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June 2006
Long Live the Métis Nation!
Providing communication to Métis and non-Métis people to create awareness, promote and preserve Métis heritage and culture.
Edited and Published by Felice Gladue
We welcome donations to cover our costs. Cheques can be made payable to the Métis Matters Foundation of Alberta. Thank you for your continued support.
Please forward this copy to others that may be interested in keeping updated on our community.
The opinions contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the Métis Matters Foundation of Alberta nor the opinions of any Métis local, regional, or provincial organization or their affiliates. These views expressed in this publication are those of its contributors only. The publisher invites comments from our readers but reserves the right to edit or reject material at her discretion.
To receive the newsletter, free of charge, to send submissions or to advertise, contact us at:
Box 3263, Sherwood Park, Alberta, T8H 2T2
Phone number: 780-975-2084
Fax number: 780-416-4619
Email: info@metismatters.com
Website: www.metismatters.com
News and Advertisement Deadline: Monday, February 21, 2005
Quotation
Contents:
1. Events
Up Coming Events Schedule
2. Education/Employment
- Two GPRC Students Receive Aboriginal Youth Acheivement Awards
- Interactive Media is Creating New Opportunities for
Alberta’s Aboriginal Youth
- Grouard's Museum and Historical Village Attract Attention of the Smithsonian Institution
- Metis Artisan Melissa-Jo Moses Invited to the Smithsonian
- Aboriginal Arts and Design Program Attracts International Attention
- Native Cultural Arts Museum and Grouard Historical Village 2006 Spring Season
- Northern Lakes College Hosts Third Annual Traditional Powwow
3. Minister of Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development
Aboriginal Junior Forest Rangers Program
4. Speaking Up, Speaking Out
- Residential School Survivors
5. Metis Me
6. Working with You
7. Métis Financial Matters
8. Métis Interest Articles
- Youth & Elders Conference held in Calgary a Major Success
- 8th Annual Métis Entrepreneurial Leadership Awards
- 9th Annual Red River West Rendezvous
- Violent Deaths Must be Addressed
- Metis Archival Project Celebrates Seventh Year
- City Aboriginal Community Releases Report Results
- Agreements Signed by Parks Canada
and Region 3 of the Métis Nation of Alberta
-
Aboriginal Veterans Society of Alberta’s Annual AGM
-
Dreamspeakers International Film festival
-
Sixteen “little angels” were Honoured by Alberta’s First Lady
9. National Métis News
10. Métis Cultural Corner
11. Joke of the Month
12. Recipe
Events
JUNE 7 - 10, 2006
Dreamspeakers 11th Annual International Indigenous Film Festival
June 8 “YOUTH DAY” includes: kits, lunch, films, workshops (actor/agent), photo ops and autograph signing session
New to the Festival this year is a “VIDEO CONTEST”. Submit a ‘2 MINUTE’ VIDEO’ and win a “Cash Prize”
Registration is limited to 200.
Contact: Doreen L Cardinal at (780) 378-9609 or email: info@dreamspeakers.org or visit www.dreamspeakers.org
JUNE 8 - 9, 2006
The Aboriginal Leadership Institute Strategic Planning Advanced Session
Peguis, Manitoba
Contact (204) 940-1700, Email: alii1@mts.net , Website: www.alii.ca
June 14th, 2006
4th Annual Douglas J. Chaisson
Memorial Golf Tournament
Wednesday, June 14th - 1:00 P.M.
Fee: $125.00/person
Proceeds to the MNCW HIV/AIDS Project
For information concerning the above event
Email: info@metiswomen.ca
JUNE 17, 2006
History in the Hills
Cypress Hills Interprovicinal Park, AB
Cost: Free
Contact 403-526-0756 or visit www.miywasin.ab.ca
June 18 Family Day
Royal Alberta Museum
12845 102 Avenue
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Contact: Kim Gough at 453-9100
or website: www.royalalbertamuseum.ca
June 20 Media Launch
Ramada Inn
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
CHIP Hospitality
Contact: Jason Wilson at 453-7305
June 20, 2006
Nellie Carlson Youth Awards 2006
City Room, City Hall
#1 Sir Winston Churchill Square
12:00 PM (noon) Start
Contact: Laura Auger at 944-7958
or email: Laura.Auger@edmonton.ca
June 21st, 2006
National Aboriginal Day
Lac La Biche and Surrounding Communities is hosting a Celebration at the
Recreation Grounds in Lac La Biche. Pancake breakfast from 8:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. “Celebration Parade Walk” from the Almac Motel to the Recreation
Grounds at 11:00 A.M. Welcoming Remarks from Dignitaries & Special guest appearance by Jimmy Herman (of Dances with Wolves) A local talent Jamboree hosted by local Lac La Biche group Blue Spur. A mini Round Dance & Give-away
Lots of free prize draws (50/50 draws will also be held). Free door prize draw for a 2 night stay at the Kikino Silver Birch Resort.
For more information, contact Shelly Jackson at 1-866-623-5551 (ext. 5658)
June 21,2006
Official Commemoration
Canada Place, 9700 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton. Ab
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Government of Canada Partnership Committee
Contact: Heather Poitras at 495-6728
or email: poitrash@inac-ainc.gc.ca
June 21, 2006
Royal Eagles BBQ
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Corner of 102 Street & Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Ab
Contact: Brian Hjlesvold at 409-7678
or email: brian.hjlesvold@rbc.com
June 21, 2006
Northeast NAD Committee Celebration
Highlands Junior High School
11509 62 Street
12:00 PM (noon) Start
The Red Road Healing Society
Contact: Joanne Pompana at 471-3220
June 22, 2006
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Celebration
Commerce Place, Rotunda
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
10155 - 102 Street
June 22, 2006
Second Annual Aboriginal Family Gathering
O.S. Geiger Elementary School
100 Castlebrook Drive NE, Calgray, ab
Tipi raising, story telling, arts & crafts, beading, dancing, drumming,
refreshments, food, astro jump, face painting,
field activities and much more.
For more information please contact Karen Acuna
@ 205-5252, * 607 (message only).
