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THE #1 VOICE OF NATIVE YOUTH! FREE IN SASKATOON $1.00 US/CANADA NOVEMBER 2004 THIRD ISSUE INSIDE: “You’re Fired!” Why Everyone Should Watch The Apprentice Taxation Terror To be free, or not to be free Are We Slowly Losing Our Rights? RezX 49erReview If you missed it, don’t worry We got the inside story EXCLUSIVE! BREACH OF TRUST Saskatchewan’s Own Hard Rock Band is Back with a New CD & a Couple of New Faces! ALSO INSIDE: DJ SUGAR DADDY’S TOP 25 INDIAN LOVE • YOUR FUTURE IS HERE GALA INSIDE: “You’re Fired!” Why Everyone Should Watch The Apprentice Taxation Terror To be free, or not to be free Are We Slowly Losing Our Rights? RezX 49er Review If you missed it, don’t worry We got the inside story EXCLUSIVE! BREACH OF TRUST Saskatchewan’s Own Hard Rock Band is Back with a New CD & a Couple of New Faces! ALSO INSIDE: DJ SUGAR DADDY’S TOP 25 INDIAN LOVE • YOUR FUTURE IS HERE GALA PLUS: SNTC’s Love Songs From A War Drum Play Review PLUS: SNTC’s Love Songs From A War Drum Play Review
Transcript
Page 1: THE #1 VOICE OF NATIVE YOUTH! SNTC’s · THE #1 VOICE OF NATIVE YOUTH! FREE IN SASKATOON $1.00 US/CANADA NOVEMBER 2004 THIRD ISSUE INSIDE: “You’re Fired!” Why Everyone Should

T H E # 1 V O I C E O F N AT I V E Y O U T H !

FREEI N S A S K A T O O N$ 1 . 0 0 U S / C A N A D A

NOVEMBER 2004THIRD ISSUE

INSIDE:“You’re Fired!”Why Everyone ShouldWatch The Apprentice

Taxation TerrorTo be free, or not to be freeAre We Slowly Losing Our Rights?

RezX 49erReviewIf you missed it, don’t worryWe got the inside story

EXCLUSIVE!

BREACH OF TRUSTSaskatchewan’s Own Hard Rock Band is Backwith a New CD & a Couple of New Faces!

ALSO INSIDE: DJ SUGAR DADDY’S TOP 25INDIAN LOVE • YOUR FUTURE IS HERE GALA

INSIDE:“You’re Fired!”Why Everyone ShouldWatch The Apprentice

Taxation TerrorTo be free, or not to be freeAre We Slowly Losing Our Rights?

RezX 49er ReviewIf you missed it, don’t worryWe got the inside story

EXCLUSIVE!

BREACH OF TRUSTSaskatchewan’s Own Hard Rock Band is Backwith a New CD & a Couple of New Faces!

ALSO INSIDE: DJ SUGAR DADDY’S TOP 25INDIAN LOVE • YOUR FUTURE IS HERE GALA

PLUS:

SNTC’sLove Songs From A War Drum

Play Review

PLUS:

SNTC’sLove Songs From A War Drum

Play Review

Page 2: THE #1 VOICE OF NATIVE YOUTH! SNTC’s · THE #1 VOICE OF NATIVE YOUTH! FREE IN SASKATOON $1.00 US/CANADA NOVEMBER 2004 THIRD ISSUE INSIDE: “You’re Fired!” Why Everyone Should

2

Editor’s Note By Angella McKayRezX is a division of RezX Publications

CEO & Publisher:Chris Tyrone Ross

Editor-In-Chief:Angella McKay

Director of Promotions/Marketing:David Knight

Desktop Publishing:Apex Graphics Ltd.

RezX Writing Crew:Cheryl ClayKerry GirlingKevin WesaquateDJ Sugar DaddyMatthew SpencerEric TysonDarla RiedLena Suzanne

Contact Information:RezX PublicationsSuite 600-224 4th Ave SouthSaskatoon, SK S7K 5M5Phone: 306-343-3533Fax: 306-933-4633E-Mail: [email protected]: www.rezx.ca

Circulation: 10,000 CopiesEstimated Readership: 40,000Marketing Demographic: Ages 16-34Subscriptions available upon requestDiscounts for schools and organizations

Disclaimer:RezX is not responsible for any negative impact ourmagazine may have on its readers. The opinions ofour writers are not necessarily those of RezXPublications or RezX Magazine. Any advertising,pictorial, or editorial content cannot be reproduced,republished, or reprinted without the expressedwritten permission of the publisher.

Apology: In Issue #2, we did not give proper photocredit to Harvey Knight who captured the front coverof Eekwol, therefore we apologize.

The Indigenous Student Council & RezX Promotions Present...

-mas@

and special guest hosts

SANTA CLAUS & MRS. CLAUSDoor Prizes Every Hour!

& X-MAS GAMES!“If you enjoyed the RezX 49er

then you’ll love the RezX-mas!”

Only 200 Advance Tix Available!

For Tix Call ISC @966-2505 orRezX @ 343-3533

(Free Christmas Gift with each advance ticket)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4TH/04Tentative Date - Subject to Change

ID Required 19+

Featuring:

Tansi once again. Isn’t it amazinghow everything evolves with time?!That’s the beauty of life on thisEarth; the state of things is alwayschanging, growing and expanding.Just like RezX! So, welcome to issuenumber three.

Now that I’ve gotten a little bitbetter at this job, my life has settledinto a nice routine of only mild chaosand madness. I love it! My sons aredeveloping nicely into fine youngAboriginal youth, and all the otherchildren I am currently taking care ofare happy and healthy. The weatheris absolutely beautiful and everyoneis rejoicing with the coming ofwinter. O.K., so maybe that last bitwas a little off. Truth is . . . I lovewinter! There, I’ve admitted it.Winter is my favourite season of theyear. Yes, I will admit that I have atendency to act a little nutssometimes but this isn’t thatoutrageous. I guess it’s just in mynorthern blood . . . I heardsomewhere along the way that theremight be some Inuit in me. I haveeven given my eldest son a middlename that means winter.

I know you think I’m just slightlycrazy, but I honestly feel thatwintertime is ultimately the mostenjoyable time of the year. Why?

Well, for one thing, there are nobugs. I hate bugs. Don’t get mewrong; I’m not scared of them oranything. They’re just a disgustingly,creepy part of life I’d rather livewithout . . . and I can do that inwinter. Secondly, I like the feeling ofcleanliness that a fresh snow brings.Looking out the window and seeingnothing but a sparkling whiteness,it’s just so nice and pure andpeaceful.

Wintertime also gives me achance to get to know my family aswell as myself a little bit better.Everyone is stuck indoors all winterlong with nothing to do but spendtime together. So ultimately you’regoing to end up talking to oneanother and the more you learnabout your family and close friends,the more you learn about yourself,right? Also, my most favouritestholiday ever is in winter, Christmas! Itotally love Christmastime,especially now that I have kids of myown to experience it with. And thisyear I can get a tree because mybaby is past the ‘shove everything Isee into my mouth’ stage.

Oh, and winter sports are moreexciting than summer sports.Anyone who straps themselves to alittle piece of wood and goes flyingdown a twisting, icy slope, face-first,has got to have a lot of fricken guts(and no qualms about dying ahorrible death). Skating,tobogganing, snowman building;these are all things that bring thefamily together and contribute to ahealthy lifestyle. Two for the price ofone!

