Honouring National Indigenous People's Day
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS | JUNE 2025
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY HONOURING
SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2025
View online at winnipegfreepress.com/fp-features
Published since 1872 on Treaty 1 territory and the homeland of the Métis
Proudly serving communities across Manitoba since 1978 . WWW.JOINMEDIAN.CA
2 | NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
JUNE 2025
culture
Celebrating the turn of the season
BY LINDSEY WARD
While the turn of each season plays a significant role in Indigenous culture, the summer solstice is an especially spiritual time. It only makes sense for National Indigenous Peoples Day to fall on June 21, says Elder Charlotte Nolin, a Tastawiniyew Otipemisiwak (two-spirit Métis) with the Ongomiizwin – Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing at the University of Manitoba.
Elder Charlotte Nolin. PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY
“(Historically) the summer solstice was time to harvest the medicine. They would start doing the hunting and preparing for the fall and winter,” Nolin says. “We recognize that this is the time Creator gave us to enjoy all the fruits, the berries that we gather.” In 1996, Gov. Gen. Roméo LeBlanc declared June 21 National Indigenous Peoples Day. The House of Commons went on to designate the entire month of June as National Indigenous History Month in 2009. With more than 1.8 million Indigenous people in Canada — roughly five per cent of the country’s population — there is a strong need to honour the unique traditions, stories and achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. A ’60s Scoop survivor, Nolin devotes her life to educating future generations about Indigenous culture. She says with the summer solstice comes an explosion of highly spiritual ceremonies, primarily the Sundance, in which participants dance for four days with no food or water. Some will even perform sacrificial rituals such as dragging buffalo skulls for the course of that period. “It’s a very spiritual ceremony and there are hundreds and hundreds of people that come to support those dancers during that time,” Nolin says. The balmy season is also a time when Indigenous cultures seek purification at sweat lodges — heated
dome-shaped huts comprised of natural materials. Led by elders, sweat lodge ceremonies can lead participants to clarity by communicating with Spirit, Nolin says. “Some people go to church to pray. We go to sweat lodges to pray. We know that for some of us, Spirit will speak to us while we’re in the sweat lodge and we’ll get messages about certain things and that dictates where your path in life is going.” That path pertains not only to individual participants but to the entire universe to which they’re connected. The Cree word for this interconnectedness is Wahkohtowin, explains Nolin. “All the plants, the animals, the birds, those that swim, those that crawl. For you to walk in a good way among all your relatives, you must take good care of how you look after yourself.” Another Indigenous cleansing ceremony is smudging, which involves prayer and the burning of sacred medicines such as cedar, sage or tobacco. Used for both medicinal and spiritual purposes, smudging is said to carry the prayers of the people to Creator and promotes positivity and peacefulness, Nolin says. “We use the smudge as a cleaning ceremony for ourselves so that when we look through our eyes, we see the good things in creation. We speak from our spirits so that good words come out,” she says. “When we extend
our hands, it’s out of love, not violence. And we ask Creator, we ask our ancestors to walk with us every day, to guide us in what we do.” While Nolin has spent nearly four decades educating others about her traditions, she spent the first four decades of her own life in the dark about what those traditions even were. For the first 14 years of her life, she was associated with the Catholic church, attending schools that painted Indigenous people as “savages that went around scalping people,” she says. The above- mentioned ceremonies were illegal back then and punishable by jail time. Many more years passed before Nolin began her cultural discovery. “I was 40 years old when I first became aware of who I was as an Indigenous person.” After her career change from construction to social work, elders began encouraging Nolin to embrace her culture, and she hasn’t looked back. Several years ago, Nolin was driving back from Sundance when her ancestors spoke to her. “They said this is your purpose here on Mother Earth, to leave footprints behind that others will choose to follow,” she recalls. “And I was in the truck, I said to myself, now it makes so much sense. I understand what life is all about — to leave footprints behind that others will choose to follow.”
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY | 3
JUNE 2025
Today and every day, we celebrate Indigenous Peoples. Happy Indigenous Peoples Day!