Sponsored by: Calgary Family Services, City of Calgary and Calgary Board of Education
5:00—7:00 PM
Activities
7:00—8:00 PM
ABORIGINAL TALENT
SHOW
June 23, 2006
Smudging the Streets
Canadian Native Friendship Centre
11205 – 101 Street
9:00 AM Start
Ben Calf Robe Society
Contact: Dale Ladouceur at 477-6648
or email: dale@bcrsociety.ab.ca
June 23, 2006
Pancake Breakfast
Canadian Native Friendship Centre
11205 – 101 Street
9:00 AM Start
Contact: Dean Brown at 479-1999
or email: deanbrown@shawbiz.ca
June 24, 2006
Sacred Self Gala & Art Preview
Blatchfort Hangar, Fort Edmonton Park
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Contact: Jaret Sinclair-Gibson at433-3097
or email: JSG_001@yahoo.ca
June 24, 2006
Day One - Weekend Festival
Legislature Grounds
12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Edmonton NAD Committee
Contact: Dean Brown at 479-1999
or email: deanbrown@shawbiz.ca
June 25, 2006
Day Two - Weekend Festival
Legislature Grounds
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Metis Child & Family Services Society
Contact: Florence Gaucher at 452-6100
or email: florencemc@metischild.com
June 25 – July 2, 2006
‘Sagetawin’ Sacred Self Art Show
& SMV Traditional Tipi Encampment
Blatchfort Hangar, Fort Edmonton Park
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Contact: Jaret Sinclair-Gibson at433-3097
or email: JSG_001@yahoo.ca
July,14th 2006
Metis Urban Housing's Annual Stampede Breakfast
7:30 -11:30am
Live Entertainment by "Prarie Dogs"
Bring your fiddle's!
Bay 1 & 2 5301 21A Ave S.E
Calgary
AUGUST 10 - 13, 2006
The 9th Annual John Arcand Fiddle Fest is now FOUR DAYS !
Contact Vicki Arcand at windy.acres@sasktel.net or visit www.johnarcandfiddlefest.com.
AUGUST 10 - 12, 2006
Hivernant Rendezvous
Big Valley, Alberta
AUGUST 17 - 20, 2006
Métis Nation of Alberta AGM
Lac LA Biche, Alberta
OCTOBER 12, 2006
Ben Calf Rob Society's AGM and Aboriginal Children’s CD Release Party
Santa Maria Goretti Centre,11050-90 St, Edmonton, AB
8:00 pm
Contact 780-477-6648
Education / Employment
Grande Prairie Regional College is proud to announce that two of our students have been chosen to receive the Alberta Aboriginal Youth Achievement Award in 2006. The Métis Nation of Alberta offers awards in eight categories, with a total of 16 recipients throughout the province.
Kenny Algona, Bachelor of Education student, has been selected for the Culture and Heritage award, for his work toward preserving and promoting his Inuit culture and heritage. Bridgette Loonskin, student of Business Administration, has been selected for the Personal Achievement award, for overcoming challenges to achieve personal goals and self-betterment.
Kenny Algona, 20, was born in Kugluktuk, Nunavut, where he was raised by his Inuit grandparents, camping and hunting for caribou, muskox and ducks. He is a noted athlete, who has competed and earned recognition in many sports, including badminton, lacrosse and soccer. Algona was a student at the University of Alberta for one year, during which he enjoyed academic and athletic success, but he found it difficult to be away from Kugluktuk. Now, as a student of GPRC, Kenny Algona is happy to be living in a home-stay environment (in a family with many dogs!) and is active in Wolves athletics. Recently he volunteered to teach athletic skills to children in need through GPRC Wolves and KidSport.
When he has completed his degree, Kenny Algona wants to take his skills and knowledge home to share with the people of his community. He hopes to help the people of Kugluktuk to keep their traditional ways and language while offering new skills to the youth.
Bridgette Loonskin is a 19-year-old Cree woman from Little Red River Cree Nation who is currently enrolled in the Business Administration Program at Grande Prairie Regional College. As a child, Bridgette was moved frequently from one community to another, with her mother and young brother who is visually impaired. It was hard for Bridgette to keep making new friends, but she developed a great love for learning. She is fluent in English, Cree and French, and is learning Braille so that she can share her love of learning with her brother. In her GPRC studies, she continues to achieve very high academic standing. Bridgette moved to Fox Lake on her own at the age of 15, where she continued to be a straight A student. While Bridgette was in grade 12, she met the love of her life and became a mother. Despite her new responsibilities, she continued her education until she had achieved university entrance levels in mathematics and sciences.
The difficulty of finding suitable housing for herself, her partner and child, posed yet another challenge for Loonskin, but she persevered, living in a “not-so-good” hotel until October rather than give up her educational goals. Bridgette has been a regular volunteer in libraries in the communities where she has lived. In Grande Prairie, she has helped the Peace Area Riding for the Disabled Society, and was a volunteer at the GPRC President’s Ball.
Bridgette hopes one day to become a Chartered Accountant and work for Indian Affairs or and Aboriginal agency. Her dream is to help her people to get their finances in order and to invest in the future of Aboriginal children helping them to achieve educational success.
GPRC Aboriginal Student Liaison coordinator Kelly Benning prepared and submitted the nominations for these awards in November 2005. Ms. Benning and a local Elder will accompany Loonskin and Algona to award ceremonies in Edmonton in March. More information about the awards may be found at the Métis Nation of Alberta website: www.albertametis.ca.
EDMONTON, Alberta — Laurie Hawn, M.P. for Edmonton Centre on behalf of the Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, today announced an investment of $125,000 to the Heritage Community Foundation’s Information Technology/Animation Aboriginal Project. The project will benefit Aboriginal students with training in interactive media and will teach the skills required to launch their high-tech careers.
Western Economic Diversification Canada’s contribution to the Heritage Community Foundation enabled the Aboriginal students to develop two production projects. One project focused on creating animated vignettes based on Aboriginal legends and significant moments in history. The second project was the development of a documentary called “Finding the Voice” which highlights the Aboriginal students’ training and graduation.
“A good education is the key to a great future for our young Canadians,” said Mr. Hawn on behalf of Minister Skelton. “The Government of Canada is proud to partner with the Heritage Community Foundation’s innovative training model as it provides for hands-on work experience in a learning environment.”
“The Heritage Community Foundation is delighted to have been able to create an on-the-job training and work experience project that prepares Aboriginal youth for careers in information technology,” said Adriana Davies, Executive Director of the Heritage Community Foundation. “What makes the project unique is that the students are able to explore aspects of their rich history, culture and traditions in a dynamic learning environment.”
