Secwepemc News Feb 2012

PELLKWET’MIN/PELLTSIPWEN’TEN 2012 Secwepemc NEWS 1

A monthly publication serving the people and communities of the Shuswap Nation

SHUSWAP

NATION

NEWSPELLKWT’MIN/

PELLTSIPWEN’TENJANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

• SEXQELTQÍN

ADAMS LAKE

• ST’UXWTÉWS

BONAPARTE

• TSQ’ÉSCEN

CANIM LAKE

• STSWÉCEMC/

XGÉT’TEM’

CANOE/DOG

CREEK

• ESK’ÉT

ALKALI LAKE

• LLENLLENÉY’TEN

HIGH BAR

• TK’EMLÚPS

KAMLOOPS

• QW7EWT

LITTLE SHUSWAP

• SK’ATSIN

NESKONLITH

• SIMPCW

NORTH

THOMPSON

• TSK’WÉYLECW

PAVILION

• KENPÉSQ’T

SHUSWAP

• SKÍTSESTN

SKEETCHESTN

• XATS’ÚLL

SODA CREEK

• SPLATSÍN

SPALLUMCHEEN

• T’ÉXELC

WILLIAMS LAKE

• STIL’QW/

PELLT’ÍQ’T

WHISPERING

PINES/CLINTON

The voice of theBy Charli Fortier The Secwepemc Nation gathered on January 14th in Simpcw to celebrate the songs and dances of the Secwepemc people. The celebration was held in conjunction with Simpcw’s annual Winter Solstice. The gathering started at 1pm with a few free games of Bingo. Community members and guests also had the choice of crafting stations that was set up throughout the gymnasium. Audrey Haller taught how to make dream catchers, Mike Loring ran a necklace station using antler and other animal bones. Other stations such as card making and kids crafts were taken care of by Simpcw community volunteers. The celebration then focused on Secwepemc Songs and Dances. Garry Gottfriedson of Tk’emlups led the hand drummers in various Secwepemc songs. The first was the Welcome Song. As the drummers sang the song, a handful of women (including both youth and Elders) danced and welcomed the people. A few of

the other songs that were sung and danced to were: twilight, maiden, swan, horse, salmon and the farewell song. The twilight song was traditionally danced in groups of three. The groups were made up of siblings, either two boys and a girl, or two girls and a boy. This was a competition dance. Siblings throughout the Secwepemc Nation would compete amongst each other in this fun-filled dance. Another exciting dance was the maiden dance. The Secwepemc women participated in this dance. It was very important, as it was used for young maidens to find their partners. Elder Charlotte Manual explained that the women would dance and at one point face a young man and offer her heart to him. He would then either accept by opening his arms and offering his love, or he would decline by turning away. This would signify that the young man was not ready at that time to accept the responsibility of being a strong provider and companion. The salmon song has a

dance that is done by a man and a woman. The song is lead by the men, and followed by the women. This shows the mutual respect that men and women have for each other. The floor was then open for song sharing and representatives from different Secwepemc communities shared some powerful songs. The songs and dances were concluded with the farewell song and dance and a presentation by Garry Gottfriedson. He explained that the Secwepemc Songs and Dances started back in August 2011. It was the vision of the small group that attended that the songs and dances of the Secwepemc people be revived and celebrated. An idea was brought forward that the event rotate throughout the Secwepemc communities and Tk’emlups Indian Band was the first to step forward and host the songs and dances in September. Simpcw agreed to organize the winter event and the location of the spring songs and dances was up in the air. That was until Splatsín showed a strong interest in learning and bringing back the songs and dances. Chief Wayne Christian and Elder Shirley Bird accepted the responsibility on behalf of their community and will host the Secwepemc Songs and Dances in May. Kukwstsemc to Simpcw Chief and Council, Health Department, and Social Development Department for sponsoring this event. Also, thank you to all the volunteers who made this event a huge success! Congratulations to the stickgame tournament winners: 1st Sewllkwe, 2nd Mary Louis’ team, 3rd Coyote Crossing.

Secwepemc SongS and danceS In SImpcw TerrITory

2 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012Secwepemc NEWS

All are welcome to list any upcoming meetings and events in this space. Please give us a call at (778) 471-5789 or fax us at (778) 471-5792 or E-mail us at [email protected].

Deadline: Last WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH

Calendar of Community EVENTS

Circulation 4,000Secwepemc News is

published monthly

OUR MISSION is to provide a forum for members of the 17 Shuswap Bands

to discuss and learn more about the issues, news and events taking place

in the Shuswap Nation; to promote awareness of Secwepemc language,

culture and history; to recognize the individual accomplishments of

community members; and to provide a vehicle for the outside community

to learn more about the history, current affairs and future goals of the

Secwepemc people.

You can reach our Editorial Office by phone: (778) 471-5789

by fax: (778) 471-5792by e-mail: [email protected];

or by mail: c/o Secwepemc Cultural Education Society 274A Halston Connector

Road, Kamloops, BC V2H 1J9

We appreciate and rely on the Shuswap communities for their stories and activity

reports. Kukwstep-kucw

The voice of the Shuswap Nation

NEWS

Secwepemctsín

Wel me7 yews

“Preserving Our

Language”

EditorLouise

Alphonse

Language PageKathy Manuel

ContributorsDalla PowderFrank AntoineCharli FortierWalter Quinlan

Stsmemelt ProjectBev Sellars

Rick DeneaultErin Casper

Leona McKayIrene Lubicon

Wayne Christian

Aboriginal Artisans CatalogueCFDC of Central Interior First Nations is creating a catalogue for First Nations Artisans living within BC. This is a great opportunity for First Nations Artisans to create and maintain a portfolio of their art and to create an artisans biography of themselves. It would also be appreciated if you could print the Artisans Portfolio Form and keep these forms on hand for your members and/or clients to complete and email them to Erin Casper at: [email protected] or fax them to her at: (250) 828-9972Please feel free to distribute this information to your contacts.Erin at (250) 314-1527 orMarie Baptiste, Provincial CoordinatorAboriginal Business Services Network Society#215 – 345 Yellowhead Hwy.Kamloops, BCV2H 1H1 Telephone: (250) 828-9834Fax: (250) 828-9972Website: www.absn.ca

ANNUAL Valentines Pow Wow in LillooetFebruary 10 to 12, 2012Everyone Welcome !Concession On Site,Committee Reserves the right to ALL FOOD SALES & Raffles for fundraising, coming out specials,Princess PageantCraft Vendors, $100 a weekend per table.Call 250 256 0255 or email [email protected] for more info.Please contact Leona or Ruby McKay on Facebook or email if you have any donations to provide for the meals.

Nenqayni Choices Group has a raffle: 2 Montreal vs Vancouver NHL hockey tickets, section 102-121 side by side seats, $10.00 each or 3 for $20.00 draw date will be February 11, 2012 at the Valentines Choices Dance at Sugar Cane hall, hosted by Nenqayni Choices Group contact any of the Nenqayni staff @ 250-989-0301

Aboriginal Friendship Centre is Inviting Adults and Elders to attend their FREE SECWEPEMC LANGUAGE SESSIONS, every THURSDAY from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM started on January 10th, and is at 2355 Parkcrest Avenue, a light snack and coffee is provided. For more information contact Andrea at (250) 376-1617

ESK’ETEMC BAND ELECTION for5 Councillors will be held Wednesday, February 29th, 2012 from 9 am to 8 pm at the Sxoxomic School GymAnyone not able to vote on Election Day can pick up a ballot package from Robyn Robbins at the Administration Office.If you have any Questions? Please call:Bruce Mack, Electoral Officer @ 250-392-6867 orRobyn Robbins, Deputy Electoral Officer @ 250-440-5611

Wishing you All Safe and Happy Valentine’s Day and the Best to All Candidates Running for Council Positions, and to all who have lost loved ones.Our Prayers and Thoughts go out to the Families

“In the time of the Seventh Fire, a New People would emerge. They would retrace their steps to find the wisdom that was left by the side of the trail long ago. Their steps would take them to the elders, who they would ask to guide them on their journey. If the New People remain strong in their quest, the sacred drum will again sound its voice. There will be an awakening of the people, and the sacred fire will again be lit. At this time, the light-skinned race will be given a choice between two roads. One road is the road of greed and technology without wisdom or respect for life. This road represents a rush to destruction. The other road is spirituality, a slower path that includes respect for all living things. If we choose the spiritual path, we can light yet another fire, an Eighth Fire, and begin an extended period of Peace and healthy growth.”

-- Grandfather William Commanda, Chief of the Indians of the Americas, Founder, Circle of All Nations Prophecy of the Seven Fires of the Anishnabe, From Ancient Wampum Belt

Simpcw Band members: Are any Simpcw Band or community members interested in taking the “Train the Trainer” program though Crisis Prevention (CPI). This training provides certification for a person to train trainees in our community in the area of Nonviolent Crisis Intervention skills – learn how to defuse challenging and disruptive behaviour before an incident escalates to a crisis situation. Facilitation, effective communication, and group dynamics will be an asset.February 21 – 24, 20128:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. each dayHoodoos at Sun Rivers1000 Clubhouse Drive, Kamloops, BCFor further details please contact Geri Matthew, Health Manager. Submit your expression of interest by February 8, 2012 by email, fax or hand delivery.

