This past October, 20-year-old Rilee Many Bears of the Siksika Nation won a gold medal for Canada at the 2015 World Indigenous Games in Palmas, Brazil. Rilee competed in the 8.4 kilometres event which consisted of both a cross country and road race course.
Rilee Many Bears of the Siksika Nation won a gold medal for Canada at the 2015 World Indigenous Games in Palmas, Brazil.
Rilee says that winning the gold medal was a symbol of what determination and goal setting can achieve. “I was extremely happy and proud after I crossed that finish line,” said Rilee. “I trained for six weeks for this race, after I was selected to represent Canada in Brazil.” His next goal is to begin training for the upcoming Olympic Trials to be held in Edmonton early next summer.
Over 2,000 participating Indigenous athletes from 30 countries competed in Brazil for the first World Indigenous Games. Indigenous athletes competed in a variety of sporting events, including football, athletics, canoeing, archery, and many Indigenous traditional games.
Rilee was recently given a Blackfoot name in a special naming ceremony and was gifted with the name Iinomaaka, meaning Running Buffalo. The Siksika Nation also celebrated his gold medal, with members of Chief & Council, family, friends, and supporters gathering at the community’s Deerfoot Sportsplex.
Rilee was raised on the Siksika Nation and attended Bassano School. In high school, he excelled in athletics, representing his school at the provincial level in track and cross country racing. In the summer of 2014, Rilee competed at the North American Indigenous Games held in Regina and won a gold medal in the 3,000 metres race, including bronze medals in 1,500 metres and 6 km cross country events.
The majority of the time, Rilee trains at home, but he also trains with the University of Calgary Track & Field team. Rilee has overcome many challenges, one of which is a health condition called Wolf Parkinson’s White Syndrome, an extra pathway between a patient’s upper heart chambers (atria) and lower chambers (ventricles). The condition causes a rapid heartbeat, which will require surgery to correct. Rilee has also endured personal losses, poverty, and addictions in his life.
His mentor is Billy Mills, the Olympic Gold Medalist in the 10,000 meters of the 1964 Summer Olympics. Billy Mills is a Sioux Indian from South Dakota; his life was portrayed in a biopic called Running Brave.
“I first heard of Billy Mills in 2011, and I was instantly a fan,” said Rilee. “I met him in Portland, Oregon in 2014, and I was excited and nervous to meet him. Since then, I’ve met Billy a couple more times, including when he came up to Siksika for a racing event. He is truly an inspiration, and I am honoured to know him personally.”
Rilee will compete in one more race this year and will use his success in 2015 as a motivator for next year’s Olympic trials.
First Nations Drum would like to congratulate Vanessa Stiffarm from the Blood Tribe, the 2016 Calgary Stampede Indian Princess. Vanessa’s Blackfoot name is I’kiwayohtowa (Heard All Over) and comes from the sound of thunder. This name was given to her by her grandmother.
Every year, the Calgary Stampede hosts the annual Indian Princess pageant with contestants from the five Treaty Seven First Nations (Tsuu T’ina, Piikani, Stoney, Blood Tribe, and Siksika Nations). The winner is chosen from a panel of judges representative of the Calgary Stampede, the Treaty 7 Nations, and Calgary Stampede sponsors to be the official representative of the Calgary Stampede and Indian Village, presented by Penn West.
Winner: Vanessa Stiffarm from Blood Tribe (centre). Also pictured: Alicia Maguire from Siksika Nation, Jasmine Crowchief from Siksika/Piikani Nations, Savanna Sparvier from Siksika Nation, and Shay-Lynn Strikes with a Gun from Piikani Nation.
Vanessa is a Ladies Jingle Dress and Fancy Shawl dancer and is working towards her goal of completing her undergrad degree in Biochemistry in order to pursue her lifelong dream to be a pediatrician. Her parents are Evelyn Killsback from the Blood Tribe and John Stiffarm from the A’aniiinin (Gros Ventre Tribe), and her grandparents are Roger and Cathy Hunt, also from the Blood Tribe. All have taught Vanessa about her First Nations culture and traditions and are key supporters to her.
Vanessa is honoured to be a role model for her community and looks forward to encouraging other First Nations women to strive for their life goals while maintaining their traditions and culture. Throughout Vanessa’s reign, she hopes to educate people about her traditions and culture by sharing her experiences of growing up in a Pow Wow family and what she has learned along the Pow Wow trail.
As part of the Official Stampede Royalty program, the 2016 Calgary Stampede Indian Princess will make hundreds of appearances during her reign and will talk to those she meets about the rich, colourful First Nations culture. Vanessa embraces the legacy of the Calgary Stampede Indian Princess title and will wear the crown proudly as she represents the Tribes of Treaty 7, the Indian Village, and the Calgary Stampede.
In 2016, the Indian Village will be moving to a new location along the banks of the Elbow River. This larger Village will have improved facilities, expanded performance areas, and welcoming green space for visitors, tipi holders, performers and Indian Village employees.
The 2016 Calgary Stampede will take place July 8-17, 2016.
LTN Contracting Ltd., the largest harvesting contractor in the Prince George area of British Columbia, recently received the Aboriginal Business Leadership Award from The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB). Troy Young of LTN Contracting Ltd. was on hand to receive the award and was honoured by the recognition.
“This award shows that we’re being recognized for our perseverance over the years, and the headaches, turmoils, and struggles of running a business have paid off,” said Young. “LTN has been good for us all. The partnership between the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and Roga has built trust between the band and industry. LTN has developed band infrastructure in forestry, teaching, law and other areas through our combined efforts.”
(L- R) Kevin Horsnell, CANFOR GM; Troy Young, LTN Contracting Ltd.; LTN Rep, JP Gladu, CCAB president and CEO.
LTN Contracting was established 17 years ago, growing from a small business into one of the largest timber harvest contractors in BC. This logging company also builds financial capacity for the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation. The company has increased its annual logging contract volume tenfold over the past 15 years and has become a significant contributor to the economic stability of the Band. About 20% of LTN Contracting’s employees are Aboriginal, with another 60 to 70% employed in labour and available manpower. “A big part of LTN Contracting is that we put money into an Education Fund,” adds Young. “So what we’re doing is raising money for the community, not just for logging, but to help the education in all fields.”
The $5,000 award celebrates Aboriginal entrepreneurs for their success in a forest products business that exemplifies business leadership, exception environmental and safety performance, and the delivery of high-quality products and services. The award recipient must also demonstrate a long-term commitment to the Aboriginal community and Aboriginal employment.
David Lindsay, president and CEO of FPAC says he’s pleased that LTN is being recognized for its outstanding business leadership and its contribution to the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation. “For example, LTN has helped support about 60 band members get training and education through the Education Fund. This type of initiative will help the forest sector hire more workers from the Aboriginal communities.”
The forest products industry is one of the largest employers of Aboriginal workers in Canada. Under Vision 2020, the forest sector is aiming to refresh its workforce with an additional 60,000 employees by the end of the decade with particular focus on Aboriginal engagement through employment and business development.
J.P. Gladu, president and CEO of CCAB says that CCAB takes great pride in celebrating companies like LTN. “Their longevity and capacity for significant growth, demonstrate how Canada’s Aboriginal peoples continue to make a lasting contribution to the health and prosperity of all Canadians.”
This is the sixth year of the Aboriginal Business Leadership Awards. Later this year, two Skills Awards for Aboriginal Youth will be presented by FPAC.
It is estimated that 3 million Canadians have been diagnosed with diabetes, and that figure may climb in the next several years. With National Diabetes Month coming up in November, municipalities like the Toronto Public Health are spreading awareness for the prevention of diabetes.
Lisa Swimmer, supervisor for the diabetes prevention strategy for Toronto Public Health, says the number of Canadian being diagnosed with diabetes is at an all-time high. “According to the Canadian Diabetes Association, in 2010 an estimated 2.7 million Canadians had diabetes, and by 2020 it’s anticipated that 4.2 million—almost 11% of the population—will be diagnosed,” said Swimmer. “It has been shown that the national age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes is 3 to 5 times higher in the Aboriginal population than in the general population. That would mean that there are upwards of 20% of the Aboriginal population living with type 2 diabetes.”
Diabetes affects the body’s ability to use the energy we get from food. The body changes food into glucose (a type of sugar) that is found in the blood after eating a meal. Insulin is a hormone made by the body that helps glucose move out of the blood and into cells so that it can be used as energy. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not make enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it makes. If not treated, diabetes can lead to serious health problems such as blindness, loss of limbs, and heart and kidney disease.
There are Type 1 and 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. About 90% people with diabetes have type 2. It usually occurs in adults over the age of 40, but rates are rising in younger people. Some symptoms to be aware of include being thirsty often, having to urinate often, weight change (gain or loss), feeling tired or having no energy, blurred vision, cuts and bruises that are slow to heal, and tingling or numbness in hands and feet.
“Type 2 diabetes (not type 1 diabetes) can be prevented or delayed with lifestyle changes. Even small changes can help to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes,” said Swimmer. “Being physically active, eating healthy, attaining or maintaining a healthy weight, and being smoke-free can all lower your risk or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.”
Researchers from Cambridge University have found that a high-fibre diet can help reduce your risk of Type 2 Diabetes. They have found that the more fibre you eat, the lower the risk of the condition. During the 11 year study, individuals with the highest fibre intake (more than 26 grams per day) had an 18% lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes compared with those whose diets contained the least fibre (less than 19 grams per day), even when lifestyle factors such as physical activity, smoking, alcohol use, and calorie intake were accounted for. Examples of high-fibre foods include whole grain products (whole grain breads and cereals, brown rice, quinoa, etc.), vegetables, fruit, and legumes (peas, beans, and lentils). It’s important to also stress that those living with pre-diabetes can still prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes by making lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation, increased physical activity, and healthy eating.
Swimmers says there are several reasons why the Aboriginal community is at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. They include socio-economic determinants, genetic susceptibility, and lifestyle (tobacco use, overweight and obesity, diet, and physical activity). “Social determinants of health, including disparities in income, education, housing, and employment coupled with poor access to health services put the Aboriginal community at greater risk,” said Swimmer. “People with lower incomes face barriers to good health including difficulty accessing quality food, housing, and education. Chronic stress related to the social determinants of health puts individuals at increased risk of chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes.”
A genetic risk factor called the ”thrifty gene effect” has been shown to increase the type 2 diabetes rates in Aboriginal populations. The theory suggests that Aboriginal populations are predisposed to conserve calories. This dates back to a time when access to food was not always available. Today, this genetic predisposition (combined with the transition from traditional to non-traditional diets and an increase in processed foods) has put Aboriginal populations at a higher risk for obesity.
Toronto Public Health’s new diabetes awareness campaign encourages people who face at least one risk factor for diabetes to take an online risk assessment (CANRISK Questionnaire). During Diabetes Awareness Month (November), they will be promoting this new campaign using online advertising and in person at community events. “We want to get the attention of people who may not consider themselves to be at risk. The main message is: You may be at increased risk for type 2 diabetes. Take this simple online assessment to determine your risk level and learn how to take action to prevent diabetes.”
After sitting through a private screening of the movie Fire Song, a film by Adam Garnet Jones, I thought the director captured some realities of life on the reservation, and it’s definitely a movie worth checking out.
The young cast of _Fire Song_. The World Premiere is set for the Toronto International Film Festival. _Fire Song_ is a universal story about youthful dreams confined by reality, set in a remote Aboriginal community. The reserve at Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and Fort William First Nation in Northwestern Ontario provide a vivid backdrop to the daily turmoil of Shane (Andrew Martin), a gay Anishnabe teenager struggling to support his family in the aftermath of his sister’s suicide.
The movie follows Shane, the lead character played by Andrew Martin, who is struggling with the suicide of his sister Destiny while he supports his mother Jackie, played by Jennifer Podemski. Shane also has to grapple with his personal life, being gay and in the closet, while being in a relationship with his girlfriend Tara, played by Mary Galloway. And if that wasn’t enough, Shane has to deal with hiding his true feelings for boyfriend David, played by Harley Legarde.
The story is set in a remote northern Ontario First Nation, where the community is dealing with the recent suicide of a band member (Destiny), and all the while, Shane is confronted by a series of events that make his decision about attending college a difficult one.
I had the opportunity to talk with Andrew Martin about playing his character and how he approached it. “I drew parallels to my life into the character of Shane,” Martin said. “Shane is gay, living on the rez, and he has to look out at the dangers he faces because of some people’s perceptions. Also a feeling of alienation he feels toward himself.”
This is Andrew Martin’s first lead role in a film where you see him in almost every frame. I asked him how he felt when he got the role, carrying the movie on his character. “I was overwhelmed and had my doubts about doing justice to the character of Shane. What if I couldn’t pull it off? But then I realized they picked me for a reason, and I just went for it.”
Without giving too much away from the film, the toughest scenes Martin said he had to do were with his onscreen boyfriend Harley Legarde. “One particular scene I did with Harley was pretty tough, and I really had to dig deep down and feel what Shane would be feeling in that moment, and that was with the river scene.”
This was also Legarde’s first supporting role in a film. He originally wanted to try out for the lead character, but after reading the script, he decided to audition for the role of David instead. The character David is dealing with his best friend Destiny’s death, and (like Shane) is in the closet and hiding his relationship with his boyfriend. “Some of the location shots were filmed in my community of Fort Williams First Nation, so of course there would be a lot of similarities,” Legarde said. “I think the film really did a great portrayal of youth on First Nations and what they struggle through. Also the struggles of being gay in a small community and coming out.”
Fire Song also stars another up-and-coming actress, Mary Galloway of the Cowichin First Nation, who plays Tara. Galloway received the news she got the role at the same time Martin did on their flight back to Toronto from Thunder Bay, where they had auditions and a one-week actor’s workshop. “I was on the flight back home when they announced on the airplane speakers that Andrew and me got the roles of Shane and Tara,” Galloway said. “So that was exciting, and then we couldn’t share our good news with anyone until they made the official announcement.”
Galloway said she enjoyed filming with the crew and fellow co-stars, but some of the scenes were very intense. The character of Tara goes through her own struggles of not knowing what the real truth is in front of her, as well as her relationship with Shane. “There were some intense scenes with the role of Tara, and I think her vulnerably was what I had to really focus on when I played the role,” Galloway said. “What I really like about Fire Song is that it doesn’t embellish what reservation life is about and keeps really true-to-life.”
This film will introduce moviegoers to a host of new young First Nation actors, as well as other supporting cast members like award winning actress Jennifer Podemski and recording artist Derek Miller. Director Garnet Jones sums it up best: “The film is about Shane trying to have it all—trying to do the best he can in an impossible situation.”
Fire Song premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 13th, 2015. Toronto On-line Film Magazine says, “The first feature film by Adam Garret Jones, Fire Song, works not only as a great example of First Nations cinema in Canada, but also as a teen film that could reach much further with audiences. Never one to shy away from talk of suicide, drug use, and sexuality in frank, bluntly honest detail, Jones expertly depicts one of the most emotionally conflicted period’s in a teenager’s life.”
In August, Ashley Callingbull-Burnham was crowned Mrs. Universe 2015, defeating contestants from around the world. Since then she’s been on national television and has graced magazines and news publications, all while voicing her opinions on murdered and missing Aboriginal women and the latest federal elections, urging people to vote. Now she’s been named the Canadian Dignity Role Model by the International youth empowerment organization Global Dignity Canada.
Ashley Callingbull Burnham is the first Canadian and first First Nations woman to win Mrs Universe.
Callingbull-Burnham is from the Enoch Cree Nation, and joins the ranks of Senator Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate), Deputy Leader of the New Democratic Party Megan Leslie, Liberal Party of Canada Leader Justin Trudeau, and Inuit filmmaker Innosar Issakiark, who are just a few of the National Role Models and Champions of Global Dignity in Canada. Callingbull is honoured to work with students around the world and promote “the right to lead a dignified life.”
Global Dignity chose Ashley Callingbull-Burnham as Dignity Role Model because she speaks to youth around the world about her life, ambitions, self-esteem, health, and education. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree focusing on drama and acting/television. She is also a recipient of the Top 20 Under 30 Award and will be on hand to speak to students from across the country at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa during Global Dignity Day on October 21st.
Giovanna Mingarelli, Global Dignity Canada’s Country Chair says they’re honoured and privileged that Mrs. Callingbull-Burnham has joined the Global Dignity movement. “She’s an inspiration to youth nationwide and beyond through her public activities to encourage respect, self-esteem, tolerance of diversity, and the universal right for everyone to lead a dignified life.”
In one of her first interviews after winning the Mrs. Universe title, Callingbull told the Vancouver Sun that she had hoped she’d win the title so that she could address Aboriginal issues. “People don’t expect a pageant girl to go out and say really crazy things right off the bat. They probably just expected me to have a title and be pretty and that’s it: be pretty and shut up. But I’m not going to shut up.” So that’s exactly what she’s been doing, speaking out and encouraging the Aboriginal people to go out and vote and make a difference in the upcoming federal elections. She says that the current government was created to go against First Nations people and not work for us, and Aboriginal issues are always put on the back burner and are never important.
Callingbull said when she found out that the Mrs Universe Pageant platform was on domestic violence and reflection on children, she knew she had to compete. Until the age of five, she experienced sexual abuse, domestic violence, and lived in poverty, and said that it took many years for the healing process. She has also talked about the issue of murdered and missing Aboriginal women and says there needs to be a national inquiry, something the current government has yet to implement.
On the CBC show Power and Politics, Callingbull told host Rosie Barton that Aboriginal people are treated like terrorists when they’re trying to protect and save the environment by having marches and protests. She also said that because the Mrs, Universe pageant judges contestants on public speaking, charitable contribution, and the work you do within your own country, she embraces this title and is excited about the upcoming year.
Callingbull was the first Canadian—and the first First Nations woman—to win the coveted Mrs. Universe title. Because she’s so outspoken and speaks what’s on her mind, she was asked recently if a career in politics could be in her future. Her response: “You know, I never thought I would be Mrs Universe. You never know what’s going to happen for me in the future, so expect anything.”
He’s been described by many as calm, patient, a well grounded guy, and one of the best goaltenders in the NHL. This past June at the NHL Awards, Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens won the Ted Lindsay (most outstanding player), Jennings (fewest goals allowed), Vezina (league/General Managers award), and Hart Trophies (MVP), and became the first goaltender in NHL history to win all four individual awards in the same season.
Price was extremely grateful when accepting his awards and told First Nations Drum, “Obviously I was thrilled on receiving the awards, and [it was] a lot of fun to go to the awards with my friends and family,”
Carey Price. Photo courtesy of Club de Hockey Canadien, Inc.
In Price’s NHL acceptance speeches to some of the most decorated hockey players in the world, he also addressed and shared his words with the youth about his hard work ethic and desire to be the best. “I would like to share a moment to encourage First Nations youth,” said Price, who was raised in the Aboriginal community of Anahim Lake, BC. “People would say it’s very improbable that I’d make it to this point in my life. I made it here because I wasn’t discouraged. I worked hard to get here, took advantage of every opportunity that I had, and I would really like to encourage First Nation youth to be leaders in their communities. Be proud of your heritage, and don’t be discouraged from the improbable.”
In the interview with First Nations Drum, Price added, “Just play hockey if you want to be a hockey player, but you don’t have to play hockey to be successful. You can be a teacher, a lawyer, doctor, even a chief of your First Nation, as long as you’re successful in what you do.” His final advice to youth was to accomplish those goals you set out for yourself. “If you want to make a name for yourself, you have to go out and earn it.”
Price also puts his words into action, as he’s involved in Breakfast Club of Canada and Air Canada Foundation, which feeds children in communities throughout Canada, including10,000 meals a year in his home community of Anahim Lake alone. “I got involved because this is an important initiative for the children, especially in rural communities who can’t afford to have a proper breakfast; they bring the food to these communities to help with the kids’ nutrition. Children can’t learn if they are hungry, and it affects their learning ability to even focus in school.”
Price who turns 28 years old on August 16th began his meteoric rise in hockey by playing his junior career with the Tri-City Americans in the Western Hockey League (WHL) in 2002 at the age of 15. Price was drafted fifth overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 2005 while still with the Tri-City Americans, where he won the Del Wilson Trophy as top goaltender in the WHL. In 2007, he joined the Montreal Canadiens farm team, the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League (AHL), and proceeded to lead the Bulldogs to win the Calder Cup Championship and the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as the tournament MVP. In the same year, Price was was called up by the Montreal Canadiens and played back-up goalie. Later in his first season (2007-08) with Montreal, Price became the starting goaltender.
Price has represented Canada at various international tournaments, including winning gold medals at the 2007 World Junior Hockey Championships and the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, where he received the Sochi Olympic top goaltending award from the International Ice Hockey Federation directorate. He said winning the Olympic gold medal has been one of the highlights of his flourishing career so far. “The Olympics and winning the Gold Medal was a huge highlight. Not only that, but the whole Olympic experience and taking in other events and the Olympic Village.” Price said. “Winning the Cup is a top priority, and reaching that goal is my main priority in hockey.”
Price was born in Vancouver, British Columbia to Lynda and Jerry Price. “I grew up both on and off the reserve of Ulkatcho First Nation. I remember we lived in this real old house, a log cabin with a tin roof, and later moved into a nicer place. But I always go home when I get chance; it’s always like a huge happy family reunion to head back to the rez.”
As a young boy, his father would drive the 10-hour round trip two or three days a week for hockey practice or house league games. Carey’s father would eventually buy a little piper cherokee bush plane to fly him to practice. The plane didn’t go very fast, but it got him to the rink a lot faster. Carey’s mother is the former Chief of the Ulkatcho First Nation. His father was also a goaltender; he was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1978 and played four seasons in various professional hockey leagues. He has a sister Kayla, and his second cousin is Shane Doan who plays with the Arizona Coyotes.
The hockey players he idolized growing up included Patrick Roy of the Montreal Canadiens. “I pretty much liked every goalie in the NHL. I also admired players like Pavel Bure, Steve Yzermen, Wayne Gretzky, players of that calibre.” When asked if his father pushed him to play goaltender, Price said, “Nope. He never pushed me to play hockey. I just got interested on my own, and I just stuck to playing goalie since I was a kid.”
Carey Price and the Montreal Canadiens finished first place in the Eastern Conference regular season with 110 points but lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second round. Following the NHL Awards ceremony and the hockey season, the general impression from president Geoff Molson, general manager Marc Bergevin, and head coach Michel Therrien, as well as the whole Canadiens organization: they’re extremely happy and proud of Carey and everything he accomplished last season. Well deserved.
The UBC MD Undergraduate Program will have not only its largest graduating class in history but also a landmark year for the faculty’s Aboriginal MD Admissions Program. The vision was to have at least 50 graduates from the Aboriginal MD Admissions Program by 2020. This year, the program has exceeded its vision five years ahead of schedule, with 54 Aboriginal students graduating.
“In the past 14 years, the highlights have been witnessing students graduate and creating new opportunities for themselves in the medical field,” says James Andrews, Aboriginal Student Initiatives Coordinator. “In the first year, we had two students who successfully met the recruitment requirements for the MD Admissions Program. Skeptics and critics said that was too low. I told them, ‘Give us some time; we’re a new program.’” Andrews says the number of students graduating in the Aboriginal MD Admissions Program is up 50%. “My main role is to support students in any way I can help, and see they pass their prerequisites, class attendance, their personal lives are dealt with, and that their studies are the main priority.”
From left: Kelsey Louie, UBC Aboriginal MD Admission Program 2015 Grad. Roisin Dooley, UBC MD Admission Program 2015 Grad. Nolan King Hop Wo, UBC MD Program Alumni.
The UBC Aboriginal MD Admissions Program has become an example for other faculties of medicine in Canada and enrolment is at its peak, with 35 Aboriginal students. Andrews also attends workshops and travels to different communities, high schools, and postsecondary institutions in BC as an advocate for the Aboriginal MD Admissions Program. “This is a unique program that works well towards the success of the students,” says Andrews. “We want to share this milestone with all post-secondary across the country.”
This year’s graduates include Kelsey Louie, Roisin Dooley, Lee-Anne Huisman, Casandra Felske, and Ryan Leblanc. Roisin Dooley, from the St. Theresa Point First Nation in Manitoba, says interactions with patients was by far her favourite part of the four year program. Dooley plans to attend Western University, where she’ll complete a five-year residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. First Nations Drum asked her about the importance of having Aboriginal physicians. “Aboriginal communities have largely had their health services come from government providers for many years. However, the history between Aboriginal communities and the government has been far from ideal, with Aboriginal people in places of marginalization with assimilative policies,” Dooley says. “There have been improvements made in this relationship, but there is still a lot of work to be done, and the health care system is one place in which I hope I can help further this. I think it’s important for Aboriginal communities because they can visually see someone who comes from a background similar to theirs in some dynamic and know that they’re culturally safe in a healthcare setting, where historically that has not been the case. I know that allies are also very important in the healthcare field, and great advocates are as well, but it does become an added dimension when you can actually speak to experience with a patient about your Aboriginal community, culture, and background. When this connection is made with patients, it can help with alleviating apprehension of medical procedures or addressing other concerns, as well as having them tell their family and friends to be conscious of their health.”
Dooley also talked about the main concerns facing First Nation communities in Canada. “In my own words, I can only speak to what I have experienced myself as a patient, family member of patients, and as a medical student. I would say that accessibility to adequate health care is a main health concern, especially with remote First Nations communities that are often only provided with medical services from a few regular nurses and visiting medical doctors and other healthcare professionals. A corresponding health care issue to that is food security, because there are many health issues that can arise if you are without a diet that provides necessary nutrients and vitamins.”
Dooley added that mental health is another area of concern in First Nations communities. “There have been many historical traumas experienced by First Nations, which have lasting effects not only on survivors but the children and grandchildren as inter-generational effects that impact mental well-being. Many of the underlying issues for negative coping mechanisms and self-harm are often related to mental health issues, such as narcotic use and suicides. Providing regular services, relating to accessibility, will help ensure improvements in the future.”
Kelsey Louie, of the Sliammon First Nation along the West Coast of BC is graduating from the Island Medical Program out of Victoria, an expansion of the UBC MD Undergraduate program. Louie says that other than all the challenges he faced during the four years at UBC, the big plus was the one-on-one time he shared learning with the professors. “There were 32 students in our program, and not competing for student time with the profs was a huge bonus for the quality of learning.”
Louie, age 33, says says his reason for choosing a career in medicine stems from a personal interest in the human body and supporting the well-being of others, combined with previous healthcare work experiences in Aboriginal communities. “Recognizing the health challenges and disparities faced by our people, in addition to the need for culturally sensitive care, I believed I could help play a significant role in the health and well being of our people by becoming a family physician,” he says.
UBC alumnus Dr. Nolan Hop Wo, a Metis who graduated from the UBC medical program in 2012, says his four years at UBC was a struggle, but one highlight was meeting his future wife (also a fellow medical student). Nolan is currently engaged in research investigating the mental health of Indigenous students attending post-secondary schools within Canada. He is also Resident Director of the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada.
Nolan offers this advice to prospective and current students in the UBC medical program: “Medicine is an exciting, challenging, and rewarding career. Becoming an Aboriginal physician, or any other health provider, puts you in a position to be able to improve the health of our Peoples. Being Aboriginal, you have a unique perspective on what health means to us, as well as how our past (i.e. residential schools) influences all aspects of our health. Becoming a physician affords us the opportunity to start to decolonize and improve our health care system from within.”
For the first time in their team’s history, the Strathmore UFA Bisons are headed to the Telus Nationals Midget Triple A Hockey Championships. The Bisons were chosen at a training camp last September, the best players included 16-year-old Trygve Many Guns of the Siksika Nation. Along the road to the Telus National Cup, the Bisons won five series against the Calgary Flames midget team 2-0, Calgary Royals 3-0, Calgary Buffaloes, Edmonton CAC 3-2, and the Pacific Regional Championship series 2-0 against the Vancouver N.E. Chiefs. At the UBC Thunderbird Arena in Vancouver, I watched the Bisons sweep the N.E. Chiefs in two games by the scores of 4-2 and 5-0.
Strathmore UFA Bisons—2015 Pacific Regional Champions. The Bisons now represent Team Alberta at the Telus Cup National Midget Hockey Championships.
The Bisons will represent Alberta at the national midget hockey championships and head coach Dan Macdonald says he’s very optimistic that his team will deliver. “Alberta is usually in the medals along with Saskatchewan and Quebec, but it all depends on the year,” MacDonald said. “We have a legitimate shot at winning the nationals because these players deserve everything they are getting. I told them at the beginning of the season they’re just as good, if not better than other teams, and they can be champions!”
Coach MacDonald talked about their success against the Vancouver Chiefs in the Pacific Regionals. “We wanted to control the puck by pressuring their defence so they were hurried and would make mistakes. Also we wanted to check them throughout the two games when in possession of the puck and take it to the net to create chances,” The coach continued, “We move the puck quickly up the ice to play fast and confuse the opposition, we’ve done this all year and it gives us a greater chance of being in possession of the puck more time to make plays and create more scoring chances.” Leading the Bisons in playoff points are Barrett Sheen and Kyle Gordon, tied with 21 points, and Gary Haden with 20 points.
Jamie Jackson, Vancouver N.E. Chiefs head coach praised the Strathmore Bisons for their offensive pressure in both games, as well as their defence. “I would give a lot of of credit to Bisons’ defence and goaltending. We have been able to expose the weakness in a team’s defence all season,” coach Jackson said. “The size and skating ability of the team’s defence in combination with more size and speed on the back made it difficult for us to get speed in transition. Once we got below the Bisons’ goal line, we were able to sustain some offence and get the chances we were looking for.”
2015 Pacific Regional Midget Hockey Champion Trygve Many Guns of the Siksika Nation will play in the Telus National Cup with Strathmore UFA Bisons.
Coach Macloed talked about the only First Nations player on the Bisons, Trygve Many Guns of the Siksika Nation wearing number 13. “Trygve Many Guns is a power forward who is very good in the offensive zone. Offensively, he drives the net and with his size; he is a threat every time he’s on the ice. He creates offensive chances for his linemates by being hard on the puck, and he’s a very good shooter. His line is very effective at taking the puck to the net where Trygve excels.” First Nations Drum also spoke to the shy 6’3” forward. “I thought I played a good physical game and made sure to let Vancouver know that they can’t mess with us,” he said. “The first half of the final game was really tough, and we got lucky by having two of their goals disallowed.” Trygve said he was excited to get going to the Telus National Cup and will focus on being faster and getting places quicker. “My favourite player is Evegeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and if I had to choice in team I would like one day like to play for, it would be the Montreal Canadiens because they have a winning history and every year they have a chance at winning the cup, and it’s such a nice city.” Trygve will play with the Regina Pats in the WHL Junior Hockey next season and plans to go all the way to professional hockey.
Since 1974, the best minor hockey teams in the country have competed for Canada’s National Midget Championships. The list of Telus Cup alumni includes names like Sidney Crosby, Patrick Roy, Ron Francis, and Steve Yzerman. Coach MacDonald says this will be the Bisons’ first trip to the Telus Cup, and he know his players must play very hard because all the teams are champions from their leagues. “Since we’re representing Alberta, we know that Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Quebec are usually in the medals, so we have that history to defend.” The Strathmore UFA Bisons schedule includes Team Quebec (April 20), Quebec host team (April 21), Regina Pat Canadians (April 22), Team Atlantic (April 23), Toronto Young Nationals (April 24), and the Telus playoffs April 25-26.
TELUS CUP 2015 Update: The Strathmore Bisons narrowly missed the podium as they were defeated by the Regina Pat Canadians 6-3 on Sunday, April 26 in the bronze medal game. Trygve Many Guns had an assist in that medal match-up and played a solid game. Overall, Many Guns had 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points in the National Midget Hockey Championships. Strathmore does have some consolation in being able to beat this years’ eventual Telus Cup Champions, the Toronto Young Nationals, 5-3 in the tournament’s preliminary round. Barrett Sheen and Gary Haden both led with 8 points for Strathmore.
The Toronto Young Nationals defeated Chateaguay 6-2 in the Telus Cup final, and Strathmore ended the tournament with a 3-4 win/loss record. Strathmore had a strong 4th place showing, making the Final Four. Although the last two games didn’t quite go their way, the team can be proud that out of 142 qualifying midget 3A teams across the country, they are among the best.
Walking into the PNE Forum on a rainy Saturday afternoon in East Vancouver, it was wonderful to hear the drums and songs of the Git Susit’aam’a Dancers at the 2015 Ho Biyee Nisga’a New Year annual celebrations.
Singing in the new year. Photo credit: Wameesh G. Hamilton.
The month of February marks the beginning of the Nisga’a First Nation’s New Year, and each year Hobiyee (Ho-be-yeh) the Nisga’a’ of Ts’amiks, hosts this celebration and invites dance groups from other Nations to celebrate with them the strength, beauty, and diversity of indigenous cultures. Hobiyee is a celebration of the waxing crescent moon during the latter part of winter each year. The Nisga’a’ People of the northwestern British Columbia, watch for the positioning of the moon and the stars as a prediction of the coming harvest. Hobiyee is celebrated wherever Nisga’a people live. Like many communities, they celebrate the New Year with family, friends, and community. The Nisga’a New Year is also celebrated annually in one of the four respected Nisga’a communities in the beautiful Nass Valley; this year the Gingolx will host the celebrations.
Huge crowds enjoy two days of traditional sounds, dance, food, and exhibits. Photo by Kelly Many Guns
Through research, The Nisga’a Nation’s oral tradition says that, “the Simgigat – Nisga’a Chieftains – in past centuries studied the celestial heavens. They were knowledgeable in the behaviours of the stars in proximity to the moon, which forecasted the weather patterns. They studied astrology, not from textbooks, but by years of observing the heavens.”
Git Hayetsk Dancers brought the crowd to spontaneous cheers and dancing. Photo by Kelly Many Guns.
Eleven dance groups participate in 2015 Hobiyee. Photo by Kelly Many Guns.
The Halayt-Simgigat (spiritual leader) studied the Buxw-laks moon, the moon of February, and they made note of the different shapes leading up to the full moon. Over time, they observed that whenever the first crescent moon (thin shaped) is in the shape of the hoobix (the bowl of the Nisga’a wooden spoon with the ends pointing upward) this meant abundant resources in the harvesting seasons to follow in K’alii-Aksims (the Nass Valley). The oolichans would be plentiful, as would the salmon, berries and various other resources important to the Nisga’a. All in all, 2015 is predicted to be bountiful.
During the two-day celebrations at the PNE Forum, nine Nisga’a dance groups performed their traditional celebration songs to large appreciative crowds. It was my first Hobiyee that I attended, and for it’s beautiful songs, drums, and awesome dancers, everyone should mark this wonderful event on their calendar each February!
A dancer from the Dhahka Khwaan Dance Group from Whitehorse, Yukon performs on day one at Hobiyee 2015 in Vancouver. Photo credit: Wameesh G Hamilton.
The Nisga’a of Ts’amiks host this celebration and invite dance groups from other nations to celebrate with them the strength, beauty, and diversity of indigenous cultures. Photo by Kelly Many Guns.
