Seven Fall Final Sept7

Native Parenting Wisdom
Laura Ramirez is a parent and an award-winning author of Keepers of the Children. Laura Ramirez is also a workshop leader and speaker.
Her book demonstrates Native American concepts to show parents how to raise children to reach their true potential. She believes that, raising children to unfold the gifts within their hearts, parents more deeply touch their own. In this way, parenting is a path of mutual becomingas the child grows, the parent is challenged to grow as well. The teachings in this book are for any parent or grandparent (regardless of creed or color) who is open to ideas that are effective in raising healthy, selfdirected kidskids who know their hearts and minds. Such children will grow into adults who use their strengths to create fulfilling lives and make unique contributions to the world, says Ramirez. (continued on page 18)
SEVEN
Fall 2012
All that Pizzazz

Hailing from Squamish Nation, Orene Askew (DJ O Show) has the personality and skills to keep any dance floor packed. Not only has she freelanced for over 4 years, shes also a product of BCITs Radio Broadcasting Program and The School of Remix. She has worked for large market radio stations such as Bellevue Washingtons Movin 92.5 and Vancouvers own Beat 94.5. She has hosted shows and emceed numerous events throughout the Lower Mainland including The O Show on Evolution 107.9, Sne'waylh on Coop Radio 102.7 and The Bowling For Big Brother's Classic, among others. Coming from a diverse background, Orene has explored many genres of music. Her goal as a DJ is to make people dance and smile at the same time. DJ O Show is available for weddings, birthdays and fundraisers. Offering discounts for Aboriginal Organizations and Youth Groups, O accommodates everyone and their important events. Orene's humble attitude and outgoing personality makes her one of the easiest DJs to work with. She's also one of the most pleasant DJs out there. She is always excited to meet new people so if you're lucky enough to see her at a party - be sure to introduce yourself. Flavio Caron and Kristin Kozuback both agree that Orene is ready for big things. As her small business instructors and mentors through Aboriginal BEST, they have
seen her preparations and skills close up. Her work ethic and her personal ethics are amazing, if you have both of those, the rest can be easy says Flavio Caron. Kristin adds When Orene says she is on it, she is on it. She motivates me to work harder myself ! Lets support this amazing woman as she starts her new business! She can be reached by email anytime orene_a@hotmail.com or djohshow@gmail.com or call 778-223-2790
After graduating from one of the heavy equipment operator training sessions that Enbridge sponsored in the spring of 2009, Mike Genaille, who is of Mtis heritage, was hired by lead contractor Banister Pipeline to work on Enbridges Alberta Clipper Project as an Apprentice Heavy Equipment Operator.
If you are starting a business or thinking about entrepreneurship, get in touch with Aboriginal BEST. FREE entrepreneurship workshops for many of our communities. www.aboriginalbest.ca (More on page 19)
Enbridge "achieving
Company Profile:
sustainable benefits"
Over the past 60 years, Enbridge has become a leader in the safe and reliable delivery of energy in North America and is proud to be recognized as one of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World. We transport energy, operating the world's longest, most sophisticated crude oil and liquids transportation system. We have a significant and growing presence in the natural gas transmission and midstream businesses, and an increasing involvement in power transmission. We generate energy, expanding our interests in renewable and green energy technologies including wind and solar energy, geothermal and hybrid fuel cells.
Orene Askew (DJ O Show), Squamish - Photo submitted by Flavio Caron.
Affix Mailing Label Here
We distribute energy, owning and operating Canada's largest natural gas distribution company, providing distribution services in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and New York State. (continued on page 3)
Page 2
SEVEN - Your Indigenous News Source
Fall 2012
We do not own the earth. We only borrow it from those yet to be born.
xwexwseken Mountain Goat
and geometric shapes which are spiritually significant.
For the last 150 years the Coast Salish women have created these distinctively patterned, hand-knitted clothing in the form of sweaters, toques, mitts, and socks. Each piece of Coast Salish Indian clothing is very unique, incorporating traditional designs of animals, birds, sea creatures, and geometric shapes. The designs are traditional Coast Salish designs that have been skilfully designed specifically for the traditional knitting pattern.
for the person receiving a name. This person is given specific instructions of how live a good life. Many people receive names that were carried by a relative from the past or they may be sharing a name with someone who is present. In the naming ceremony a blanket is wrapped around the person symbolizing the support of the family and community It is to demon. strate that people are not alone in this world and that when mistakes are made the Great Spirit and the people will be there to provide support.
The Mountain Goat is an important sustainable resource for Squamish Nation people. The Squamish are members of the Coast Salish cultural group. Mountain goat wool is carefully harvested and processed and then transformed into beautiful and functional objects. Wool weavers continue to be esteemed professionals by the Squamish people.
The Mountain Goat also known as the Rocky Mountain Goat, is a largehoofed mammal found only in North America. Despite its common name, it is not a member of Capra, the genus of true goats. It stays at high elevations and is a surefooted climber, often resting on rocky cliffs with spectacular vistas that predators cannot reach. The habitat of the Mountain Goat also makes it difficult
to hunt. Mountain Goat hunting was also one of the most esteemed professions. The animal has a white meat that is like pork.
a common ingredient in weaving and padding, into mountain-goat and dog-wool blankets to increase the strength of the fibers.
The majority of traditional clothing designs have been passed down from generation to generation; generally from mother to daughter. The beautifully hand-woven blankets that the Coast Salish women created held a high degree of significances with the Coast Salish people.
Coast Salish peoples inhabit Pre-European, and the Northwest Coast of primarily before access to North America, from the domestic sheep wool, the mouth of the Columbia Salish women wove clothing River in Oregon, north and blankets using the hair to Bute Inlet in British of a now extinct breed of Columbia. Coast Salish small wool dog, mixed with territories includes most mainland mountain goat of the ecologically diverse wool, and goose down. Georgia Basin and Puget The Wool Dog was a special Sound known as the breed that was mainly Salish Sea. This huge area owned by the women of the comprises the coastal village, and kept separate mainland and Vancouver from the hunting dogs. The Island from Campbell River Dog became extinct around and Georgia Strait south the time the gold rush through the Strait of Juan swamped the country in de Fuca, the Lower Fraser 1860. Valley and watersheds of The Coast Salish spindle Puget Sound. whorl was placed on a Salish women spun wool wooden spindle to add the from mountain goats on a weight needed to maintain handmade wood whorl and the spinning motion, and wove its blankets on a loom. to prevent the wool from They also mixed fireweed falling off the rod as it was seed, Chamerion angusbeing spun. Coast Salish tifolium (syn. Epilobium spindle whorls have carved angustifolium) (xacht), designs of human, animal
Both male and female mountain goats have beards, short tails, and long black horns, 1528 cm in length, which contain yearly growth rings. They are protected from the elements by their woolly white double coats. The fine, dense wool of the undercoat is covered by an outer layer of longer, hollow hairs. In spring, mountain goats The woven blankets repremoult (shed) by rubbing sented a high cultural against rocks and trees. In status and it was a form of the winter, their coats help currency in the traditional them to withstand temperaLong House economy . tures as low as 50 F (46 The mountain Goat wool C) and winds of up to 100 blanket is highly prized not only for its beauty and func- mph (160 km/h). tion. There is also a cultural A buck (adult male) stands about three feet (1 m) at the aspect to the use of the Mountain Goat wool blanket. shoulder to the waist. Male These blankets were used in goats also have longer horns and a longer beard than a ceremonies for many past female does. Mountain goats centuries. This tradition typically weigh between continues to be practiced 100 and 300 lbs (45136 kg); today Sometimes blankets . females are usually 1030% made from other materials lighter than males. are used but the cultural and spiritual significance Mountain goats are remains. herbivores and spend most of their time grazing. Their diet includes grasses, herbs, sedges, ferns, moss, lichen, twigs and leaves from the low-growing shrubs and conifers of their high-altitude habitat.
An example of the use of the blankets is the naming ceremony When a . person is given the honour of carrying a name, a ceremony is hosted. New blankets are spread on the floor. In part, this represents a new beginning
Fall 2012
Page 3
Enbridge "achieving sustainable benefits"

(continued from page 1) Enbridges corporate headquarters are in Calgary, Alberta and we employ about 7,000 people in Canada and the United States and are ranked as one of the Top 100 Employers to Work for in Canada, and one of Canadas Greenest Employers. Enbridge operates the worlds longest petroleum and liquids pipeline system. Its pipeline systems have operated for more than 60 years and now comprise approximately 26,000 kilometres of pipeline, delivering more than two million barrels per day of petroleum products. In addition, Enbridge is fostering the development of renewable and alternative energy sources, like our wind power projects in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario. Some of the power from these projects is used to power pump stations along our Liquids.
Message from Enbridge President Al Monaco: The Facts About Pipelines

