104.7 fm CFXX - The Nation s Station

Transcription

1 FREE VOLUME 25 ISSUE 11 (SA AA KI SOOM) MARCH 2017 March Madness Cheerleader Telia Bear Chief Asham Creations Miss Blackfoot Canada 2017 Gloria Good Eagle fm CFXX - The Nation s Station ROLLING THUNDER RADIO A BLACKFOOT VOICE FOR ALL GENERATIONS NOW YOU CAN LISTEN TO US ON THE INTERNET!! Go To: AND CLICK ON THE LINK!!

2 Natoka (2) MARCH 2017 THE NATIONAL INQUIRY MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS WOMEN AND GIRLS FAMILY HEARINGS The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is expected to begin family hearings in the next few months. If you are or know of family members or survivors of violence and you want to share your story, the commission requires family members to register by completing the sign up at For provincial organizations that wish to seek standing, forms are available at The deadline to submit applications for standing is April 10, Family members and survivors do NOT require standing and are NOT required to fill out forms. Funding to participate in the family hearings will be covered under a separate process. A PRAYER Creator Help Us To Listen To be kind to one another To try hard To be honest To be spiritual Hear Us, Creator Have pity on your Children They are in need Grant us safety Help us raise our families So that they may live long lives. ATSIMOIHKAN Ayo Apistotoki Ispomokinnaan Nahkayistsiyisinnaan Nahkaikimoatsiyisinnaan Nahkayikakimahsinnaan Nahkokamotohisnnaan Nahkawatoyiitaksinnaan Ohtokinnaan, Apistotoki Kimmis Kokosiks Iksikmmatapsiya Kaamotaani Niistawatsimaani Naapiio Sinii AITSINIKI Siksika Nation s Newspaper Lynn Calf Robe - Media Coordinator Carly Weasel Child - Communications Officer Samuel Bear Chief - Office Administrator Siksika Media publishes on a monthly basis to the Siksika Nation Contact us: P.O. Box 1490 Siksika, Alberta, T0J 3W ext (403) media@siksikanation.com Please contact Siksika Media for current Ad and Subscription rates. Freelance Articles and Letters to the Editors are subject to editing for brevity, clarity, and accuracy. Anonymous letters will NOT be published. Aitsiniki is protected by copyright and may not be reprinted without written consent. ANONYMOUS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED.