Last but not least, there is no bigdeal about being slim, trim andlooking hot in the wintertime.Everyone is walking around with,like, five layers of clothing on all the

time. Never mind looking hot. You’rejust trying your darndest to staymoderately warm. It’s great! I don’thave to worry about shaving my legsor getting a nice tan because I’mgoing to be completely covered(along with the rest of the country),for the next, oh say, six months. Yay!

Oh, and I can put my kids to bedearlier because the sun sets atsuppertime . . . not that I’d actuallydo that . . . but I could if I wanted to.Hey, sometimes a woman just needsan extra hour to herself at night.Alone time doesn’t happen enoughduring the day. In the summertimethe kids want to stay up until allhours of the evening because thesun is still out. You can’t put a kid tobed when the sun is still in the sky.It’s just not right.

Anyway, I know there is someoneout there who shares my feelings. Imet him one winter day while sittingon a bench in the park, in mysnowsuit. I never got to see his facebut if you’re reading this right nowthen same time and place as lastyear. Kitwam.

1stANNUAL

Phot

o by

Mik

e G

osse

lin

Saskatoon’s Two Hottest DJsTogether for One Night Only

DJ Scott Turner & DJ Sugar Daddy

Page 3: THE #1 VOICE OF NATIVE YOUTH! SNTC’s · THE #1 VOICE OF NATIVE YOUTH! FREE IN SASKATOON $1.00 US/CANADA NOVEMBER 2004 THIRD ISSUE INSIDE: “You’re Fired!” Why Everyone Should

Publisher’s Word: By Publisher, Chris Tyrone Ross

33

With every edition of RezX, I'vefound there's always a bigger storythan the cover story–the inside story.With Issue #1, it was about myreturn to the publishing business.With Issue #2, it was about theteamwork of Aboriginal youthwriters we called the RezX Crew.Now with Issue #3, a new story istaking shape.

So far, people have come andgone leaving behind lastingimpressions. At one time, our headoffice was filled with around sixAboriginal youth working ondifferent projects on a daily basis. Istarted to realize how difficult it wasto micro-manage a group of up-and-coming young entrepreneurs. So Ihad to make a decision: either get abigger office or cut my ties and moveon. Unfortunately, I had to end somegreat relationships, but it wasnothing personal, strictly business. Ihope that some day we'll dobusiness again.

So here I am with another editionof RezX and a new chapter. This timethe story is all about business:

making sacrifices, difficult decisions,creating new partnerships, andmoving up the corporate ladder inthis jungle we call the businessworld. It's almost like being anemployee in a huge corporation; youstart from the bottom and work yourway to the top.

It has come to a point where Ihave to make some life-longdecisions, even though I'm only 24.In my research I've found that someof the most successful youngentrepreneurs in their mid-20s, knewwhat they wanted and went for it.Bill Gates, Albert Einstein, TedTurner, Donald Trump, and evenSean "P-Diddy" Combs, were oncein this situation. That's not to say I'llbe as successful as them, but maybeI can break away from thestereotype that Saskatchewanians,or even Aboriginals for that matter,cannot reach this level ofachievement.

Then again, at the end of the day,how do you define success? Formany people, it's like asking themhow they define heaven. Both

answers would probably be parallelin the end. For me, success isbasically being happy with what Ihave and knowing that I can neverstop achieving. For others, successmight be about having a family, ahome, and a career. I honestlybelieve success is self-definingbased on your own vision for thefuture.

I also believe that too manyskeptics try to define success forour Aboriginal youth. Too manyleaders try to throw education downour throats like it's the only route.They also try to explain that havinga job is the only key toindependence. I can agree withthem on many of those points, butwhat about business? Since notmany leaders make an effort toteach our youth that business is theperfect alternative, I will make it mygoal to do so. RezX is the perfectexample that you can succeed beingyoung and running a business.

To all the eager up-and-comingyoung entrepreneurs, takeadvantage of the programs out there

for you. Go on-line and type in thesekey words: the Canadian YouthBusiness Foundation, AboriginalBusiness Canada, The YouthBusiness Program, TheOpportunities Fund. Thegovernment and their businesspartners are investing billions intothe Aboriginal youth sector, and likeUncle Sam, they want you!

If there's any group in society thatcan lead tomorrow's economy, it'sAboriginal Youth! So just remember,it's never personal, it's strictlybusiness, and by the way . . . Issue #3 has arrived!

Missinipi Broadcasting CorporationMBC Network Radio

has arrived in Saskatoon and area

at 104.1 on your FM dialWith the following programming for youth:

“The Haul Home” 4-6 PM Monday-FridayTop 40, Rock & ContemporaryAnd songs you won’t hear on conventional radio

“Evening Rock Request Show” 6-9 PM Monday-FridayYou pick the music for 2 solid hours

“The High Five” 5 PM FridayA countdown of the week’s 5 hottest rock tracks and the Pick to Click upcoming hit

“Hits of the 70s” 3-4 PM Saturday and SundayTake a musical journey back to the classics of the 70s

“Hits of the 80s” 4-5 PM Saturday & SundayGo retro with the greatest tunes of the 80s

“The Rewind” Saturday 8-9 PMA seamlessly mixed hour of party music from the 80s and 90sRetro, old school and classic dance

“Club Radio Dance Top 10” Saturday 9-10 PMThe hottest Dance, House, Euro hits from around the world

“Saturday Night House Party” Saturday 10 PM-2 AMSaskatchewan’s Hip Hop, R&B, Rap, Urban and Rock headquartersCo-hosted by youth in various communitiesA Missinipi Youth Foundation Initiative

For more info or to listen on-line,

www.mbcradio.com

Photo by Ron Pelly

“It’s Not Personal. It’s Strictly Business.”

Page 4: THE #1 VOICE OF NATIVE YOUTH! SNTC’s · THE #1 VOICE OF NATIVE YOUTH! FREE IN SASKATOON $1.00 US/CANADA NOVEMBER 2004 THIRD ISSUE INSIDE: “You’re Fired!” Why Everyone Should

mid-90s band called SalvadorDream) hadn't provided some muchneeded guidance and inspiration."

"We really learned to edit and re-work ideas during this record. 'GiveYou Up' underwent at least three

complete re-writes. But then therewas 'Edge of Summer' and 'NervousBreakdown', which just kindashowed up. If there's anything wetook away from the making of thisalbum, it's that the best thing to dois be ready for anything. Somesongs will assert themselves quickly,while others will shuffle their feetand not show their cards until thevery end."

Breach of Trust was recorded inVancouver and produced by StevenWright, a guy who helped shape thesound of early records by GoodCharlotte and Jimmy's ChickenShack.

"When we started the record, theidea was to write about the uneaseof life, how there are no quiet placesin the world anymore and how themany products of our imaginationhave crowded out the space weneed to imagine. But we ended up ata very different place. One of thesurprising things to me is that thealbum doesn't feel as dark as Ithought it would."

Bottom line? Don't let Breach ofTrust's geographic history fool you.Where you come from matters lessthan what's on the inside.

William Aubut - DrumsMarty Ballentyne - Vocals/guitarsBrent Stutsky - BassDean Zabolotney - Guitars/vocals

"I think there's something aboutour region–NorthernSaskatchewan–this isolated part ofthe country where very few peoplevisit and where there's a distinctculture, rooted in hunting andgathering–that forms ourperspective. Like us, the lyrics comefrom a different place," says singerMarty Ballentyne. "This is a uniquearea, a constellation of towns,villages and reserves that togetherform a community, populated byCree, Dene, and Metis, where theday-to-day life of the people isforeign to most Canadians. Plus,growing up two hours from thenearest town and four hours fromthe nearest city, you start payingdues the moment you play a gigsomewhere other than the two barsor the Elks Hall in your town."

