskawasakay

Secret Santa is currently looking for volunteers and donations. Please con-tact any of the following committee members:Debra Buffalo (780) 585-0111Justice Soosay (780) 585-3305Bobbi Rose (780) 585-4322Myrna Buffalo (780) 585-3771Michelle Louis (780) 360-4013Jennilee Louis (780) 585-2756Randall Baptiste (780) 585-3925Charmaine Crane (780) 585-3012A representative from Ermineskin and Montana is also needed. If you are interested meetings are held every Wednesday at noon in the Samson Band Office Cafeteria.

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11 PAGE 10

National Child Day

Activities will be held at the HBMC for National Child Day.

November 21, 4:00pm - 8:00pm

SECRET SANTA

FILL OUT AN APPLICATION AT SAMSON HUMAN RESOURCES BY DECEMBER 13

Samson Cree Nation Elections

Elections for Samson Cree Nation Chief and Council will be in February 2014. Chief nominations will be held on February 4, 2014 with the election on February 11. 2014.Council nominations will be held on February 18, 2014with election on February 25, 2014.

PAGE 11 NIPISIHKOPAHK ACIMOWIN

Halloween Fun

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11 PAGE 12

On Tuesday October 29, 2013 at 8:30 pm Maskwacis RCMP, in conjunc-tion with Wetaskiwin Integrated Traffic Services and Ponoka Traffic Servic-es, conducted a check stop in the Samson First Nation Town site.While conducting a vehicle check approximately 1.2 pounds of Cannabis Marihuana and a quantity of cash were located. Police arrested two adult males who are charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking. Both males are known to police.

RCMP makes an arrest in Chelsea Yellowbird’s homicideHobbema, Alberta - Today, November 6, 2013, investigators arrested and charged Shelby Minde, age 20 years, of Hobbema for the first degree murder of 23-years-old, Chelsea Yellowbird, who was shot at a residence on the Samson Cree First Nation town site on September 5, 2011. Shel-by Minde was arrested without incident and has been charged with First degree murder. Shelby Minde is presently in custody and will appear in

Wetaskiwin Provincial Court at a date to be determined.This arrest is a result of a two year investigation by the Hobbema Detachment and the Calgary Major Crimes Unit. The investigation is still ongoing with investigators interviewing witnesses and following up on any tips received from the public. Anyone with information about this homicide, is asked to call the Hobbema RCMP at 780-585-4600, or if you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1.800.222.8477 (TIPS), by internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by SMS (check your local Crime Stoppers [www.crimestoppers.ab.ca]). You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers, and if you provide infor-mation to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest(s), the recovery of stolen property, and/or a seizure of illicit drugs, you may be eligible for a cash reward.

RCMP makes a second arrest in Chelsea Yellowbird's homicideHobbema, Alberta - Today, November 7, 2013, RCMP Calgary Major Crimes Unit investigators arrested and charged a second Hobbema male in the homicide of 23-years-old Chelsea Yellowbird, who was shot at a residence on the Samson Cree First Nation town site on September 5, 2011.Randall Omeasso, age 21 of Hobbema, was arrested without incident and has been charged with First degree murder in this homicide. Omeasso is presently in custody and will appear in Wetaskiwin Provincial Court at a date to be determined.This arrest is a result of a two year investigation by the Hobbema Detachment and the Calgary Major Crimes Unit. The investigation is still ongoing with investigators interviewing witnesses and following up on any tips received from the public.Anyone with information about this homicide, is asked to call the Hobbema RCMP at 780-585-4600, or if you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1.800.222.8477 (TIPS), by internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by SMS (check your local Crime Stoppers [www.crimestoppers.ab.ca]). You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers, and if you provide information to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest(s), the recovery of stolen property, and/or a seizure of illicit drugs, you may be eligible for a cash reward.

Samson Cree Nation CurfewRCMP will be working with Samson Cree Nation to continue to enforce the curfew. Any minors that are out after 10:00pm will be escorted home by RCMP with a first warning given. Upon a second warning the minor and parents will be required to attend a Restorative Justice circle with the RCMP and Kasohkohwew Child Wellness Society.

PAGE 13 NIPISIHKOPAHK ACIMOWIN

CLASSIFIEDEMPLOYMENTMaskwacis EmploymentCenter-Job coach

The Job Coach will assist clients to prepare for, ob-tain and maintain employ-ment

Deadline: November 22/13

Contact: Lana Johnson (780) 585-4450

Samson Trade Center-Receptionist

The receptionist will answer phones, file home owner re-ports, make orders for general contractors and take general directions from the office man-ager

Deadline: November 15/13

Contact: Samson Personnel (780) 585-3793

Birthday GreetingsNovember 4: Happy 2nd Birthday Teagan Saddleback,. Love Dad, Mom and Tia.November 11: Happy Birthday Kirk Buffalo from the CSO staff.November 18: Happy Birthday Sophia Buffalo from friends, family and coworkers.November 21: Happy Birthday Tyler Makinaw from Bomb Squad. November 27: Happy birthday Lacey Marie Jeanette’s from family, friends and coworkers. November 29: Happy Birthday Shanique Saddleback from the HOPE Scholars family!November 30: Happy Birthday Linda Nepoose from the entire family.

November 19: Special Council MeetingNovember 21: National Child Day at the HBMC from 4:00pm - 8:00pm.November 26: Lateral Violence and Forgiveness workshop in the Nipisihkopahk Pamihowin board room 10-3.November 28: NSS California Dreamers Dinner/Theatre Gala at the High School from 5:00pm - 9:00pm.November 30: Samson Education Trust Fund Awards in the High School Gym at 5:00pm

Community AnnouncementsChristmas Distribution

December 17: $150.00January 8: $100.00

ACIMOWINSamson Cree Nation’s NewsletterJenn Nepoose- Communications Coordinator(P) 780-585-3793 ext. 281(F) 780-585-2256jnepoose@gmail.comSamson Cree Nation Like us on follow us on

Samson Personnel-Data Entry Clerk

The Data Entry Clerk is re-sponsible for Samson Cree Nation Employee files and the overall office duties.

Deadline: November 20/13

Contact: Samson Personnel (780) 585-3793

Samson Trade Center-Administrative Assistant

Enhances effectiveness of Manager by managing in-formation, schedules, and office requirements.

Deadline: November 20/13

Contact: Samson Personnel (780) 585-3793

Samson Trade Center-Plumber

The Plumber will plan, install and service plumbing systems, fixtures, piping equipment and controls.Deadline: November 15/13Contact: Samson Personnel (780) 585-3793

Maskeptoon -Tire Technician

The Tire Technician is responsible to repair and/or replace tires as requested as well asassist other technicians with other assignments.Deadline: November 20/13Contact: Samson Management Ltd. (780) 585-2468