3 SA AA KI SOOM Oki Siksika Nation, SIKSIKA CHIEF & COUNCIL MONTHLY UPDATE I am pleased to submit the following update to Siksika Nation Tribal Members as part of my ongoing commitment to improve communications: 1. Legal/ Treaty Actions The 1910, CPR and Bow River Irrigation District Canal claims are now on the agenda for Negotiations with Canada s Negotiation Team; Canada s negotiator has been given a mandate to explore Creative Settlements including monetary and non-monetary compensation matters for the long term benefit of Nation Members. The Province also joined Siksika and the Federal team 2 weeks ago to scope out possible Economic Ventures and projects for the mutual benefit of Siksika as well as all Albertans; all Parties agreed that we need to get rid of the negative stereotypes and prejudice that exists by educating non-natives as to the many contributions the Blackfoot Confederacy have made to Alberta and Canada especially the potential that exists now whereby Siksika can diversify Alberta s Economy, create new sources of Energy and invest in the future Economic growth of the Country. Non derogation clauses insure that this Agreement is without prejudice to and does not define Treaty and Aboriginal Rights. This now establishes a new Blackfoot Confederacy entity after previous Chiefs agreed to shut down the Calgary Treaty 7 Corporate office; therefore funding previously allocated to Treaty 7 will now flow directly to Siksika, the Bloods and Peigan through our respective Management and Council teams. 3. CASTLE MOUNTAIN To reiterate WE DID NOT SELL CASTLE MOUTAIN...the vote was for compensation and to discontinue the Federal Specific Claim for Timber limit c which does not address Treaty or Aboriginal rights. Phase 2 of the Settlement was supposed to start in September 2016 however the Chief, Council team, Commission and Staff finally initiated the process on March 15th for future use of MIISTUKSKOOWA (Castle); this includes ec dev, tourism, Cultural programs and nee Siksika International Youth Facility. Community Consultation will begin shortly in order to gain input from Nation Members and to plan this Summer s Victory Celebration. Niokska (3) Photo 1: Councillors Francis Wolfleg, Carlin Black Rabbit and Bradford Medicine Shield with Premier Rachel Notley. Photo 2: Councillors Reuben Breaker, Francis Wolfleg and MLA Honourable Richard Feehan 2. Blackfoot Confederacy/ Alberta Protocol After 4 Months of discussions and Drafting, Chief Roy Fox from the Blood Tribe, Chief Stan Grier from Pikunii Nation and Siksika Nation s Chief Joe Weasel Child signed an historic Protocol Agreement with Alberta s Premier Notley on March 24th at the Mc- Dougal Centre in Mookinstsis (Calgary) Alberta recognized that Calgary sits on Blackfoot Traditional Territory and that we needed to establish a Government to Government relationship for programs, services, economic development and other matters of mutual benefit; this process now establishes communications at the Ministerial level with Blackfoot Confederacy Council and Management representatives. The Agreement also insures that issues identified in the United Nations Declaration and the Truth and Reconciliation process will be honoured. 4. SIKSIKA WATER LAW Chief and Council signed a BCR to authorize the framework Agreement from the 2010 Bassano Settlement which will require Community Consultation to implement Co-Management of Water matters between Siksika and the Province; this is the 1st Agreement of this nature in Canada which does not define who owns the water but guarantees proper quality and quantity for continued use as well as economic development for the 3,500 acrefeet of water negotiated as part of the Bassano Settlement which is worth hundreds of millions in equity. Once Siksika has reached the ceiling re use for the 3,500 acre-feet of water, Alberta must provide more water for identified projects; potential projects being discussed include cleaning up Stobart Lake and creating a reservoir for water storage and recreational use as well as a hydro electric Clean Energy project that would create enough electricity for the Nation plus surplus for sale or as negotiation leverage for other investments or development opportunities. In closing I wish to confirm that a Constitutional framework was introduced to Council however we will be employing post Secondary students, Academics andtraditional knowledge holders from OSCC to undertake the 1st draft so that we could have Siksika Governance as a Nation as opposed to continued dependency on Government funding which comes with policy that dictates, among other things, how we should raise our Children and how we deliver Services to our People. Chief Joseph Weasel Child Chief & Council meet with Professional Hockey Player Sandy McCarthy who is scheduled to run a hockey program on the Nation. Also in the photo is event organizer Keith Bear Chief and C&C Assistant Leah Bear Chief. (Photos provided by Chief & Council)