Enbridge is proud to help provide reliable energy to many millions of people across North America every single day. Over the last decade weve transported almost 12 billion barrels of crude oil with a safe delivery record better than 99.999 per cent. Thats good, but for us, its not good enough. We will never stop striving for 100 per cent. Operating a complex pipeline system is by its nature a challenging business and our Enbridge employees have successfully met these challenges for 60 years by placing safety at the heart of our operations. We constantly strive to do better. Particularly when it comes to the integrity and viability of our pipelines which is, and must always be, our number one concern. Pipeline safety has been much in the news lately and so its important to , give the issue some context to look beyond the latest headline and recognize the outstanding long-term safety record of this important energy delivery system. In fact, decades of experience has shown that pipelines are by far the safest, most efficient method of transporting large volumes of oil. Historically pipelines have the least amount of releases of any , mode of oil transportation. As a result of strenuous efforts within our industry releases have actually decreased over the past decade both in , terms of the number of releases and the amount of product released. Our goal at Enbridge is and will continue to be the prevention of all spills. In 2011 alone we invested about $400 million to ensure the safety and integrity of our system, and that amount is set to increase substantially to more than $800 million -- in 2012. Over the past two years we have doubled the number of staff dedicated to leak detection and pipeline control systems, and substantially strengthened our focus on the tools, technologies and strategies to ensure the fitness of our pipelines. This is not new, but rather part of our ongoing effort to be the best in the business. In the past decade weve invested billions in safety integrity and , new technology and were planning more investment going forward. We continually evaluate the condition of our pipeline system to ensure longterm reliability and integrity.
Randelle Pete of the Little Pine First Nation participates in a field trip studying the water and land ecosystems of Finlayson Island. The field trip was made possible by Enbridge through their School Plus Program. The School Plus Program provides extra-curricular funding to First Nations schools in Canada to enhance the learning experience of Aboriginal youth. Since 2009, the program has enriched the education of over 8,500 First Nations youth in over 50 schools. All photos courtesy of Enbridge Inc. Photo by Gerard Yunker.
Commitment to First Nations and Mtis Communities

Enbridge recognizes and honours Aboriginal peoples' close relationship with the land and environment. We are committed to socially responsible operations and involvement in the communities where we live and work. This means we engage in forthright and sincere consultation with Aboriginal people and communities about our projects and operations that may have an impact upon their legally and constitutionally protected rights. In Canada, Enbridge is working with Aboriginal communities to ensure they achieve sustainable benefits from our projects and operations, including opportunities for training and education, employment, procurement, business development and community investment.
Enbridge is also partnering with Aboriginal communities to help provide their members with the opportunity to Enbridge is a Canadian success story with a hard-earned reputation as a , participate in our many new pipeline construction projects responsible corporate citizen. In a rapidly changing world we will continue and acquire skills for the future. We are working on capacity building to provide communities with sustainable to build on that foundation by adhering to a strong set of core values that employment and economic development options that will reflect what is truly important to us as a company the safe transportacontribute to community well-being.
tion of energy that millions of people rely on in their daily lives.
Enbridge has partnered with the Swan Lake First Nation on many initiatives including funding support for extra-curricular programming at the Indian Springs School through the School Plus Program. Pictured here speaking at a community meeting is Chief Francine Meeches.
Page 4
Fall 2012
The sun shares it energy and asks for nothing in return. Live each day as sunshine.
Nahanees Text
By Latash -Maurice Nahanee
Small Business Tips
A large part of the story of our people is provided in the statistics that describe the Social Determinants of Health. In my career as a journalist I have had the privilege of travelling coast to coast across Canada. I can say that there are many fine homes; there are beautiful houses and apartments on Indian reserves. There are well-tended gardens and lawns. I have seen pleasing to the eye public buildings that are used for government and community activities. And there is the other side of the coin that many visitors to Canada do not see, and in fact a lot of Canadians have not even been in a First Nations community There are places where, poverty, is very . evident and some homes are not up to the standard of building codes in industrial urban areas. In assuming responsibility for Canadian Aboriginal people the federal government has also taken on a fiduciary responsibility for the well being of our people. The exploitation of the resources and the bounty it has provided has not been fairly shared with the people that need a solution for their shelter needs. As a result over one million Aboriginal people mostly live in poverty and cannot afford safe housing. The National Centre for Aboriginal Health reports that inadequate housing conditions lead to risk factors such as mold, overcrowding, unsafe water issues that place people at risk of infectious diseases, chronic illnesses, injuries, poor nutrition and mental disorders. The lack of housing in rural and urban centers has lead to homelessness and increased risk of premature death. I remember one community I visited where a house had burned almost to the ground. It was obvious that the fire had taken place a couple of years earlier. The home had not been replaced and the family had to move in with relatives. In Canada a typical house is called a single-family dwelling. One house, one family We all know the experience of . two or more families living in a home meant for one family It does seem unfair to watch . resources such as timber, fish and minerals leave our homelands and the Native people receive very little of the profits or other benefits from the resources the Great Spirit has Blessed us with. The severe housing shortage is not limited to our communities it also affects people living in small and large urban centres. Approximately 70,000 Native people live in Vancouver. Many of our families are homeless or live in unsafe conditions. Unless there is a radicle shift in our approach to social conditions people will continue to suffer. In a land where there was once abundance there is now a wasteland for the first people who have lived here for countless millennia. It may be that it takes a village to raise a child, but it takes a country of good will to share the abundance. Walk around in a typical native community and you soon see the effects of poverty brought by the unfair distribution of wealth. Picture this; houses in need of repair, no gardens or lawns for many homes, an abandoned vehicle, debris strewn in some yards, no community hall, villages government housed in trailers, roads in need of repair, no sidewalks, a dilapidated playground if one exists at all. It is not a pretty picture and that is just the outside of a home. A safe home is one that is in a good state of repair, and has plumbing, electricity, safe drinking water, insulation, heating, flooring, furnishings and has fire prevention safeguards. Add to this mix exposure to biological or chemical contaminants such as pests, allergens, mold and radon. This poisonous concoctions results in shortened life spans and low self esteem. The lack of adequate housing is like the proverbial tip of the iceberg. The condition of homes is also reflection of unemployment, social exclusion, and low education attainment. Addressing the housing needs and infrastructure are essential to establishing healthy communities and healthy families. We know all these conditions exist in our communities but there is a lack of will to change a mindset of greed to one of goodwill to all people. The federal government subsidizes the cost of constructing houses for aboriginal people. While this does seem like generosity the reality is quite different. Lets say the government pitches in $40,000.00 for people to build a single dwelling house and some infrastructure. A modern home starts at around $140,000 to build. In remote areas the costs are even higher. Picture the young couple trying to raise a family and their starter home is mostly unfinished. Many young couples face a life of poverty They cannot . afford the costs of completing the work on their home. Their families are helpless to give the children the type of life they want for their children. They certainly cannot afford the luxury of creating a garden and growing a lawn. Generations of Native people were forced to go to Residential Schools by the Canadian government and this has created impoverished communities. Racial discrimination has hampered Indigenous people through every step of their lives. Unscrupulous lawyers are furthering injustice to Residential School survivors by charging exorbitant settlement fees. They further victimize people who have little resources to fight back. I do not have the answers to fix all the problems on Indian Reserves but I can see there are issues that can be fixed. When the Europeans first came to North America they believed they were superior to the Indigenous people. European superpowers came to conquer the New World with the Blessing of their religions leader. After Christopher Columbus discovered a new land and realized the technological edge in weapons his people possessed, he knew there were fortunes to be made. As a result, greedy European nations quickly divided up the new territories and lacked the political will to share the resources of the new lands with the Indigenous inhabitants. This Western way of thinking flies in the face of basic common sense and humanity .
Be prepared - A canoe journey does not start with the first stroke of your paddle. The first steps occur on dry land and usually nowhere near the water. All of our experiences lead us toward a successful journey In many cases . those who doubt your ambition are often the challenge that springs you forward to find and complete your journey . Consider the bad advice of naysayers as a test to see if you have prepared yourself. Expect obstacles - In starting new small business you must look at the risks you are taking. Do you have the money to start a business? Do you have enough customers who will want your product or service? What will happen to your business if you get sick? What if a member of your family gets sick? There are a lot of adverse situations. Fortunately, other people have thought of many obstacles. If you ask for what you want you will generally get what you want. Aboriginal people have access to grants. We can also save money to invest in our company Business insur. ance is available to small business owners. Ask for help - Early in life I found mentors and teachers to be very helpful. I did not choose to go to school but I did know that I was put in school to develop my gifts. I did not enjoy everything I learned but I found that things in my toolbox actually do get used at some point in your life. In grade four my dad gave me the opportunity to love reading. How was I to know that researching and gaining a universal understanding of our world would be an asset to my newspaper publishing company All I knew then . was that reading took me on some fascinating journeys with Captain James Cook and eventually Captain James Tiberius Kirk. Trust yourself - As a business owner you are on the pitchers mound. All of the focus is on you until you make the pitch and then other players then have the opportunity to contribute to the success of the team. You need the confidence that you can do the job. No one else is going to deliver the pitch. Your passion, your skill development and determination will decide the outcome of the game. You are mostly alone in this endeavor. Your mentors will be watching, your family will be cheering and yes there will people in the peanut gallery hoping you will fail. You have been doing your job for years. You have years of training. You can trust yourself. Trust that you have the tools for success. And trust that people will add to your tool kit. Have a goal - Write a statement to yourself about your goals for the business. This is a contract with yourself. A vision without commitment is just a dream. Commit to your goals and when these goals need to be accomplished. Do not make excuses for why your goals are not being completed. Most people do not have all the answers. Most likely you will find that you have to add more goals to your list. Rather than getting discouraged, find ways to be adaptable. Adopt new strategies when you need to. Always think of yourself as moving forward. It may take more paddle strokes than imagined, but each goal that is accomplished is a victory . Visualize your journey - In our community we practice ceremonies such as naming, weddings, funerals, and canoe protocol. Today these gatherings attract five hundred or more guests. Each ceremony involves some common practices and there are some variations. I think of our ceremonies as a business model. I call it the Potlatch Business model. In the Potlatch Business Model you need to visualize what the day of the ceremony will look like. It will help to attend and learn about ceremonies. We have a saying, When the ceremony begins, school is in session. We attend ceremonies to learn about ceremonies and how to live a good life. And then you look at all the goals that need to be accomplished before the day of the ceremony . You will need to invest money to pay for food and dry goods to be distributed to the guests. You need to set a date for the ceremony In other words you need to think about every . step of the journey and then accomplish the things that need to be done. Be present - To dwell on the past is to live in the past. We all make mistakes. Learning from our mistakes helps us to move forward. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn a lesson. Live in the moment. Some experiences that happen are never repeated. Enjoy good things when they happen to you. Being present also means moving forward. When you live in the present it means that you are accomplishing things. Celebrate the victories as often as possible.
Fall 2012
Page 5
Enjoy the sunset and celebrate the gifts you shared today.
Making your land your home By Richard Wagamese