Simpcw Nominations for Chief and Councillors will be held on March 4, 2012 from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Community Hall. Copies of the Simpcw Custom Election Regulations, and any of the forms for the nomination process can we obtained from the website www.simpcw.com or call Shyla Neighbour, receptionist at the office. (250) 672-9995.

Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the Electors of LSIB will be held at the Little Shuswap Hall, Squilax, BC on the 12th Day of Feburary, 2012 from 10:00 o’clock AM until 12:00 o’clock PM of the same day for the purpose of nominating candidates for election to the LSLIB Council. A copy of the list of Electors i posted in the Band Administration Building located at Squilax, BC.


“Culture is the whole complex of relationships, knowledge, languages, social institutions, beliefs, values and ethical rules that bind a people together and give a collective and its individual memers a sense of who they are and where they belong” Leenaar, A et al, 1999

Pell7emetmín/Pellkwetmín - “stay at home month” Yi7éne te mégcen m-kiyéyes re tmicw. Yirí7 re m-tá7ews

put k s7estpenlléxws re Secwépemc te c7es7ístktens.This is the month it was freezing on the land. The Secwépemc did not go out of their winter homes.

Tsqwmus Vocabulary

le q7éses long agoxwexwéyt everythingne7élye at this placetmicw world/landtsʼílem similarqelmúcw peopleqwel7eyentwécw conversingméte together withtsqwmús sucker fishkwemtús all the timeweswísentsut showing offllgwilc jumpwelíkt glitterténwen fish skintsúntem he was toldstemét friendtá7us do notxylem behave in similar fashionxéne hurtTqeltkúkwpi7 Creatorkélnem obeyxlítentem he/they were summoneds7i7llcw othersxenwéllen able to do something/learntsʼexítc look at his/her

Tsqwmus Le q7éses, qelmúcw lu7 xwexwéyt e stemLong ago, everything was similar to man

Re tsqwmus kwemtús re sweswísentsút.sThe suckerfish was always showing off.

Cucw! W7ec re tsʼentsútes ne séwllkwe kwemtús re tsqwmusOh! The suckerfish was always looking at himself in the water.

M-llwilc-ekwe te séwllkwe tem tsut-k stsúkwes newí7s k le7 tucw k stsexténsHe jumped in the water thinking he was the best looking.

W7ec tri7 wel q7es, yerí7 sllwícs ne setétkwe well estpúll,

For along time he was jumping and splashing in the river.

Ne7éne put ne scenc re estké7es wel m-estllíqw le tsqwmus,Suddenly suckerfish smashed up againt this rock,

Xwexweyt ne7éne le qweqú7lls m-llnitst ne scencénc.

his bones were splattered all over the rocks.

Qwenqwént! Le tsqwmus. Ta7 k sxenwéllenʼs e xíllems then!Poor suckerfish. There was nothing that he could do.

Yerí7 s kectém te qweqú7ll te stemtemét.s. His friends gave him their bones.

Re teníye, re tsʼi7, re kenkéknem, xwexwéyt nerí7 pyin me7 wiktc te qweqú7lls ne tsqwmus pyin.Now everyone will see the bones of the moose, the deer and the bear in suckerfish.


MOVIE: 8th fIrE, Indigenous in the City.Airing Thursday January 12 at 9 pm on CBC-TV & Friday January 13 at 10 pm ET/PT on CBC News Network or WATCH IT ONLINE at: http://www.cbc.ca/doczone/8thfire//2011/11/indigenious-in-the-city.html More than half of Canada’s Aboriginal population now lives in cities. They sometimes call themselves “Concrete Indians”. And they are challenging stereotypes. In the opening episode of the four-part series 8TH Fire, host Wab Kinew, from the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation in Northern Ontario, and now a Winnipeg-based TV journalist, invites us to come “meet the neighbours”. It’s about time, since many Canadians say they have never met an Aboriginal person. This vibrant kaleidoscopic hour, introduces a diverse cast of Indigenous characters living in the cities. They are united in a shared bond as Canada’s First Peoples and in their determination to reassert their culture within a wider population of non-Indigenous Canadians. “Winnipeg’s Most” are three rising-star rappers, trying to move past their own struggles by using their music to charm kids away from gangster life. In Montreal, Nakuset was adopted in the 1970s by Jewish parents and now, against their wishes, embraces her Aboriginal ancestry. She raises her own kids in their Aboriginal culture and runs a native women’s shelter. In Vancouver we meet siblings Herb Dixon and Leslie Varley. Leslie holds a senior

position in BC health, but her much-loved brother has spent years trying to get out of the drug-plagued Downtown East Side. Together their story offers a powerful and moving look at the ties that bind. Jordin Tootoo, the first Inuk to play in the NHL, escapes the pressure of urban life with trips back to shoot the puck around in Rankin Inlet. In the art markets of Paris, Montreal and Toronto, the work of Cree artist Kent Monkman sells for six figures. His work is fun and subversive, challenging our most widely accepted notions of the colonial relationship. Litigation lawyer Renée Pelletier works in a law office in the big towers of Toronto, but embraces her Maliseet culture. Successful graphic novelist Steve Keewatin Sanderson loves debunking the notion that as an Aboriginal artist he would only draw buffaloes. In Winnipeg, Ron Linklater teaches Aboriginal ways to aspiring community workers, many of whom are immigrants who have incorporated stereotypical ideas about Canada’s First Peoples. Dr. Evan Adams, famous for his acting role in the movie Smoke Signals, plays a real-life role as BC’s first Aboriginal Physician Advisor. Kahnawake Mohawk Taiaiake Alfred, an ex-marine, now provocative professor at the University of Victoria, forces us to question our ideas about the place of Aboriginal people in Canada. As Edith Cloutier, an Algonquin who runs the Native Friendship Centre in Val d’Or, Quebec, says: “Nobody’s going anywhere. Everybody’s here to stay. Now, how do we work it out together?”

Simpcw Songs and Dances in Simpcw Territory

trU StArt – AbOrIgInAl COhOrt 2012 Thompson Rivers University and School District #73 have created an exciting oppor-tunity for students to earn university credits while completing their Grade 12 graduation requirements. In the first year students will spend their first semester completing high school graduation requirements. In their second semester they will attend Thompson Rivers University and take three academic first year courses on campus. The Aboriginal cohort has thirteen students (eleven from SD73 and two from SD74) beginning their coursework at TRU on January 31st. They will be in a class on their own and will receive academic and cultural support from the Aboriginal men-toring team at TRU, elders and other staff from the TRU Gathering House. Students have been preparing for their transition to post secondary by taking part in several meetings with their professors and the Advisory Committee throughout the fall. Most notably, they participated in a three day orientation camp at McQueen Lake with TRU Aboriginal mentors, TRU

elders, professors, their First Nations Education Workers, and members of the Advisory team. The orientation allowed students to become familiar with university expectations and to develop supportive, collaborative relationships. Students are excited about this excellent opportunity and are ready to go. They will complete their university courses in April and will be graduating with their high school peers in June.

Charlotte Manual shares the dances

Below: Charli Fortier and others doing the dances


CRAIG NIXONLawyer

Working with First NationsSince 1982

880 - 175 2nd Avenue, Kamloops, BC V2C 5W1

Phone: 250- 374-1555

Fax: 250-374-9992E-mail: [email protected]

January 4, 2012 By Robert KoopmansDaily News Staff Reporter Leo Dinicolo had no idea his land beside his Heffley Creek mobile home park was an important First Nations cultural site. It wasn’t until he decided to augment his park’s water supply that he found out, and it’s a lesson that will cost him $12,000. Why? B.C.’s Heritage Conservation Act requires anyone who wishes to do work in a designated cultural area to get a permit first, and to do so requires an archeological assessment. That report, not yet completed, will cost him $12,000, said Dinicolo, and the local firm that agreed to do it was the best price. It would have cost him $17,000 to have a Vancouver firm do the report. Dinicolo said all he wants to do is run a pipe underground for about 40 metres from his well to the North Thompson River in order to pump some extra water to the well at times of the year when the groundwater well runs low. He plans to use directional drilling equipment, meaning he does not need to dig a trench. Regardless, the work requires permission from the guardians of B.C.’s heritage, in order to ensure sensitive historical artifacts are not disturbed or destroyed. How does the government know there are artifacts there, lurking beneath the soil? It doesn’t. Peter Lishman, the Interior director of resource authorizations for the Ministry of Natural Resource Operations,

Cultural site costs landowner $12,000, report required, Gov’t sayssaid the land’s designation as a cultural site follows a mapping effort done by government years ago. Researchers prepared maps of cultural sites based on aboriginal oral history, marking any area known to have been used in the past as culturally important. Lishman agrees there might be no artifacts near Dinicolo’s property, but there might be. The requirement to obtain an archeological assessment is designed to protect B.C.’s aboriginal heritage from being needlessly lost. “For 98 per cent of the time people have lived in British Columbia, no written records were made. Archaeological sites and oral tradition are the only vestiges of a rich history extending back at least 12,000 years,” states the government’s archeology website. “This resource is of great value to First Nations, local communities and the general public. We need to protect and conserve this rich but fragile legacy. “The Provincial Government recognizes the importance of archaeological sites through the Heritage Conservation Act. Under this Act, the Archaeology Branch is responsible for maintaining and distributing archaeological information and deciding if permits can be issued to allow development to take place within protected sites.” Consultants can provide landowners with solid advice about how to proceed with their work while minimizing the potential for disturbance to historically important areas, Lishman said.