4 Nisowo (4) MISS BLACKFOOT CANADA 2017 By Lynn Calf Robe Gloria Good Eagle, 16, was crowned Miss Blackfoot Canada 2017 at the 18th Annual International Peace Powwow and Festival in Lethbridge, Alberta this past February and is enjoying the experience so far. It is an honour to represent my people. Says an extremely happy Good Eagle who is no stranger to pageants. This is her fourth title as a pageant princess; her previous titles include Miss Crowfoot School and Miss Jr. and Sr. Siksika Nation. SA AA KI SOOM commits to promoting Blackfoot identity, pride and inspiration hosts the powwow and festival. There are two Grand Entry events Saturday, as well as the Junior Miss Blackfoot Canada and Miss Blackfoot Canada pageant. The journey to Miss Blackfoot Canada was not easy as this was not the first time she competed for this title. She competed in the pageant last year and was first runner up however instead of becoming discouraged she used that experience to win the top spot this year. Miss Blackfoot Canada Gloria Good Eagle By Lynn Calf Robe Cheerleader Telia Bear Chief, 16, is in Grade 11 at Foothills Composite High school in Okotoks Alberta Q: What is your definition of a cheerleader? A: Being a committed hard working athlete. Q: What three characteristics do you feel are most important for cheerleaders to possess? A: Having fun, making new memories and experiencing new things. Q: What do you think your best qualities are? A: My warm personality, like to make others laugh and I m friendly. Q: What are you most proud of as a cheerleader? Why? A: I m proud of how as a team we work well together to be better and stronger because it improves our skills Q: What are your goals, in cheer, in life? Laura Asham in her studio at home By Carly Weasel Child Asham Creations is a local brand created by Siksika artisan Laura Asham, ranging in beadwork products, pow wow outfits, and puppets. Asham Creations was launched in 2008 and founder Laura Asham has since been creating a wide variety of products for nearly 10 years. Asham s products have been sent to Manitoba, Ottawa, all throughout Alberta, and can be spotted along the pow wow trail. The role of Miss Blackfoot Canada is to serve as an ambassador for the Blackfoot people and being a role model. The role will also include travelling to different powwows and events including Gathering of Nations 2017 in Albuquerque, New Mexico coming up in April. Hundreds of people gathered in Lethbridge to attend the International Peace Powwow and Festival including dancers, drummers, artists and spectators who flooded the Enmax Centre for this two-day event. The Blackfoot Canadian Cultural Society who TELIA BEAR CHIEF A: My goal in cheer is to be successful in what I do and do it well. In life, my goals are to graduate and then go to university. Q: Why do you think cheer is a good activity to participate in? What have you learned by being on the squad? How will this help in the future? A: It s a good sport because it teaches you flexibility and being strong. I ve learnt to be more flexible and I ve learnt how to keep trying till you get what you re trying to achieve. It will teach me not to give up and to keep trying no matter how hard it is or how bad it hurts. Q: What would you say to those who want to try out for cheer but may feel too shy? A: I was shy when I tried out too but it s a really great experience and it s a very hands on sport so you ll learn to come out of your shell. Q: Why is it important for a cheerleader to be an excellent role model for their peers and younger students? A: Being a role model for younger students as a cheerleader is important because it shows the ASHAM CREATIONS Recently, Asham was requested to make beaded Siksika logo medallions for the Minister of Indian Affairs Carolyn Bennett, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine Mckenna, and Chief Joe Weasel Child at the signing of the Castle Mountain Land Claims Settlement. Laura Asham s craft began at the age of seven after her mother Doris Calf taught her how to sew. She had her very first sewing machine by the age of eight and she made her first fully beaded outfit at the age of 13. In order to get the money for supplies, she would babysit. Since then she has made puppets, outfits, beaded lamps, earrings, rings, bracelets, moss bags, beaded saddles, purses, and beaded wedding cakes. Also, she has made crowns for the Siksika Nation royalty and miniature dolls with fully beaded buckskin outfits for display at the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park. Currently, her most popular items are her puppets, as they ve been ordered in bulk numerous times and have been sent to Edmonton, Maskwacis, Tsuu Tina, Stoney Nakoda, and Manitoba. Participating in pageants was not something she chose, but rather something that was chosen for her in the early days, My grandma was the one who encouraged me to join my first pageant and at first I didn t want to because I was shy. Despite not winning her first pageant she overcame her shyness and went on to win her next pageant. She recognizes and sends out a huge thank you to her mom, grandmothers and teachers for their ongoing support and commitment. Telia Bear Chief with her dad Derick younger students and peers how hard we work to be great and how much time and effort it takes, it proves with hard work and commitment they can do great things as well. Q: Outside of school what do you like to do? Any hobbies? A: Besides cheer I like to stay active and go to the gym. Asham finds beading therapeutic and relaxing and sometimes ends up beading until 6 in the morning. As she does her beadwork, she also thinks of her late mother Doris Calf, who taught her how to bead and sew. She finds pride in seeing her work in the community and believes it is important to celebrate and preserve our culture. Laura Asham sells her crafts at the Siksika Mall, alongside her sister Shiela Frank who also owns her small business. Asham encourages other artists to keep pursuing their business goals and to never give up. Keep pushing and doing what you love to do. It is tough at first to start your own business, but it makes me happy knowing that people enjoy my work. Everybody s work is different and unique in their own way. When we re out there we look at the other vendors and see their work. We tell each other tips and encourage one another, it s like a little artist family because we help each other. It s a really positive community, Asham said. You can find Laura s work as she s set up at the mall every Thursday and Friday from 9 am to 2 pm and online at treaty7business.ca