We are honoured to live and work on this incredible land. We recognize the immense impact of Indigenous Peoples throughout history and towards building the foundation for our shared future.
Learn what Manitoba Blue Cross is doing to honour Indigenous Peoples today and every day:
mb.bluecross.ca/journey
®*The Blue Cross symbol and name are registered marks of the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans, independently licensed by Manitoba Blue Cross. †Blue Shield is a registered trade-mark of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. 2025-0228
4 | NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
JUNE 2025
business
PHOTO BY JANIQUE PASCALE
Empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs
Naomi Sarazin, executive director of Pow Wow Pitch, is from Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation. She first became involved with Pow Wow Pitch as a volunteer. “Pow Wow Pitch brings in people from various industries to support the entrepreneurs as mentors. Last year, for our virtual program, we engaged over 100 mentors to support our semifinalists,” Sarazin says. Early stage entrepreneurs and those considering starting a business will find detailed information on the website at powwowpitch.org and can also follow the progress of this year’s pitchers up to the online finale on Oct. 22. And they can start preparing their own pitch for next year. “The website offers a great overview of all the benefits of joining our community. Even if people don't win prizes, there's still a community of support that we build here at Pow Wow Pitch,” Sarazin says. “It's incredible to see artists collaborating after meeting through the competition. That’s what Pow Wow Pitch is all about — building community and supporting one another.” Indigenous entrepreneurship can have a profound ripple effect.
“As Indigenous small businesses begin to expand, they are able to employ people from their communities and their families. They're able to support their families because their business is thriving on a grander scale. They're able to feel like part of something bigger,” Sarazin says. “My hope is that Indigenous entrepreneurs grow in confidence through this process and that they know that their business idea is worthy of celebration.” This year, the pitch competition started its 10th anniversary celebrations at the Manito Ahbee Festival, which coincidentally celebrated its 20th anniversary. At Manito Ahbee, the in-person winners also had plenty to celebrate. Tannis and Rayel Smoke, co-founders of Niña Waśte Events game rental company — which reimagines board games through an Indigenous lens — took first place. They were followed by Harold Childsforever-Angeconeb, founder of Burning Arrow Archery, in 2nd place; Deeanne Sutherland-First Charger, founder of Under The Night Sky Creations, in third; and fan favourite winner Conroy Provost, founder of Blackfoot Made Productions. Still ahead is the virtual pitch grand prize of $25,000. > continued on page 5
BY WENDY KING
A great business idea combined with an entrepreneurial spirit can be life-changing. However, navigating all the moving parts — including financing — can be overwhelming. Fortunately for Indigenous entrepreneurs, there is Pow Wow Pitch. This pitch competition awards winners with cash prizes from $500 to $25,000, with a total of $100,000 in prizes for their startups along with active ongoing community support. Pow Wow Pitch is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and funding early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island, (Canada and the United States). It was founded by Sunshine Tenasco, who is Anishinabe from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and is a Dragon’s Den winning entrepreneur.
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY | 5
JUNE 2025
> continued from page 4
This year, Pow Wow Pitch partnered with Red River College Polytechnic’s (RRC Polytech) Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah
community was a turning point for my business,” Jackson says. She explains that RRC Polytech’s Mittohnee helps launch Indigenous- led startups, supports existing entrepreneurs and accelerates the scaling process for more advanced business owners. “Mittohnee offers both group learning and highly tailored one- on-one support. Each entrepreneur works with us to create a personalized strategic roadmap for entering, participating in and completing the program,” Jackson says. The partnership between the two entities is providing a sound footing for the future of Indigenous entrepreneurship. “Together, we are strengthening our impact across Manitoba,” Sarazin adds, “by combining our efforts to provide meaningful support, mentorship and opportunities for the next generation of Indigenous business leaders.”