Back in 1974 I was about as lost as you could possibly be. Id left my adopted home a year or so before and had been living on the street, on welfare, unemployed or working at one dead end job after another for very little money It was a bleak . time. I felt snared by circumstance and left with little hope of better so I began to hit the road just to get away . I was a hitchhiker then and at that time it was still a safe thing to do. People were open and friendly and rides came often. I dont know what I was looking for back then, maybe it was just to be heard and sitting in a car chatting with a stranger felt good, safe in the distance new encounters are forged in. There was a safety in anonymity I . could talk about anything. Drivers mostly just wanted someone to share the highway with and conversations seldom drifted near anything real or dramatic or painful. The car would rumble down the road to wherever it was pointed and I would sit and imagine things turning out better than they ever had when I arrived. I thought it was a perfect way to fill time and days. Then I met Earl. He was a Finn in his late 60s and after a few decades in Canada he still spoke with a thick accent. But he was friendly and liked to laugh and he told good stories. It felt as though he could remember every detail of everything that had ever happened to him and his stories were rich and deep and engaging. We drove from outside Toronto to the north end of Lake Superior together. He told me stories about his home in Finland and here in Canada. He spoke about his wife Anna-Liisa. He spoke of their common love of fishing in the Ruunaa Rapids in the River Lieksanjoki, how they loved the feeling of the land coming to inhabit them there. He talked about their dream of building a fishing lodge in Canada and how they slaved to make that a reality . The place they chose was as close to a Finnish landscape as they could find. He made this country home. When they made their dream happen they infused it with their own energy and their lodge was small but successful. He was happy there. He felt like he belonged and that the story of his life was written well here. He could stand and look out across the broad back of the river and feel connected to his homeland by energy and spirit and then feel connected to Canada by the warmth of his wifes hand in his as they walked the shoreline. They largely gave up on towns and cities and worked to make their small home as self-sufficient as possible. Earl came from a long line of lumberjacks and he built an enormous wood house for firewood from trees he felled and bucked himself. They had a root cellar. They smoked fish and Earl hunted and butchered the meat they kept in a freezer. Anna-Liisa baked and put up provisions. Their life was their home and their home was the land. Then Anna-Liisa died. Earl said it felt like the world suddenly became a quieter place and he struggled to hear the birds. He buried her near the cleft of pink granite she loved and where she had planted flowers in its crevices and cracks. He sat there in her old rocker on summer evenings and sang her Finnish folk songs, drank tea and let his pain wash over him. His life was less without her and he felt lost for a long time. But he said he felt like it was his country now with his wife laid in the breast of it. Said their spirit and energy had been grafted on to the spirit of Canada itself because of that. He looked at me and asked if I had a place where I could set my feet and spirit down and feel anchored. When I didnt answer he shook his head sadly . I come here to find myself, he said and it was not even yet my home and here its been yours all along and still we make the same journey . He asked me to stay and work for him but I needed to move on. I was still searching for somewhere and couldnt yet settle for here. So he gave me thirty dollars and a ride to Thunder Bay and a fond wish that
Richard Wagamese
I would find a home for myself like hed found his. Come back and work, he said as I left. We both knew I wouldnt. But I never forgot his story or his words.
invests in Aboriginal communities.

At Vancity we believe being good with money includes investing in Aboriginal communities to achieve economic strength and independence. Learn more about the partnerships we are building. Call us at 604.709.6930 or 250.995.7620, or visit vancity.com/aboriginalcommunities.
Good Money
Songhees Wellness Centre, Vancity member.

Good Money (TM) and Make Good Money (TM) are trademarks of Vancouver City Savings Credit Union.
Page 6
Fall 2012
I am going to benefit others as much as I can, Dalai Lama.
Building Change in BC Apprenticeable Trades

Faces of British Columbias tradespeople are changing. Since 2006, the number of apprentices who self-identify as Aboriginal has doubled from 609 to 1236, from 5.4 percent to 8.8 percent of the post-secondary apprentice students.
The programs where Aboriginal people are focusing tend to be in construction related occupations welding, carpentry, and electrician with automotive and cook related trades also being of high interest. training and educational institutions. Throughout BC, there are over 15 Aboriginal organizations devoted to advising and supporting Aboriginal people looking for trades careers with most First Nations Bands and Tribal Councils offering employment and education support services through an employment / education counselor. provide training support for Aboriginal people who are interested in apprenticeable trades. This may be first in a trades exploration program through the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology Bridging to Trades touring program or NENAS Transition to Trades program, or in a specific trade such as the ACCESS Metal Fabrication, Aboriginal Skills Group/ Tsawwassen First Nation Heavy Equipment Operator, Camosun College Shipbuilding and Residential Building Maintenance Workers, or a trades organization driven program like the BCCA Construction Trades Employment Training and UAPIC Exploratory, Foundation, Welding, Plumbing/Steam/ Sprinkler, Aboriginal Trades Initiative Project (ATIP), and Introduction to Construction (ITC) Aboriginal training (full list of 2012/13 projects at www.itabc.ca in Aboriginal Initiatives). McDermott says, Anyone interested in these programs should contact the host organization directly . While many courses hosted by First Nations / Aboriginal organizations and partners offer courses in a single trade at urban centers, more and more Aboriginal people are pursuing trades as a student in a mainstream trades program in their home area through an individual seat purchase, which may be supported by their Band, or a youth or womens program. Other Aboriginal people who have been working in the trade for a long period have also been challenging the apprenticeship trade exam directly (see www. itabc.ca, Industry Training Programs & Information > Examinations (Apprentices & Trainees) > Challenging Exams). PCL Construction Westcoast Inc. Field Personnel Advisor Wayne Marsden says, We (Employers) are looking more and more to Aboriginal employment and training organizations for qualified apprentices. The Aboriginal organizations help the people get ready and often these candidates have the qualifications and extra certification, like safety, that were looking for on the worksite. Discover Aboriginal organizations, hear of success stories, and how the ITA is working to build BCs skilled labour force: www. itabc.ca Established in 2004, the Industry Training Authority (ITA) is charged with the responsibility of managing BCs industry training system to develop the provinces skilled workforce. As a provincial Crown agency, ITA works collaboratively with Aboriginal communities and agencies, industry, training providers, labour, governments and other stakeholders. An Aboriginal Advisory Council counsels the ITA on matters related to increasing Aboriginal participation in apprenticeship training. The ITA Aboriginal Initiatives are proudly supported by the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement.
ITA too has been providing indirect support to Aboriginal people who want to enter one of the more than 100 apprenticeable trades in BC through providing funding to qualified organizations (such as Aboriginal organizations Commendable and a reflec/ partnerships) who have tion of a few things, said applied to ITA for CanadaIndustry Training Authority British Columbia Labour (ITA) Director of Aboriginal Market Agreement (LMA) Initiatives Gary McDermott, funding for Aboriginal is the level of support or Womens LMA program available to Aboriginal funds. people wanting to explore In 2012/13, nine projects and become tradespeople were approved with funds by organizations like the Aboriginal employment and totaling $3 million to support 450 Aboriginal training agencies and the people in the trades. partnerships between First Nations, Aboriginal organi- These projects are located zations, employers, industry throughout BC, and will
Fall 2012
Teach your children that the earth is our mother, Chief Seattle.
Page 7
KWIKWETLEM welcome the return of