Through the Heritage Community Foundation’s partnership with the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), the Aboriginal students were able to gain certificates for their course work and hands-on experience in the interactive media field, enhancing their knowledge of animation programming and web research/development.
“Canada needs to develop the talents of our Aboriginal youth and address the severe skills shortage,” said NAIT President Dr. Sam Shaw. “This project demonstrates how partners like WD, HCF, and NAIT can preserve culture, develop tomorrow’s leaders and help Aboriginal youth gain skills in an industry that is clamouring for talent.”
The outcomes for the IT/Animation Aboriginal Project were twofold: the students benefited from the knowledge transferred by the Foundation and played an instrumental role in preserving Alberta’s Aboriginal heritage using digital technologies.
By Joe McWilliams
Sometimes you need the perspective of an outsider to realize the value in your own back yard. In this case, the back yard is the Native Cultural Arts Museum in Grouard and its associated Grouard Historical Village. The outside perspective comes from the world-famous Smithsonian Institution of Washington, D.C.
Nancy Groce, a folklorist with the Smithsonian's Folklife Festival, was touring Alberta last summer looking for aspects of Alberta culture she could recruit for this year's festival. On the day she met Northern Lakes College Aboriginal Art & Design instructor Margaret Cardinal and toured the museum in Grouard, she knew she had found one piece of the Alberta culture puzzle.
“As a museum person I was very impressed with the Northern Lakes College museum,” says Groce. “Although small, it's a thoroughly professional operation with some important artifacts. It's the sort of place I'm delighted to find when I'm on my own time as a tourist – well worth a drive to Grouard.”
A growing number of people are finding out the same thing. Last year 1,200 people visited the museum – many of them foreign tourists with a particular interest in Aboriginal culture. Another 600 students from the area took part in spring and summer programs at the historical village.
Opened in 1976, the museum has about 2,000 artifacts, mainly of the Woodland Cree and Metis cultures. Tours of the museum and the nearby St. Bernard's Church are available year-round.
Starting each spring, a tent and tipi village is set up in a field near the church. It is designed to resemble a Woodland Cree and Metis settlement of the period 1875 – 1885. Museum staff play period roles in appropriate costumes. Students get hands-on experience through such activities as tipi building, outdoor cooking, games, chores and crafts, among others.
“We've dedicated a lot of our collection to 'hands-on',” explains the museum's project coordinator Cathy Wilcox.
That's unusual for a museum, but it works for the kids, who get to experience such things as lying down in furs in a tipi, and dressing up in 19th century outfits.
“It fits well with the Social Studies curriculum,” says Northern Lakes College President Rick Neidig. “Teachers seem to be quite happy they’ve got a place to come.”
Cardinal is one of the hands-on interpreters for the historical village programs. Most of the art and clothing in the museum's collection is made by students in her classes. She's the expert in those areas, and serves as an advisor, as well as a participant in the historical village re-enactments.
“Margaret has been a wonderful resource for us,” says Wilcox.
Says the museum's programs coordinator Louise Myre: “When we have any questions, we usually ask her.”
Cardinal will be getting lots of questions about Aboriginal culture at the Smithsonian's Folklife Festival this summer. She has a plan, that involves setting up a tent and a tipi, just like the ones at the historical village in Grouard.
“I'm going to take bits of the village to the Smithsonian,” she says. “I'm hoping to do power point – one in the tipi and one in the tent – one about the museum and one about the college and all the communities we serve.”
'Alberta at the Smithsonian', as the program is called, runs June 30 – July 11 in Washington, D.C.
Melissa-Jo Moses is Metis, a Belcourt by birth and descendent of the French, Iroquois and Cree people of the Michel Band. Melissa-Jo has strong reverence for the skills and technology employed by her ancestors, who as guides, traders and buffalo hunters settled in the west among their Native brethren. This deep connection to her roots is the inspiration for much of her artwork and in developing, in others, an appreciation for the Metis contribution in Canada’s history.
Melissa-Jo is a recognized cultural art instructor and has a fondness for people and in sharing conversation and ideas. Melissa-Jo is currently employed as an Interpreter at the Royal Alberta Museum delivering educational programs and promoting Aboriginal representation. She also enjoys any opportunity in meeting other Aboriginal Artisans who share in her interests.
It is this combination of elements that has led Melissa-Jo to be included as one of the Aboriginal Artisans to be invited to the Smithsonian Institute’s Folklife Festival held this summer in Washington DC. At the festival she will be demonstrating appliqué beadwork, porcupine quillwork, moose-hair embroidery, and fish scale art. The artwork Melissa-Jo produces reflects her cultural heritage.
The techniques and designs stem from hours of research and dedication to the art. Melissa-Jo says “I see my art reflecting the natural world around us and something that connects me to my roots and the aboriginal community.”
Joe McWilliams
Lakeside Leader
Where’s Grouard? What do you do there?
Those will probably be among the questions Northern Lakes College Aboriginal Arts & Design instructor Margaret Cardinal will hear this summer in Washington D.C. In answering them, Cardinal will give visitors to the Smithsonian Institution’s Folklife Festival a picture of a slice of life in Canada’s wild rose province.
Cardinal will be at the festival in early July as one of 120 Albertans chosen by the Smithsonian to show and tell stories about Alberta culture. Explaining where Grouard is won’t be too hard; describing the Aboriginal Arts & Design program will take a bit more time.
The program started out as mainly a clothing design course some years ago at the college’s Grouard campus. It has since branched out into a many-faceted design program incorporating many aspects of Aboriginal culture, including language, arts and crafts – many traditional, some not. And yes, clothing too.
Cardinal came on board as an instructor18 years ago.
“I started at the friendship centre (in High Prairie) on a six-month stint,” she says. They (the college) liked what I did there and had me come here and review this program and make recommendations.”
That fall when one of the program's instructors left, college president Dan Vandermeulen asked Cardinal if she would like to implement her recommendations, as head instructor. She accepted, and started putting a new program into place.
“It wasn't just clothing,” she says. We advanced into tipis, capotes, blankets. And we used all the traditional arts that we could put together.”