as the local presenting partner of the Manito Ahbee Pow Wow
Pitch. Mittohnee assists Indigenous entrepreneurs in launching their own businesses or social enterprises, providing them with access to funding and resources. Amy Jackson, of Opaskwayak Cree Nation, is the director of Mittohnee
BECOMING PART OF THE POW WOW PITCH COMMUNITY WAS A TURNING POINT FOR MY BUSINESS. “ – Amy Jackson, director of Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah “
Pogo’ohtah. She participated as collaborator, judge and co-presenter this year. A proud pitch alumni herself, she once pitched a sticker and stationery business. “It was incredibly
empowering. Becoming part of the Pow Wow Pitch
Amy Jackson, director of Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah. PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY
Manitoba Public Insurance would like to acknowledge that our organization operates on the original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Anish-Ininiwak, Dakota, Dene, Ininiwak and Nehethowuk and the homeland of the Métis. On this National Indigenous Peoples Day, we honour and celebrate all First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada. In our work delivering auto insurance and driver services throughout Manitoba, we are committed to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous individuals and communities through respectful and meaningful consultation and practices. We are also continually working on ways to strengthen the inclusivity of our organization, including ensuring our workforce reflects the diverse population of our province. If you are interested in a career with Manitoba Public Insurance, you can view current postings at: careers-mpi.icims.com We encourage you to declare your employment equity status when completing your online application.
6 | NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
JUNE 2025
The sun shines its brightest and longest today. Today, communities come together to celebrate the diversity of cultures and traditions. The summer solstice marks a time of renewal and celebration for all of creation. The sun shines brightly on Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Traditional Healers who are renewing Indigenous languages, cultures and traditional ways of being. This National Indigenous Peoples Day, we celebrate the resilience, vibrant heritage and diversity of the distinct cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. We envision a future where future generations of Indigenous trailblazers, leaders, artists, storytellers and cultures and languages are thriving and where Indigenous Peoples are fully recognized and respected.
Visit ACU.ca to learn more about our commitment to reconciliation.
Celebrat ing National Indigenous Peoples Day!
WAB KINEW MLA for Fort Rouge 204-615-1922
MATT WIEBE MLA for Concordia 204-654-1857
JIM MALOWAY MLA for Elmwood 204-415-1122
IAN BUSHIE MLA for Keewatinook 204-792-8740
LOGAN OXENHAM MLA for Kirkfield Park 204-831-6689
TYLER BLASHKO MLA for Lagimodière 204-583-7423
MALAYA MARCELINO MLA for Notre Dame 204-788-0800
BILLIE CROSS MLA for Seine River 431-323-6026
RENÉE CABLE MLA for Southdale 204-222-9038
ROBERT LOISELLE MLA for St. Boniface 204-505-2800
ADRIEN SALA MLA for St. James 204-792-8779
NAHANNI FONTAINE MLA for St. Johns 204-582-1550
DAVID PANKRATZ MLA for Waverley 431-323-4891
BERNADETTE SMITH MLA for Point Douglas 204-414-1477
TRACY SCHMIDT MLA for Rossmere 204- 661-1377
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY | 7
JUNE 2025
Perimeter Aviation Focused On Building Relationships
BY JIM TIMLICK
interior flight routes. It has since grown into one of Western Canada’s largest regional airlines. Despite its growth over the years, Perimeter Aviation hasn’t lost sight of the importance of remaining connected with the communities it serves. As part of those efforts, the company participates in the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ annual Truth and Reconciliation Game and helps fly in more than 1,000 youth and adults from the north to attend the game in person. It also supports and promotes the Atik Mason Indigenous Pilot Pathway that helps train pilots at no cost to participants and hired four graduates from the first graduating class. In addition, it supports cultural events such as the Manito Ahbee Festival and the Wake the Giant Music Festival. “When you are providing a service that is so essential, the community leadership and community members expect those service providers to be in the community and to be part of the family,” Castillo says. “We feel that we’re part of that big family, and we’re all helping each other like families do. It’s essential for our business to do so.” Perhaps no investment Perimeter Aviation has made in the community has been more significant than the construction of a newly expanded 21,743-square-foot airport terminal in Winnipeg that opened earlier this year.