"Northern Saskatchewan" is thetown of La Ronge, which is,admittedly, a long way from–well,just about everywhere. But as otherbands from Nowhere, Canada, haveproven (cf. Nickelback, 3 Days Grace,among others), all you need to beheard across the universe is threechords and an attitude. In thatregard, Breach of Trust is well-equipped to attack the stages andstereos of the world.

Carefully crafted at their worldheadquarters, Breach of Trust'ssecond album–a self-titled majorlabel affair–is the next step in theevolution of the first heavy rockband to ever break out of NorthernCanada. With shades of everythingfrom RATM and STP to the RHCP andthe DKs (not to mention Dean's loveof an obscure micro-genre known as"Japanese war metal") in their musicand lyrics the band has all theattitude they will ever need.

BoT started far above the tree linewith Marty and William. In the late80s, they had a band called TobaccoRoad, a scrappy bunch who learnedthe ropes by playing one of theroughest club circuits in the entireworld. A view of the world below the50th parallel came mainly via oldissues of Rolling Stone and Creem,introducing Marty to Iggy Pop, Jane'sAddiction and especially Fugazi. Infact, one of Marty's best momentswas the day he received a personalreply to a letter he sent to IanMacKaye with some advice andencouragement for Marty's DIYaspirations.

"Along with providing lyricaldirection, the DIY spirit of punk gaveus the juice to make and release arecord. It seemed unlikely–ridiculous,even–that a major label would evergive us a first look, let alone asecond. So we set out to do our ownthing."

In 1995, the band (after beingrenamed Breach of Trust) releasedDead Issue, their debut EP. "We

were just learning to write songs,"remembers Marty. "We werecontemplating our roots, so themusic reflects those themes."

Five more years of writing andtouring followed before the group

issued their first major label, theacclaimed Songs for Dying Nationsin 2000. The band was very pleasedwith that effort. Marty: "Theproduction is better, the song writingis more concise and I think thelyrical approach was more focused.It was really a unified endeavour."

The next four years saw themembers scatter–La Ronge, Calgary,Vancouver-regrouping as often aspossible in the woodshed to writeand rehearse. There was a bassplayer crisis in April 2002 whenoriginal member Zane Kryzanowskydecided to go back to school.Fortunately, the problem basicallysolved itself when Calgarian BrentStutsky saw a MuchMusic newsflashabout how BoT was looking for anew bassist. Brent had been a fan ofthe group ever since they crossedpaths at an all-ages show insouthern Alberta. Calling up Marty,he arranged for a trial-by-fireaudition, agreeing to play a gig withthe band in Regina. The fit and thechemistry was confirmed a fewweeks later when Brent was askedto play a second gig, this time–appropriately–at MuchMusic indowntown Toronto.

Then original guitarist CheechCheechoo felt the need to check outother opportunities. Fortunately,before Zane left, he directed theband's attention to his roommate,the guy who would eventually

become a replacement for Cheech.Dean Zabolotney was well-knownand trusted by everyone in thegroup, not to mention a member ofa death metal band called SitraAhra. He was a perfect fit. Deanformally joined the band on NewYear's Day, 2003.

The second album came togetherover time, starting with somerehearsals one January in Winnipeg.Much of the material came togetherslowly and methodically, but therewere moments when great thingshappened without any effort at all.

"Three days before we werescheduled to go into the studio, theriff for 'Edge of Summer' (the firstsingle) just sort of popped up andwe really didn't know what to dowith it. 'Summer' seemed like theright-sounding word to go with themelody in my head. Everyone elsejoined in and suddenly, we had agreat song."

Other tracks like 'Bad Trip' foughtback. "We had half a dozen titlesand lyrics and melodies for thatone," says Marty. "It took TWOYEARS to sort everything out, andwe probably would still be workingon it if Russ Klyne (who's from a

Icebreakers• If you ever find yourself on a barstool next to anyone from Breach of Trust and you want to strike

up a conversation, start with these handy icebreakers. You'll get some interesting answers:

• "What's the best record store in Flin Flon?"

• "Of the two bars and three lounges in La Ronge, where do you buy a Mosh Pit?"

• "What is the best music to listen to when you're driving between gigs during a full moon?"

• "Which member was the biggest KISS freak as a kid?"

Breach of Trust is Back With a “Bad Trip”4

Page 5: THE #1 VOICE OF NATIVE YOUTH! SNTC’s · THE #1 VOICE OF NATIVE YOUTH! FREE IN SASKATOON $1.00 US/CANADA NOVEMBER 2004 THIRD ISSUE INSIDE: “You’re Fired!” Why Everyone Should

Every Thursday at 7 pm, I make it apriority to go home and watch TheApprentice on Global, simply because it isthe only time I can watch television andlearn about the business world. For those ofyou unfamiliar with The Apprentice, it is areality show that stars billionaire DonaldTrump and hungry, like-minded businesspeople. In every episode, teams are matchedup against each other indifficultbusinesstaskswhere thelosing teammeets Trumpin the boardroom andsomebody isfired. In the end,the winningcandidate getsthe ultimatedream job ofrunning one ofTrump'sorganizations,receiving asalary of$250,000 per year.

Every day at the RezX Organization, it's nodifferent. But, I can't fire someone everyweek, I'm not a billionaire and I don't take ahelicopter from the roof of the First NationsBank building to make a trip to CreeWay.However, I do have a lot of hungry, like-minded business people working with me.And like The Apprentice, I have differentteams working on different projects. Fromthe magazine to the RezX TV show topromotional events, it's all a team effort.Basically, everything I've learned fromwatching The Apprentice, I've applied to mydaily business operations. Which is exactlywhy everyone should watch The Apprenticeevery Thursday.

I'd like to think I'm an Indian version ofDonald Trump, although I don't have the badhair and I don't have a beautiful girlfriend fora model. Yet all that could change. Ifanything, my goal is to be the Indian DonaldTrump, to turn dreams into gold and havethe biggest ego. I've already read many ofhis books (The Art of the Deal and How toGet Rich) and I recently bought the Trumpboard game, and when I'm thirsty I drinkTrump Ice. I've also started talking like himin the way I do business with other people,"It's not personal, it's business!" I may beinfatuated with the guy, but he's a billionaireand I'm just a little buck.

From my observations, there doesn'tseem to be enough interest in Canada forThe Apprentice as opposed to America.Why? Let me apply this example to a recentsurvey from Business Weekly that suggesteda few reasons why Canadians are differentthan Americans in work ethic and business.First, when Canadians are at a boardmeeting that runs late, they'll leave to gethome to the wife and kids–family first!

Americans, on the other hand, will stay aslong as they have to, scoring brownie pointswith their boss, thinking of the next bigpromotion–business first! Canadians alsotend to limit themselves to Canada–stick towhat you know! Americans are voyageursand mavericks–never fear the unknown! Butif that Canadian Loonie keeps on rising,disregard everything I've just said.

I'm not trying to undermine Canadianbusiness . . . okay, maybe I am. But in orderto think business, you have to live businessand watch The Apprentice. Already in its

second season,the show isreceiving highratings andgreat reviews.The newcandidatesmake theseason onecandidates looklike puppiestrying to run adog pound.Okay, that maynot make sense,but it makes

perfectly good business sense. Maybepuppies couldn't successfully run a dogpound but they could try–you don't knowunless you try! The point is, we Canadiansmust think like our American counterparts ifwe want to succeed in business on aninternational scale. Since I'm not taking anybusiness classes, The Apprentice is what Iturn to for advice and education. I livebusiness every day, and what I learn fromwatching this show is a mere reflection of mybusiness ethics.