These included porcupine quillwork, moose hair tufting and stemwork and caribou hair tufting. Plus a brand new tradition – that of fish scale art. It was invented at Northern Lakes College in Grouard. “It started here through the late Mary Periard (an instructor in the program),” Cardinal says. “We advanced her techniques and it's spread across Canada.”
The end product of fish scale art – or one of them – is pictures made of colourfully dyed scales, often incorporating parts of the fish skeleton. The easy part is the artwork, Cardinal says. Much harder is the preparation of the material, which her students must also learn.
It starts with big lake whitefish. Cardinal procures them the fish plant in Joussard. The scales are scraped off and washed for two or three days.
“It's tedious and smelly,” she says.
Meanwhile, the head and vertebrae are boiled to remove all flesh and membrane.
Northern Lakes College museum staff at the Grouard Campus are gearing up for their busiest school field trip season at the museum and village to date. 32 pre-booked school groups, consisting of over 900 students and their supervisors, will be visiting the facility over a 6 week period.
Students will experience programs in the tipi & tent village that will include such as activities as tipi building, fur trade, hand-games, role playing and bannock and tea. In addition they will be provided with a guided tour of the museum and historical St. Bernard’s Roman Catholic Mission Church, as well as having the opportunity to create a culturally relevant craft or participate in a story-telling session.
Museum programs are in accord with the Northern Lakes College business plan statement that supports the celebration of Aboriginal history and culture.
Northern Lakes College hosted the Third Annual Spring Traditional Powwow on May 6th. The morning events consisted of Handgames, taught by Romeo Waskahat of Frog Lake, Alberta and dance workshops, taught by Tina Isadore of Driftpile. These events were well-attended with about 70 participants.
Grand Entries took place twice throughout the day. Spectators were asked to rise as the Eagle Staff, Canada, Alberta, Northern Lakes College, Aboriginal Veteran, Normandee Veteran, Driftpile, Sturgeon Lake, and Sucker Creek flags were danced in. The ceremonies began with a prayer from Elder Albert Desjarlais and a welcome from Northern Lakes College President, Rick Neidig.
Approximately 500 visitors throughout the day were treated to a display of colourful regalia, breath-taking dance performances and the wonderful sound of the drum group River Cree. The dancers came from all areas, places such as; Salt Prairie, Grouard, East Prairie, Wabasca, Enoch, Driftpile, Sawridge, Big Horn, Horse Lake, Whitefish, Slave Lake, Duncan, Berwyn, Smith, Sturgeon Lake and Grimshaw.
The only contest at this traditional powwow has always been the Last Person Standing. In this contest the drum group performs a series of Trick Songs back to back, the dancers have to stay on time with the beat of the drum and any dancers that do not stop when the drum stops are “tapped out” until there is only one “champion” left standing. And for the second year in a row, the Last Person Standing contest was won by a Junior Girls Fancy Dancer from Slave Lake: Tonesha River Walker.
As part of its culture strategy, each year Northern Lakes College hosts three annual Signature Cultural Events to raise cultural awareness and to provide a fun learning experience for guests and participants. These events are the Powwow, Metis Celebration and Round Dance. These events take place at the Grouard campus, admission is free and each celebration features a workshop as the learning component. Guests from all cultures are invited to attend.
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development
By Honourable Pearl Calahasen, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
This is not your normal summer job. As an Aboriginal Junior Forest Ranger no two days are the same. One day you could be building trails in a provincial park while tomorrow you may be touring the forest from the front seat of a helicopter. All the while, you’ll work with youth your age to learn new skills and earn industry related certifications.
If you're an Aboriginal student aged 16 to 19 you’re a perfect candidate to become an Aboriginal Junior Forest Ranger. There are local programs at Métis settlements in Kikino; Buffalo Lake; Peavine; East Prairie as well as in Lac la Biche and at Fort Vermilion.
A prime example of what can be accomplished can be found from the Fort Vermilion Métis Aboriginal Junior Forest Ranger (AJFR) Crew. The 12-person crew received training in bear awareness, orienteering, wildfire behaviour orientation, and plant identification.
On top of that, the Fort Vermilion Métis crew became the first Aboriginal crew to win the Bull of the Woods provincial championship. At the end of the summer all of the JFR crews gather in a central location to demonstrate their skills and teamwork in a casual competition.
Some of the events of the past year’s competition included: Firelighting; Plant Identification; Blind-folded chainsaw repair; and many others!
Through your participation in the Aboriginal JFR program you will have the opportunity to: Explore your cultural values and traditions; Take part in a five-day cultural awareness camp; Learn more about medicine harvesting; Experience traditional hunting methods; Increase your ceremonial awareness; and Learn more about the important role of elders.
You will also take part in several tours, presentations and training courses related to wildfire and natural resource management. Most crews will take part in numerous opportunities over the summer. Several of the courses that you will take in the summer will result in a certification that you can then apply to future employment.
You will receive training in: How to fight wildfire; Wildfire Orientation; Safe chainsaw operation; Radio operation; Helicopter safety; Bear Awareness; Air Tanker operations; Wildfire detection; and Wildfire investigation.
These skills could allow you to explore career options like: Wildfire Ranger; Wildfire Prevention Officer; Forest Protection Technician; Air Attack Officer; Fish and Wildlife Officer; Helicopter Pilot; Biologist; and many more.
To enroll, and for further details, go to the Internet link: www.albertajrf.ca
If you have any questions about Alberta’s Métis and Aboriginal policies, contact Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development by e-mail at aand.website@gov.ab.ca or call (780) 427-8407. Send letters to:
Hon. Pearl Calahasen
403 Legislature Building
10800 – 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB.
T5K 2B6
Speaking Up, Speaking Out
By Terry Lusty
There are some people walking about with a bit more spring in their step these days thanks to the long-awaited signing by the federal Cabinet regarding the early payment compensation package for Residential school survivors. It’s about time!
However, readers, the only claims they intend to deal with at this time are for people who are 66 years of age or older. They are the only ones eligible for the early advance payment of $8,000. In other words, people under 66 need not apply, not just yet anyway. Not even for the Common Experience Payment of $10,000 plus $3,000 for every additional year. This younger group may as well wait until early 2007 before applying.
In the interim, the Residential School Survivors Society has set up shop in the basement of the Native Friendship Centre and invites survivors to stop by for help in filling out their forms, getting informational updates and participating in upcoming talking circles they intend to facilitate in the near future.