Even if no one knows they are there. Lishman said the map of cultural sites is not a public document, as the branch fears sites could be exploited by those seeking historical artifacts for personal purposes. Then how are landowners to know their land is deemed culturally important?“On private land, it is a bit of a challenge,” he agreed. “That is a good question.”People can ask B.C.’s archeology branch to check their records and indicate if land is known to be a cultural site, he added. The government expects anyone who begins work and finds something underground — either human remains or artifacts — to stop work immediately and report the find. The legislation applies on private land as well as Crown land. He suggested those who are in doubt about the nature of their land should contact local First Nations bands and ask about what they know of the sites. Such investigation is worthwhile. In fact, most local bands have their own archeological assessment staff to help with these sorts of inquiries. Dinicolo said he will pay the money required to get his archeological assessment, as he wants to provide his tenants with decent water service. The report adds considerable cost to the project, however. “ If I want to get this through, I have to pay it. What am I going to do?” he said. “The lady told me, who knows if there is a (burial site) in there? They have to inspect

the soil to see if there is something in the soil.” Representatives from Golder Associates, the firm hired by Dinicolo to do the archeological assessment, could not be reached for comment.

Congratulations goes out to Judy Wilson for being re-eleCted KuKpi7 for the nesKonlith indian band. the CounCillors are; roCK deneault randy sam

Joan manuel martin sauls

arthur anthony Karen august

Happy Birthday and

Connie Marie Christopher on February 17th


News bulletin

January 2012

Séwem ell s7éytsen Séwem: Who is Barb McLean, the new Community Engagement Facilitator?

S7éytsen: I’m excited about joining the Stsmémelt Project and am pleased to bring forward my years of experience in preventative community programming to support this important work. During the past 10 years I’ve been involved with Aboriginal Head Start Programs on Reserve and other Early Years initiatives. I’m currently working towards my Masters but at heart I’m an Early Childhood Educator and I fully embrace the philosophy that it does take a village to raise a child. - Barb

L to R: Kukpi7s (Canim Lake) Mike Archie, (Neskonlith) Judy Wilson, (Bonaparte) Terry Porter, Hon. Mary McNeil, (Enderby) Wayne Christian, (Esket) Fred Robbins, (Xatsull) Bev Sellars, (Williams Lake) Annie Louie.

Submitted by Kelly Connor On December 9th, MCFD Minister Mary McNeil met with the Project’s Working Group for an update and dialogue. Next steps: to solidify a working relationship through a Political and Operational Tripartite Agreement. The Minister believes that “we are heading in the right direction” and encourages a partnership as she feels the Project’s work will have an impact in the long term. In March 2012, the Tek’wemiple7 unit, Doreen and 2 youth are going to the University of Saskatchewan to present at an Indigenous Law Making Conference. A wonderful time to meet with other First Nations in Canada who are doing similar work! Community EngagEmEnt We’d like to introduce Barb McLean; Community Engagement Facilitator! She will work with the Southern Secwepemc communities and has the same job responsibilities as Amy Sandy. Amy will concentrate on her work with Elder and Language Councils to produce a Child and Family Secwépemctsín dictionary. The Project’s plans to move forward into Year 3 are underway! The team is especially excited about the reveal of some individual community plan frameworks on January 17 by the respective community coordinators. tEk’wémiplE7 REsEaRCh unit 2012 will be a big year for Troy Hunter and Kelly Connor in the Tek’wemiple7 Research Unit. They will continue to gather information on traditional Secwepemc customs. A top priority will be to begin drafting a legal framework to obtaining jurisdiction for Secwepemc children and families using research findings.

Submitted by Walter Quinlan Earlier this winter, the Stk’emlupsemc te Secwepemc division (SSN) brought together friends, family and business partners to formally name the John Jules Tuwiwt te Qwispcen Professional Buildings. It was also a chance to celebrate the signing of their Partnership Agreement with New Gold. “These buildings represent our campfires coming together,” said John’s sister Jeannette Jules, Councillor (Tk’emlups). “He took a pro-active approach to title and rights and SSN was part of that,” she added. Chief Shane Gottfriedson (Tk’emlups) recalled that “when I first became chief, the first person I met about land claims was John. He just put out his hand and said, ‘Don’t worry, we’ll get it done.’ The Partnership Agreement with New Gold’s New Afton Mine is a good example of what it takes to get it done. “After many drafts, we now have a business arrangement that covers employment and training, revenue sharing and contracts and partnerships,” said Chief Gottfriedson. It’s a “model” agreement that other First Nations have travelled to SSN to learn about.

New Gold was recognized for the steps that they’ve taken to work with the Secwepemc. “They came and met and talked with us first,” said Chief Rick Deneault (Skeetchestn). “I respect New Gold for what they did. Kukstemc.”Bob Gallagher, New Gold’s President and Chief Executive Officer began his response by thanking everyone for the “heartfelt” welcoming. He spoke of New Gold’s long-term responsibilities at the New Afton Mine site. “We’re here for awhile and we’re gone, but, we want to leave it properly and return it as much as possible to its original state.” His goal is that when all the work is done, people will look back at the partnership with New Gold and say, “We’re better off because they were here.” Ron Allum, vice president Canadian operations, then presented Clarence and Delores Jules with rock samples collected from his walks with their son. “I was taught about the things that are important to your communities by John,” said Mr. Allum. SSN then presented the Jules family with framed picture of a buffalo and arrow head. Clarence and Delores accepted their gifts by sharing their thoughts of their son and on the importance of education. “In our family we’re taught from a young age to carry on traditional ways,” John’s son Sisiasket said afterwards. “We’re also taught that to compete, to live, we have to learn and have an education,” he added. Sisiasket is a certified archaeologist’s assistant who has continued his father’s work in the field. Currently there are about 80 people from Skeetchestn and Tk’emlups employed at the mine. Looking ahead, Chief Deneault said there’s a sense of “excitement” as the 2012 production date nears.

The naming of the Tuwiwt te Qwispcen Building In Honour of John Jules

Left: Chief Rick Deneault, Glen Deneault and Chief Shane Gottfriedson, Below: Delores, Clarence Jules and Martha Manuel, New Gold Below: Group photo


Native American Horoscope

Many Native American cultures have myths and legends where animals are the main characters or play an important role in teaching the younger generation important life lessons. Some of these cultures have created a belief system, or zodiac, based on animal guides.

The horoscopes on this page are based on Native American beliefs. Due to the number of indigenous tribes, who do not all have the same beliefs, we have selected some of the more widely accepted zodiacs and totems.

When an animal's name is underlined you can click on that name and it will bring you to a page of totem information about that animal. If you would like to see what we have in our gift shop for each animal click here.

January 20 to February 18 (Aquarius)Otter, MagpieOtters are playful, prophetic animals. Otter people are creative, and logical. They have high ideals and tend to seek more from others than is reasonable. They seek the truth above all else. February 19 to March 20 (Pisces)Wolf, Cougar, WhaleThe wolf is graceful, has initiative, and loves freedom. Wolf people are generally very trusting, and generous with deep feelings towards their loved ones. Their ultimate goal is to find and keep love in their life.

March 21 to April 19 (Aries)Hawk, Falcon WolfThe hawk is a messenger of insight, adaptability and openness. Hawk people aim to initiate and lead, and may be impulsive from time to time. They want to establish individuality while still being accepted by the group. April 20 to May 20 (Taurus)Elk, BeaverThe elk is a strong, handsome and proud animal who can be aggressive if challenged. The beaver is an industrious builder with unlimited patience. Elk people are very industrious and find security through possession. They are eager to discover and possess something which has lasting value.

May 21 to June 20 (Gemini)Eagle, DeerThe eagle can see extraordinarily well, is

very strong willed, and graceful. Eagle people are great observers, have great intuition and creativity. They try to bring things together and better them through creative actions.

June 21 to July 21 (Cancer)Salmon, Woodpecker, FlickerSalmon strive to return home after a long journey. Salmon people are home-loving, giving and sensitive. They are also very imaginative and sometimes moody. Their goal in life is to live in harmony with the environment.