In the Halqu'emylem language, Kwikwetlem means red fish up the river, and it is our people's enduring stewardship and responsibility to ensure spawning habitat in the Coquitlam River. Therefore, we choose to take a leadership role in the Wilson Farm project as it is a substantial improvement in the habitat for many species of wildlife within our core territory said , Kwikwetlem First Nation Chief Ron Giesbrecht.
Weve returned the Colony Farm ecosystem to a valuable, salmonrearing environment, thanks to this successful partnership between the Kwikwetlem First Nation, the Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvement Project and Metro Vancouver. The return of salmon will contribute to the health and vibrancy of Colony Farm Regional Park and make for an even more enjoyable experience for the many families who visit the park, said Minister of Environment Terry Lake. Collaboration between the Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvement Project, Metro Vancouver and the Kwikwetlem First Nation to enhance habitat in Colony Farm Regional Park has resulted in young salmon returning to the area for the first time in 100 years. The newly enhanced habitat is a rearing area for young fish to help improve their chances of survival. During fish sampling in April 2012, biologists found four species of Pacific salmon there: Chinook, chum, Coho, and pink. Since salmon play an important role in the overall ecosystem, this project will also help increase species diversity in the park. With the habitat enhancement work substantially complete, the Wilson Farm area of the park once again has accessible habitat for juvenile salmon, and better connections to the Coquitlam River and lower Fraser River ecosystems. Habitat enhancement features created include widened and deepened channels, new channels and ponds, and self-regulating tide gates. The gates allow water to flow in and out of Wilson Farm and create a nursery-like setting similar to those found in natural, freshwater estuaries. Work is underway to develop an interpretive sign along the popular walking path to explain how the new tidal gates function. The habitat enhancement at Colony Farm Regional Park is just one of a number of environmental enhancements that are part of the Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvement Project. The Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvement Project, the largest transportation infrastructure project in B.C. history, will be complete and open to traffic in phases. The first and largest phase, which includes opening eight lanes on the new bridge, widening the highway and rebuilding three interchanges between 160 Street in Surrey and the Cape Horn Interchange in Coquitlam, is expected to be complete by this December.
Red Fish
File Name: MULTI_AD_Seven_0712 Publication: Seven-Indigenous News Source Trim: 7.5 x 10 Material Deadline: August 10, 2012 Canadian Marketing New salmon rearing ponds,Colours: CMYK a collaboration between the Kwikwetlem First Nation and the17, 2012 Ministry Insertion Dates: September 100 Yonge Street, 16th Floor ColonyToronto, ON M5C 2W1 Park. Kwikwetlem Councillor Fred Hall. Photo by Latash. Farm Regional
of Environment near the
Scotiabank is honoured to support the continuous growth of the people of the Squamish Nation. Chet kwenmantumiyap.
We look forward to being a partner in reaching your nancial goals.
Park Royal South Shopping Centre 995 Park Royal South West Vancouver, BC V7T1A1 Tel: 604-903-7400 Branch Hours: Monday - Thursday Friday Saturday
Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia.
9:30am - 4:00pm 9:30am - 5:00pm 9:30am - 4:00pm
Page 8
Fall 2012
If only we'd stop trying to be happy we could have a pretty good time, Edith Wharton.
Artist Speak with Xwa Lack Tun By Latash -Maurice Nahanee

Squamish Nation artist Xwa Lack Tun (Rick Harry) was awarded the Order of BC in September 2012. He is an internationally respected artist. Healing and Growth are central themes in his work.
While teaching in schools in Coquitlam, I had the opportunity to witness Xwa Lack Tun teach students Native art. He also teaches about life. Like most people I am touched by his honesty He . He has taught art in schools said that he used to drink for over 25 years and shares alcohol in a manner that the wisdom of his anceshe calls being a weekend tors respect for all people. warrior. If I didnt sober By focusing on how the up I would be still stuck in traditional stories relate to that place. When I am sober his own life, Xwa Lack Tun I am able to focus, said Xwa demonstrates how tradiLack Tun. It was not easy to tional wisdom can help heal follow a good and safe road. people. He attributes events such Xwa Lack Tun was given Over a cupa jo at Artigianos at the Ride for Sobriety and his Squamish name by his at Park Royal Village, Xwa Tribal Canoe Journeys as father, Pekuln, who was a Lack Tun reflected on his sources of good medicine hereditary chief, originally journey One of the great . and strength. from the Seymour Creek lessons he learned early in Drinking is a waste of area. He describes his father life from his father was to time. In one day I can make as a patient and quiet, but always do you best work. His a nice piece of art. But also remembers his dad for mother brought him to an when you are drunk you his great sense of humour. art course with her and he are wasting your time, enjoyed the lessons. He also said Xwa Lack Tun. Xwa Lack Tun was born and raised in Squamish. His gives credit to his mother mother was originally from Gwen Harry who taught Alert Bay (Kwagiulth, Coast him to make a commitment Salish) while his father was and stick to it. Eventually, he went to Emily Carr Coast Salish (Squamish). School of Art in Vancouver. He took his artistic educaHe strives to do better each tion from Capilano College time he creates a new work and Emily Carr, but mostly of art his learning came from experience. Another early mentor was The Order of British Columbia is a civilian honour for merit in the province of British Columbia. Instituted in 1989 by Lieutenant Governor David Lam, on the advice of the Cabinet under Premier Bill Vander Zalm, the order is administered by the Governor-in-Council and is intended to honour current or former British Columbia residents for conspicuous achievements in any field being thus described as the highest honour amongst all others conferred by the British Columbia Crown. The Order of British Columbia, which evolved out of and replaced the the late May Harris who worked in Squamish Nation education, and just about everything else according to Xwa Lack Tun. She encouraged him to fulfill his potential by working hard and getting an education. Harris prepared many of the people for life by giving positive energy and bringing out the best in people. Xwa Lack Tun says that you cannot own all of your success. You have to acknowledge those who have been your mentors. On being selected to the Order of BC, Xwa Lack Tun says he never thought he would receive such a great earlier Order of the Dogwood, is intended to honour any current or former longtime resident of British Columbia who has demonstrated a high level of individual excellence and achievement in any field, demonstrating the "greatest distinction and excellence in any field of endeavour benefiting the people of the Province or elsewhere." Only those who are elected or appointed members of a governmental body are ineligible as long as they hold office. There are no limits on how many can belong to the order or be inducted at one time. honour. I make art because I enjoy it, He said. He encourages everyone to do his or her best.
Xwa-lack-tun - Rick Harry Photo by Latash. .
seven News Source - Your Indigenous