Also, the society is assisting the Centre with planning and organizing the Centre-sponsored Residential School Conference slated to transpire July 4-6 at Edmonton’s Ramada Inn. Further info will be available through the Centre or the Survivors Society (Phone 479-1999, extension 233). Please, do tell others about the conference.
* * *
In other news, the new Sr. High School Aboriginal Studies books are now available and two of them – the Grade 10 and 12 ones – have won book of the year awards on May 13 at the Grant MacEwan Literary Awards as Educational Book of the Year. The books
were published in Edmonton by Duval House Pub. That said, my personal congrats to all those who helped on the project. It’s a fine piece of work and a wonderful accomplishment. The next trick will be to have them approved as a required part of the curriculum. Without meaning to display any ethnocentricity, I feel it’s high time that Alberta Learning took a closer look at this entire scenario. Here we all are, in a country that fosters and promotes multiculturalism, a country whose earliest-known inhabitants are Aboriginal, yet Aboriginal culture and history soldiers on as a program of study that is NOT compulsory. I would think that if I lived in a foreign country as a student, I would have to learn the history of that country and its people. Don’t you agree? If you do then, indeed, it raises questions about our educational programming. How about it Alberta Learning??
* * *
Say, how about those Oilers!? Could Edmonton be home to the Stanley Cup this year? I don’t think I’d be willing to bet against them. After all, they already knocked off the Red Wings who were No. 1 over-all as well as the Sharks, which had the top center for the year (Joe Thornton) and top goal scorer (56) in Jonathon Cheechoo – an Aboriginal from northern Ontario.
Métis Me
By Muriel Stanley Venne
Working with You
By Trevor W. Gladue, Provincial Vice President of the Métis Nation of Alberta
Métis Financial Matters
By Shawna J. Serniak
Travelling Soon? Expecting Visitors? Manulife Financial Travel Insurance…Don’t pack without it! Whether you are planning a trip or expecting visitors to Canada, it’s wise to obtain emergency travel coverage like Manulife Financial Travel Insurance.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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If you are interested in getting travel insurance so that your trip will be a "holiday" than please call to get your application today! Don't get caught paying high costs for a hospital stay or any medical service!
For more information, contact Shawna J Serniak
Financial Advisor
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Cell: (780) 953-3184
Fax: (780) 433-3184
Métis Interest
By Andrea Louise-Martyn, Conference Coordinator
The Youth & Elders Conference held in Calgary at the Coast Plaza Hotel from
May 4 - 7, 2006 was a major success. We had over 300 persons in attendance,
including Clement Chartier, Audrey Poitras, Trevor Gladue, John Phillips,
our Regional Elders and our guest speakers, Cindy Provost of the Calgary
Police Service and Myles Himmerleigh of the University of Calgary. Also in
attendance were representatives from the locals in our Region and
participants from all over the province. Our objective was to address
challenges and prospects confronting Métis youth within the unique Alberta
economy while at the same time give the elders an opportunity to pass on
their life experiences and wisdom. We wanted the weekend to be informative,
memorable and most importantly enjoyable!
Through a series of workshops participants were given information to assist
in their future endeavours both in the labour market and/or post secondary
education. Career planning tools, scholarships & bursaries information and a
better understanding of the different program options Labour Market
Development has to offer were all made available to them. In addition we
had two workshops, Métis History & Culture and Story Telling that were
extremely well received. Through this gathering of youth and elders it gave
all the participants the ability to interact and granted them invaluable
knowledge and understanding.
At the banquet we had a surprise visit from "Cow Patty" who delivered a
balloon bouquet to Audrey Poitras, and were able to share in her birthday
celebration. Master of Ceremonies, Ike Sanoffsky did a wonderful job at
keeping the conference on schedule while entertaining us with his
charismatic charm.and he helped raise $613.00 for our Youth Group by
holding a "Chinese Auction". The object is to be the last one to put in a
bid (a loonie or twoonie) and the prize was a Hudson's Bay Blanket. Needless
to say the money rolled in and the Youth were kept running to keep up with
the demand. It was exciting to be a part of and in the end the prize went
to Jason Chernow, his strategic planning paid off!
Music for the weekend was provided by the Local Yokels, a talented band that
kept our feet tapping (and sometimes really moving when the Red River Jig
was played). David Garson demonstrated the Orange Blossom Special and Jesse
Pelletier danced his traditional First Nations Dance. We had the
opportunity to listen to Dorothy Walker, who sang the Métis Anthem and
Caroline Campbell, who sang Amazing Grace and Oh Canada, (both in Cree).
Homer Poitras and other talented musicians were also invited up on stage to
entertain us as well. On Saturday, after laser tag and mini golf, the Youth
enjoyed a "Vibe house Party" and were able to dance and socialize.
Laughter, thought to be the most powerful healing medicine we have, was
abundant throughout the weekend and on the last day we sure used a lot of
it! Trevor Gladue called upon the youth and elders then commissioned Joe
Chodzicki to lead the healing circle. Each person within the circle took
turns at addressing the others with laughter. It was so infectious that soon
the entire room was in hysterics. What a great way to close out an amazing
experience!
After the presentations were made and the door prizes were awarded, a girls
and a boys mountain bike from Canadian Tire were drawn for and the lucky
recipients were Kaitlin of Calgary and Mason of Kelly Lake. In wishing
everyone a safe journey home I couldn't help but wonder "when can we do this
again!"
By Andrea Louise-Martyn, Conference Coordinator
On Friday, April 21, 2006, Region 3 council of the Métis Nation of Alberta
paid tribute to Métis entrepreneurs in the Region. This event that was held
for the eighth year, took place at Calgary's Coast Plaza Hotel and was
attended by some 200 persons. The guest speaker for the evening was Rob
Werner. Master of ceremonies, Winston Wuttunee, kept everyone very
entertained with his anecdotes, jokes and musical abilities. Talents were
displayed by the Calgary Métis Youth Dancers, Dorothy Walker who sang the
Métis Anthem and Humbled and Dean Malcolm who played the fiddle. Kookums
visit was a special treat as was the performance of Gabriel Dumont by Bob
Willis.