July 22 to August 22 (Leo)Cougar, Salmon, SturgeonThe cougar is swift, graceful, spontaneous, and determined. Cougar people make great leaders and are courageous, ambitious and determined to succeed. They want to find purpose in life and to dominate what they do best.

August 23 to September 21 (Virgo)Owl, BearOwls are very observant and sensible. Owl people are intelligent, well spoken and discreet. Their eye for detail often makes them perfectionist. They must cultivate tolerance and optimism.

September 22 to October 22 (Libra)Raven, Crow, DoveThe raven is intelligent, cleaver and mystical. Raven people are peace loving, idealistic and charming. They long for harmony in the community and must stay away from uncertainty and inconsistency. October 23 to November 22 (Scorpio)Snake, EelThe snake is mysterious, intuitive and is the epitome of transformation. Snake people aim for satisfaction and thrive on praise. They require great self-discipline and will power to control their harsh natures.

November 23 to Dec 21 (Sagittarius)Horse, Owl, ElkThe horse is a wise and strong animal which possesses great stamina. Horse people are determined, sincere and understanding. They are also inquisitive, generous and trustworthy.

December 22 to Jan 19 (Capricorn)Bear, GooseBears are quiet, swift and very protective of their family. Bear people are cautious, independent and hardworking. They adapt well to new situations and value tradition over technology.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the kind of world I’d like to see, and what it would take to make that world a reality. I think, having recently discovered the First Nations Ten Commandments (in the Elders Gathering program) that they just might be the key to the kind of world I would wish for. Remain close to the Great Spirit. When we are close to the great spirit, to the life force that lives in and through us all, we are able to focus on the things that matter……family, friendship, and the celebration of life’s beauty, rather than getting caught up in false things like greed. Show and give respect to your fellow beings. Who wouldn’t want to live in a world where people treated each other, and other living beings, with respect? Where the commandment to respect the fish, and the animals that drink from our watersheds would preclude anyone dumping toxic waste into lakes and streams?Give assistance wherever needed. A world with more sharing and more caring, would bloom from this commandment. Be truthful and honest at all times. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to trust not only each other, but corporations and the government? A better world would be one where honesty is the rule. Do what you know to be right. I believe that each of us is born with a moral compass, that each of us, way deep inside, knows the truth of our actions, and how they will impact the world.

A World According to the First nAtions ten commAndments

Look after the being of mind and body. The world I dream of is a world filled with healthy bodies and healthy minds. If we don’t take care of ourselves, how can we take care of each other? Take responsibility for your actions. Enough with the excuses! We never learn unless we admit when we are wrong. Besides, if we don’t take credit for our mistakes, it is difficult to celebrate our successes. Dedicate your efforts to the greater good. Can you imagine a society where everybody, every man, woman and child was dedicated to making life better for everyone? That would be a wonderful society to live in. Work together for the benefit of all humanity. The only way that things will change for the better is if we all work together to build the world we want to see. It won’t be easy, there are lots of problems to fix, but nothing is impossible when we work together. Together we are invincible…together we are strong. Treat the earth and all on it with respect. Lastly, but most importantly, we have to treat the earth with respect, because without it, where would we live? When we disrespect the earth we are disrespecting ourselves, the earth is a part of us, it is in everything we eat, in the water we drink and the air we breathe. I hope everyone reading this will work towards building the world we all wish for, and perhaps take these commandments to heart.


Assembly of First Nations National Chief Calls Crown-First Nation Gathering an Important First Step in Renewing Relationship Between First Nations and Canada

OTTAWA, Jan. 25, 2012 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo commented today on the Crown-First Nation Gathering held January 24 in Ottawa, Ontario involving First Nation leaders, youth and Elders and Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Governor General, Cabinet Ministers and senior government officials.

“The Crown-First Nation Gathering is an important first step in renewing the relationship between First Nations and our historic partner, the Crown,” National Chief Atleo said. “We have emerged with a shared understanding that building stronger First Nations and a stronger Canada requires us to reinvigorate the original relationship that was based on partnership, sharing and trust. We have a commitment to act on key priorities guided by recognition and implementation of First Nations rights. The key now is for the government to act on our shared commitments so that we move forward together. I look forward to an early demonstration of that commitment from the Government of Canada.”

An Outcome Statement issued following the Crown-First Nations Gathering commits to key principles and sets out immediate steps for action. This includes work to strengthen First Nation governance and move beyond the colonial control of the Indian Act; renewing the relationship and improving First Nations financial arrangements; implementing Treaties and Treaty rights; advancing resolution of First Nation land claims on the basis of recognition and affirmation of First Nation rights; implementing mutually agreed upon recommendations on First Nations education; and, a specific task force to advance recommendations to unlock First Nation economies. The Crown and First Nations also share an interest in maintaining open dialogue, monitoring progress and working together to report on outcomes.

“Convening this Gathering was a tremendous challenge and we recognize and appreciate the efforts and willingness of the Crown to join us in this way,” National Chief Atleo said. “First Nations stepped up and demonstrated that we have the ideas and plans to drive change and smash the status quo. We must act now on this renewed understanding, addressing the urgent needs and creating lasting change for our peoples and for all of Canada.”

Crown – First Nations Gathering Outcome StatementDate: January 24, 2012 Today, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo participated in an historic Crown – First Nations Gathering. The theme of the gathering was Strengthening Our Relationship – Unlocking Our Potential. Since first contact and the issuance of one of our founding constitutional documents, the Royal Proclamation of 1763, the evolving Crown – First Nations relationship has helped shape modern-day Canada. First Nations fought as allies of the Crown in the American Revolution (1775-1783), the War of 1812; and have continued their support of Canada in every major conflict since. Unfortunately, there have been low points in our relationship. A series of misguided and harmful government policies in our past has shaken First Nations confidence in our relationship.We cannot undo the mistakes of the past, but we can learn from them and affirm that they will not be repeated. In this year, the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and with next year being the 250th anniversary of the Royal Proclamation of 1763, it serves as an appropriate time to reinvigorate the Crown-First Nation relationships. There have been indicators in recent times that Canada is moving inexorably in the right direction, including repeal of the law that barred registered Indians from voting in federal elections in 1960 by the Diefenbaker government; the recognition and affirmation of Aboriginal and Treaty rights in the Constitution Act, 1982; the historic Indian Residential School apology in 2008; and the endorsement of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in 2010. The Government of Canada and First Nations have an enduring historic relationship based on mutual respect, friendship and support. In June 2011, the Government of Canada and the Assembly of First Nations launched the Joint Action Plan. One of the outcomes of the Joint Action Plan was the planning of today’s historic event. The Government of Canada and First Nations remain committed to the completion of the Joint Action Plan and the principles therein, including:• Improving relationships and strong partnerships between Canada and First Nations respectful of Aboriginal and Treaty rights as recognized and affirmed in the Constitution Act, 1982;• Building effective, appropriate, transparent and fully accountable governance structures;• Empowering success of individuals through access to education and opportunity;

• Enabling strong, sustainable, and self-sufficient communities;• Creating conditions to accelerate economic development opportunities and maximize benefits for all Canadians;• Respecting the role of First Nations’ culture and language in our history and future. But we want to take the opportunity of this historic occasion to declare our mutual intention to go beyond the Joint Action Plan and set the context for change. Fundamental change requires that we redouble our collaboration with First Nations to develop the elements upon which our renewed relationship will be based. This will include:Immediate steps FOR Action:

1. RENEWED RELATIONSHIP: As a tangible first step, Canada and First Nations will work on a renewed relationship that is based on :

a. Movement toward a single, multi- year Government of Canada financial arrangement for First Nations with high- performing governance systemsb. Improved accountability provisions for all partiesc. Financial self-sufficiency of First Nations as the end-goal A working group with First Nations, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Finance Canada and other relevant departments will be established to review the structure of financial arrangements between the federal government and First Nations.

2. Removing Barriers to FIRST NATIONS GOVERNANCE: The Government of Canada and First Nations will work to develop solutions to remove barriers that hinder First Nations governance. The Indian Act cannot be replaced overnight, but through the use of existing tools and the development of new mechanisms, both parties can create the conditions to enable sustainable and successful First Nations. 3. ADVANCING CLAIMS RESOLUTION and TREATY implementation: The Government of Canada and First Nations commit to respect and honour our treaty relationship and advance approaches to find common ground on Treaty implementation. The parties also commit to ensuring federal negotiation policies reflect the principles of recognition and affirmation mandated by Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 and advance certainty, expeditious resolution, and self-sufficiency. 4. EDUCATION REFORM: The Joint Action Plan launched a collaborative engagement process to make recommendations on quality K-12 education for First Nation children living on reserve. Upon mutual review of the National Panel’s report, First Nations and the Government of Canada will work to implement agreed-upon recommendations as quickly as practicable and establish a process to work constructively through any areas of disagreement.