Publisher Latash Maurice Nahanee, BA Publication Designer Michelle Lorna Nahanee Column Writers Richard Wagamese Beverly ONeil Flavio Caron Contact 443 West 3rd Street North Vancouver, BC V7M 1G6 maurice_nahanee@ yahoo.com
No article, photo or any image from this newspaper may be published without the prior written permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.
www.sevenindigenousnews.com
Fall 2012
Page 9
"When we show our respect for other living things, they respond with respect for us." Native American Proverb.
By Latash -Maurice Nahanee
Monumental sculpture honours the salmon

and they play with the rules. Some keep what they catch, but the ones that get thrown back get caught again. It is about honour and respect here. They need to honour the salmon in a better way We are here . because of the salmon. The salmon provided food for our people, Hart said. It was a choice. I began carving when I was young. I learned to make carving tools from fellow Haida artist Robert Davidson. I like fishing too. Just when I was going to get serious about fishing, the Fisheries Department started changing things. They were throwing us off stride, and I looked at that and I saw what was going on, so I decided carving was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, stated Hart. I meet good people from all levels of society It seems . to cross structures. It is a medicine to me. Carving is a medicine. Carving takes a lot of energy too. I can only do so much, I like to make classic pieces. Again it is out of respect for the ancestors. I work pretty hard to bring that forward .You study all our pieces out there in the collections museums. So I study to see where they were at, Hart said. I focus on Haidas, but I look at other art too, . I go to museums and look at their stuff too. Each culture had their own style. It is amazing what they did. I find that there is a lot of great stuff out there today, but there is also a lot of not so great stuff. It hurts a bit to see that. The ancestors would not put out anything unless it was good stuff. As I get further into the arts I see the respect given to it and meaning to it. What it represents. In the old days you had to be born into the rights to do this stuff. And you had to be good at it too. I can see why there was that kind of control. It is because of respect, Hart says.
clan in Massett (on the northern tip of Haida Gwaii), James Hart has seriously pursued his work as a Haida artist since 1979. He started working with Bill Reid in 1980, on The Raven and the First Men at the Museum of Anthropology, University of British Columbia.
Chief Jim Hart. Photo by Latash.
Hart worked for Bill Reid on many important sculptures and smaller works until 1984. Hart then carved his first totem pole for the Museum of Anthropology and raised it in the tradiChief James (Jim) Hart is tional manner. Since then, a Haida carver, sculptor, artist. He comes from a long he has carved numerous (more than 26) big Haida line of Haida Chiefs who were carvers, the most noted totems, including the being his great-great- grand- Tribute to Bill Reid totem raised at Reids Haida House father, Charles Edenshaw. at the Museum in 2003. Born in 1952 into the Eagle
Chief Hart said, The process of selecting and cutting the wood took about three years. I found straight grained wood with no knots. It is wood from a forest fire that happened 120 hundred years ago. It is called fire killed wood. I wanted it The piece itself is a dance screen. It is a salmon house. because it might have less It is the cycle of the salmon. water, less moisture in it. The piece was going to be There is a shamen. They would do work to ensure the placed inside a building so I did not want the wood to return of the salmon. The whole screen is about saving crack up. It still had moisture in it, but not as much the salmon, said Hart. as green wood. It is also still During cultural presentavery heavy It takes about . tions the Haida use dance eight of us to pack one of screens as a prop. Some of the big slabs around. When the dancers go behind the we first started it was so dance to change regalia heavy, we needed a machine and to put on masks for an to move it around. upcoming presentation. People today are Harts work has an energy trying to get rid of to it that transcends time. the salmon. The fish Haida monumental totem farmers do not want pole sculptures reflect an intense connection between the wild salmon, said Hart. They a Higher Power and the are finding oil in world we live in. Hart says that because of the relation- Hecate Straight. ship between sculpture and BC Hydro builds dams. They do not Spirituality an artist must want the salmon. be respectful of the culture Sports fishermen he was born into. The are working hard Salmon House sculpture is to have fun with is 12 feet X 16 feet. our salmon. They A couple of months ago we have a number they reached a certain point in can catch. They the work. We were working have a catch and hard to get there. Now it is release program. morphing. It is starting to When they catch take on it own life. And so and release salmon, it is really a lot of fun. It is they do not survive. a lot of work at first when They throw back using the large tools to the salmon. They shape out the sculpture, you then produce get to work hard and move adrenelin. And they wood quickly You have to . die from it. They know what you are doing. die from shock. They have studies Then you reach a point that say the salmon where it is giving back live. But that is not energy The eyes of the . true. There are a characters are starting to show up. The energy kind of lot of these sports fishermen that say grabs you. I find that pretty it is wrong but they amazing. The other guys are in the business feels that too, says Hart. A magnificent house is being built in the main hall of the Bill Reid Gallery The . somewhat unusual project for the Bill Reid Gallery is being brought to life by the creative genius of Haida Chief James Hart.
Chief Jim Hart carving at the Bill Ried Gallery .
Page 10
Fall 2012
I often quote myself. It adds spice to my conversation, George Bernard Shaw.
GOLFERS SUPPORT TRADES AND TRAINING PROGRAM

Aboriginal Skills Group Talking Stick Challenge
The 4th annual Talking Stick Challenge golf tournament was held on August 3, 2012. Proceeds go directly to helping train Aboriginal people in sustainable, long-term careers. Kings Links, Boundary Bay South , Delta was the host course for this opportunity to support programs that assist native people find success in their pursuit of a career.
Tournament Results: Mens LD Calvin Jack, Independant, Mens KP Paul Kariya,Clean Energy BC, Womens LD Marilyn Teneese, First Nations Summit, Womens KP Corry Archibald, Independent, Overall winner was the Chefs Training Course (student team) with ringer Dave Babych (Canucks Alumni).
Team Pinay .
All Photos by Latash -Maurice Nahanee
Life is good. Ultimate golf fan, Delhia Nahanee and former Canuck, Dave Babych.
Its cool to be cool.
First one he made today .
Fall 2012
Page 11
THE NEXT GENERATION IN ASSESSMENT TOOLS
BIGGER. 100+ OCCUPATIONS. BETTER. 6+ SKILLS ASSESSED. FASTER. IMMEDIATE RESULTS.
Training in Tsawwassen
WAREHOUSING
ABORIGINAL CAREER TRAINING
JOBS AVAILABLE! Warehousing, forklift operator, shipping & receiving, inventory, logistics, clerks, o ce skills and more.
Training in North Vancouver
Training in North Vancouver with Capilano University
Tsleil-Waututh Nation
Every candidate assessed with Essential Skills 3G. For more information on these or other training options, contact us.
AboriginalSkills.ca E info@aboriginalskills.ca T 604-925-2180 F 604-925-2181

Partners in Training
DE
SI
GNA
TED TRA I
NE
IN
DU
n Pearson. Mr. Bell with his so
STR
Y TRAI NG AUTH NI
OR
IT
Page 12
Fall 2012
"I hear, and I forget. I see, and I remember. I do, and I understand." Chinese Proverb.
Summer
Emily Adams golfing at Musqueam Golf Course to qualify for the North American Indigenous Games.
Marissa Nahanee with Morris Bates, Elvis Impersonator
Rough Riders at the Williams Lake Rodeo. (L-R) Luca Dolman (Musqueum), Cella Choi, and Brett Sparrow (Musqueum), at the LPGA Canadian Women's Open, August 2012.
Chinook SongCatchers
offering:
- Welcome Ceremony - Storytelling Workshops - 30 - 45 min. Cultural Song and Dance Presentation - Art Workshops - Cross Cultural Workshops
Subscribe to today!
$20.00 / yearly subscription
SEVEN is published four times a year featuring stories on Indigenous art, culture, entertainment and news. Pay online via PayPal or Make cheque payable to: SEVEN - Your Indigenous News Source. 443 W. 3rd St. North Vancouver, BC, V7M1G6 www.sevenindigenousnews.com
for booking contact: ph. 778 288 7377 e. maurice_nahanee@ yahoo.com

www.sevenindigenousnews.com/ latash-native-arts.html
Fall 2012
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." Aristotle.
Page 13
Games
All Photos by Latash - Maurice Nahanee
Squamish Nation Seven A Side Soccer Tournament
Pat Alec, from Lillooet, British Columbia defeated Justin Viejou from Team Havok at Fights at Fraserview Centre on the July 15, 2012 Fights At the Fraser View Hall card in Vancouver. Alec trains with Mike Mahoud in North Vancouver.
We are proud to present two new Coast Salish designs, by Latash - Maurice Nahanee, printed on elegant cotton scarves. Salmon Journeys and Eagle Guardians will be available for sale at festivals and art shows. Check out our website for a calendar of the events we will be attending.
www.latashnativearts.com
Traditional dancer at Squamish Nation Pow Wow, July 6 - 8, 2012, Capilano Park, North Vancouver
Alec Charlie of Tsa Tsu Stalqayu (Coastal Wolfpack), performed at Canada Place in Vancouver on September 8, 2012
Page 14
Fall 2012
A Profession of Honour with Chef Andrew George