5 MARCH 2017 Nisito (5) OLD SUN COMMUNITY COLLEGE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING By Carly Weasel Child The Old Sun Community College annual general meeting on February 28 unveiled reports and upcoming program plans, as well as the announcement of a brand-new facility. The President s report detailed grant monies and where they have been placed, which aims to benefit staff and students of the College. The announcement of the brand-new college revealed blueprints of what the new facility will contain and what the current college will be used for. Detailed from the President s report, the Old Sun Community College applied for the National Indian Brotherhood grant, which was approved in March 2016 for the reestablishment of the Siksika Ceremonial Society and received $40,000. The project took place in April to July and the project was to assist members to make their own tipis, which were infused in the Sundance which impacted the ceremonial life of Siksika members. Also, the Siksika studies certificate was approved for over $270,000, which was put forward to benefit Siksika members on Siksika history and knowledge. Dear Parent(s), guardians, grandparents and community members: For the past 10 plus years, Siksika Board of Education has operated a Nutrition program for Chief Old Sun and Chief Crowfoot School, and all children are invited to participate in the breakfast program. There are many reasons why children benefit from School Nutrition Programs. Long bus rides, not hungry first thing in the morning and hectic lifestyles often result in little time for a proper breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and recent studies show that when children are properly nourished there is a marked improvement at school in attention, behaviour and attendance. Lastly, Old Sun Community College applied for the Alberta Advanced Education, which is provincial funding, and received $200,000 for adult literacy programs and over $400,000 for the entire Siksika College, which will make it possible for Old Sun Community College to enhance student and staff services. The received funds all together will improve adult literacy programs, Siksika research and curriculum development activities, library services, IT, security, staff professional development, tutorial, and other operational costs. The first plans for the brand new Old Sun Community College facility were revealed as well as plans for the current building. The architect and company NUTRITION PROGRAM REQUESTS VOLUNTEERS Our School Nutrition Program ensures that all children have access to nutritious food so they can start their day well-nourished and ready to learn. Without the support of volunteers it would not be possible to deliver this program, there are many ways you can help. The gift of time, a half hour or hour per week can make a difference. Are you available one day per week? Or one day per month? We will work hard to accommodate your schedule. Any time you can offer will be valuable to the program. Our program has a variety of volunteer opportunities available. School Nutrition Volunteers give our students the right start to their day and increase hired to build the brand-new College is Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. and they are based out of Lethbridge, Alberta. Depending on funding, the current opening date is still unknown. However, construction is hoping to begin roughly in the fall of 2017 and. The new facility will be built behind the current building and will be completed in the next few years. So far, it is known that it will contain a gym, amphitheatre, housing, a healing centre, a kitchen, offices, and classrooms. The existing Old Sun Community College will stay in place, sustaining it to make it into a healing centre, book store, gift shop, archives, arts centre, and a museum. It s pretty ironic that half of our land was sold illegally, and half of that money that they sold our land for, the funds were supposed to make us self-sufficient. Instead they build two of the residential schools out of that money. So, the irony is that the buildings constructed out of funds that were supposed to make us self-sufficient and were supposed to assimilate us with are now going to be used to revive our culture. We have a legal claim for a post-secondary institution here on the nation and we gave the government a June 2018 deadline. We want a state of the art institution for our people, so our young people don t have to go off-reserve. We want to offer as much as we can on-reserve, Chief Joe Weasel Child said. their nutrition for learning. Join me and help us achieve this goal! Some training will be provided (i.e. food handling certificate) and volunteers would need to submit a criminal record check. I am your School Nutrition Volunteer Coordinator and I can be reached at Call me if you would like more information, or, return the sheet below, to the school, and I will contact you. Thank you, Carrie-Ann Backfat School Nutrition Volunteer Coordinator BRIDGING A GAP BETWEEN WESTERN MEDICINE AND CULTURAL HEALING PRACTICES University of Lethbridge Submitted by University of Lethbridge Tara Froehlich can count herself among a unique group of students in Southern Alberta. She is attending the University of Lethbridge in the new Aboriginal Health major that was introduced in September of As a second-degree student, Froehlich was drawn to Old Sun Community College the program because of her own Aboriginal background and her previous Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Native American Studies. I decided to apply to this program part-time while working so that I can continue building my knowledge about traditional and contemporary Aboriginal health concepts. This opportunity provides students like Froehlich with the background to address issues in their own communities, where individuals may be facing unique health challenges. I am interested in learning about what factors shape access to health and what kind of programming is needed to create a more inclusive environment which helps this population to navigate the system and also which can bridge the gap between western medicine and cultural healing practices. The University of Lethbridge recognizes vibrant and growing Indigenous populations, and the Aboriginal Health major gives students the opportunity to examine the factors that contribute to Indigenous health, strength, and resilience in Canada. The location and community relationships found at the Uni- versity of Lethbridge ideally position this institution to deliver this unique program. Major topics of study include traditional health concepts, healthy community development, disease prevention, nutrition, cultural issues, addictions, health program evaluation, and health research. Students also have the opportunity to develop hands-on skills in a community setting by participating in a semester-long practicum in partnership with rural and urban communities. The practicum gives students the chance to earn course credit, gain work experience directly related to their studies, and make invaluable contacts in the workplace. Graduates of the Aboriginal Health major will have the skills to seek out careers in health promotion and disease prevention, program and policy development and evaluation, community-based research, community outreach, health advocacy, and wellness counselling, among other areas. The program admits students each September, and the deadline to submit an application for admission is June 30, For more information, please contact Academic Advising at or health. sciences@uleth.ca.

