Saskatchewan Briefs - August

North Central neighbourhood prettied-up
Volunteers from Regina and Texas are sprucing up Regina’s North Central neighbourhood with a colourful mural. “The thing that we really wanted to promote was peace and pride. So, we have a dove and peace sign with some really bright colours,” said Rene Dufour-Contreras, who was asked to design the mural. The cost of the mural is shared by the Jolly Roger and the Go Green program—a partnership between the City of Regina, the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the North Central Community Association.

Art exhibit at Batoche National Historic Site
The improved visitor reception centre at the Batoche National Historic Site is the home of the new art exhibit Resilience/Resistance: Métis Art 1880-2011. This project was made possible by federal funding of $4.25 million. The art exhibit, curated by internationally renowned Métis artist Sherry Farrell Racette features historical and contemporary works from Métis artists across Canada. “It is important for both the Métis and the Canadian public to become aware of the enduring importance and achievement of Métis artists,” said Farrell Racette.  “Their works gives visual testimony to the role of love, family, humour and innovation in creating and re-creating a culture founded on the dual power of resilience/resistance.”

Increase in Aboriginal student figures
Rob Norris, minister of advanced education, employment and immigration, said he is “attentive” to the province’s decrease in workers, but noted that most of the losses come in part-time positions - 2,600, compared with an increase of 1,400 full-time workers. However, he pointed out that 1,700 more Aboriginal people were employed since last year.  Norris also said his government is funding $48-million for Aboriginal programs, and noted more than 13,000 of the 35,000 students in the province are Aboriginal. “I know there’s a lot more work to do on the First Nations and Métis front on the employment side, but these (numbers) are encouraging because they’re pointing to a more inclusive workforce in Saskatchewan,” said Norris in the Regina Leader-Post.

Deal signed for medical attention when arrested
The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and Saskatoon Tribal Council have signed an agreement with the Saskatoon police and the health region in which anyone who is arrested will be checked for a medical condition. FSIN vice-chief Morley Watson says the agreement was made because of past incidents where people were arrested and needed medical attention. Watson thinks the agreement will help improve relations between the police and Aboriginal people. He said the ultimate goal is to have a wellness centre where people can get medical help.

Former FNUC student president found guilty
Blue Pelletier, a former student council president at the Saskatoon campus of the First Nations University of Canada, has been convicted of fraud and theft relating to an estimated $30,000 in missing funds that had been earmarked for the student body. Pelletier received an 18-month conditional sentence to be served in the community. According to evidence heard during his trial, Pelletier, 31, wrote a series of cheques to himself from a student council account between August 2006 and February 2007.

NDP leader meets with chiefs
Saskatchewan NDP leader Dwain Lingenfelter met with area chiefs on July 5. Lingenfelter has been travelling the province speaking with different groups of First Nations people.  “We will be talking about issues like duty to consult and resources in the province and how we share and get a better share for the people of the province including First Nations people,” Lingenfelter told the Lloydminster Meridian Booster.  “I have been talking about that a lot, how we need a review of the potash royalties so that we have a bit of extra money for the people of the provinceÖ I think First Nations people support our call in general for a review to see if we can get a little more money.”  Close to 15 chiefs and vice-chiefs were in attendance at the meeting from about 12 different bands in the area.

One boy charged in shooting death of another boy
A 14-year-old boy has been charged with the careless use of a firearm in connection with the shooting death of a 12-year-old boy on Lac La Ronge First Nation. Police determined three boys ranging in age from 12 to 15 had taken a firearm into the woods behind a residence on the reserve.  “Although a charge has been laid the circumstances of the incident remain under investigation,” RCMP Cpl. Nicole Fleury said in a news release. Police have not released the victim’s identity and the accused cannot be named due to provisions in the Youth Criminal Justice Act. However, both the victim and the 14-year-old are members of the Lac La Ronge First Nation.

Delorme wins first Golf Saskatchewan title
Cadus Delorme won his first-ever Golf Saskatchewan title as he took the 2011 Saskatchewan Mid-Amateur men’s golf championship with a 10-stroke victory over defending champ Torrie Coghlin of Saskatoon. Delorme, a 29-year-old member of Cowessess First Nation, joins Duck Lake’s Bill Cameron — who won Saskatchewan senior titles in 2008, 2005, 2003 and 2002 — in the First Nations winners’ circle.

First Nation part of utility-based corporation
Chief Tammy Cook-Searson, of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, along with mayors Gordon Stomp, of the Northern Village of Air Ronge, and Thomas Sierzycki, of the Town of La Ronge, cut the ribbon to officially open the La Ronge Regional Water Treatment Plant on July 15. The First Nation and the two municipalities formed a corporation to bring the regional water system into operation, marking the first time in Saskatchewan a First Nation has been part of a utility-based corporation in the province. The project began when new regulations were announced in relation to water requirements changes for December 2008 and December 2010, which would make upgrades necessary in both the La Ronge and Air Ronge water treatment facilities and processes. The regional water corporation was formed to provide safe and reliable drinking water to all three communities.  The project was funded partially by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada ($4.31 million) and the Canadian Strategic Infrastructure Fund ($4.22 million). The Saskatchewan government contribution was made through the Northern Village of Air Ronge and Northern Municipal Trust Account ($1.85 million). The Town of La Ronge contributed $1.76 million.

SaskTel delivers high-speed Internet services
SaskTel is rolling out high-speed Internet service and 4G wireless coverage to 28 Saskatchewan First Nations communities over the next two years. The project is part of the Saskatchewan Infrastructure Improvement Fund, with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada contributing $8.8 million to the Saskatoon Tribal Council through the First Nations Infrastructure Fund. SaskTel is investing an equal amount in the project. The company plans to have service ready in 12 communities by year’s end, with the remaining 16 communities scheduled for completion by the end of 2012.

Youth camp held on impact of residential schools
Twenty-Five youth from across the Métis Nation Homeland gathered in Saskatoon for a Métis Youth Leadership Camp which focused on the legacy of residential schools and its impact on families and communities. The four-day camp was hosted at the historical site during the Back to Batoche Days in July. The goal of the leadership camp was to combine social networking tools and resources to ‘share the story’ of the residential, boarding and day school experiences through the development of a social media framework which will be implemented by the Métis National Council to inform the public.

Compiled by Shari Narine