Stories and Photos By Latash - Maurice Nahanee
the chefs in training. It is and opportunity for them to see what the industry is really like and to become familiar with the fast pace of the kitchen, said Liles. George says the hands on experience is an eye opener for the students. The students also learn how competitive it is to become a chef as there are many people contending for the same jobs. They will also find out what type of chef they want to become such as a sous chef, baking or a la carte. Liless advice includes finding out if you have the right temperament for the job and are you able to get along with everyone. Communication is also very important. When Chef Liles chose to become a chef it was because he enjoyed working with fresh ingredients and his love for seafood. Now he enjoys training new chefs
It is an honourable profession, in what other job do you put nutrients into people, says Chef Andrew George, of a career which has won him numerous accolades, including the gold medal in World Culinary Arts Olympics. He is also a hereditary Wetsuweten Chief and carries the name Skitden
In the fall of 1991 Andrew was chosen to be a member of the Native Canadian Haute Cuisine Team representing the Aboriginal peoples of Western Canada, to compete in the World Culinary Olympics held in Frankfurt Germany in October 1992. The other members were: David Wolfman of Toronto, Bertha Skye from Six Nations in Ontario, Arnold Olson from Saskatchewan, and Brian Sappier from New Brunswick Andrew and the rest of the team members trained in Toronto at the Sutton Place Hotel in 1991/92. They competed against 13,000 chefs from over 54 countries. They were the first Aboriginal team from anywhere in the world to contend at that level of competition. Andrew Georges passion for cooking continues and he is sharing his knowledge and wisdom with a new generation of potential chefs. Andrew has done presentations to senior secondary, middle and elementary schools and local interest groups locally and across the country on careers as a chef. The road to becoming a chef is long and arduous. Some of the barriers are essential life skills and lack of education. To become a chef you must have a strong background in math, science and English. Chef George and Aboriginal Skills Group have teamed up with Tsleil-Waututh Skills Development Centre to develop a culinary arts training program in North Vancouver. This summer the chef s in training undertook training at various hotels and restaurants in Vancouver and North Vancouver. It was an opportunity to put into practice the skills taught to them by Chef George. At the Pan Pacific Hotel in Vancouver Chef Bob Liles enthusiastically accepted
Pan Pacific Hotel (L to R) Chef Andrew George, Chef Bob Liles with student Guy George.
inspiring publications, creative copy, and custom images that share your vision results-driven promotional campaigns and materials for business, social change, health promotion and NGO/government initiatives lets talk solutions ... 778 928 5313 aboriginalcommunications@gmail.com
re
f db ty o au y the lex be comp
original cul d Ab tur n es ea r atu n
i n sp
ABORIGINALCOMMUNICATIONS.COM
Fall 2012
Page 15
The strength of the fire, the taste of salmon, the trail of the sun, and the life that never goes away, they speak to me. And my heart soars," Chief Dan George.
Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside Hotel (L to R) student Eugene Crain, Chef Pinay, Chef Edmund Yee, Chef Andrew George and (inset) student Shanay Laderoute.
Rockford Grill (L to R) Chef Layne Dyson, student Ruth Seward and (inset) student Desmon Pack.
and seeing them move on in their careers. He says there are great opportunities coming up as the Baby Boomers retire. At the Renaissance Hotel Chef Edmund Yee has taken the student chefs under his wing to expose them to all aspects of the hotel restaurant. They work at food preparation, baking, a la carte, plating, banquets and the business side of the industry such as costing, and procedures. He stresses that food presentation and taste are very important aspects of the business. When hiring, I look for initiative, drive, and goals. If they have that, they can go where they want to go, said Yee. He likes to know that prospective chefs are receptive to new ideas. Rockford North Vancouver Chef Layne Dyson says that although becoming a chef was not his first choice he became interested in culinary at age 19 years. He has found it to be a very rewarding career. Today he enjoys in helping to develop chefs. To see them set their own career path. A career in culinary arts is open to everyone. More and more women are entering the field. Rockford chef said there are more women in pastry and garamange (cold plates) than in other aspects of the industry . The Rockford is a casual upscale dinning restaurant. Rockford Chef Dyson says it is West Coast with a wok. It
is not an Asian fusion food because they stick to guidelines for Asian cooking. Wok cooking requires very hot heat, which help it to retain more nutrients than other styles of cooking. A career in restaurants offers
different opportunities day . Dyson says you can plan your day, but it does not always turn out that way . When it comes to hiring, Dyson says he looks for a
sports background. He says that type of person knows about team work. Working in a kitchen requires teamwork and being there for each other. Another asset is a willingness to learn. He
does not like to work with people who have a chip on their shoulder. The rewards are not only personal but also for the rest of the team.
BOOKS RICH WITH CULTURE!
NATIVENORTHWEST.COM Vancouver, canada
Page 16
Fall 2012
2014 North American Indigenous Games

Athletes from across Turtle Island will once again have the opportunity to to showcase their skills in an international sports competition. The North American Indigenous Games Council is pleased to announce Regina, Saskatchewan will host the 2014 North American Indigenous Games. "We are extremely proud and honoured to be selected to host the 2014 North American Indigenous Games," says FSIN Vice Chief Morley Watson. "The real winners will be our young Indigenous athletes from across North America." Harold Joseph, NAIG Council President says, "The 2014 North American Indigenous Games will be held in Regina, Saskatchewan based on the determined and dedicated efforts from the Regina host candidate city The . partnership between the Aboriginal community, municipal and provincial governments and the successful completion of three bid stages were keys to their winning bid." The NAIG Council will monitor and work with host organizing committee from Regina, Saskatchewan during a mandatory probationary period. NAIG Council will formally announce the "2014 NAIG Host Society" when all conditions are met and continue monitoring their progress throughout planning and delivery . For more information please contact: Harold Joseph, President, North American Indigenous Games Council. ON Friday, August 17, 2012 the North American Indigenous Games Council (NAIG) announced the launch of the NAIG Council Website : www. naigcouncil.com The launch coincides with the announcement of the 2014 NAIG multi-party
I quote others only in order the better to express myself, Montaigne.
Lara Mussell. Photo by Latash.
agreement held in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. The Regina 2014 NAIG Host Society chairman Morley Watson, in his speech during the funding announcement, directed the public to the website as it contains the 2014
NAIG countdown clock and general 2014 NAIG information. NAIG Council has also created a Facebook page and twitter feed which can be accessed through the website. If there are any questions or have any
recommendations on our new communication tools please contact Mr. Norman Ettawacappo, NAIG Council Coordinator through email norman@naigcouncil. com<mailto:norman@ naigcouncil.com> toll-free at 1-800-453-7239.
BC/YUKON COMMAND
The Royal Canadian Legion has a long history of serving this nation and is the sacred guardian of Remembrance.
We stand for the honour of those who have served and gave their lives, and for those who still serve today. In August of this year, one of our members, under the auspices of The Legion, published a local newsletter which contained horrendous and racist material. It was directed specically at Aboriginal Peoples. The Legion, all of our Branches, our Provincial o cers, and Legionnaires across Canada denounce this material. We steadfastly hold that this does not represent our collective views, and certainly does not reect the respect we feel toward our First Nations Veterans and their families. On behalf of all of our members we apologize deeply and sincerely for this incident. We cannot reverse the pain, but we are determined to rebuild our relationships. We continue to seek out ways to work with interested parties to actively engage in healing and to express our sincere regrets. Our organization has over 150 Branches in BC and Yukon run exclusively by volunteers. Our membership is diverse and focused on serving communities and Veterans. We value our relationships with Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Aboriginal, Metis, Inuit) and we absolutely apologize. Sincerely, BC Yukon Command Provincial O cers and Sta
legionbcyukon.ca
Fall 2012
Page 17
When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It's to enjoy each step along the way, Wayne Dyer.
CELEBRITY PROFILES - Starr Muranko