The new terminal can accommodate up to 250 passengers, a considerable increase from the previous 25-passenger capacity, and also includes two new departure gates, an upgraded baggage system and enhanced security measures. It also features expanded food options, improved accessibility and a lounge for elders, nursing mothers and others who require a quiet space. Custom art produced by Indigenous artists from communities such as Lac Brochet and Red Sucker Lake help add a cultural element to the look and feel of the terminal’s interior. Director of marketing and communications Charity Scantlebury says the final design of the terminal was produced following consultations with the communities Perimeter Aviation serves. Reviews of the new terminal have been overwhelmingly positive to date. “A lot of our customers need to travel because it’s a necessity. They have to go for medical appointments and things of that nature. As a result, they may have a certain level of anxiety when they’re checking in or going through security,” adds Castillo. “The new terminal was designed in a way to really invite peace and get people into a relaxed state of mind. It’s really helping customers in that way. They’re having a much better experience overall.”
For much of its 65- year history, the primary focus of Perimeter Aviation has been providing much-needed air transportation for people in remote First Nations communities in Manitoba’s north. At the same time, it’s also been about building relationships with people in the communities it serves, says Carlos Castillo, vice-president of the company’s northern division. “There’s no other way to provide an essential service without creating and fostering a good relationship with the leadership of those communities,” Castillo says. “It’s necessary to coordinate the services that we provide for them, because each community is unique and that dialogue is essential in order to succeed in this business.” Perimeter Aviation was founded in 1960 as Canada’s first private Instrument Flight Rating (IFR) School. In 1976 it transformed into a scheduled service airline after acquiring Transair’s northern
Winnipeg Blue Bombers Truth and Reconcilation game 2024. SUBMITTED PHOTOS
8 | NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
JUNE 2025
music & dance
Celebrating Indigenous culture and achievement
BY JIM TIMLICK
for about 20 years and regularly attracts between 800 and 1,200 people each June. Jeanna Emms, events and activities coordinator for the centre, says the day is a great opportunity for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to come together and learn more about each other and the community they are part of. “It’s a great opportunity to meet new people. And it’s a great opportunity for any newcomers to our community to experience some Indigenous culture and learn more about the land that they live on and the people that were here before them,” she says. “It’s also a great opportunity for our partner organizations as well as our own organization to share some of the programming and the things that we’re doing.” All the activities being organized by the Portage Friendship Centre will take place between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at Island Park. Métis singer-songwriter Johnny Dietrich will again serve as the event’s master of ceremonies and will perform with his band.
Manitobans will celebrate National
Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 with a little help from their friends. Friendship centres across the province will be hosting National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations that will give people an opportunity to learn more about Indigenous people and the contributions they have made to this country’s development, while also showcasing the culture and achievements of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people. The centres are part of the Friendship Centre Movement and provide programming designed to improve the lives of both Indigenous and non- Indigenous people. One of the biggest and longest running such celebrations is hosted by the Portage la Prairie Friendship Centre located west of Winnipeg. The event has been running
> continued on page 10
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY | 9
JUNE 2025
10 | NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
JUNE 2025
> continued from page 8
A number of activities will be geared towards youngsters including face- painting and Indigenous-themed games like chase the fox. There will be several elder-led activities such as cradleboard teachings, moss bag teachings and lessons about Indigenous medicines. Visitors will also be able to take in a number of drumming performances as well as a powwow demonstration. About 500 kilometres north and west of Portage, the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre in Swan River will be hosting its own National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration. The event has been taking place for several years and draws a capacity crowd of nearly 300 people each June. Executive director Lesley Sembaluk says the day is a great opportunity for people living in Swan River as well as surrounding First Nations and farm communities to come together to showcase Indigenous culture and acknowledge the contributions Aboriginal people have made in shaping this country. One of the highlights of the Swan River celebration will be a sunrise ceremony beginning at about 5 a.m. A sunrise ceremony is an ancient and revered ritual intended to mark and welcome the beginning of a new day as well as express appreciation and thanks for life and nature. That will be followed by a pancake breakfast that is open to all and will include a traditional blessing. A new addition for this year’s event is a recently commissioned fire pit featuring the seven sacred teachings of Indigenous culture that will be used for the first time.