If I were on The Apprentice, I wouldprobably be the guy everyone gangs up onbecause I'm 'different'. I would get alongwith the Donald and get no respect from myfellow candidates. I would use my treatyrights to my advantage. If we were in a taskthat involved buying and selling things, Iwould get things shipped to the reserve tokeep costs low. Since we Indians loverumours, I would start spreading lies aboutthe other candidates to start some kind ofinfighting. I would even go back to mytraditional roots, and use the barter systemin different tasks. Instead of projectmanager, I would be the Chief and everyoneelse would be the councilors and bandmembers. Since we Indians love politics,too, this would create a political system andI could be as corrupt as I wanted to.

Then again, if I were on The Apprentice, Iwould probably fall asleep on the job likeSam did in season one. I would probably beone of the first to get fired for being a badChief. So instead, I'll stick to what I know:put family first, and focus on the day. Thenagain, isn't that what Canadians do everyday? Point being, watch The Apprenticeevery Thursday!

Until next time, this is your eye on themedia!

“Your Fired!”By Chris Tyrone Ross

5

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Page 6: THE #1 VOICE OF NATIVE YOUTH! SNTC’s · THE #1 VOICE OF NATIVE YOUTH! FREE IN SASKATOON $1.00 US/CANADA NOVEMBER 2004 THIRD ISSUE INSIDE: “You’re Fired!” Why Everyone Should

RezX Hot 25 - NovemberCourtesy of DJ Sugar Daddy

6

November/DecemberUpcoming Events

November 4, 2004 Breach of Trust

Time: 10:00pm @ The Roxy, BroadwayFor Tix call: 665-7479

*RezX Recommendation!

November 6, 04Go and see Aboriginal Baller Michael Linklater

University Basketball @ The PAC, U of S CampusU of S Huskies (Women) vs. Alberta Pandas @

6:15pm U of S Huskies (Men) vs. Alberta Golden Bears @

8:00pm For Tix Call: 966-1020

*RezX Recommendation!

November 10, 04Blades Hockey - WHL

Go and see Aboriginal Hockey Star Wacey RabbitTri-Cities Americans @ Saskatoon Blades Time: 7:00pm @ The Credit Union Centre

For Tix call: 975-3155*RezX Recommendation!

November 10, 04Paul Brandt

Time: 7:30pm Costs: $35.00Centennial AuditoriumFor Tix call: 975-7777

November 13, 04Blades Hockey - WHL

Go and see Aboriginal Hockey Star Wacey RabbitRegina Pats @ Saskatoon Blades

Time: 7:00pm @ The Credit Union CentreFor Tix call: 975-3155

*RezX Recommendation!

November 14, 04 Santa Clause Parade

Time: 1:00PM @ Downtown SaskatoonFor more info call The Partnership @ 665-2001

November 16, 04Tribute to Louis Riel

Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company For Tix call: 931-7682

*RezX Recommendation!

November 19, 04Blades Hockey - WHL

Go and see Aboriginal Hockey Star Wacey RabbitMedicine Hat Tigers @ Saskatoon BladesTime: 7:00pm @ The Credit Union Centre

For Tix call: 975-3155*RezX Recommendation!

November 19, 04Go and see Aboriginal Baller Michael Linklater

University Basketball @ The PAC, U of S CampusU of S Huskies (Women) vs. Winnipeg Wesmen @

6:15pm U of S Huskies (Men) vs. Winnipeg Wesmen @

8:00pm For Tix call: 966-1020

*RezX Recommendation!

November 20, 04 Tragically Hip

Time: 7:30pm Cost: $46.50The Credit Union Centre

For Tix call: 975-3155*RezX Recommendation!

November 21, 04Go and see Aboriginal Baller Michael Linklater

University Basketball @ The PAC, U of S CampusU of S Huskies (Women) vs. Manitoba Bisons @

1:30pmU of S Huskies (Men) vs. Manitoba Bisons @

3:15pmFor Tix call: 966-1020

*RezX Recommendation!

November 25-26, 042004 Career Expo & Annual Aboriginal Achiever

AwardsTime: 10:00am @ The Prairieland Park

Ph: 931-7149 *RezX Recommendation!

That’s right, plain old you could be on the front cover for one of our issues in 2005!To enter, submit a 500-word essay entitled, “Why I should be on the cover of RezX”

and send picture to [email protected]

Want to be on the front cover?

CoverContest

01. Jay-Z vs R. Kelly "Big Chips" 02. Cassidy Ft. Nas "The Afterparty"03. Fatman Scoop "All Night Long"04. Chance Won "Anythang" (Playhouse Remix)05. 3 Kingz "Mo Fire" (Sugar D's 306 Remix)06. Game Ft. Snoop "Westside Story"07. Chingy "Balla Baby" 08. N.O.R.E Ft. Nina Sky & Daddy Yankee "Oye Mi Canto" 09. Eminem "Just Lose It" (Green Lantern Remix)10. Trick Daddy Ft. Twista & Lil Jon "Let's Go"11. Ciara Ft. Missy "1,2 Step" 12. Ja Rule Ft. R. Kelly & Ashanti "Wonderful" 13. Destiny's Child "Lose My Breath" 14. Nicole Wray "If I Was Your Girlfriend" 15. Terror Squad "Take Me Home"16. Young Buck Feat. Ludacris "Stomp Remix"17. LL Cool J "I'm About To Get Her"18. Kevin Lyttle "Drive Me Crazy"19. Guerilla Black Ft. Mario "You're The One"20. Rupee "Tempted To Touch" 21. Nitty "Nasty Girl" (Sugar Sugar)22. Vybz Kartel "Picture This" 23. Alchemist Ft. Mobb Deep & Nina Sky "Hold You Down" 24. Beenie Man "King Of The Dancehall"25. Camron "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"

Mark aka DJ Sugar DaddyPlayhouse Records & Clothing128-B 2nd Avenue North. Saskatoon, Sk Canada S7K-2B2ph/ (306) 242-1710 or (cell) 341-1710www.playhouse.8k.com • www.sugardaddy.s5.com • [email protected]

Page 7: THE #1 VOICE OF NATIVE YOUTH! SNTC’s · THE #1 VOICE OF NATIVE YOUTH! FREE IN SASKATOON $1.00 US/CANADA NOVEMBER 2004 THIRD ISSUE INSIDE: “You’re Fired!” Why Everyone Should

November/DecemberUpcoming Events

7

November 26-27, 04War-Bots Xtreme Combat Robot Tournament

Prairieland ParkFor Tix call: 384-1567

November 28, 04 Blades Hockey - WHL

Go and see Aboriginal Hockey Star Wacey RabbitLethbridge Hurricanes @ Saskatoon BladesTime: 6:00pm @ The Credit Union Centre

For Tix call: 975-3155*RezX Recommendation!

December 1, 04Blades Hockey - WHL

Go and see Aboriginal Hockey Star Wacey RabbitSpokane Chiefs @ Saskatoon Blades

Time: 7:00pm @ The Credit Union CentreFor Tix call: 975-3155

*RezX Recommendation!

December 4, 04 (Tentative Date)Indigenous Students Council & RezX Promotions

Present.... The 1st Annual RezX-Mas Party @ Ryly's

"If you enjoyed the RezX 49er, you'll love the RezX-Mas"

Only 200 Advance Tix Available! Free Christmas Gift with the purchase of an

advance ticketFor Tix call: ISC 966-2505 / RezX 343-3533

*RezX Recommendation!