5. CAPITALIZING ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:Within three months, Canada and First Nations will launch an economic task force as set out in the Joint Action Plan that will report back with recommendations to further unlock the economic potential of First Nations. This work will be completed in a timely fashion. Work has already been underway to define the scope of this task force. As partners in the Crown - First Nations Gathering, we will maintain the relationship through an ongoing dialogue that outlines clear goals and measures of progress and success. To help ensure

momentum continues coming out of this event, we commit to work together and release a progress report by no later than January 24, 2013.

Comment from our local Chief Rick Deneault: “ It was a good FIRST STEP and having 46 BC Chiefs registered, and there were 47 seats, we were well represented. We all agreed that EDUCATION was priority. The Indian Act is a huge hinderance to our Economic Development, and we need to have a partnership with Canada and Revenue Sharing. I think there needs to be a follow up sooner than later, to see where things are at, but otherwise it was a worthwhile trip” Chief Rick Deneault, Skeetchestn


Above: PGA Player, Matt Kuchar and FrankBelow: Frank and his Best Friend Peter Zabotel at the Talking Rock Course on the 18th hole.

Above L to R: Gino Odjick, Garrett Currie, Frank Antoine, Kasandra Louie at the North American Indigenous Games in 2008.

Frank Antoine is the son of Willard (Stretch) and Marie Antoine. Born and raised with his four sisters and two broth-ers on Timmy Ann Ranch in Stuxw’ te’xs (Bonaparte). He is a proud father of two sons and a daughter. He was raised with good work ethics and values that he prac-tices in his everyday life. Growing up, sports were a big part of Frank’s everyday life, as it was for fam-ily members, who taught him a lot about being committed and having “NO FEAR”. His uncles taught him the game of fastball and basketball. He participated in rodeo up until he was fifteen. He was taught to be competitive at an early age. His elementary school teacher along with his volleyball coach in high school saw potential in him and encouraged him to play on school teams. His whole childhood was sports, and having “family support is so important” says Frank. His sister “An-gie” spends countless hours helping him to perfect the game of volleyball which was one of many sports he loved playing and still plays today. There was one sport Frank never had the opportunity to experience until a sports in-jury introduced him to the game of GOLF. He picked up a golf club for the first time and he knew then that the game was going to change his life! He took the game up like most people, not knowing the rules or etiquette of the game. He said he just “got out there” and started hitting balls and go-ing to different golf courses, along with his best friend Peter Zabotel who enjoyed the game as much as he did. Frank also spent countless hours at Mt. Paul Golf Course, hitting balls, practicing his techniques. One day the past owner, the late Len Ferguson came out and gave Frank a few pointers. After that Frank quit all other sports that would interfere with his golf game. He was out on the golf course playing the game every chance he had.

In 2005, Frank became a Certified Golf Instructor, which was the beginning of his golf career. He worked at his local golf course in Cache Creek and in Merritt for the first couple of years giving golf lessons. In 2007 the former general manager of the Quaaout Lodge in Skwlax (Little Shuswap Band) offered him a position as one of the golf pros at the Talking Rock Golf Course. He took the position and is still working at the lodge today. Throughout his golfing career, Frank has many golfing memo-ries. Frank said his most recent memorable one was the trip to the 2011 Canadian Men’s Open in Vancouver. He was a caddy for one of the top PGA players in the world “Matt Kuchar”. It is a memory Frank will never forget for the rest of his golfing days! He wants to share his knowledge of the game with golfers of all ages, from beginners to avid golfers. “It took a few years to get known as the “golfer” not “Frank the Tank” anymore”, says Frank laughing!” Frank had his struggles with alcohol and successfully completed a treatment program in 2009 and he continues to strive and to share his experiences and stories with the youth, to help them with self awareness, self-control and life skills. Frank quotes, “He was tired of growing old and wanted to grow up!” His uncle Jazz said, “You didn’t grow up you woke up!” He continues to work with the young people in schools today. He is currently doing some work in School Districts 73and 83. They are planning to host a boy’s youth conference in the near future in district 73. Frank says, “There are too many boys not completing high school and that needs to stop! They need guidance and support to become young men with goals and dreams. Not turn to drugs and alcohol to escape reality!” Being a mentor for the youth is what he enjoys doing with his community and the community he lives in today. When asked if there were any words of advice he could give to young people, Frank said “Learn to give back and help the ones around you! You will never know when you will need their help one day!” “Live simple and life becomes simple!”

In 2011 the Secwepemc News published a story on the “BC Youth Aboriginal Provincial Golf Championships” that took place at the Talking Rock Golf Course. There were thirteen youth who travelled from all over the province to attend this event. All who participated enjoyed it and they are planning on bidding for it again for July of 2012. He also said he is going to add an adult golf tourney during the same time. He is happy when he meets family and friends who stop by his work site. Whether they are golfing or are on a business trip he makes time to visit and spend quality time with them. He is getting married to Bonnie Lepine at the Quaaout Lodge on Aug 25, 2012. He is excited to start a new chapter in his life. One day he wants to move back to his community and become a leader whether it is political or just a volunteer. They are both important positions which help shape and move the community in a positive way.

“Live Simple and Life Becomes Simple”

Frank playing at Tobiano Golf Course

Frank at the 18th hole at Talking Rock


By Lawyer with Michelle Good and Company

Letter to the Editor,(December 24, 2011) I am a lawyer here in town and have for many years represented survivors of Indian residential schools. In and of itself, this experience has been remarkable. My clients, deeply injured as they are by the atrocities they were subjected to, never fail to humble me with their strength and courage, theirDignity and integrity and their ability to forgive the unforgivable. However, even among this stellar group, there are standouts. I write about one of them today. I will speak of him as the Unknown Survivor, as he is acting in anonymity. He was indeed a victim of atrocities and, as a result, has carried through his life a profound suffering. Recently he received a compensation award through the Indian Residential School Independent Assessment Process. Upon receiving his compensation, he came to me with a bank draft made out in the name of the New Life Mission (NLM) in the amount of $14,462.46. He asked me if I would forward it on for him, anonymously. Having been helped by the NLM during hard times, this was his way not only of thanking them, but of giving of his abundance as the God of his understanding requires. His donation represents 10 per cent of his compensation. There were many years when this man’s annual income was less than this amount. He has lived with little most of his life and now, when he has a little something, hisfirst thought is to share it with those who have walked in his shoes. It helps to understand the extraordinary nature of this act by noting that the United Way’s contribution to the NLM this year was $15,000. So many survivors of residential school abuses walk among us unseen, unrecognized and uncompensated, perhaps the most harmed most unable to step forward. To have this man step forward then, unknown in this profound act of generosity, is as poignant a moment as I can recall. At a time of year when we are often overwhelmed by a drive to consume this natural generosity, kindness and caring is a standard to reach for. Perhaps readers will remember this, be touched by it, and inspired to their own acts of kindness.

Real-life example of the Spirit of Generosity

Victoria Natrall proudly holding her graduation diploma

from Headhunters School of

Hairdressing and Esthetics

Victoria is determined to finding a good fit in her new career with aspirations of working in a Kamloops salon. She would like to share her esthetic talent with an established salon gaining experience and clientele. Her long term goal is to someday open her own busi-ness and work out of her home or possibly her own shop. Vicki attended a six week program offered through ATEC in September of 2010. “ATEC really gave me the start I needed” said Vicki. “I was able to research a variety of career possibilities, and I was given thetools to help build my confidence and self-esteem” she said. Vicki is from the Squamish Band, located in the Coast Salish Territory in North Vancouver. “I have lived in Kamloops since I was two or three. I graduated from Brock Secondary in 2008” said a smiling Vicki. She was also actively involved with Cadets all through her high school years. She achieved the distinguished rank of Petty Officer First Class and won the Duke of Edinburgh bronze medal for completion of a special-ized training program. Vicki has had a number of success since the com-pletion of the ATEC program. Vicki applied for and ob-tained a short term training position as receptionist for the ATEC training office. She really enjoyed that job according to Vicki. “I enjoyed the job, especially the clients”. This year has been a real whirlwind for Vicki. First she successfully completed a six week program with ATEC. She was on a two and half monthwork training contract with ATEC. Then obtained a diploma from Headhunters. “It’s been busy for me” she said. She acknowledges the support received from her mother Rhonda and her two sisters, as well as, her late grandmother Christina Natrall, her greatest supporter and role model.

Comments on the “Crown Gathering” from Chief Bev Sellars, Xatsull I thought that a meeting such as this should have had more planning and should have been longer than a few hours. As an “outsider” looking in it seemed like it was hastily thrown together. The AFN had the perfect opportunity with the Attawapiskat situation and other communities such as this to shame Canada into doing something concrete for Aboriginal people. The international media was watching and we should have capitalized on that. I did not attend the meeting in Ottawa but from reports coming from those who did, I am glad I did not spend the few thousand dollars from our very limited budget to be told I had to sit in another room and could not attend “the” meeting. We have had hundreds of new beginnings with former governments and it is disturbing that we again have a “new beginning”. We have our work cut out for us. I hope the AFN and others take a serious look at the strategy needed to build on the few hours spent with the Prime Minister and some of his Cabinet. On a more relevant scale, I have faith in our Secwepemc leaders and I look forward to working within our Nation to advance our causes and positions in British Columbia and Canada.