6 Noi (6) MARCH 2017 March Madness action shots of the basketball tournament (Photo by SNHS Media Students) March Madness Handgame Champs 2017 (Photo by SNHS Media Students) March Madness (Photo by SNHS Media Students) March Madness Basketball game in full effect (Photo by SNHS Media Students) (Photos by Carly Weasel Child & Lynn Calf Robe)

7 SA AA KI SOOM Ihkitsika (7) Siksika Nation Cadets Patty Turning Robe and her daughter interviewed on 104.7FM the Nation Station Elianna, Billie Rose and Lessia Breaker RMFHL 2016/2017 League Champs - CONGRATS!!! (Photo credit: Mick Breaker) Roberta Jamieson, Indspire CEO featured keynote speaker at the Assembly of First Nations Education Forum at the Grey Eagle Resort & Casino Frank Turning Robe interviewed on FM the Nation Station March Madness (Photo by SNHS Media Students)

8 Nanisowo (8) SIKSIKA NATION HIGH SCHOOL MEDIA STUDENTS Siksika Media has partnered with the Siksika Nation High School to offer a class that provides media training to five students called COMTECH. The course began in February and will run till June Each student will receive credit towards their high school diploma as well as hands on experience in the field of journalism, radio and video production. Keep on eye and ear out for the following students who will be out in the community covering events for Aitsiniki and on air disc jockeys for FM the Nation Station. - Kerisa McHugh - Samuel Tartsah - Dylan Rabbit Carrier - Shayde Red Gun - Chloe Many Guns During the summer I enjoy traveling to powwows and meeting new people. I use to dance jingle and fancy shawl but I found traditional my style. Dancing helped me open up a bit and I have discovered myself making new friends who share the same interests as me. If you see me at powwows or anywhere out in the community don t be afraid to come say hi to me! Oki, my name is Samuel Tartsah. I am 16 years old & in 10th grade, & I also attend the Siksika Nation High School. My parents are DeWayne & Nicole Tartsah. On my dads side my grandparents are late Charles Burke Tartsah & the late Daisy Kaudle Kaule. On my mothers side, my grandparents are Allan Running Rabbit & Harvina Manyguns. I grew up most of my life in Oklahoma, that s where my dad is from. I still miss it very much. I moved to Siksika about four years ago, this is my moms home reservation. If I had I could have any superpower I want, it would be the ability to stop time. If I caught my friend stealing from me I would steal his dog and claim it. SA AA KI SOOM Besides all the sappy stuff, I d buy my parents a new house wherever they choose and have it completely furnished. I d buy my mom concert tickets to go see Bruno Mars in concert, (for the second time), and buy my dad concert tickets to go see Metallica. I d buy my sister anything she wants from Hot Topic, (her home), and my brother anything from Toys-R- Us. To show appreciation for all my grandparents, I d buy them anything they want because, again, money couldn t show them how much I love and appreciate them. The best part about being a teenager is that you can live in the moment, besides in school, and you still have time to discover who and what you want to be. Also basically just not paying and having to worry about bills, mortgages, etc. The worst part would be that we are experiencing life at the worst, well in our heads we think it s the worst, because we learn that friends will come and go, that school is stressful, and just finding who we are and how we fit in society. Hello my name is Kerisa McHugh. I am 15 years old. I attend the Siksika Nation High School and I am