Sweetgrass and CFWE news - March 28, 2016

Maskwacis Elder shortlisted for Emerald Award

March 24, 2016. Maskwacis Elder Roy Louis of Battle River First Nations water ceremony is one of three finalists in the category of individual commitment for the Alberta Emerald Awards. Louis is competing against Jerry Brunen, of Western Sky Land Trust Society (Calgary), and Melvin Mathison, of Lakeland College (Vermilion). Over the past weeks, a panel of knowledgeable third-party judges with cross-sectoral experience selected a maximum of three nominees in each of the 10 Emerald Award categories. Finalists were announced on Thursday. There will be one winner per category. The Emerald Awards recognize and celebrate environmental excellence achieved by individuals, not-for-profit associations, large and small corporations, community groups and governments from across Alberta. The 25th Annual Emerald Awards will be presented on June 8 in Calgary.

Call to Indigenous artists extended for Valley Line art work

March 28, 2016. The Edmonton Arts Council has extended its deadline for a call for submissions for the Tawatinâ Bridge public art competition. Canadian Indigenous artists now have until April 5. The original deadline was March 29. The Edmonton Arts Council Public Art Program, on behalf of the City of Edmonton, is looking for a Canadian Indigenous artist or artist team to integrate site-specific public art at the Tawatina Bridge. There are two highly visible potential locations for public art. Artwork concepts must be culturally appropriate to the peoples of the region and should consider the significant cultural heritage and legacy of the river valley, the rich histories, stories and customs that tell of the place, and Indigenous perspectives of “river crossing.” Shortlisted artists will have an opportunity to interact with local Indigenous Elders and knowledge holders at a one to two-day site visit/workshop, facilitated by Indigenous curator Candice Hopkins. The budget for the art project is $295,500.

Drug charges laid, firearms seized

March 27, 2016. Lyndon Patrick McLeod, 25, of Edmonton, is facing various firearm and drug-related charges after being stopped in his vehicle by the Cold Lake RCMP on the Cold Lake First Nation by Highway 28 in the early morning hours on Sunday. After an investigation, McLeod was arrested, a quantity of cannabis marihuana and a small amount of cocaine was seized. Also seized were a loaded handgun, a shotgun, ammunition, and a significant amount of Canadian currency. McLeod was remanded into custody and is next appearing at Cold Lake Provincial Court on April 13, 2016. Police are asking anyone with information regarding the drug trade or any other crime to contact Cold Lake RCMP at 780-594-3302.

McMurray Métis prepare UNDRIP implementation review

March 23, 2016. The McMurray Métis have made available 44 recommendations that the federal and provincial government can use to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Métis local commissioned the review and report, which was prepared by Willow Springs Strategic Solutions Inc. based on their work with the McMurray Métis and wider Métis community in northeastern Alberta. “We hope that the government will utilize this information when deciding how best to implement UNDRIP,” said Gail Gallupe, president of McMurray Metis in a statement. Both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Alberta Premier Rachel Notley have directed their respective cabinets to investigate how their ministries can implement the declaration. “This is a major policy shift with broad impacts related to everything from how we are to be consulted by government and industry, protecting our rights to traditional harvesting, or even our right to a healthy environment. If done correctly, it could go a long way in addressing some very long standing issues,” said Gallupe.