Some staff will be doing double duty as they are also members of the Minitonas Métis local in the neighbouring community of Minitonas, where events will include a family fun day, games and activities such as a horseshoe tournament. The Riverton and District Friendship Centre, located about 110 kilometres north of Winnipeg, has been hosting National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations since it opened in 1981. This year’s festivities will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. in the centre’s backyard. The free event is expected to attract a crowd of about 300 guests. Entertainment has been a staple of Riverton’s Indigenous Day activities and this year will be no different. This year’s lineup will include Jason Lapine & the Métis Spirit Band, the Asham Stompers dance
troupe and several other performers. There will be
“
IT’S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR ANY
several kids’ activities for youngsters to take part in including face-painting,
NEWCOMERS TO OUR COMMUNITY TO EXPERIENCE SOME INDIGENOUS CULTURE AND LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LAND THAT THEY LIVE ON AND THE PEOPLE THAT WERE HERE BEFORE THEM. “ – Jeanna Emms, events and activities coordinator for the Portage la Prairie Friendship Centre
inflatables and a play
area. There will also be a crafts display that will
focus on beading or dreamcatcher making as well as a
teaching teepee offering lessons delivered by a local elder.
Building Futures, Honoring Roots this National Indigenous Peoples Day
WHEN CULTURE DRIVES CHANGE,
Learn more at UWINNIPEG.CA
kisk.biz
info@kisik.biz 204-949-0646
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY | 11
JUNE 2025
Together, we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day!
To request accessible formats visit hydro.mb.ca/accessibility.
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
WFP - Indigenous Days ad_June2024_final.indd 1
2024-05-30 10:38 AM
Celebrating the voices that shape our story. NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
We recognize and celebrate the rich traditions, vibrant cultures and enduring contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada.
Proud Supporter of National Indigenous Peoples Day
> continued from page 10
Guests will also get to savour some “spectacular” food including barbecued bison burgers and all the fixings, says programs manager Desarae Bilinski. This will be the second year in a row Riverton’s Indigenous Day celebrations will be held outdoors. Bilinski says moving the event outside has been well received by attendees. “This way we’re able to be outside, be with the land and celebrate the day,” she says. “It’s a really beautiful, beautiful time.”
On Indigenous Peoples Day, we stand in respect and celebration of the enduring strength, cultures, and voices of Indigenous Peoples.
12 | NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
JUNE 2025
media
It was 25 years ago that APTN took its first official steps into the burgeoning media universe, APTN celebrates 25 years on the air
APTN PROGRAMS FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Get Your Fish On. Acting Good. Horse Warriors. SUBMITTED PHOTOS
becoming the world’s first national Indigenous broadcaster — and making tremendous strides ever since. A welcome addition to a previously
“
OUR STORYTELLING IS ROOTED IN COMMUNITY, AUTHENTICITY AND A COMMITMENT TO TRUTH, OFFERING AUDIENCES A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF INDIGENOUS EXPERIENCES ACROSS CANADA. “ – Adam Garnet Jones, APTN’s director of TV content and special events.
underserved audience, Winnipeg-based APTN has succeeded in earning a global reputation for quality programming that celebrates the rich diversity of Indigenous Peoples at home and abroad via two distinct high-definition channels — APTN and APTN Languages — and through its Indigenous-focused streaming service, APTN lumi. “APTN fills a critical gap in the Canadian media landscape by providing a national platform dedicated to Indigenous voices, stories and perspectives,” says Adam Garnet Jones, APTN’s director of TV content and special events.
“Before its launch in 1999, Indigenous representation in mainstream media was minimal and often inaccurate. APTN offers culturally relevant programming in English, French and multiple Indigenous languages, helping to preserve and revitalize these languages, while also educating broader audiences about Indigenous cultures, histories and contemporary issues.”