As a choreographer I am interested in exploring themes connected to land, place, identity and the thread that weaves our lives intricately with the lives and stories of our Ancestors and of future generations. I am intensely curious about the stories that we carry within our DNA, within our bones, our flesh, our ways of being in the world. I strive to create work that has meaning and that allows both the artist and the viewer to expand while becoming more than they thought they/we were. I value ceremony, the practice of being present, of honouring protocol and the shared experience that transcends the perceived limitations of time and space.
up here I only knew my family as far back as my grandmother. Seven: You decided to go to university to study performing arts. What was that experience like? Starr: When I went back to university in my 20s, I got really interested in anthropology and cultural studies. Also became interested in arts and culture. I went to the School for Contemporary Arts at Simon Fraser University, where I graduated with a degree in dance. I met Elder Margaret Harris at the First Nations Student Centre at SFU. I went in that first week of school and felt a bit lost at being in school. I wondered what I was doing there. I went to the Student Centre and that is where I met Mrs. Harris. She is a Cree elder from Churchill, Manitoba. Starr Muranko is a vivacious professional dancer and choreographer and the Artistic Associate with Raven Spirit Dance in Vancouver. She is a traditional and contemporary dancer/ choreographer who has trained and performed throughout the Lower Mainland, San Francisco, New Zealand and Peru. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from SFUs School for the Contemporary Arts and has trained internationally at the Performing Arts School in Ghana, West Africa and the American Conservatory of Theatre in San Francisco. Starr is committed to supporting Indigenous people and the manifestation of their cultures through dance, music and story telling. She honors her mixed heritage of Mtis, Cree and German in all of her work. Seven: When did you start dance? Starr: I started dancing when I was three years old. I remember my mom taking me to one of the community centres and asking if I wanted to do ballet or tap dancing. I did a lot of ballet, jazz and tap when I growing My granny had passed away up. I did that all through my a few years before that. So I childhood and high school. was in that place in my life of really wanting to find out I took a few years off after more about that side of my that. And then in my early family So grandma Harris . 20s I missed it too much. It became my mentor. She is was something I loved and an important elder in my needed to do. It was somelife to this day I remember . thing I enjoyed doing and that day She asked if I . so I started dancing again. wanted to have a cup of And around that time I also tea and we started talking. became interested in my She reminded me a lot of ancestry, particularly my my grandma and we just moms side of the family, started talking Cree stories my Cree ancestry I started . and dances. She invited seeing dance in a different me to meet her family who way . are also the Dancers of I saw dance as a way to Damelahamid. I started connect with a part of to learn the dances and myself, and as a way to was invited by grandma connect with my family . Harris and her late husband I wanted learn my Cree Kennneth Harris to join the language and learn everydance group. thing about Cree people. I I started dancing with them could learn how to dance in 2006. I felt I was doing and I could learn about my a parallel degree. I was culture. I also decided to go working on a contempoback to university . rary arts degree and I was Seven: Which part of immersed in this traditional Canada do you come dance. from? In university I had the Starr: My mother is from opportunity to work on Moose Factory in the James many projects. For one of Bay area. My mom would them, my mom and I went go there for visits and she back to Moose Factory So . would always bring me we started researching a present, such a pair of women from different moccasins her friend Emily generations of my family . had made. We liked going It was the very beginning to the pow wows here in of a piece I just finished Vancouver, but growing this year. In 2011, I took it back to Moose factory with three dancers and my mom. We shared it with the community there. And in 2012 I shared it at the Talking Stick Festival. So it has taken a life of its own. It allowed me to feel more grounded in what I wanted to express in the world with my art. The piece was really well received there in Moose Factory Everybody was . really happy to see me. My grandma had left the community when she was thirty years old and had lost her husband, And she did not want her children going to a residential school. So there was a lot happening. That caused her to leave. It struck me that I was back there and I was in my 30s. I went back there this year with some dancers and they kept thanking me for coming so far to share the dances with them. My cousin, who lives there, organized a day where I could meet with the elders to tell what I was doing there and what the dance piece is about. The elders invited me come to their tables and said I knew who your grandmother was. Everybody really welcomed me. I think there was something about being there and being on the land. The dancers that came there had the opportunity of meeting the people and seeing the landscape. Being down at the river and having smoked goose for dinner. It helped a lot with the dance piece itself. Seven: Are the youth in your home community involved in culture? step dancing. Even the boys knew how to step dance. We were introduced to Barb Chuchu, an amazing step dancer, We somehow got a private jigging dance lesson from her. As early as the 1600s there was a trading post up there. There was a lot of the mixing of the cultures so they danced. The men were from England, Scotland and Ireland. There was a lot of mixing of cultures. And fiddling happened there. So the social thing there was to go out dancing. Seven: What has had the most influence on your professional choreography development? Starr: I would say that something that something the really shaped me is working at Raven Spirit Dance in Vancouver, a contemporary Aboriginal dance company Michelle Olsen . is the artistic director. She has been my mentor. She is someone who has really helped me learn about choreography and development work, there is a shared interest in the perspective that we are doing this work in an Aboriginal context. I felt like I learned a lot from her. Margaret Grenier has been a great source in coming to rehearsals and offering an outside eye. Seeing other peoples work has also helped my development. Seven: How to you stay in shape for dancing?
Starr: Dance is very physical. As you get older you really feel it. You definitely have to keep up with training and developing Starr: One of the neat yourself. If I am dancing things that happened was and rehearsing that really that some of the children helps in terms of keeping fit. came out and learned some of the dances we were doing. When I am not working on a piece I go to the gym and try They learned some of the to stay flexible. I try to stay contemporary dance move. ment. But what they showed really connected to my body Work on my breath. Go for us, which was so great, was walks. As an artist you need some of the traditional to be connected to who you dances they did. They did are. Also need mental and a shawl dance they were spiritual discipline. learning. The girls were 8 - 10 years old and they After a show you are on a were so proud to be showing adrenaline rush. So you their dances. They also did feel pretty good. Feel pretty some jigging. They call it fulfilled. Then the next day you feel tired.
Page 18
Fall 2012
Our actions in every-day life is what determines whether you are happy or not. Dalai Lama.
with Laura Ramirez

Seven: What has led you to teach Indigenous peoples concepts in your parenting books and DVDs? Laura: That's a question that I usually answer right away because I understand that most people are thinking it. I am a non-Native who is married to Larry Ramirez, a Pascua Yaqui Native American man. When I found out that I was pregnant with our first child, I realized how important it was to raise my child with values and customs from both his cultures because I wanted him to grow up to embrace the fullness of his cultural heritage instead of identifying himself as either "this" or "that," which is what happens to a lot of biracial and multiracial children. When I discovered that in most Native cultures, the woman is seen as the keeper of the culture, I knew it was my responsibility to learn all I could about Native beliefs. As I opened myself to learning and stepped beyond my own ethnocentricity, I was awed by the wisdom and beauty in First Nations teachings and practices and wanted to share them with others. When I learned that Native kids have the highest rates of teen pregnancy, suicide and high school dropout of any ethnic group on this continent, I knew that it was my privilege and responsibility to get these ideas out there. I believe that as more and more people reclaim the wisdom in these spiritual beliefs and live from them, a healing of hearts and nations will occur. It is my hope to help facilitate that. Seven: Is your audience primarily Native or non-Native? Laura: It's a mix. For instance, last year, I did a 2-day workshop in Abbotsford, BC with a mixed audience, more than half of whom were Native. There were tribal leaders and elders in attendance. People from various bands attended the workshop as well as people from other cultures. Part of the experience involved really talking to each other about the
Front Row (L to R): Misty Ramirez Charles, Dakotah Ramirez, Colt Ramirez, Kirk Lopez, Laura Ramirez. Back Row (L to R): Rion Ramirez, Larry Ramirez.
Laura: I do, but I don't teach every idea from every band or tribe. It would be impossible because there are so many different ways and stories. What I have done is pick ideas, practices and teaching stories that are universal and lend themselves to a nurturing way of raising children, so What I find is that many that we bring up human Native people (especially beings who care about those who live in urban each other and the environareas) are hungry to learn ment kids who are strong these ideas and practices in their cultural identity because they weren't taught and willing to develop them by their parents. It's the unique strengths and one of the tragedies of talents that the Creator conquest. Some of the placed inside of them, so teachings have been lost they can create meaningful because of conquest, assimi- lives for themselves and lation and because parents also help make the world a didn't want their children better place for all of us. So to suffer the way that their I teach Native parents ideas ancestors did. For instance, that help them to bring out my husband's parents did the strength and beauty not teach him their Native inside each child. Equally language or cultural ways important, I teach parents because they were afraid how to raise children to that he would be punished be strong in their cultural or ridiculed as they were and spiritual values even as kids. One example: when as they learn to successmy husband's mother was a fully navigate the world of child, she was forced to wear mainstream culture. I use a a board as punishment for lot of teaching stories in my speaking her own language. work, so the learning is fun, Most people don't know that engaging and memorable. in the U.S., it only recently Seven: What is the core became legal for Natives to value of your work? practice their religion with the passage of The Freedom Laura: I'd say that it is the opportunity for parents to of Religion Act. This was come together and stand on in 1978, less than 40 years common ground and raise ago. It's shocking that an children who will truly act such as this had to be make a difference with their passed in a country that lives. The world is in such was supposedly founded a precarious place right on freedom of religion. Of now with environmental course, this kind of thing concerns that could signal is not news to most First an end to our species and Nations people. certainly, life as we know it. Seven: Do you teach We can't keep doing things
past, the struggles and pain, current issues, the gulf between aboriginal and mainstream cultures and what we most hope to give our children. As part of my presentation, I invited everyone in attendance to put aside grievances for the common good of the children. This put everyone on common ground. It was quite a transformative experience for all in attendance.
ideas from different First Nations in your parenting workshops?
the way that we've done them in the past. Einstein once said, "You can't solve a problem at the level at which is was created." This is why I believe that change begins at home with the way we raise our children and the beliefs and values that we cultivate in them. We need to raise a generation of children who have the courage to develop what the Creator placed in their hearts so they can grow into adults who bring their unique strengths, values and perspectives to the table. We need to raise a generation of children who are innovators, not imitators kids who understand that man's capacity for consciousness dictates his role as caretaker of Mother Earth and all the life that She supports.
raise good people. If we want kids to learn, then we have to be willing to teach them. In my work, I teach parents that discipline is about teaching children to develop the self-discipline to make good choices, even when adults aren't watching. Another important goal is to teach children to make choices that are moral and humane choices that consider the best for everyone involved. When you teach your children in this way, you raise leaders and you have the beginnings of diplomacy and real concern and compassion for others. The ultimate goal of discipline is to teach the child to lead himself. Seven: What is your favorite teaching story?
Laura: This story comes from my husband's tribe: Seven: What else do you the Pascua Yaqui tribe of teach that is of value to Tucson, Arizona. It's the parents? story of turquoise, but Laura: In my soon-toof course, what it really be-released DVD series, shows us is what turquoise Parenting the Native Way, I means to southwest Native give parents a new take on American tribes. My discipline. In mainstream husband shared this story society, discipline is viewed with me when I was pregthe same as punishment. nant and it has continued Parents use tactics like to inspire me throughout blame, shame, punishmy childrearing years, ment and humiliation in even though our two boys, an attempt to control and Dakotah Sage and Coltan shape child behavior. This is Santana, are now 18 and 16 not the Native way these years old. are ideas that were adopted Here's the story: "Native from mainstream culture. In a sense, we treat our kids people believe that when a like criminals, disregarding woman is pregnant, she has the fact that they don't come a piece of turquoise in her womb. When that piece of into the world knowing turquoise is born into the how to behave in a variety world, it is the parents job of social situations. These tactics just demean children not to break it or shape it into something other than and teach them to feel bad about themselves. Teaching what it is, but to polish it until its unique beauty children to feel bad about themselves is not how you (continued on page 19)
Fall 2012
Page 19
Every day, think as you wake up: Today I am fortunate to have woken up, I am alive. I have a precious human life. I am not going to waste it."
with Orene Johnston