December 10, 04Blades Hockey - WHL

Go and see Aboriginal Hockey Star Wacey RabbitPrince Albert Raiders @ Saskatoon BladesTime: 7:00pm @ The Credit Union Centre

For Tix call: 975-3155*RezX Recommendation!

December 15, 04 Blades Hockey - WHL

Go and see Aboriginal Hockey Star Wacey RabbitSeattle Thunderbirds @ Saskatoon BladesTime: 7:00pm @ The Credit Union Centre

For Tix call: 975-3155*RezX Recommendation!

December 18, 04Blades Hockey - WHL

Go and see Aboriginal Hockey Star Wacey RabbitCalgary Hitmen @ Saskatoon Blades

Time: 7:00pm @ The Credit Union CentreFor Tix call: 975-3155

*RezX Recommendation!

December 25, 04Christmas Day!

Stay home with the family, superstar!

December 26, 04Boxing Day!

Refund all your gifts, and repurchase them at otherstores for half the price. Now you'll have $ for

New Year's Eve!

December 27, 04 Blades Hockey - WHL

Go and see Aboriginal Hockey Star Wacey RabbitMoose Jaw Warriors @ Saskatoon BladesTime: 7:00pm @ The Credit Union Centre

For Tix call: 975-3155*RezX Recommendation!

December 29, 04 Blades Hockey - WHL

Go and see Aboriginal Hockey Star Wacey RabbitBrandon Wheatkings @ Saskatoon BladesTime: 7:00pm @ The Credit Union Centre

For Tix call: 975-3155*RezX Recommendation!

December 31, 04New Year's Eve

"Do what the heck you want, Y2K all over again!"

If you or your organization would like to post anupcoming event, please e-mail: [email protected]

or call: 306-343-3533 or fax: 306-933-4633

1. Fill in the blanks!

Name or Organization: ______________________________________________

Address: ______________________City: ____________________Prov:______

Postal Code: __________________E-mail: ________________________________

I WANT 10 ISSUES FOR 1 YEAR: $2000+tax2. Now Fax that Sucka to: 306-933-4633

3. Now wait 1 week until we hire a courier

Subscribe2The #1 Voice

of Native Youth!

www.rezx.ca

Editor’s Note: For those of you unfamiliar with a49er, it is basically the pow wow after party. In thiscase the 49er was held at Ryly’s.

The timing couldn’t have been sweeter, theweekend of the big Saskatoon pow wow.Thousands of people came from across IndianCountry to partake in what was probably the lastpow wow of the year. It was on Saturday, October16, that RezX chose to hold the biggest event of theyear. The marketing couldn’t have been sweeter,with posters and flyers being distributed just daysbefore the event. Only 200 advance tickets weresold, with sales beginning just one week beforethis extravaganza. Yes, my friend, it was the nightof the RezX49er.

Were you there? Was it not the best night of theyear? However, if you missed it, don’t worry,because RezX has the inside story!

At 8 pm, the RezX team arrived at the secretlocation, Ryly’s. Meanwhile, another team was atthe pow wow working on final ticket sales andpromotions. Our first two attendees arrived at 9pm—two girls dressed to the notch expecting tosee nothing but their own kind. Instead, two pubcrawls filled the club for an hour, so they left. Toobad for them.

At around 10 pm, the early birds arrived, and sodid the free pizza, courtesy of Pizza49. Excellentpizza, by the way. It was during this hour, from 10-11 pm, that 100 people showed up to get the partystarted. Music was provided by Ryly’s in-house DJ,Scott Turner, who gave out door prizes every hourand played great music.

Then, at 11 pm more people showed up, and our200 advance ticket holders were now inattendance. It’s kind of like the old saying, “If youbuild it, they will come.” And it didn’t stop there,because midnight was upon us.

During the night, we had teams of two peopletaking hourly shifts at the door. The busiest hourwas from 11:30 pm - 12:30 am, and by 1 am, it wasalmost a packed house. It was also around thistime that the pow wow ended and flocks of peopleheaded straight for Ryly’s. That night, it was thehottest spot. Forget about everywhere else, Ryly’swas the place to be.

At 1:30 am, we gave the audience a sneak peekat the Girls and Guys of RezX. First, the guys cameout, showcasing only two of them. The first guyappeared, flexing his muscles and made the girlsgo wild. The second guy came out and was a littleshy, but continued the momentum.

Next was the Girls of RezX, three lusciousmodels, strutting their stuff. Now, this wasprobably the highlight of the night, as all the guyswent crazy. At around 2 am, the Guys and Girls ofRezX Calendars were well-- promoted, which wasthe main goal.

It was getting close to the end of the night, but itwasn’t over yet. It was now the peak of the night,the house was packed and Ryly’s did their best toaccommodate the huge crowd. DJ Scott Turnercontinued to play the best hip hop hits and keptthe dance floor busy.

One girl, who asked not to be named, probablysaid it best, “It was the best time of the year. I wishit could happen every night; I had one of the besttimes of my life!”

Now if you enjoyed the 1st Annual RezX 49er,you’ll love the RezX-Mas happening December 4(tentative date, subject to change) at Ryly’s again.The 2nd Annual RezX49er will happen again nextyear, but until then look forward to the 1st AnnualRezX-Mas, it might be just as good, if not better!For tickets call the Indigenous Students Council @966-2505 or RezX @343-3533! There are only 200advance tickets available.

At last, RezX must give credit where credit isdue. First off, we must give props to ClaytonBinning who produced the tickets, RezX logo, andposters for the RezX49er. Not only that, he did agreat job producing Issue #2.

Also, we must give props to AYEA (AboriginalYouth Entrepreneurs Association) for helping usorganize the 49er. Without them, this eventwouldn’t have been as successful. Finally, madprops to our sponsors: Midtown Billiards, MarcaCollege, Jack Fraser Men’s Wear, PlayhouseRecords, Pizza49, Avon, and Schmatta whoproduced the fine RezX T-shirts and tank tops forthe models. Next up, the RezX-Mas @ Ryly’s. Staytuned!

RezX 49er:If you missed the event of the year, don’t worry, we got the inside story!By The Reporter

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8

Health & FitnessWhat do the terms 'health' and

'fitness' mean to you? Do they meanoccasionally going outside andthrowing the ball around, maybeeating an apple or orange if you seeone in the fridge or perhaps puttingon your new roller blades, the onesyou haven't touched for two yearsfor a quick trip to the store for a bagof chips and a pop?

All too often, we fall into the trapof overeating or eating poorly andnot supporting our bodies with theexercise and proper food intake thatwe need on a daily basis. We noticeour bodies beginning to lose theiryouthful vigour; we pack on excesspounds and quickly find ourselvessuccumbing to sickness or lacklusterfeelings due to binging on unhealthyor over-processed foods.

In this fast-paced, fast-foodsociety, many of us fall victim topoor eating habits without realizingthe effect this can have on ourhealth and well-being later on in ourlives. It takes effort to manage ahealthy diet and stick with it.

As a motivational speaker for thepast five years, I've spoken tothousands of high school studentsabout the dangers of unhealthylifestyles, improper diet andirregular fitness and developed areasonable fitness routine teens canfollow on a daily basis. I'd seen too

many overweight individuals withlow self-esteem who needed help toget into shape.