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY | 13
JUNE 2025
> continued from page 12
Jones says response to APTN has been “overwhelmingly positive, especially within Indigenous communities” since its launch, drawing praise for the network’s “authenticity, innovation and commitment to cultural preservation.” The broadcaster’s milestone anniversary has become a time of reflection and celebration, highlighting its role in empowering Indigenous storytellers and reshaping the media landscape. In honour of National Indigenous History Month, APTN is “amplifying Indigenous voices louder than ever” through programming that features the stories, cultures and histories that were not only integral to Canadian history but also appreciated by the broadcaster’s growing audience. Jones says the month will be celebrated with an interesting slate of documentaries, dramas and special features that highlight the resilience and richness of Indigenous communities. This includes a docuseries beginning June 8 called 1491: The Untold Story of the Americas Before Columbus , in addition to Indigenous History Movie Night every Saturday throughout June. APTN Languages will also be airing documentaries and dramas presented in Blackfoot, Cree, Anishinaabemowin and Inuktitut. APTN will mark National Indigenous Peoples Day with programming honouring the voices, stories and talents of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. The day’s schedule will feature The 2025 Great Solstice , a celebration of music, dance and culture from across Canada, as well as an investigative journalism special and a tribute to the 2024 Indspire Award recipients. “All of these programs aim to educate, inspire and foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous experiences across Canada,” Jones says. This important mission is achieved, he says, through strong leadership and community support, along with APTN’s continuing dedication to authentic storytelling by Indigenous creators, commitment to language
National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21 on APTN Join us for an evening of powerful programming that honours the voices, stories and talents of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. 5 p.m. – The 2025 Great Solstice A vibrant celebration of Indigenous music, dance and culture from across country. 6 p.m. – APTN Investigates: Sacrifice Zones An hour-long special from Angela Belleau and Tom Fennario examining how Indigenous rights are impacted by the plastic industry and so-called “sacrifice zones.” 7 p.m. – Haudenosaunee Canoe Journey A father-daughter voyage through ancestral waters reveals the enduring strength of cultural connection. 8 p.m. – 2025 Indspire Awards: Visions and Visionaries A tribute to 12 inspiring recipients whose achievements are shaping the future of Indigenous communities.
Adam Garnet Jones, APTN’s director of TV content and special events. SUBMITTED PHOTO
revitalization and innovative programming that successfully blends tradition with modern storytelling techniques. “Our storytelling is rooted in community, authenticity and a commitment to truth, offering audiences a deeper understanding of Indigenous experiences across Canada,” Jones says. “Our dedication to celebrating Indigenous voices remains as strong as ever. We continue to evolve in how we connect with audiences, ensuring that Indigenous stories are seen, heard and celebrated across the country.” Embracing these core values has propelled APTN from its original concept to its current stature, success its leadership plans to build upon going forward. “The future looks bright for APTN. With the launch of APTN Languages and continued investment in Indigenous-led content, the network is poised to expand its influence as a leader in content both nationally and globally. It will continue to play a pivotal role in language preservation, youth engagement and digital innovation,” Jones says. “As Canada continues its journey toward reconciliation, APTN will remain a vital platform for truth-telling, cultural celebration and Indigenous empowerment.”
Manitoba’s Used Oil & Antifreeze Recycling Program 1-888-410-1440 UsedOilRecyclingMB.com go to Recycle your used oil and antifreeze the right way- find your nearest drop-off location. On National Indigenous Peoples Day, honour the spirit of connection and respect Mother Earth.
14 | NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
JUNE 2025
nature
SUBMITTED PHOTO
“The goal is to repopulate the lands,” BlueSky says. “It’s a very unfortunate situation that we're living in where we're seeing all of our large game animals disappear, not only because of slaughter but also because of habitat that's not a suitable. So what we're doing with this treaty is trying to protect (the buffalo) and repopulate our lands.” Signing onto the Buffalo Treaty was a “no-brainer,” BlueSky adds.
quite young fellows who haven’t worked on our ranch before … so they’re really growing with the herd, learning and understanding more every day,” BlueSky says. “I know our young guys and our community really want to (raise the buffalo) in a good way.” This spring, 13 new calves were born to the herd. BlueSky says it’s a good sign the buffalo feel welcome. “When I announced the first buffalo was born, one of the chiefs said to me that it was a very powerful message that the buffalo feel safe, taken care of and respected, so that’s very important to me,” BlueSky says.
