P 2 2014 Maskwacis Job Fair P 3 Ka-Ta-Wa-Soo P 3 Panels not pipelines P 4 2014 Halloween in Samson Cree Nation P 4 Aboriginal Role Models of Alberta P 5 Reclaiming our knowledge P 6 Peace Hills Trust Native Art Contest P 7 Sharphead remains P 8 Inspirational Quote and Joke P 9 Kinohtenehiyawan ci P 10 Birthday Greetings Community Announcements Inside this issue... Maskwacis Youth Initiative Youth Empowerment Walk NIPISIHKOPAHK ACIMOWIN The Maskwacis Youth Initiative (MYI) held a youth empowerment walk on October 23, 2014. Participants walked through Samson town site areas on this march for peace. MYI is a public partnership between the communities of Samson Cree Na- tion, Ermineskin Cree Nation, Louis Bull Tribe and Montana First Nation, Pigeon Lake communities and the Minister of Public Safety Canada. The project utilized the Chicago ‘cease- fire’ model, the Circle of Courage model and Maskwacis Cree cultural values and beliefs to address the violence in Maskwacis. The overall goal of MYI is to decrease the violence in Maskwacis. They are commit- ted to reach First Nations youth between the ages 14 to 24 years old. The project will be taking a public health approach to violence prevention and to strengthen protective factors. The project is now taking referrals of at risk individuals whom need supports. Networking with surrounding communities MYI will be able to support commu- nity members with employability programs, mental health programs, alcohol and drug addiction programs, housing supports and parenting programs. MYI is located on the Samson reserve beside the Willowview building. You can look forward to more community involvement and community events hosted by the Maskwacis Youth Initiative. IHKOPIW-PISIM (NOVEMBER) 2014 VOLUME 3, ISSUE 15 WWW.SAMSONCREE.COM
Transcript
P 2 2014 Maskwacis Job Fair
P 3 Ka-Ta-Wa-Soo
P 3 Panels not pipelines
P 4 2014 Halloween in Samson Cree Nation
P 4 Aboriginal Role Models of Alberta
P 5 Reclaiming our knowledge
P 6 Peace Hills Trust Native Art Contest
P 7 Sharphead remains
P 8 Inspirational Quote and Joke
P 9 Kinohtenehiyawan ci
P 10 Birthday Greetings Community Announcements
Inside this issue...
Maskwacis Youth Initiative Youth Empowerment Walk
NIPISIHKOPAHKACIMOWIN
The Maskwacis Youth Initiative (MYI) held a youth empowerment walk on October 23, 2014. Participants walked through Samson town site areas on this march for peace. MYI is a public partnership between the communities of Samson Cree Na-tion, Ermineskin Cree Nation, Louis Bull Tribe and Montana First Nation, Pigeon Lake communities and the Minister of Public Safety Canada. The project utilized the Chicago ‘cease-fire’ model, the Circle of Courage
model and Maskwacis Cree cultural values and beliefs to address the violence in Maskwacis. The overall goal of MYI is to decrease the violence in Maskwacis. They are commit-ted to reach First Nations youth between the ages 14 to 24 years old. The project will be taking a public health approach to violence prevention and to strengthen protective factors. The project is now taking referrals of at risk individuals whom need supports. Networking with surrounding communities MYI will be able to support commu-nity members with employability programs, mental health programs, alcohol and drug addiction programs, housing supports and parenting programs. MYI is located on the Samson reserve beside the Willowview building. You can look forward to more community involvement and community events hosted by the Maskwacis Youth Initiative.
Aboriginal Education CenterAboriginal Veterans Society of Alberta (Bold Eagle)Academy of LearningAKO Family Services Alberta Apprenticeship & Industry TrainingAlberta FlaresAlberta Indian Investment Corp.Alberta WorksAlmita Piling Inc.Augustana CollegeBouchier GroupCameron Truck DrivingCanadian Armed ForcesCity of EdmontonClean HarborsGovernment of AlbertaHobbema TransportHorizon North Camps and CateringLiuna, Construction & General Workers union local 92Louis Bull Economic DevelopmentManluk Industries
Maskwacis Ambulance Authority & SCN Medical ServicesMaskwacis Employment CenterMcDonalds Restaurant - PonokaNorquest CollegePeace Hills InsurancePeSakastew Correctional CenterPrimco Dene LPQuinn Contracting RCMPRed Deer Aboriginal Employment ServicesRed Deer CollegeRed Rock CampsSamson Management Ltd.Samson Oil & GasSamson Youth & DevelopmentService CanadaSt. Mary's UniversityTrade Winds to SuccesssUniversity of LethbridgeWoman Building Futures
A total of 672 participants attended the Maskwa-cis Job Fair which was held on October 16, 2014. With 41 vendors in attendance the Maskwacis Employment Center had successfully connected community members from all 4 Nations with po-tential employers, schools and service providers. The Maskwacis Employment Center (MEC) would also like to thank all the volunteers, Hawk Radio, Samson Security, HBMC staff, and all who came and supported our event. Volunteers include Lorna
Stoney, Tanya Crier, Shanna Coyote, Charlotte Roan, Tessie Roan, Kendall Omeasoo, Tannis Omeasoo, Brody Roan, Helena Minde, Josh Morin, Keifer Stoney, Justie Stone-Rattlesnake, Cassie Littlechild, Maggie Buffalo, Verra Buffalo. If you would like contact information for any of the following exhibitors which were in atten-dance at the job fair, Danielle Cardinal may be contacted at MEC, (780) 585-4450.