I recall a young woman whoapproached me late last year after Igave a talk at a local high school. Icould tell by her body language andmannerisms she had self-confidenceissues. She said she had a weightproblem and asked me to help herachieve her fitness goals. Iprescribed a complete fitnessroutine that she could follow andtold her that her daily food intake,including the proper consumption offruits, vegetables, carbohydratesand protein according to the CanadaFood Guide would be the mostimportant thing to follow. Threemonths later I received an e-mailfrom her saying how she had lostthirty pounds from the routine I hadgiven her. I could immediately tellthat she had gained her self-confidence back and was happier inschool. She said she felt like a newperson.

So getting back to the firstquestion, what do the terms 'health'and 'fitness' mean to you? Perhapsit's time to start making somechanges. With a little effort and"stick ability" you're bound tonotice a marked improvement inyour quality of life.

Taxation TerrorTrue or false: post-secondary

education is one of the mostimportant factors in improving thepositive progression of Aboriginalcommunities. If you answered truethen you are absolutely correct andI’ll give you a prize. You’ll have tocome and get your prize before2006, though. After that I won’t beable to afford one, considering I’ll bepaying income tax on the funding Ihope to be receiving. That’s right,folks. In July, the Canada RevenueAgency told Phil Fontaine that theywant to start taxing post-secondaryassistance by 2006. They are deadset on the idea that funding is notan inherent treaty right. In their ownwords, “Unless the post-secondaryeducation is provided on reserve,the education amounts willgenerally be taxable under theIncome Tax Act.”

Great. So now what? We have tobuild universities on reserve land inorder to educate our children andourselves? Actually, that doesn’tsound like such a bad idea. Imaginea piece of reserve land with a big,beautiful university sitting on it, justteeming with eager Aboriginalstudents. And where there arestudents there must also be a placefor students to buy the things theyneed, a place for these students tolive affordably and a place for thesestudents to hang out and studycomfortably. It would be an Indianmetropolis by design! Just think,these students could receive tax-freefunding because they are onreserve, (is that the problem here orwhat?), and all their money could bespent on the reserve. The cashwould just circulate from onereserve to the next.Hmmmmmmmm.

Delbert Wapass (vice-chief incharge of the education portfolio),had this to say on the whole matter:“Treaties are not frozen in time. Theright has evolved and therefore,education cannot be limited to theliteral meaning of a schoolhouse onreserve . . . education is a treatyright which includes post- secondary

(education).” So, if this right hasevolved then other rights shouldhave evolved too, right? How aboutthe five dollars I get every year?Shouldn’t that amount have gone upwith the inflation rate in order tostay up to date? Don’t get mewrong; I’m just trying to make youargue with the person you’re sittingnext to. I’m very proud to receive myfive dollars every year just for whatit symbolizes: the treaty ourforefathers signed with the Queen.

But back to the matter at handhere. O.K., so the Canada RevenueAgency just found out after all theseyears that they should have beencharging us income tax on thefunding we’ve been receiving. Sonow they’re trying to say, “Hey, wejust found out about this hugemistake we’ve been making all theseyears and so we’re going to giveourselves until 2006 to make thingsbetter . . . amongst ourselves . . .concerning you guys.” Well, jeez,people. Don’t you think you’verobbed us of enough already in thepast, oh, say, 300 years? Now youhave to go and make it that muchharder for a kid to leave his/herreserve and go somewhere far awayjust to get an education? Aneducation that is an inherent rightaccording to the following: “Hermajesty agrees to maintain schoolsfor instruction . . . whenever theIndians of the reserve shall desireit.” (Treaty 6.) So there you go. Thismatter is between her wonderfulmajesty, the Queen and us. Right?

I just don’t know anymore. Imean, there was a time when theIndian Act stated that any statusIndian who wanted to continue on topost-secondary education had torenounce who they were. I can’teven imagine what that must havebeen like, how hard that must havebeen emotionally, spiritually andmentally. Now we don’t have to giveup being who we are, we just haveto feel the confusion and fear ofknowing that our rights are slowly,but surely, being taken away.

By Kerry Girling

By Lenah Suzanne

Page 9: THE #1 VOICE OF NATIVE YOUTH! SNTC’s · THE #1 VOICE OF NATIVE YOUTH! FREE IN SASKATOON $1.00 US/CANADA NOVEMBER 2004 THIRD ISSUE INSIDE: “You’re Fired!” Why Everyone Should

9

Indian Love: Where Did We Go Wrong?

Man on a MissionMotivational youth speaker,

Hollywood good looks and aspiringactor–you'd think life had alwaysbeen easy for twenty-three-year oldKerry Girling of Saskatoon. But therewas a time, he says, when he didn'teven have the confidence to standup in front of his high school class atWalter Murray Collegiate.

To help build his esteem, Girlingdecided to join the school footballteam. He says he was physicallysmaller than many of the otherplayers and as a result he wasbullied a lot. He played football forthe season. But after a while, thebullying and derogatory commentsgot so bad he quit the team. In fact,he says, that soured his appetite forgetting involved with any schoolactivities period.

"I didn't enjoy school any longer. Ijust didn't have the confidence to goany further. So I started cuttingclasses, I didn't want to do myhomework and my grades started toslip. I stopped going out. My brotherwould always say 'Kerry, why don'tyou go out, call your friends orsomething.' But I didn't feelconfident to go out in public and dostuff that other kids were doing."

Girling was raised on a farm, andmuch preferred doing chores andsaving money to buy a car ratherthan party, drink beer or get intodrugs. But he says a big reason hedidn't get hooked up with the wrongcrowd had a lot to do with his olderbrother.

"My brother dropped out of highschool in grade 10 and got heavilyinto drugs. It was really bad. Hestarted smashing up cars thatweren't his. He ran away from homeat fifteen. Seeing that kept me fromgetting involved with that stuff. Ourfamily went through a rough timewhen he was around."

But, says Girling, his brotherfinally came to his senses and isnow doing well, thanks in part toGirling's motivational speaking tourswhere his brother talks to teensabout his experiences. His olderbrother is now into computers andhas a young son.

After graduating high school,Girling says he was at a crossroadsin life. He enrolled at Kelsey topursue a course in Heavy DutyMechanics, but soon realized thatwas not for him. He joined CaliforniaFitness to improve his physique and

met Norbert Georget, aninternationally recognizedmotivational speaker who talks toyouth about the perils of drinkingand driving.

According to Girling, Georgetencouraged him to join hismotivational speaking tour for a two-week stint on the west coast. Girlingsays two things happened on thattrip. One: he learned a lot aboutmotivational speaking from Georget,and two: when he came home andheard a good friend of his had diedas a result of drinking and driving,Girling knew what he had to do.

"His death affected me so muchthat I asked Norbert (Georget) if Icould speak about it to high schoolstudents. But I was scared. I didn'tknow if I could do it. The very firstcrowd I spoke to was fourteenhundred students in North Bay,Ontario. I was petrified, butsomething inside pushed me to getthe message out to those kids. Thefeedback was great. I toured withNorbert for about six weeks. We didtwo to four schools a day and wereceived over six thousand e-mailsfrom students. I heard about theirexperiences, their troubles and I feltI was doing something positive,something great." In the meantime,Girling was also following another ofhis goals, to be an actor.

Through contacts he'd made inHollywood, Girling was able toattend acting school in Vancouverand then got work in L.A. on twomajor motion pictures. He admitsHollywood was exciting, but at thesame time, he says, he found theatmosphere materialistic andartificial, something he didn't feelcomfortable with. That brought himback home to Saskatchewan, backto his true passion-helping youthlike himself take control of theirlives.

Now Girling is on a mission:getting his message of "PositiveLifestyle Choices" out to youngpeople, students, teachers andanyone else who'll listen. He says itworked for him and he believes itcan work for anybody. You can catchKerry Girling on the RezXEmpowering Youth Tour, which kicksoff November 19 in Saskatoon. Formore information visit www.rezx.caor call RezX @ 343-3533 or KerryGirling @ 477-7122.