By Flavio Caron
Seven: Who has been the biggest influence on your business? Orene: My Sister Jina Johnston-Hall, she's the Department Head of HR for The Squamish Nation and has shown me that hard work and dedication eventually pays off. I want to get to her level, but with DJing. Seven: When you are listening to music, what do you listen to right now? Orene: My iPod includes: Trey Songz, Cold Play, Queen, Handsome Furs, Kings of Leon, Tank, Beyonce', Drake, Kanye West, Chief Rock, DJ Kenya, Maxwell, Stereo Lab, Dead Mouse, Jay Z, Nas, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, AC DC, Michael Jackson, Ne-Yo, Bobby Valentino, Frank Ocean. Seven: If you have one strength that are you admired for, what is it? Orene: My energy, I have no idea where it comes from but I always want people to have fun and a good time when I'm around, hence being a DJ ! Seven: Where do you see yourself in 5 years with your business? Orene: I want my business to thrive which would include hiring Native Youth and travelling to different Native communities across the country to speak at Youth Conferences to show them if I can do it so can they . Seven: If you have an evening free on a weekend, where can you most likely be found?
DJ Orene Johnston
Orene: Getting new music, making cue points, and making mixes. Seven: Can we follow you on twitter? Orene: Yes, @DJ_Oshoa Seven: If you could be introduced to one person in the world, who would that be? Orene: Oprah Winfrey .
Subscribe to today!
$20.00 / yearly subscription
SEVEN is published four times a year featuring stories on Indigenous art, culture, entertainment and news. Pay online via PayPal or Make cheque payable to: SEVEN - Your Indigenous News Source. 443 W. 3rd St. North Vancouver, BC, V7M1G6
Contact Orene: djohshow@ gmail.com and 778-223-2790
www.sevenindigenousnews.com
(continued from page 18) comes to light." I believe that we all come into the world unpolished stones. We need someone to polish us, so our unique beauty and strengths can come to light. This is what I show parents how to doto polish the turquoise that is their child, so the child's unique gifts and talents can be seen, claimed and developed by the child and used for the good of the people. People who care about other people, who have respect for ideas and values that are different than their own and care about Mother Earth and the future of humanity Those people . need to join hands so that everything we do and every choice we make is with an eye toward the Seventh Generation.
People can find out more about "Keepers of the I wrote a story using this Children" and "Parenting teaching story that starts the Native Way" by going to off my book, Keepers of the www.keepersofthechildren. Children: Native American com or walk-in-peace.com. I Wisdom and Parenting. It is am also creating a 6-week a story that shows parents online program called, what it really means to "Native Parenting Step by "polish the turquoise" to Step" that allows parents to be the keeper of a child. It learn at their own pace, ask emphasizes our important me questions, share stories, role as stewards. concerns and support Seven: What would you like each other. I am looking for parents who would like to leave people with and to participate in the first where can they find out class which will start in more about your work? November. I am also develLaura: I think my message oping an online course for resonates very much at-risk teens to help them with yours. It's time for reclaim spiritual beliefs, all people, aboriginal and discover their strengths non-aboriginal, to rise to and learn to walk between the challenge of our times. two worlds. We can't continue what Laura often answers we've been doing. We need questions on her to come together, dig deep, parenting message live thoughtfully and carry boards at: our values with us in every parenting-childaction we take, especially with regard to how we raise development.com/ parenting-messageour children. There are good people in every culture. boards.html
Contemporary Native Art and Fine Native Jewellery
Page 20
Fall 2012
Trust Honour Respect

Seven Fall Final Sept7

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Seven Fall Final Sept7

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Native Parenting Wisdom

All that Pizzazz

Affix Mailing Label Here

SEVEN - Your Indigenous News Source

xwexwseken Mountain Goat

and geometric shapes which are spiritually significant.

SEVEN - Your Indigenous News Source

Enbridge "achieving sustainable benefits"

Message from Enbridge President Al Monaco: The Facts About Pipelines

Commitment to First Nations and Mtis Communities

tion of energy that millions of people rely on in their daily lives.

SEVEN - Your Indigenous News Source

By Latash -Maurice Nahanee

Small Business Tips

SEVEN - Your Indigenous News Source

Making your land your home By Richard Wagamese

invests in Aboriginal communities.

Songhees Wellness Centre, Vancity member.

SEVEN - Your Indigenous News Source

Building Change in BC Apprenticeable Trades

SEVEN - Your Indigenous News Source

KWIKWETLEM welcome the return of

of Environment near the

9:30am - 4:00pm 9:30am - 5:00pm 9:30am - 4:00pm

SEVEN - Your Indigenous News Source

Artist Speak with Xwa Lack Tun By Latash -Maurice Nahanee

Xwa-lack-tun - Rick Harry Photo by Latash. .

seven News Source - Your Indigenous

SEVEN - Your Indigenous News Source

By Latash -Maurice Nahanee

Monumental sculpture honours the salmon

Chief Jim Hart. Photo by Latash.

Chief Jim Hart carving at the Bill Ried Gallery .

SEVEN - Your Indigenous News Source

GOLFERS SUPPORT TRADES AND TRAINING PROGRAM

All Photos by Latash -Maurice Nahanee

Its cool to be cool.

First one he made today .

SEVEN - Your Indigenous News Source

THE NEXT GENERATION IN ASSESSMENT TOOLS

BIGGER. 100+ OCCUPATIONS. BETTER. 6+ SKILLS ASSESSED. FASTER. IMMEDIATE RESULTS.

AboriginalSkills.ca E info@aboriginalskills.ca T 604-925-2180 F 604-925-2181

n Pearson. Mr. Bell with his so

SEVEN - Your Indigenous News Source

Marissa Nahanee with Morris Bates, Elvis Impersonator

for booking contact: ph. 778 288 7377 e. maurice_nahanee@ yahoo.com

SEVEN - Your Indigenous News Source

All Photos by Latash - Maurice Nahanee

Squamish Nation Seven A Side Soccer Tournament

SEVEN - Your Indigenous News Source

A Profession of Honour with Chef Andrew George

f db ty o au y the lex be comp

original cul d Ab tur n es ea r atu n

SEVEN - Your Indigenous News Source

BOOKS RICH WITH CULTURE!

NATIVENORTHWEST.COM Vancouver, canada

SEVEN - Your Indigenous News Source

2014 North American Indigenous Games

I quote others only in order the better to express myself, Montaigne.

Lara Mussell. Photo by Latash.

SEVEN - Your Indigenous News Source

CELEBRITY PROFILES - Starr Muranko