2014 Maskwacis Job Fair exhibitors:
2014 Maskwacis Job Fair
Maskwacis Veterans Monument Unveiling Join us on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 as we honor the veterans of Maskwacis. The unveiling of the
Veterans Monument will take place in front of Peace Hills Trust at 10:00am.
VOLUME 3 , ISSUE 15 PAGE 3
Secret Santa
Samson Secret Santa Committee Myrna Buffalo Debra Buffalo Chelynn Crane
Charmaine CraneMichelle Louis
Carmella Cutknife Jennilee Louis
Justice Jade SoosaySelena Montour
Cameo Crier
Please make cheques payable to Samson Cree Nation Secret Santa.
Panels not pipelines
Alberta has as much sun per year as Rio making it a prime location to utilize solar energy. Green Peace Canada sponsored a speaking tour across Alberta speaking about solutions on environmental risks to do with pipelines and giving out education-al information on how renewable energy is the way to go, also building real energy so-lutions in the process. The tour stopped in the Louis Bull Tribe on October 15th, 2014. Renewable energy comes from sources such as wind, solar, hydroelectricity and bio-energy. Alberta has the best solar potential and some of the best wind and geothermal potential in the country, yet Alberta has the highest numbers in carbon pollution and greenhouse emissions in the country. Investing in solar panels seems like a no bri-aner. Montana First Nation owns the largest First Nation solar project in Western Cana-da. Their 100 kilowatt system is projected to produce over $450,000.00 worth of electric-ity over the time of it’s lifespan. It will alsoreduce carbon emissions that would be equal to taking 15 cars off the road per year.
NOVEMBER 11Happy 29th Anniversary Lester and Debbie
Nepoose! From your children!
This doll was found at a garage sale in Ontario. The tag around her wrist reads ‘Designed and dressed by M.M.Lightning Samson Cree Band’ ‘My name is Ka-Ta-Wa-Soo’. The Penney family was kind enough to mail this doll to Samson Cree Na-tion and donate it to the Museum.Thank you!
PAGE 4 NIPISIHKOPAHK ACIMOWIN
2014 Halloween in Samson Cree Nation
Aboriginal Role Models of AlbertaThe 19th Aboriginal Role Models of Alberta gala was held on November 1, 2014 at the River Cree Resort and Casino. Aboriginal peoples from across Alberta were recognized in their efforts as role models in a number of categories from leadership to science. Jerry Saddleback Sr. from Samson Cree Nation was presented with the Preservation of Aboriginal Lan-guage, Traditions and Culture award. Jerry’s thor-ough knowledge of our culture and his passion and commitment to tell the story of our history makes his well deserving of this award. Chief Wilton Littlechild received a special presenta-
tion for his numerous achievements. He has the distinction of being the first Treaty First Nation person to acquire a law degree from the University of Alberta in 1976. Chief Wilton Littlechild recently received the Alberta Order of Excellence, which is the highest order to be bestowed upon a citizen in Alberta.
VOLUME 3 , ISSUE 15 PAGE 5
Peace Hills Trust Native Art ContestThis year marked the 32nd Peace Hills Trust Native Art Contest. The winners of this years contest are:
Adult Category
First place: Jamin Zuroski – Forward Moving
Second place: Jordan Stranger – Giving Traditional
Third place: Keith Nolan – Painting Horse
Ages 9 and under
First Place Second Place Third PlaceKeira Cameron Alyra Kostiuk Tia Johnstone
Ages 10 to 13
First Place Second Place Third PlaceLakota Soosay Lianna Small Lakota Soosay
Ages 14 to 17
First Place Second Place Third PlaceKimiko Mahingen Hannah Cardinal Joely Mahingen
PAGE 6 NIPISIHKOPAHK ACIMOWIN
VOLUME 3 , ISSUE 15 PAGE 7
Sharphead remains
In 1881, Dominion Land Surveyor John C. Nelson demarcated boundaries of a reserve for Chief Sharp-head, or Che-poos-te-quahn, and his band of approx-imately 200 “stoney Indians”. The Sharphead reserve was 42 square miles in size and straddled a portion of the battle river at Wolf Creek just south of the Bear Hills (Maskwacis) reserves. The five reserves were administered by the Indian Agent, Samuel B. Lucus from the Peacehills Agency. Originally they wanted a reserve near the Pigeon Lake are, but the area was too wooded for agriculture. Their reserve was moved to Wolf Creek and they were first paid treaty in 1884. In 1886, a measles epidemic hit the Peace Hills agen-cy, the band lost many people to colds and other illnesses over the next several years, including 72 deaths in 1887 alone. Archival documents indicate that between 1886 and 1890, over 100 individuals from Sharphead Band died. They were buried next to the Methodist Mission cemetery that adjacent to the boundary of the Sharphead reserve.By 1891, majority of the band had left the reserve at Wold Creek, many members went north transferred to Ermineshin, Samson, Alexander, Morley, and other bands with which they had ties.Sharphead Band members relocated to 15 different First Nations. By 1895, the reserve was “abandoned”. Sharphaed reserve was surrendered in 1987 and opened for settlement in 1899.In 1965, Calgary Power(later TransAlta) installing power lines uncovered human remains in a farm-ers field. Sharphead reserve cemetery was located there from 1884 to 1896. There were no laws pro-tecting historical cemeteries and the Universities
Act allowed the University to excavate and collect historical human remains. The University excavated 24 Sharphead graves over the summer of 1965 and 1966. 24 graves contained the remains of 25 individ-uals as one grave was a double. In 1974, archival documentation showing that some of the members were transferred to White Whale Lake Band is now Paul First Nation. 1975 The Uni-versity try to repatriate and rebury the Sharphead remains but was unsuccessful. In 1994, Paul First Na-tion contacted the University regarding the repatria-tion and reburial of the Sharphead remains but was still unsuccessful. The University tried to arrange for a ceremony and reburial of the remains in an existing cemetery at the Rundle Mission site on Pigeon Lake. The proposal did not proceed due to permit applica-tions and the process lapsed. The Sharphead remains stored at the University since the 1960’s when it was first discovered. In 2007, AtlaLink(that took over from TransAtla) found an additional human remain while replacing power poles where the original 24 remains came from located in a farmers field. The Government of Alberta became involved in 2007, by the Historical Resources Act. In total, 15 different First Nations have descendants from Sharphead Band. These Nations are:- Alexander First Nation- Erminskin First Nation- Montana First Nation- Saddle Lake First Nation- Stoney Nation – Chiniki- Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation- Ft. McMurray First Nation- O’Chiese First Nation- Samson Cree Nation- Stoney Nation – Wesley- Enoch Cree Nation- Louis Bull First Nation- Paul First Nation- Stoney Nation – Bearspaw- Sunchild First NationSince 2007 the Government of Alberta has met with Elders and delegates from the respective 15 First Na-tions that have descendants from Sharphead Band. The removal of the Sharphead remains from their original resting place has been a concern to Alberta’s
Continued on next page...
PAGE 8 NIPISIHKOPAHK ACIMOWIN
On October 22nd, 2014 members of the Maskwacis Community Re-sponse Unit and the Maskwacis General Duty members at-tended to one of the Enclaves in the Samson Town Site
where a .22 revolver handgun with multiple rounds of ammunition was located. One male youth is cur-rently under investigation. On October 23rd, 2014 information led police to the Montana First Nation. Members of the Maskwacis Community Response Unit and Maskwacis General Duty members at-tended and located a sawed off single shot, shot-gun with multiple rounds of ammunition. Due to the nature of the investigation no charges have been laid at this time.The Maskwacis RCMP are very thankful to these concerned citizens for their assistance in helping to rid the community of firearms.
Sharphead Remains...