in grade 10. My mom is Jade McHugh and my dad is Galen Ridesthegreyhorse. I have 4 siblings. Mikayla McHugh, Jaden Ridesthegreyhorse, Sam McHugh and Marley McHugh. I am apart of the youth chief and council at the school. I am apart of the national youth advisory committee. I plan to get my high school diploma and go to UCLA. My favorite subject is math. I enjoy going to powwows and competing. I dance traditional stationary. I have travelled all over the United States and Canada. My hobbies include: dancing, reading, writing books and interacting inside my favorite fandom. I love playing sports. I play basketball, volleyball as well as track and field. I started writing my first book in January 2017 but I guess you can say I m dealing with a severe case of writer s block. I take COMTECH during my third block. My class travels to radio station every Monday- Thursday. COMTECH helps me excel in writing and confidence in speaking out. My fellow peers Dylan, Chloe, Samuel, Shade and I will be starting our own radio show soon. In February of 2016 I traveled to the Saskatchewan Depot with an RCMP member. I stayed at the depot for a week. In the mornings it was like class because we were given presentations. A few teenager from the provinces and territories were also chosen. We all worked together to create a plan to help our peers stay away from drugs and alcohol. We were all given seed money of $300 to start up our projects. The worst day in the week is probably Monday just because you come back from a weekend probably staying up real late then coming back to school waking up at 6 and be feeling like a zombie all morning. If I had the chance to spend a million dollars on anything but myself, I would my friend a mansion and move in with him. One of the things I m a afraid of in this world is the women cause they can get grouchy anytime they want, just like a tiger. If I could change my first name, I would change it to Petro because I want people to make me the nickname of the new gas station we got not to long ago. If I had the power to drop any course in my curriculum it would be all of them. If someone I liked ask me out on a date but my friend had a crush on them, what I would do is date that person and tell my friend you can have the next one. Best thing about being a teen is you can be as lazy as you want Oki, my name is Dylan Rabbit Carrier. My parents are Melissa Rabbit Carrier & Ben Spring Chief. I am 15 years old, I attend the Siksika Nation High School, and I am currently in the tenth grade. I took Comtech because I thought it would be fun and exciting, which it is, and It s a new class so I was like why not? My hobbies include music and that s about it. To go more in depth in that interest, I am currently learning how to play the ukulele and the piano. I am not that very good but hey, I m getting there. My favourite musical artists are Twenty One Pilots and, Canadian-born band, Arkells. I actually saw both of them at a music festival in Calgary called XFest in September of I saw Arkells for the second time in February of this year. If I had the chance to spend a million dollars on anything but myself, I d spend a good portion of the money on my parents, but even though money couldn t show them how much I appreciate and love them but I think it d be the best I could do. Siksika Media is looking for freelance writers & photographers for upcoming issues of Aitsiniki. If you are interested you can contact us for more information. media@siksikanation.com Phone: Listen to us on air at FM the Nation Station for music, news updates and interviews!!!