Brokenhead welcomes back BUFFALO
“My community was a buffalo community at one time, but our buffalo left about a decade or so ago. … I’ve always missed them and I know I share the same sentiment as my community,” BlueSky says. “They bring a certain spirit with them and, in my view, a lot of healing comes with the buffalo.” The herd was welcomed with much celebration from the community and beyond,
“They seem to be getting pretty comfortable. You can see them running around and all the young calves playing — it’s a really interesting thing.” The herd is currently enclosed on a ranch that continues to expand, BlueSky says, adding the recent dry weather and fire risk has been a concern. Fire bans are in place and there is no
“
WE WANT THEM TO FEEL LIKE THEY’RE BEING TAKEN CARE OF. “ – Gordon BlueSky, Brokenhead Chief
BY ERIN DEBOOY
A herd of buffalo is thriving after being welcomed in Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, bringing the community together in an effort to repopulate the land. The buffalo — 20 cows and two bulls— were given to Brokenhead by Zagime Anishinabek Nation, located in Southeast Saskatchewan, as part of a Buffalo Treaty, said Brokenhead Chief Gordon BlueSky. Their obligation through the treaty is to raise and grow the herd until it is large enough to share another 20 cows and two bulls with another First Nation.
BlueSky says, with people from all over Manitoba stopping to see the buffalo, some saying prayers and making offerings.
smoking allowed around the herd because of the risk. BlueSky says they’re currently discussing plans on what to do in case a fire breaks out. “These animals can do fine without us, but once you put the fence around them they’re our responsibility. That's why it's very important for us to make sure that they're being taken care of,” BlueSky says. “We want them to feel like they're being taken care of. We want them to feel safe. We have a commitment to the herd for as long as we have them, which I'm hoping will be forever.”
“When we first announced that we were bringing the buffalo home, so many of our community members — across all political views and ages — came together and were really excited about it,” BlueSky says. Members of the community have also stepped up to make sure the herd has settled in and are well taken care of. “We’ve had two young guys that have gotten involved handling the herd, and it’s really special because they’re
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY | 15
JUNE 2025
Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day
On National Indigenous Peoples Day, we celebrate the artistry and vision of trailblazing Choreographer Cameron sink ə Fraser-Monroe, a proud member of the Tla’amin First Nation. From July 23–25, his acclaimed ballet T’ ə l: The Wild Man of the Woods — rooted in the oral history of Elder Elsie Paul — will be performed at Ballet in the Park, taking place at the Lyric Theatre in Assiniboine Park. Narrated in Ayajuthem and English, this powerful work invites audiences to connect through movement and story. Join us for this free event! Next spring, his š ɛ gat ə m makes its Winnipeg debut following its premiere in New York City, with music from the renowned Jeremy Dutcher. Meaning “to lift someone up,” this moving work tells the story of a leader who must find strength through the support of their community. The RWB is proud to present two of Cameron’s groundbreaking works weaving cultural memory, kinship, and Indigenous worldviews with the language of contemporary ballet.
n
Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day!
Artwork by Jordan Stranger
gracehospitalfoundation.ca
Medicine Turtle by artist Clemence Wescoupe
16 | NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
JUNE 2025
Celebrating Dane Monkman Cree and Anishinaabe changemaker
“My education has given me a strong understanding of the rights of our peoples and of the power we have not only to hold government to account, but to create change as well,” Mr. Monkman says. A first-generation university graduate and the son of a residential school Survivor, Mr. Monkman sees education as a chance to access what his father was denied. At UM, he found connection through Indigenous community and spaces like Migizii Agamik– Bald Eagle Lodge. “I’m closer to my community, my culture and our traditions,” Mr. