Sweetgrass and CFWE news briefs - February 16, 2016

New images go up around Edmonton

February 16, 2016. The second group of #YEGCANVAS artists are on view on billboards throughout Edmonton. Presented by the Edmonton Arts Council and Pattison Outdoor Advertising, #YEGCANVAS is a transitory public art initiative featuring 45 artworks from 32 Edmonton-based emerging, culturally diverse, and Indigenous artists and artisans. Apitaw Piciwās, by Lana Whiskeyjack and Rebecca Lippiatt, is one of the latest billboard postings, while LRT posters, including work by Indigenous artists Dale Badger (Cathedral), MJ Belcourt Moses (Caribou Hair Swirl, and Wild Rose & Bee) and Yvette Prefontaine (Penguinpuppy) have been rotated to different LRT stations. The pieces in this project span a diversity of genres and disciplines including digital media, photography, water colour, acrylic, drawing, and fine craft. Artworks were chosen from more than 80 submissions. The six-month project, which debuted in December 2015 and runs until May 2016, will see artwork displayed on 10 billboards, located throughout Edmonton, and on 15 LRT station posters along the Capital Line. The art is rotated every two months.

Photo: Lana Whiskeyjack's Apitaw Piciwas, an image from a photographic series created in collaboration with photographer Rebecca Lippiatt, can be found on a billboard at 99 street and 75 avenue by Totem Outdoor Outfitters on Edmonton’s southside.
(Photo: 3YEGCANVAS)

Indoor skate park could help fight drugs, alcohol, gangs

February 16, 2016. The Sacred Rocky Mountain Mini Thni Movement Association wants to establish a drop-in indoor skateboard park on Stoney Nakoda land. The plan is for a 10,000-square-foot building with 12 ramps and four rails. Tasina Pope, SRMMTMA treasurer, says the committee discussed needs within the community. The hope is that with the skateboard park opened late it will attract the older youth and help decrease drugs, alcohol and gang affiliation. The Bearspaw Youth Centre, an indoor recreation centre in Morley, closes early, catering to a younger crowd. The estimated cost for the new facility is $500,000. Pope says a letter of intent has been presented to the tribal council, which holds its next meeting March 3. Potential funding may come from Alberta’s First Nation Development Fund grant program, which is a grant for social, economic and community development projects. Funding for the program in 2015-16 was $128 million.

Two Alberta recipients among Indspire award winners

February 12, 2016. Chief Jim Ochiese from the Foothills Ojibway First Nation and Christian Kowalchuk from the Big Stone Cree Nation were among the 14 people celebrated at the Indspire Awards gala held Friday in Vancouver. Ochiese was recognized in the culture, heritage and spirituality category, while Kowalchuk took the First Nation youth award. Approximately 2,000 people attended the event, including almost 500 Indigenous youth from across the country. "I'm proud to be part of this evening's event, which pays tribute to some of the exemplary achievements of Indigenous People. They truly are an inspiration to all Canadians – especially youth – in every community from coast to coast to coast,” said Carolyn Bennett, minister of Indigenous and northern affairs.

Road renamed in Edmonton recognizes Enoch Cree Nation

February 12, 2016. Enoch Cree Nation and the City of Edmonton announced that 23 avenue between 215 street and Anthony Henday has been renamed to Maskêkosihk Trail. The area between 184 street and 23 avenue has served as a gathering place for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples for generations. Sharing a border, Enoch and Edmonton also share a dedication to reconciliation. “The naming of this roadway to Maskêkosihk Trail serves notice that Edmonton is committed to renewed relationships with the First Peoples of this land. In this time of reconciliation – Enoch Cree Nation is committed to mamawihkamatowin (working together),” said Chief Billy Morin. The 184 street to 23 avenue roadway is situated within traditional Enoch Cree Nation territory and will serve as a highly visible entryway into Enoch Cree Nation’s lands.