9 MARCH 2017 Piihkso (9) By Kerisa McHugh The 2017 March Madness was a thrilling event with teams from all over attending. Siksika held the basketball tournaments 15th-18th at the Deerfoot Sportsplex. Sr.Boys Suns lost to the Heart Butte Warriors. Norvin Eagle Speaker s team made up of Heart Butte members and Siksika Nation members played a deadly game. The boys played a tough game. says a Nation member attending the game. Gaylene Eagle Speaker says The Suns can win but they just have to pass and shoot harder. They give up to much and they need to be more aggressive. Gaylene attended the 2017 March Madness because she loves basketball and she used to be a coach. The stands were filled with Nation members cheering on their favourite teams and family members. Students of SNHS watched the basketball game during school hours when some of the teams played at the high school. Treasure Yellow Old Woman says Jr.Girl and Jr.Boys can win this tournament that s why I have come to support our Suns. I am cheering on Kaylei Crosschild and she deserves to be MVP. Our very own Zanty Red Crow was grateful to play with his friends but was saddened because he knew the boys deserved a win. Hanging tough he played again with Sr.Boys and helped carry the boys to the semi-final. Mikayla McHugh says I worked good with my team but I need to practice on my passing abilities. My coaches were fantastic and I hope to better myself from their coaching skills. Congratulations to all the teams who placed! We hope to see you again for the 7th Annual March Madness. For all you basketball players out there, Siksika Deerfoot sportsplex staff have basketball practices every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30-6:00. Make sure to have rides. Come on out and play at the Deerfoot Sportsplex! MARCH MADNESS IN SIKSIKA NATION Photo 1: Sr High Boys Basketball Champions Photo 2: Volleyball Champions: LD s Team Photo 3: Handgame Champions: Chief Old Sun School (Photo credit: Mick Breaker) The Deerfoot Sportsplex hosted its 6th Annual March Madness celebrating Fun in Sports with Basketball, Volleyball, Hockey, Handgames and an Xbox Tournament that brought out both adults and the youth from the community as well as visitors. Athletes who competed for bragging rights as well as prizes in each category. Organizers Tracey Calf Robe and Mick Breaker both agreed that the event was a success. Elementary Basketball 1st Place: Kainai 2nd Place: Treaty 7 Warriors MARCH MADNESS RESULTS Jr High Girls Basketball 1st Place: Bassano 2nd Place: Siksika Jr high Boys Basketball 1st Place: Kainai 2nd Place: Cluny Boys Sr High Girls Basketball 1st Place: Creefoot s 2nd Place: Naig U-16 Sr High Boys Basketball 1st Place: Heart Butte 2nd Place: Siksika Atheletics Hand Games 1st Place: Chief Old Sun 2nd Place: Crowfoot School Adult Volleyball 1st Place: LD s Team Sorry to anyone we may have missed. Congrats to all winners and to those who participated!

10 Kiipo (10) ANNOUNCEMENTS MARCH 2017

11 SA AA KI SOOM Nitsikopoto (11)

12 Natsikopoto (12) SA AA KI SOOM Yaaaaaaaw!! My lungs. Meet our team! Richard Running Rabbit, Program Coordinator Tennie Running Rabbit, Team Lead Jimmy Weasel Child, Program Facilitator Katrina Mitchell, Administrative Assistant Our mission We aim to provide our community with the following information: Knowledge of both traditional & nontraditional tobacco use Educational awareness to community & networking partners Support for those wanting to quit or reduce their commercial tobacco use Assist in connecting to doctors & pharmacists for quit options Social support & community resources For more information, call: (403) Aboriginal Peoples Survey Economic Participation A survey of First Nations people living off reserve, Métis and Inuit Between January and June 2017, Statistics Canada will be conducting the Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS). You may be selected to participate. Take part, complete the survey and help build a better future! For more information, call or go to