On behalf of Region 3 Council, its President, Marlene Lanz, presented the
following awards:
Male Entrepreneurial Leader
Gil Ostrom, Desk n File Office Furniture Inc., Lethbridge
Female Entrepreneurial Leader
Bev Weber, Frontier Gallery & Buffalo Spirit Gifts, Rocky Mountain House
Youth Entrepreneurial Leader
Charles Lambert, Quality Air & Heating Ltd., Calgary
Entrepreneurial Recognition Awards
Ken Fagnan, Fagnan's Furnace Services Ltd., Calgary
Marcel Proulx, My/Mon Image Photo Shop, Didsbury
Dean Patterson, Let's Bowl, Calgary
Dr. Michael Bleau, Orthodontist, Calgary
Career Development/Corporate Ladder Award
Arthur Cunningham, Trans Canada Pipelines
Industry recognition Award
The Royal Bank of Canada, Aboriginal Unit
Brian Hjesvold
The 9th Annual Red River West Rendezvous is scheduled to take place July 6th to 9th at the Victoria Fish & Game Club at 700 Holker Road (top of the Malahat) on Vancouver Island. This event takes place to showcase the history and culture of the Metis people (the True First Canadians). Each year the event has seen an increase in attendence from local to international visitors. Ours is the “Batachoe” of the West. There will be the usual non-stop entertainment, traditional games, music and dance, vendors, and Metis aritifacts. Excellent food and an opportunity to get together with old friends and family from all over. Entrance is by donations and camping is available at a minimal cost.
Join us in the raising of the Tipi’s, Tomahawk Throwing, Capote Making, and Beading. Be part of resurrecting the Metis Language in the Michif workshops…..and learn, explore, and taste the culture and traditions of being Metis.
The Rendezous relies soley on Volunteers and sponors and fund raising. Our Annual Red River West Spring Fling is scheduled for June 3rd at the Eagles Hall in Duncan, BC. Tickets are $10. pp.
Ed Shaw – a Red River West Board member, recently accepted a blanket on behalf of Red River West Cultural Association during the BC Association of Friendship Centres Volunteer Recognition Ceremony. This blanket represents the countless hours and dedication attributed to all our volunteers. Red River West would like to acknowledge and thank all of those important individuals and groups who work so hard to make Red River West Rendezvous such a huge success every year. Thank you!!
Red River West Rendezvous relies entirely on volunteer assistance. Please contact Herb Hayek at: hdhayek@shaw.ca or email us at: redriverwest@shaw.ca if you are interested in lending your assistance either at the Spring Fling or at Red River West Rendezvous.
Watch for updates on the website at: www.redriverwest.org.
By Terry Lusty
Nothing is more precious than life itself. True.
Why, then, do dead Aboriginal bodies keep popping up all over the country? Why then are highly disproportionate numbers of Aboriginals topping the lists of convictions in courts and as residents of penal institutions where violence is an everyday occurrence? One only need look out their back door to discover that such claims are factual.
One of Canada’s largest-ever serial murder trials is ongoing on the west coast where Robert (Willy) Pickton, a pig farmer, has been charged in the deaths of no fewer than 27 women with most being Natives from Vancouver’s downtown eastside drag area. How many other victims might he have been responsible for? As well, the total number of those who are said to have vanished since 1978 is 68, if not more and likely the latter. These figures could well be a mere fraction of the actual number since many “others” are not factored into the equation. The others in question could include transient drifters, runaways, etc. - people who are often not missed or reported abused or missing by family and/or friends.
The looming question on the tongues of so many Aboriginals is why these deaths continue to swell in numbers, remain unsolved and do not appear to be a priority concern amongst legal authorities. Really!? Is it possible the answer lies somewhere in the fact that, by and large, most of the victims are Aboriginals?
Look further north, to B.C.’s Highway of Tears (Hwy 16), the one that stretches for more than 400 miles between Prince George and Prince Rupert where at least a dozen or so women have gone missing. Again, these are only the known cases. How many more are there that the public and the law don’t know about?
One of the more recent brutal murders involves 14 year-old Aielah Saric-Auger whose mother and siblings used to live in Edmonton but had moved to Prince George. Her lifeless body was discovered about two months ago.
All kinds of bodies have been turning up in and around Edmonton as well where there is much speculation of a serial killer. Then, too, there is all the hype regarding “bad” police who neglect and/or beat Native clients/victims. In Saskatchewan, there have been charges against police for abandoning Aboriginals on the outskirts of the city of Saskatoon in freezing weather.
The foregoing situations are not new or foreign. In Aboriginal circles, we hear of them all the time, and from credible sources. Many Aboriginals charge that, had these people been caucasians, their cases would more likely have drawn the attention of legal authorities. Many non-Natives write off the violence and killings as a consequence of lifestyles of the victims claiming they are individuals who are transients or street people or, people who are tied to the drug trade, prostitution, poverty, crime, etc. True or not, this does not excuse what has happened and continues to happen. It certainly does not excuse the authorities either from not doing their job. Is it because the victims are Native? Is it because most are female? Is it both and does or should it matter? Why certainly! They are still part of the human race.
And, just like the high incidence of Aboriginals who fell victim to the ravages of tuberculosis, nothing concrete was done to stem their continuing caseloads until that crippling ailment began to affect numerous non-Aboriginals in the 1960s.
Just how precious is life? Read the papers. Watch or listen to news broadcasts. Yet another Aboriginal victim of violence will probably come to your attention. Will society turn a blind eye to their cases as well? Will it matter or, better yet, will it make for any difference if the victim is non-white? Probably.
However, the huge and lingering questions are, “What will come of it? Who will do anything? Will authorities care?” They better because Aboriginal society is no longer willing to stand by idly and not do anything. We must and will be heard.
This summer, a University of Alberta research group called the Metis Archival Project (MAP), formerly known as matriX-Métis Aboriginal Title Research Initiative X, will celebrate its seventh year specializing in archival research for Métis people in Canada.
MAP is a research group based at the School of Native Studies, University of Alberta. Since 1999, MAP has been conducting archival research on Métis scrip, historical Métis communities and traditional Métis land use and occupancy. As specialists in the digitization of archival data, MAP researchers, led by Dr. Frank Tough, Principal Investigator and Professor at the School of Native Studies, have developed an online prototype database for the Métis National Council. The database includes scanned and photographed archival documents that will be accessible to the Métis, academics and interested individuals. The data will also be transferred to GIS for spatial and temporal analysis.