Employee Spotlight The Neskonlith Education Center and Daycare introduces Louis Thomas as the Elder advisor, who will work closely with our students and children as a liaison with other Elders in our Secwepemc Territory to include the storytelling, cultural knowledge, language and crafts in the daily lesson plans. Louis’ experience includes teaching tradi-tional knowledge for over thirty-five years. For the most part he is involved in building traditional buildings. Kekuli’s, summer homes, sweat lodges, smoke house, drying racks etc. I built a kekuli for the Smithson-ian Institute in Washington DC, for the Chu Chua and Osoyoos Indian Bands, and the Kelowna Museum. I oversaw the building of a traditional village on the Neskonlith Indian Reserve in Salmon Arm, working at that time with five youth-at-risk, both native and non-native; teaching them the skills, knowledge and tradition behind each of the buildings. Louis has also worked with the Provin-cial Museum in Victoria and with the Haney Heritage Museum in Salmon Arm as Cul-tural Consultant. He has taught traditional knowledge extensively to schools, univer-sities, churches and other special interest groups and was instrumental in forming the Salmon River Watershed Committee and was part of the Working Group to develop the sacred area on Kela7scen. Over time, Louis has also taught tra-ditional hide tanning, food gathering, pit cooking, spear fishing and fish drying, and has spent many hours telling legends and stories of the Secwepemc to anyone who cares to listen. This last resulted in him being part of a group recording some of our legends in both English and Secwepemctsin that was broadcast on CBC Radio.


IndIan act called ‘obstacle’ as FIrst natIons meet Harper natIonal cHIeF says act ‘blocks tHe patH oF collaboratIon’

First Nations and the federal government clashed Tuesday over what should be done with the Indian Act, the law that governs their relationship. Prime Minister Stephen Harper told a gathering of Canada's First Nations chiefs that the act is too entrenched to get rid of entirely. "To be sure, our government has no grand scheme to repeal or to unilaterally rewrite the Indian Act," Harper said in his opening speech. "After 136 years, that tree has deep roots. Blowing up the stump would just leave a big hole." But there are real and practical ways to change the act, or introduce measures outside the act,he said at a one-day gathering of government and First Nations chiefs in Ottawa, with consultation between the government, the provinces and First Nations communities. "The incentives buried in the Indian Act self-evidently lead to outcomes that we all deplore," he said.Crown and chiefs looking to 'reset' National Chief Shawn Atleo, centre, walks with Gov. Gen. David Johnston, left, and Prime Minister Stephen Harper before the opening ceremonies of the Crown-First Nations gathering in Ottawa Tuesday.National Chief Shawn Atleo, centre, walks with Gov. Gen. David Johnston, left, and Prime Minister Stephen Harper before the opening ceremonies of the Crown-First Nations gathering in Ottawa Tuesday. (Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press)Harper adopted language the chiefs themselves have used, saying there's never been a better moment "to reset the relationship." But they were politely split on what should happen to the Indian Act, which Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo called a "complete abrogation of the partnership between respectful nations." "Like a rock that sits in the middle of that road ... a boulder that blocks the path of collaboration — remains, as we've been saying here, the Indian Act — along with the age-old structures and policies that administer it and steadfastly resist change." Atleo said there will be people who look at Tuesday's gathering skeptically, not expecting any real change to come of it, and he said he understands that. "It would be disrespectful of the suffering of our peoples …if I did not." But, "first we must repair, as has already been said here, the trust that has been broken. To rebuild the partnership, we must rebuild the

trust on which it must be based." Jody Wilson-Raybould, regional chief for British Columbia, said the time has come for legislation recognizing First Nations as self-governing. "This will get at the roots of the Indian Act tree. We need core governance reform. When we do, the Indian Act tree will topple over. No gaping hole, Mr. Prime Minister, but strong and self-determining First Nations," she said.Former AFN national chief Ovide Mercredi echoed Wilson-Raybould's words. "When you become a chief, you sure learn that even though you want to remain an Indian, the Indian Act is in the way. It stands in the way of economic progress, it stands in the way of our own self-determination as a people," he said. "It stands in the way of even defining who we are as a people and who can belong to our nations. It's not just a big hole. It's an obstacle."Agenda Opening ceremonies included speeches from Gov. Gen. David Johnston, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and National Chief Shawn Atleo from the Assembly of First Nations. Public presentations wrapped up shortly after 12:30 p.m. ET. The afternoon will include private breakout sessions to discuss specific issues. Talks are expected to continue to run past 4 p.m. ET. More details. It wasn't clear how long Harper would stay, with a trip to World Economic Forum meetings in Switzerland planned for later in the day. He stayed through the morning's events, which broke around 12:30 p.m., and went to one of the break-out sessions mid-afternoon. Twelve cabinet ministers and other MPs were also at the meetings with hundreds of chiefs from across the country.Agree on need to rebuild trust There was talk about rebuilding trust from both the government and First Nations chiefs, but it wasn't immediately clear what Tuesday's meeting would change. Derek Nepinak, Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, said he was hoping for more substance in Harper's speech and had been anticipating an announcement of more funding for education. Children on reserves get less per-capita funding for education than those living off reserves. But Arlen Dumas, a chief from the Matshias Cree Nation in Manitoba, said that by going to the event Harper has acknowledged there are issues to

collaborate on. The First Nations Chiefs of Ontario organized a day of action to coincide with the gathering. In Ottawa, an estimated crowd of 100 marched with signs and drums to Parliament Hill, asking the government to honour their treaties and show more respect for First Nations people. Interim NDP Leader Nycole Turmel and Ontario NDP MP Charlie Angus spoke to the crowd before it moved on to demonstrate at the official meeting site on Sussex Drive Tuesday afternoon. Earlier Tuesday, the group held a sunrise ceremony at Victoria Island on the Ottawa River, lighting a sacred fire to burn throughout the day in support of First Nations leadership. Algonquins from the Barriere Lake First Nation, north of Ottawa in West Quebec, held their own protest Tuesday at the gathering site, which they consider unceded Algonquin territory. This First Nation is upset the federal government will not recognize its customary chief and council or honour a 1991 joint management agreement for its land.Traditional ceremony opened eventGov. Gen. David Johnston, Harper and Atleo ceremonially launched the sessions on how to improve the relationship between the Crown and First Nations people, as well as how to strengthen First Nations economies. A drumming circle accompanied the procession for the grand entry, led by a Canadian flag and the Assembly of First Nations flag. An elder smudged the leaders with sweet grass and a feather before a traditional gift exchange. Atleo presented Johnston with a

Covenant Chain belt to represent one of the earliest treaties between the Crown and First Nations peoples. The belt shows that the Crown is linked by a chain to the First Nations peoples of this land, according to the AFN. The three links of the chain represent a covenant of friendship, good minds and the peace, and is made of silver symbolizing that the relationship will be polished from time to time to keep it from tarnishing. Johnston gave Atleo a reproduction of a painting of the Battle of Queenston Heights, which he said depicts the co-operation of aboriginal and non-aboriginal soldiers in 1812. A group of senior chiefs make their way to a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper at the Langevin Block in Ottawa on Monday.A group of senior chiefs make their way to a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper at the Langevin Block in Ottawa on Monday. (Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press) The gathering was planned before northern Ontario's Attawapiskat made international news over living conditions on the reserve, but the date was set while Canadians were still seeing images of families living in trailers and tents in frigid weather. Amid desperate calls for change for aboriginal families across the country came the Harper government's pledge to also do more to strengthen financial accountability on reserves, which receive billions annually in federal funding. The chiefs are looking for everything from more funding to take care of education and water problems on reserves, to self-governance and land claims resolution. Many of the chiefs say they're also looking for future meetings with Harper.

Back L to R: Josh Gottfriedson, Chiefs Michael LeBourdais, Wayne Christian, Shane Gottfriedson, Nathan Matthew, Front: Rick Deneault in Ottawa for the Crown Meeting


Submitted by Irene Lubicon

Minister of Education and local MLA George Abbott was one of the dignitaries on hand to take part in a ceremony at SAS - Sullivan Campus on Jan. 16 to celebrate the signing of the second local Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement. These agreements are a commitment by school districts, local Aboriginal communities, and the Ministry of Education, to work together to support Aboriginal students. North Okanagan-Shuswap’s first Agreement was signed in 2005. Representatives signing the agreement were (back left) Teresa Hebert (Off Reserve Rep), Gina Johnny (for Chief Nelson Leon, Adams Lake Band), Chief Judy Wilson (Neskonlith Band), Brian Finlay (for Chief Felix Arnouse, Little Shuswap Lake Band), and Bobbi Johnson

Signing of the Second local Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement

(Chairperson Board of Education, School District #83). In the front row (from left) Chief Wayne Christian (Splatsin Nation), Eldon Clairmont (Metis Nation), Minister of Education George Abbott, and Dave Witt (Superintendent, School District #83). Drumming, gift giving and the sharing of some salmon and bannock were also part of the celebrations! (www.sd83.bc.ca)

Congratulations to KuKpi7 Wayne Christian for being re-eleCted as KuKpi7 of splatsin and to the CounCillors:agnes Celesta

ron Christian

daniel Joe

reno lee

laWrenCe Williams

A very special KuKstemC to Our Chief Judy Wilson, Our Eduation Coordinator Iris Jules, Councilor Randy Narcisse who all went above and beyond in a very chaotic event. A special thank you to the Vice Principal of the Chase Secondary School from Rene Narcisse and Family.