#4The #1 Voice of Native Youth

2004 In-ReviewNew Fashion Section

X’mas Shopping Guide& Much More!

PLACE YOUR ADVERTISEMENT TODAY!CALL 343-3533/[email protected]

Featuring:

According to the Medicine Wheel,it is believed that our internaldialogue carries four powerfulenergies: mental, emotional,physical and spiritual. Those sameelemental forces are highlyrecognized in modern healing. In myresearch on the five Ws of abuse, Ifound, to my amazement, howsimilar the European method ofhealing is to that of our traditionalNative ways. Therefore, it’s safe tosay that both European andtraditional Native methods can beexplored to help break free andovercome the patterns of abuse.Both worlds have compromised inthis problematic area of society. Thehealing journey inevitably comesdown to us as individuals. We mustheal the four elemental forceswithin ourselves to regain respectfor ourselves as well as respect fromothers.

When we hear the word abuse,our images are of the externalinjuries (bumps, cuts, bruises, etc.).Unfortunately, most people areuneducated about the damage thatis caused internally by emotional,mental and spiritual abuse. As muchas a punch, push or slap can hurt aperson, verbal abuse and violentoutbursts (belittlement, name-calling, threats, etc.) can be just asdamaging. This vicious behaviourcan have a crippling effect on aperson’s self-esteem. Eventually,continuous abuse often becomesmistaken for normalcy in the victim’smind.

Lurking behind closed doors,another form of abuse also existswithin the human spirit. Our

spirituality is a vital force in oursoul, nourishing our sense ofbelonging. This eternal powerrestores the faith we choose to liveby whether it be traditional (powwow, sweat lodges, etc.), or not.However, when this element isabused, the victim slowly loses faithas well as their sense of self-respectand self-worth. Like the dominoeffect, the four elements that helpstructure our life are universallyconnected. So if one element goesdown, the rest will come crashingdown with it.

Prolonged abuse becomesevident when the human bodybegins to deteriorate due toillnesses such as migraineheadaches, eating disorders andchronic muscular pain. In extremecases, the abuse victim runs the riskof developing a personality disorderor an addiction to drugs or alcohol.Substance abuse heightensnegative reactions in both theabuser and the victim and they thenact out destructively, hurting notonly themselves but also thosearound them.

Abuse has no distinction. It occursin the lives of the poor and thewealthy, from professionals tohomemakers, from the young to theold. Realizing that we’ve beenabused is the beginning of arecovery process that involvesgrowth, change and healing ourrelationship with ourselves. Weneed to feel love for ourselves to beable to find the pathway to respect.Dealing with our torment will easelife towards truth, peace andharmony.

By Cheryl Clay

SpecialChristmas Edition

ARE YOU INTERESTED INENTREPRENEURSHIP?

Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority Inc., theSaskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, and the Saskatoon

Tribal Council Inc. are pleased to announce

YES We Can!Youth Entrepreneurship Program

BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITIONEligibility: Under the age of 35, be of Aboriginal ancestry,

and reside in the Saskatoon Region

Deadline: February 28, 2005

*A Monetary contribution will be awarded

Information is available on the SREDA web-site @www.sreda.com, or contact Rob Woods at (306) 956-6100

Program is sponsored in part by:

Page 10: THE #1 VOICE OF NATIVE YOUTH! SNTC’s · THE #1 VOICE OF NATIVE YOUTH! FREE IN SASKATOON $1.00 US/CANADA NOVEMBER 2004 THIRD ISSUE INSIDE: “You’re Fired!” Why Everyone Should

During the week of September 29to October 1 the First AnnualAnskohk Aboriginal LiteratureFestival was successfully presentedby Saskatoon’s McNally RobinsonBooksellers and the SaskatchewanNative Theatre Company. The eventwas host to Aboriginal writers and alaunching point for some authors’works, while giving an opportunityfor writers to meet new and oldfriends. As a first time participant ina writers’ festival, I found myselfoverwhelmed by the amount ofnetworking and contacts I made. Ialso felt intimidated by the wealth ofexperienced writers.

The festival brought outAboriginal authors from acrossCanada and gave them a chance topresent their work. The Booksranged from children’s stories toacademia to poetry and all of thebooks could be purchased at theevent and signed by the authors.What I really enjoyed about thefestival was the first hand opinionsand views of the authors. I had notime to review any of the booksbefore the event started, but I cameaway with an understanding of what

the books are about for when Ieventually do read them.

As I settled into the atmosphere Ibegan to feel the energy andpossibilities of this event. Thatenergy came from the creativegenius of the writers, and thepossibilities of stories being createdjust by discussion alone. I was gladto be taking notes throughout thereadings, signings and discussions.It was a quick education in whereAboriginal writers stand in literatureand let me add that Aboriginalwriters have many venues andvantage points to draw from. Forexample, there was a discussionaround Kim Anderson’s StrongWomen Stories and the journalisticaccomplishment of ConnieSampson’s Build in Silence. Itbecame apparent that no one haswritten an historical account of howAboriginal women have contributedto the development of Canada, whothese women are, and whatobstacles they have faced since thepassing of Bill C-37 in the mid-1980s. Nor has a book been writtenon where communication standsbetween native-white relations and

the progress in this issue. Thesewere examples of the topics raisedduring the discussions.

On the second day, Sylvia Olsen,author of No Time To Say Goodbyeand The Girl with a Baby, stressedthe point that there are not enoughAboriginal writers out there writingspecifically for the youth of today.Young readers between gradesthree and six need to know aboutthe issues and traditions that areimportant to the Aboriginal youth oftoday. This focus would bring aboutrecognition for Aboriginal youth andcreate a positive affirmation of whothey are in society today.

Not forgetting my first day at thefestival, I had the honour of sittingwith a large group of grade two andthree students for a well-receivedreading by Joanne Panas, author ofThe Beavers’ Big House.

Some great things about thebook are the awesome illustrationsand the animal characters (allcreated by Joanne). The messagepresented is the importance ofcommunity cooperation and thesatisfaction in it; there are alsotraditional techniques to be shared.

On October 25, this writer had theopportunity to see a play at TheSaskatchewan Native TheatreCompany. ‘Love Songs From A WarDrum’ is a strikinglytrue story of life in theinner city. It paints avery real picture ofgang rivalry and theconstant struggle forpower and respect.This play is written byMark Dieter anddirected by CurtisPeeteetuce. Iinterviewed the fine,young Aboriginaldirector, Curtis, after Isaw the productionand here’s what hehad to say.

Angella: So Curtis, you acted inthe original version of this play backin 2001. Now, three years later,you’re directing the play. What areyour thoughts on this?

Curtis: Well, I’ve been here at TheSaskatchewan Native TheatreCompany for four years now and I’vebeen given ample opportunity toexplore every area of the theatre. Ihave definitely found my niche. Ihave a background that has allowedme to grow here.

A: How many plays have youdirected?

C: I started in 2002 as a co-director. I was assistant director for‘The Alley’ and ‘Indian Time’. My firstindependent show was ‘Journeys’,so I guess this is the fourth. I havealso taken a lead in directing andwriting in various smaller shows withThe Performers Playhouse.

A: What are some things you doto prepare for a play as a director?

C: The first thing I do is look atthe script. I read through it andcreate a vision for the play.Secondly, I focus on the production

team. Who do I seeperforming, doing thesound and lighting, etc. Ihave four years worth ofgood resources so it’s notso limited.