Recently, MAP secured a third year of funding in a multi-year agreement with the Métis National Council (MNC). This agreement has enabled MAP to hire 16 undergraduate and non-undergraduate Research Assistants as well as a Research Associates. MAP has also recently hired its second Research Associate, Brad Bellemare, a Métis with a Master of Laws degree, to work on several other research initiatives. MAP is pleased to employ seven Métis, and two First Nations people. Most of the Métis students who are involved in MAP develop a strong appreciation for their unique history and often use the tools available in the MAP lab to explore their family genealogies. All of the people who work at MAP are continuously learning about Métis history and are helping to correct some of the historical omissions regarding Métis people’s contributions to Canadian history.
Meika Taylor, a MAP researcher, remarked, “this job has allowed me to utilize various research techniques and resources that I did not use during my undergraduate studies. It has made me aware of archival resources available to the Métis and research community in general.”
MAP research assistants have appreciated the opportunities of travel to communities such as Isle a la Crosse, Green Lake and Buffalo Narrows, Saskatchewan to meet with community members and disseminate research results. Research assistants have also traveled to Ottawa and Winnipeg to conduct archival research. This is an opportunity that most undergraduate students do not get to experience and MAP researchers have consistently embraced this chance to apply their research skills.
Rebecca Fenrich stated after her first research trip that “the experience was really educational. I did not realize that this project could broaden my horizons so much.”
MAP employees are also provided training in the application of programs such as Filemaker Pro, GIS Canvas and Adobe Photoshop and are given seminars on how to conduct archival research. MAP works to instill an appreciation of the larger picture so that researchers understand how valuable their individual contributions are to the Métis cause.
Also this summer, MAP researchers are excited about participating in the commemoration of 100 years of Treaty 10 scrip commissions, which will be held at Isle a la Crosse, June 6-9, 2006.
The work MAP does is made possible by strong supporters such as Nicole St-Onge, Professor at the University of Ottawa and director of research at the Métis National Council. Professor St-Onge works closely with MAP in reaching the goals of the National Research Initiative and has been instrumental in securing resources necessary to keep the momentum of this valuable project going.
MAP looks forward to providing the Métis nation with invaluable tools that can be used to reconstruct the historical geography of the Métis homeland as well as help Métis individuals trace their ancestry in great detail.
By Terry Lusty
Issues and priorities of Edmonton's urban Aboriginal population appeared front and centre on March 6 at City Hall as the Edmonton Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee (EAUAC) formally released the results of community consultation meetings as to what the Aboriginal community views as priorities and issues. Those findings were contained in a publication entitled, Your City, Your Voice Report.
The meetings were conducted between June and Dec. of 2005 and allowed people to dialogue with one another on a variety of matters. Of the 1500-2000 people involved in the process, over 500 responded to a survey which established a sense of the most pressing issues. Those were contained in a Media Release that day which stated they include, "shelter and housing . . . understanding and respect of Aboriginal histories, culture and languages . . . a need for improved employment and skills training . . . health and well-being; and culturally appropriate education for Aboriginal children and youth."
The City Hall gathering, emceed by Councillor Ron Hayter, a long-standing supporter of Native issues and causes, was met with favourable response by the largely Aboriginal crowd although little was said of just what follow through would transpire.
It was pointed out that the Elders who are consulted by the Urban Aboriginal Accord Initiative office have indicated they first want the opportunity to digest the contents of the report before reflecting on them.
EAUAC chairperson, Derek Chewka, claimed, "The information will serve us well as we move forward with our next steps," adding that those "have not been fully established." He concluded by stating, "the pocess must be community-driven and inclusive of all willing partners."
Former senator Thelma Chalifoux, a member of the Elders Circle, spoke of the need to empower the people and congratulated the city for the stand it took in cooperating with Edmonton's Aboriginal community in addressing issues that are important from their standpoint.
Mayor Stephen Mandel assured the gathering of the city's intent "to ensure that Aboriginal people feel welcomed in Edmonton . . . that we are committed to being a partner and playing a facilitative role." He further alluded to the city's "need to improve our hiring and retention of Aboriginal people as employees," a matter that has been discussed for some time by the EAUAC.
The Mayor and Hayter were presented with Metis sashes towards the conclusion of the event. The afternoon function was capped by a brunch, coffee and tea to which all in attendance were invited.
Copies of Your City, Your Voice Report are available at no cost from the Urban Aboriginal Accord Initiative on the 9th floor of Scotia Place in downtown Edmonton.
On Friday, 2006 May 5, Region III Council of the Métis Nation of Alberta, the organization that represents the Métis people of Southern and South-Central Alberta have signed agreements with Parks Canada to provide specific services at Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site.
During the summer of 2005, Region III Council and Métis Local 845 of Rocky Mountain House provided a Métis Heritage Presentation Program through a previous agreement with Parks Canada. As well, Region III operated both the teepee site and the Brierley Day Use Area and Campground on behalf of Parks Canada through a companion agreement.
This was a modern continuation of the association that the Métis have had with the Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site since the time of the fur trade when the Métis played a significant role in establishing and operating the original Forts.
Building on the successes of last summer, Parks Canada has again provided an opportunity for the Métis Nation to deliver public presentation programs and demonstration activities at the Historic Site. These heritage programs and activities will enable the public to gain a better understanding of Métis Culture, the historic role of the Métis in the fur trade and the operations of the original Rocky Mountain House Fur Trade posts.
The agreements were signed on Friday at noon at the Coast Plaza Hotel will provide for these heritage presentations and the management & operations of the camping and day use areas of the Historic Site during the period from the Victoria Day weekend to the Labour Day weekend.
Region III Council and Local 845 of the Métis Nation of Alberta are looking forward to continuing their valued relationship with Parks Canada and to providing a quality cultural heritage experience for visitors to the Historic Site.
For further information, please contact Program Co-ordinator, Bev Weber:
(403) 845-3144 at the Frontier Gallery (for after hrs. 846-1007)
If anyone has artifacts realated to the fur-trade that they would consider lending us for the program, please be assured that we will give you a receipt for them..stating that they will be returned to you in the same condition they were in when we got them. We would greatly appreciate the loan. Please contact Bev Weber at the above numbers.
On Saturday 29 April 2006 the Annual AGM of Aboriginal Veterans Society took plaque at the Edmonton Native Friendship Centre. In attendance there were a number of special guests, The Honourable Pearl Calihasen Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, Madame President of the Metis Nation of Alberta Audrey Poitras, The Honourable Doctor Thelma Chalifoux, Member of Parliament Laurie Hawn, City of Edmonton Counselor Ron Haytor and Veterans Affairs own Jim Robson.
The Honourable Doctor Thelma Chalifoux was presented a Plaque marking her appointment as the Patron of The Aboriginal Veterans Society of Alberta. Thelma delivered an inspirational speech of remembrance and points of interest on Veterans of the First World War. Pearl Calihasen gave her own inspirational speech giving special mention to Oscar Lacombe on his trapping skills. Madame President Audrey Poitras also mentioned Oscar’s presentation of the Order of the Metis nation for Aboriginal Veterans.
Councilor Ron Haytor gave a well received speech laced with humor that was a wonderful addition to the proceedings.
An important part of the proceeds is always the elections of the executive this years there were a few changes, H. Vic Letendre stood down as president after serving the Society with passion as president to a supporting role of Vice President being replaced by the new president Jack White. Donald Langford whole heartedly accepted his nomination as the new Treasurer, Annie Buzinski jumped at the chance to be the new Secretary and Chuck Isaacs is honoured to be the new Sergeant At Arms.
A lovely meal was prepared and served by the Golden Seniors special thanks to Myrtle Calihasen. Entertainment provided by the Metis Child and Family Services Dancers with music by Gary Lee and Ray St Germaine. As a closing note if you know of anyone that is interested in membership either regular or associate to the Aboriginal Veterans Society of Alberta please assist them to contact the society by phone at 780-457-4608 or by e-mail at admin@aboriginalveterans.com . With the vast knowledge of Veterans issues, the Society may also be of assistance with benefits for Vets or their Spouses.
The Leadership of the festival - Executive Director Helen Calahasen and President Muray Jurak, as well as Publisher Bert Crowfoot, Director Gil Cardinal and actors Jimmy Herman, Nathaniel Arcand & Dakota House will be present to provide background and insights to the films and other events of the festival, which will be the broadest and most exciting ever.
It is a celebration of Aboriginal Arts and Culture - Dreamspeakers Film Festival is celebrating its 11th annual festival June 7-10 and includes an exceptionally commanding line-up of films, workshops and events.
Wednesday, June 7th- Celebrate the start of the 2006 Dreamspeakers Film Festival at the Opening Night Gala with a preview screening of Indian Summer: The Oka Crisis with Director Gil Cardinal in attendance. This extraordinary film displays the relevant issue in our Country today with the stand off in Caledonia, Ontario nearing its ninetieth day.
Thursday, June 8th - Will be the featured "Youth Day" of the Festival with entertaining and informative sessions for young storytellers, filmmakers, and actors. Youth will benefit from an outstanding lineup of events including: seven films, two actor workshops, two agent workshops and guest speakers.
Friday, June 9th – For the first time Dreamspeakers is hosting a Film Industry Trade Fair featuring industry professionals, Aboriginal Artists, Crafters, Performers, and food. All taking place in Churchill Square.
Saturday, June 10th- Dreamspeakers Festival Society celebrates the end of the Festival with an exclusive evening with actors, directors, producers, politicians and the public as we gather together to raise funds for the Aboriginal Walk of Honour in Edmonton – a legacy of the Aboriginal Peoples who helped establish an Aboriginal presence in Culture, Film and the Arts around the world.
This year's featured performer is Country music star Charlie Major.
Dreamspeakers showcases the best of films by Aboriginal filmmakers from around the Globe.
Come out and be a part of it.
Phone: 780.378.9609 Fax: 780.9611 Email: info@dreamspeakers.org
For the complete listing of films, visit www.dreamspeakers.org
Dr. Colleen Klein at the Esquao Awards, hosted by the Institute for the
Advancement of Aboriginal Women. The girls, all under the age of 13, received hand-blown glass angels provided by Rose Country Advertising and Public Relations.
The 11th annual Esquao Awards were held May 12 in Edmonton. The regular part of the awards honoured over 20 Aboriginal women from across Alberta.
“The Esquao Awards honour Aboriginal Women who are the strength of our community and play an unsung role in society,” says Muriel. Each of these women is nominated by the community.
This year the Esquao Awards welcomed Rose Laboucan, Grand Chief of Treaty 8 into the Circle of Honour. Police officers from the Ontario Provincial Police, the Edmonton and Calgary Police Services, the Blood Tribe and the RCMP joined the grand entry.
The Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women is a non-profit organization that advocates on behalf of Aboriginal Women in Alberta in many aspects and continues to fight for democracy, human rights and social justice within our own communities and our own country.
“The Aboriginal Women we honour are truly angels among us, as they go about their lives affecting others with their good work, strong will, and vibrant nature,” says Muriel.
National Métis News
It's Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, and a man makes his way to his
seat right at center ice. He sits down, noticing that the seat
next to him is empty. He leans over and asks his neighbor if
someone will be sitting there.
"No," says the neighbor. "The seat is empty." "This is
incredible", said the man. "Who in their right mind would have a
seat like this for the final game of the Stanley Cup playoffs and
not use it?"
The neighbor says, "Well, actually, the seat belongs to me. I was
supposed to come with my wife, but she passed away. This is the
first Stanley Cup we haven't been to together since we got married
in 1967."
"Oh ... I'm sorry to hear that. That's terrible. But couldn't you
find someone else, a friend or relative, or even a neighbor to take
the seat?" The man shakes his head, "No. They're all at the
funeral."
Recipe
Sandra from North Dakota
Get a pot and peel and cube about 3 inches worth of potatoes into the pot. Chop some onions and put in with the potatoes as you like. Sprinkle some salt on that and almost cover that mixture with water.
Take some lean ground beef and put it in a bowel and sprinkle in salt and pepper to your liking. (I put in garlic powder too but that's just me) Make little meatballs spoon size. Add your meat balls to the pot then put a lid on and boil, then simmer till the potatoes are done and boulettes are all brown, you can stir once. Then add milk and pepper to your like to make yours soup, to thicken the soup use Wondra flour or flour to thicken it as you like, serve with gallette. This is a family favorite with a lot of the Turtle Mountain folks here in ND.
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