Adult Education Programs Being Offered

FNAUTT - First Nations Access To University, Trades & Technology

English 050 & 060Math 040 & Algebra 050/051Intro to Science 050Biology 062Social Science 060First Nations Studies 060First Nations Language 050/060Career & Personal Planning

All courses are accredited by TRU. Graduates will receive a Certificate/Diploma upon graduation. Transcripts will be received from TRU. Transfer agreement in place. If you would like to register: Contact Janice Michel, Program Coordinator at (250) 376-0903 or email [email protected] or visit the site at: #216-750 Cottonwood Avenue, Kamloops.

SAGE - Secwepemc Adult General Education

Year 1English 11 Math 11Socials 11 CAPPAElectives (if required)

Year 2English 12 CAPPA3 Grade 12 Electives

WAYNE’S REMARKS ON THE CROWN GATHERING: “Canada’s economic certainty lies in our hands; Canada needs to reaffirm the Nation to Nation principles set out in the 1910 Memorial to Laurier by our ancestral Chiefs: “These people wish to be partners with us in our country. We must, therefore, be the same as brothers to them, and live as one family. We will share equally in everything—half and half—in land, water and timber, etc. What is ours will be theirs, and what is theirs will be ours. We will help each other to be great and good.”


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In this article I would like to take the time to discuss an important condition that often can arise upon being diagnosed with or living with a chronic disease: depression. The lifetime incidence of developing depression in the general population is ~7.5%, which doubles to ~15% in diabetics. Unfortunately, this topic is not always assessed by your healthcare providers as they may be preoccupied with dealing with the physical aspect of your condition. Additionally, you may feel uncomfortable bringing this topic up as you are unsure of how to feel about your diagnosis. However, I encourage you to discuss your

feelings surrounding your diagnosis with both your healthcare providers and family/friends as it is normal to feel overwhelmed when learning to cope with living with a chronic condition. This topic can be especially important for parents to keep open communication when raising a child who has Type 1 diabetes. They may have feelings of being different than their friends which can be particularly challenging to cope with during their teenage years. Also, during these years, they may also being dealing with body image issues which can be amplified by their diabetes. One symptom that you can watch for that your child may be struggling with this issue is if their diabetes is poorly controlled. This would indicate that they may be skipping meals or insulin or binging on junk food in order to fit in with their peers. It is especially important during the teenage years that you empower your child to care for their condition and support them in keeping it controlled through proper eating and insulin

use. Also, it may be beneficial for you to introduce your child to other children with Type 1 diabetes so they do not feel isolated and have someone that they can relate with. You may want to consider having your child assessed by their doctor if you think that they may be having trouble coping. For those of you who are coping with Type 1 or 2 diabetes as an adult, if you are feeling depressed or overwhelmed with your condition, there are many options to help you cope. The Canadian Diabetes Association has an active support group in Kamloops that meets regularly that can offer advice and support. You can reach them at 1-888-628-9494 to find out more information on attending their meetings. Once again, it is nice to be able to meet with a group of people who can relate to your specific condition and offer you advice based on their personal experience. Additionally, they often have guest speakers or can connect you with medical professionals who can answer any questions that you have and help you resolve any issues surrounding your diabetes that you may have been struggling with. Lifestyle measurements that you can take to help with anxiety or depression include regular physical exercise, stress management techniques, and proper sleep hygiene. Some stress management techniques that people often find helpful are deep breathing exercises, meditation, and even just taking the time to relax and read a good book. There are a few supplements that are found to be beneficial for helping with stress, anxiety, and depression, such as Vitamin B Complex and Omega 3 Fish Oils, which you can consult your pharmacist for recommendations. Of course, it is important to inform your doctor of your feelings so that he/she can assess if prescription medication may be beneficial. I hope that this review encourages you to share your feelings and get the support you need to live a balanced life – emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Remember, your

Depression and Diabetes: Coping with living with a chronic condition

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SAGE - Secwepemc Adult General Education

Year 1English 11 Math 11Socials 11 CAPPAElectives (if required)

Year 2English 12 CAPPA3 Grade 12 Electives

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First NationsJackie BanduraJordan George Dale Tomma

• Small Business Loans • Business Plan Development

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#215-345 Yellowhead HwyKamloops, BC V2H 1H1Phone: 250-828-9725Fax:250-828-9972Email: [email protected]

healthcare providers are here to support your health on all levels to ensure that you are able to live your life to the fullest while managing a chronic condition.Laura Burgess, B.Sc. Pharm., Certified Diabetes EducatorPharmacist, Manshadi Pharmacy

Happy

Valentine’s

Day


“Wellnewí7s-kucw, re New Afton Mines, e Skítsestenemc ell re Tk’emlúpsemc, me7 knucwentwécw-kucw es lé7es es w7ecs wel me7 yews”New Gold, Skeetchestn and Tk’emlups Indian Bands, Working Together for a Stronger Future

2011 Highlights: New Gold sponsors Elders

Luncheon (June 15, 2011)

Opening Prayer by Charlotte Manuel, Tk’emlups Elder, Ken Manuel, Alice Thomas

Right: L to R Nancy Ann Mitchell, Roxy Seymour, Susan Seymour, Dennis Wilson, New Golf Environmental Specialist, answering questions

Right Below: Archeological Survey Crew: Candice Simon (Skeetchestn), Sisiaskit Jules, (Tk’emlups), Dennis Wilson (NG Environmental Specialist)

Above: Each band receives an Annual Sponsorship amount of $10,000 for General Sponsorship and $4,000 to go toward their Pow WowsL to R: Dolan Paul, Fred Seymour, Darrell Draney, Gordon Deneault Sr., Jeanette Jules, Chief Rick Deneault, Martha Manuel, Jim McGrath, Chief Shane Gottfriedson

Below: Congratulations Chrystal Simon recently applied and is the successful applicant for the Environmental Technician position

The Team gathers for the Ceremony to celebrate the signing of the Amendments to Participation Agreement. L to R: Ron Allum, George Casimir, Roseanne Casimir, Connie Leonard, Dolan Paul, Jeanette Jules, Darrell Draney, Chief Shane Gottfriedson, Chief Rick Deneault, Martha Manuel, Robert Gallagher, Susan Toews, Ann Wallin, Korah DeWalt


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SECWEPEMC BUSINESS DIRECTORYThis listing is FREE to all Secwepemc.

All R Creations Hand Carved JewelleryRoxane McCallum (604)826-0095Avon Representative Waterfall, [email protected] (250) 320-8438Baskets - Birch Bark Salmon ArmDelores Purdaby (250) 832-6538Birch Baskets Harold Thomas (250) 833-4016Big Sky Station Store & Gas SavonaJoan McTaggart (250) 373-0043Black Bear Developments KamloopsRick & Sunny LeBourdais (250) 579-5720Bow & Arrow Golf Enterprises (250) 318-0742Frank Antoine [email protected] Planner & Owner Orbis Ent Ltd. Fax:(250) 305-2445 Ph:(250) 305-7415E: [email protected] http://www.orbis-consulting.caCasper Creations KamloopsDora Casper (250) 376-1736 Chief Technologies ChaseCraig Duck Chief (250) 320-5219www.chiefcultraltech.comDon Cook Contracting - Excavating & Fencing (250) 838-6299 / 503-8006 (c)Deana’s Dream Cree-ations KamloopsDeana Nicholson, Consultant (250) [email protected] Spirit Band (250) 440-5692Les JohnsonFalling & Contracting Canim LakeGregg Archie (250) 397-4137Farrier Services Williams LakeTom Alphonse (250) 296-0013Full Circle Designs KamloopsTravis Marr (250) 828-0770Hall/Conference Centre 4 Rent ChaseAdams Lake Rec. Centre (250) 679-3515Herbalife Distributor KamloopsVanessa Holte (250) 574-6975Indigenous Eco-cultural Education & Consulting Services ChaseDawn Morrison (250) 679-1116Inspirational Catering, Aboriginal & Canadian Cuisine - Lonny Paul (250) [email protected] (250) 375-2092Language (Secwepemc) ConsultantMona Jules (250) 672-5293 (250) 320-0379Lawyer KamloopsLinda D. Thomas Law Corp. (250) 319-8045Little Bear Gift Shop & Gallery Chase Margaret Anderson (250) [email protected]’s Cleaning Service Margaret Billy (250) 682-3517

Mary Kay Independent SalesDeborah Hall (250) 938-2124Nature’s Best Buffalo meat/products Williams LakeTom & Karen Alphonse (250) 296-0013Neskonlith Advisory Services ChaseNeskonlith Indian Band (250) 679-3295Personalized Stained Glass ChaseDoreen Kenoras (250) 679-3783Pet Transport KamloopsEdwin Marten (250) 319-5097Photography/Videography KamloopsMichelle Jones (250) 434-9703Pine Needle Baskets Chase Agnes John 250) 679-2741Puss N’ Boots Daycare KamloopsLucy Jules (250) 828-9429Randy Sam Art Studio ChaseGoldsmith - Randy Sam (250) 819-8953Red Willow Designs Chase/VancouverTanya Willard (250) 299-5835www.redwillowdesigns.caRegal Representative Kamloops, BCSabrina Thomas (250) 852-2878Regalia & First Nation Crafts KamloopsDoris Bamford (250) 314-9820Ribbon Shirts & Regalia KamloopsTrish Terry (250) 376-9001Riverfresh Wild BC [email protected] www.riverfreshkamloops.comRock’s in the Wind Creations ChaseRock & Dianne Denault @ www.rockinwind.netRunning Wolf Video Productions BCDoreen Manuel (604) 837-3663 www.runningwolf.caRustic Wear KamloopsCody Stewart (250) 377-5237Shiny Nicol Cleaning Services ChaseDoreen Nicol (250)577-3532 / (778) 220-4967(c)Skwlax Gas & Convenience ChaseJohn Anderson (250) 679-7623Spectrum Computer Services ChaseRaymond Anthony (250) 682-3517Star Blankets ChaseSharon Sellars (250) 679-8812 / 682-2261(c)Talking Rock Resort & Quaaout Conf. Centre Stephan Wittmer, GM 1(800) 663-4303Testop Publishing ChaseTess Tomma (250) 835-8446Tribal (band) ShuswapPeter August (250) 679-8597Tupperware Consultant MerrittDeanne Eustache (250) 378-1808Xatsull Heritage (250) 297-6502xatsullheritagevillage.comXwexwne Creations - Weddings & EventsBeadwork & Regalia’s (250) 574-8002

Birthday Greetings;

January 17th ....Happy 8th Birthday to DONTAY SAMSON!! We hope you have a terrific day!! Loves from Mommy, Jarvis and brother Jr.

I would like to wish Happy Birthdays to members of St’uxwtéws:Happy 70th Birthday to our mom, aka Kyé7e Cookie Antoine on February 9th. Love from Tammy & Sean; Tasha; Terri & Dave; Howie & Roni; Art; Wendy Dennis and all her Grandkids. WE LOVE YOU KYÉ7E <3Happy 30th Birthday to Lil Sissie, Tasha Antoine, on February 8thLove from her brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews

We want to wish Malakai Jovial Andy a Happy 10th Birthday on February 1st, Love Your Mom, Dad, Kye7e and Sise7.

I would like to wish my Brothers Ronnie Johnson for Feb. 22nd and Edward Johnson for Feb. 18th a Happy Birthday, Love your sister Marilyn Belleau

Happy Birthday to Les Peters on Feb.19th “many good wishes your way” from your family and friends in Chase area.March 28th - Happy Birthday Genie may many of your days be happy and your adventures in each day be successful. you are special to all your family and friends. Love your Mom

Lucille made the BC Selects Bantams Hockey Team. She will be playing Hockey on April 27,28,29 in the Champions Cup in Edmonton and on May 18,19, 20 in the Challenge Cup in Vancouver.“She plays hard all the time and plays her heart out on the ice. We are so proud of her today and everyday” !I know your Uncles Desi and Gaylord are looking down on you with a great big smile and you make our Community/Family proud.Good Luck!! Have FUN and Play Hard !!“ Go Lucille Go” Love Mom /Dad and sister Jade

Congratlations to our Daughter Lucille Paul

A spring wedding

Son of Bonnie Marchand of Kamloops BC

Lois Adolph & Ron James Sr. of Lillooet BCare proud to announce the Engagement of their Daughter

Corina L. Jamesto

Ian J. Adams

is planned for June 2013


With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Casimir Felix on

December 13, 2011 in Enderby, BC at 94 years of age.

Casimir will be sadly missed by his wife Edna; eight children

Lyle, Val, Stan, Cass, Agnes, Steve, Laureen and Yvonne; eight

grandchildren; sister Marge Dennis; brother-in-law Chris Paul; and numerous nieces, nephews and

extended family. Casimir was born to Agnes and Gabriel Felix in Salmon River, BC. He enjoyed living his whole life in this beautiful area. Casimir loved spending quality time with family and all the great outdoors offered.

He broke wild horses, worked river drives, and was a proud 20 year

Champion Log Roller. In his later years, Casimir was often found

enjoying stick games. Funeral Services were at 10:30

am on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church

(Enderby Reserve, BC). Father Anthony Ackermann officiating.

In MeMory of

CasIMIr felIx

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Albert William

on January 9, 2012 in Armstrong, British Columbia at 60 years of age.

Albert William’s memory will forever be with his loving wife Fay, children Jessie and Kelly, and grandchildren

Dawson, Courtney and Challyn. Albert will also be missed by his brother

George, sisters Dorothy Mansfield, Lillian Ripley, and Chris, as well as

many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Pipe Ceremony to take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 13, 2012 at the Splatsin Band Hall in Enderby, British

Columbia. Rod Tomma Officiating. Celebration of Life to follow. Honourary

Pallbearers are Mike Newton, Rik Nicholas, Kelvin Nicholas, Chuck

You, Scott Henning, Earl Joe, George Thomas, Michael Jackson, and Ron

Christian. Cremation.

In MeMory of

albert WIllIaM

Happy 13th Birthday Phoenix.Love Mom, Dad and Linden

Happy Birthday to my MOMMA “Shirley Pete”

for Feburary 11th

August 30,1924 - March 12, 2009The tears of grief

Have washed awayThe clouds of sorrow,

And vision now is clarifiedI miss you still,

But see you new - In light of joyAnd smile at your

Remembance the Love we sharedStill here to give and to experience

The joy that comes for thatIS YOU !! Love Ivan, Lilla, April, Ken

William, Amy, Shania, Jo Jo

In MeMory of

WIllIaM Gene truran

standInG stronG bear

May 23, 1985 - Febuary 23, 2008

I had to go with the creator so suddentlyI didn’t have time to personally, say

goodbye.I wanted to give you one last hug,

I wanted to tell you how much I loved you.How being together gave me

such a high, But everything was happening so rapidly.

You wanted to give you one last kiss, Breath filled my lungs, with one deep sigh.

Then I was drawn away on a journeyI didn’t mean for my departure to be abrupt

That’s what we o when we dieBut i knew I had to be with him

I couldn’t keep him waiting or ask whyTil one day we meet again

We love you forever Ivan, Lilla, April, Ken William, Amy, Shania Javonnia

Neskonlith Education Center (NEC) provides the courses you need to achieve an Adult Dogwood diploma through our Thompson Rivers University accredited University College Prep Program (UCEP) or a High School Dogwood through the South Central Interior Distance Education School (SCIDES). NEC is located approximately 6 miles west of Chase, BC.

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE ENTRANCE PROGRAMCOMP 0500, 0600 NATIVE STUDIES 0600ENG 0300, 0400, 0500, 0600 SOCIAL SCIENCES 0600MATH 0300, 0400, 0500, 0510

GRADE 8 – 12 (HIGH SCHOOL) PROGRAMCourses required for graduation: ENG 12, MATH 11 AND 3 GRADE 12 ELECTIVES.

DAYCAREWe have a fully-licensed daycare by the school. Please contact Yvonne August, Daycare Manager to register @ (250) 679-7733.

Contacts:Tammy Thomas, Education Director @[email protected] Powder, Ed. Administrative Assistant [email protected] Thompsett, Education Assistant @[email protected]

EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO REGISTER - (250) 679-2963

New Year! New Goals! Make Education A Priority This Year. Get your Dogwood Diploma or High School Diploma at NEC.

Would like to wish Toni Archie “ Happy Birthday” on Feb. 14thAlana Dixon on Feb. 8th Edna Sellars on Feb. 7th Norma Theodore-Archie on Feb. 14th Lynn Dixon on Feb. 14th Kaitlyn Dixon on 15th Ray Michel on 16th Shirley Pete on Feb. 11th, Lexus Amut Feb 2nd from the Theodore-Archie-Morales-Jensen clan! (Pam, Jesse, Stephan and Trinity)

In lovInG MeMoryof

euGune earl dICk

Happy Birthday Lilla Dick for March 14th, Many More and Love You, from

Ivan, April, Jo Jo, Shania, Amy, Ken William

Documents

Secwepemc News Feb 2012