First Nations communities for a long time. With the 15 Descendant First Nation in the spring of 2014, it was decided that the 28 human remains are prepared for re-internment. The reburial would take place over the course of 3 days on October 17-19, 2014On Friday Oct. 27/14, they left the University of Al-berta for the first time in 48 years, traveling to Sam-son Cree Nation in 6 caravans. The remains went into the HBMC and were welcomed by Samson Chief Kurt Buffalo and council. The Sharphead remains had a one night wake, than early Saturday morning, they were taken to the new cemetery west of Ponoka. Were both Cree and Stoney protocols were respect-ed and followed. The Stoney held their feast imme-diately after the reburial and on Sunday Oct. 19, the Cree had their feast. This historic reburial with the 15 Descendant First Nations wished to not have media there, they want-ed it small, private, and low key. The University of Al-berta and Alberta Culture Aboriginal Relations peo-ple were in attendance. The was approximately 200 people in attendance for the reburial.
Inspirational Quote
“Don’t limit yourself, many people limit them-selves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve.”- Author Unknown
Joke
Q: Why does Humpty Dumpty love Autumn?
A: Because Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
To submit your own quote or joke please contact Tavis Buffalo, [email protected] or (780) 585-3793 ext. 266.
Peace Hills General Insur-ance attended the Maskwacis Job Fair on October 16th. We provided information on
the Insurance and Risk Management program at MacEwan University and many people showed an interest in the opportunities available in the insur-ance industry. If you are interested in a career in insurance go to http://www.career-connections.info/Career-Changers/aptitudequiz and take a brief quiz to find your place in insurance.You can also find information about career op-portunities with Peace Hills General Insurance by going to the employment section of the Samson Cree Nation website.I hope everyone has a Happy Halloween and in the next issue of Nipisihkopahk Acimowin look for another update on the many ways Peace Hills General Insurance is involved in your community.
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 15 PAGE 9
Kinohtenehiyawan ci
Acimowin Word SearchSearch for the cree words below in the puzzle, when you have found a word circle it and then cross out or check mark the words you have found.
Birthday GreetingsNovember 1: Happy 7th birthday to Preston from Mom, Dad and the girls.November 1: Happy Birthday Heather Saddleback-Omeasoo. Sweetest 3 year old. Love Mom, Dad and family~ Kohkom Louise and Mosom, Harry, Uncles Jon and Tyrese.November 3: Happy 3rd Birthday Leslie Jr. Potts coming from Mom, Dad, Aiyana, Bella, Aiden and Ethan.November 3: Happy Birthday Francine Moonias from Carol Cutknife and family, love ya. November 4: Happy Birthday Logan Nepoose love Aunty Tweela.November 4: Happy 3rd Birthday Samuel Crier from Mom, Dad and your amazing sisters.November 6: Happy Birthday Nikki Lightning love and Hugs Elaine and the Lightning and Saddleback tribes.November 6: Happy Birthday Ron Rosebluff from Ron and the Family. November 6: Happy Birthday Cody (Dunes) Lightning from Ron and the Family. November 6: Happy 14th Birthday Giselle and Zander from Heather Gord & Bex.November 7: Happy Birthday Cody James love Selena.November 7: Happy Birthday George Boy from mom & dad and the rest of the family on 6 mile.November 7: Happy Birthday Cody Lightning from Ron and the Family. November 9: Happy Birthday Caitlynn Baptiste love Caitlynn Baptiste, Jenn and B :)November 9: Happy 1st Birthday Jayden from Mom and Dad. November 10: Happy Birthday Danielle and Danika Lightning from Jenn and B.November 10: Happy Birthday Cody Nepoose, love Tweela.November 11: Happy 13th Birthday Richard JR love Mom and Dad.November 11: Happy 10th Birthday Cordell Nepoose love Kohkom and Momo.November 11: Happy Birthday Joelette Simon from Dulcie, Daveigh & Lauryn.November 13: Happy Birthday Carmen Yellowbird from your Favorite Niece Shayna.November 14: Happy Birthday Bella Potts coming from Mom, Dad, Aiyana, Ethan, Aiden and Jr.November 14: Happy Birthday Ethan Swampy from Pat.November 15: Happy Birthday Cyndie Swampy from Tannis.November 16: Happy Birthday Sophie Buffalo from Herb. November 16: Happy 2nd Birthday Elias Elliott Jr from Mom, Dad, siblings and Littlepoplar family.
November 7: Maskwacis Cultural College 40th Anniversary Gala- River Cree Resort and Casino.November 10: SCN programs and services will be closed.November 11: Remembrance Day. SCN programs and services will be closed.November 11: Veterans Memorial Monument unveiling, 10:30am in front Peace Hills Trust. November 12: Regular Council Meeting.November 22: Samson Education Trust Fund Awards, 4:00pm at the Nipisihkopahk Secondary School.November 28: Professional Development Day for NEA schools.