He also added,“Directing is a lot of funbut also a lot of work.There is a lot ofadministrativeresponsibility involved.The most funI have isworking withthe actorsand bringing

the story to life.”Kudos to you, Curtis,

the play is great. Themessage is clear: theimportance of self-respect. The storyfocuses on two young,Aboriginal gangmembers who aredesperately seeking akind of acceptance andidentity. They have good hearts butare seemingly trapped in a badsituation when they join a localgang. They fall in love, and . . . well,I’m not going to divulge the rest.You’ll have to go see it for yourself.

I also had the chance to ask theplay write, Mark, a few questions.Here’s what he had to say.

Angella: Mark, ’Love Songs FromA War Drum’ is a remake of a playyou originally did back in 2001 thatcarries the same name. How is thisone different from the last?

10ArtsArtsSNTC Drums Out Another Success – Love Songs From a War Drum

Anskohk Aboriginal Literature Festival

Mark: The first one was still aboutgangs but it was more focused on aRomeo and Juliet type story. It wasdone in a more Shakespearian style,dressed over with Aboriginalimagery. The new one deals moreso with the issue of gangs. It isfocused on issues of loyalty, trust,power and identity.

A: Why keep the name?M: It’s a strong name that was

developed by the youth whoparticipated in the first production.

A: What is the one main messageyou’re hoping to send to youth whosee the play?

M: Definitely that there is anotherway besides gang culture. You canre-familiarize yourself with who youreally are both culturally andspiritually. You do have an identitythat is rooted in a very strongcultural background and this isexplained through the action of thecharacters in the play.

A: Any insight as to what could bedone in our communities to createmore respect for cultural awarenesswithin our youth?

M: Introduce them to individuals

By Angella McKay

Curtis Peeteetuce

who have been through similarlifestyles. Mentorship is veryimportant. Bring in people orgroups who can encourage theircreative and artistic abilities. Eldersare very important; they can showthem traditional teachings of life aswell as pass on testimonials of theirown lives.

Mark Dieter hails from thePeepeekisis First Nation and playsPaul Kinistin (one of the bartenders)on CTV’s Corner Gas. I also had theopportunity to talk briefly with theco-founder and executive director ofSNTC, Kennetch Charlette. I asked

him to comment onthe message of theplay and he said, “Ithink the mainmessage is knowwho you are,because the play isabout identity.What these youngpeople are doing inthe gangs is notwho they reallyare. They’re at aloss as to who theyreally are. (Tocreate more

respect for cultural awarenessamong the youth) we need to createa sense of pride. Explain to themhow our culture has contributed tothe growth of the world.”

So there you have it, folks. ‘LoveSongs From A War Drum’ runs untilNovember 6, and I stronglyencourage you to go check it out.And don’t forget to pick up yourtickets for ‘A Rez Christmas StoryIII’, which runs from December 1 -10.Kitwam.

Joanne interacted with her listenersby asking if anyone knew whatKohkoms and Moshoms are. Withspeed and confidence, a little boy’sarm shot up in the air, “They areGrandmas and Grandpas.”

I was speaking with Randy Lundyat the Saskatoon Public Library andhis first public reading of The Gift ofThe Hawk. I asked what advice hewould give to a poet who is juststarting out. “If you read poetry andwish to write poetry, the bestpractice would be to continue onreading poetry to better understandit for yourself and I’ve done itmainly because I like doing it somuch.” Randy lectures an Englishclass at the First Nations Universityin Regina.

There was way too much to takein and report, but I would like toencourage other writers to come outfor next year’s festival, or even havea publication ready for next year.There were many great contributors,some of who are good contacts tohave, but you won’t know till yougo.

By Kevin Wesaquate

Page 11: THE #1 VOICE OF NATIVE YOUTH! SNTC’s · THE #1 VOICE OF NATIVE YOUTH! FREE IN SASKATOON $1.00 US/CANADA NOVEMBER 2004 THIRD ISSUE INSIDE: “You’re Fired!” Why Everyone Should

The Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company proudly presents…

11 CommunityCommunity‘Your Future Is Here’ Gala Awards Outstanding Saskatchewan Youth!By Chris Tyrone Ross

Love Songs From a War Drumby Mark Dieter

October 22-November 6, 2004

Tribute to Louis Rielat the SNTC Black Box

TheatreNovember 16th

SNTC FundraiserEXPRESSION

Aboriginal Art Auctionat Wanuskewin

November 24th 2004

On Monday, September 27, 2004,the first annual ‘Your Future Is Here’Gala was held in Saskatoon at theCentennial Auditorium. During thenight, there were nine scholarshipsand one start-up capital fundhanded out to 10 outstanding youth.Jeff Rogstad and Teena Monteleoneof CTV Saskatoon emceed the event,and Cary Schuler of Cronus servedas the keynote speaker. It was anight of excellence andachievements. Even though it wasthe first annual event, it definitelyaccomplished its goal by sending astrong message that Saskatchewanis a great place to build a future forour youth.

One young person who stood outfrom the other award winners wasShannon Constant, 18, fromCumberland House. Constant wasawarded the E.A. BlakneyScholarship from SaskTel worth$10,000. Constant is currentlyenrolled in her first year in theFaculty of Nursing at the FirstNations University in Prince Albert.She attributes most of her successto her family and friends whoencouraged her to pursue hereducation.

“I’ve always wanted to enter thisfield. I’ve had a passion for nursingsince I was young,” explainedConstant. “I would like to thank mymom and my sister, Heather forencouraging me.” Constant also hadsome words of advice for otherAboriginal youth who want tosucceed, “Follow your dreams, dowhat you want to do and don’t letpeople let you down.

Constant, like the other awardwinners, exemplified what kind offuture Saskatchewan can have ifboth the private and public sectorscontinue to invest in today’s youth.

The first annual ‘Your Future Is Here’Gala proved exactly that, with themany sponsors who wiselycontributed to the event.

Other award winners included:Nicole Watt, who received a $2,500scholarship from the Rotary Club ofSaskatoon Meewasin. Both TimothyIrvin and Gwen Nickel received$2,500 scholarships from theSaskatchewan Council forCommunity Development. DustinGero of Regina was a double winner;he received a $2,500 scholarshipfrom SGI and a $5,000 scholarshipfrom the Regina EntrepreneurialFoundation. The SaskatchewanResearch Council awarded twoscholarships to Evan Manning ofSaskatoon and Terri Lynn Paulson ofFoam Lake.

The biggest award of the nightwent to Courtney Miettinen ofWatrous. She received a $10,000start-up capital fund from WomenEntrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc.It will go towards establishing hernew business in Watrous calledCountry Oasis Day Spa and GiftStudio. Her new business willspecialize in full-day spas consistingof esthetics, massage therapy,tanning and retail designed forcomfort and relaxation.

The first annual ‘Your Future IsHere’ Gala was created by theRotoract Clubs of Saskatchewan tohighlight young achievers. Its mainmessage was to tell Saskatchewanyouth, “Your Future Is Here!”Indeed, the message was heard, andhopefully more youth will stay hometo build their careers inSaskatchewan. Merin Coutts

Shannon Constant A Rez Christmas Story III at the SNTC Black Box Theatre

December 1-10, 2004

Page 12: THE #1 VOICE OF NATIVE YOUTH! SNTC’s · THE #1 VOICE OF NATIVE YOUTH! FREE IN SASKATOON $1.00 US/CANADA NOVEMBER 2004 THIRD ISSUE INSIDE: “You’re Fired!” Why Everyone Should

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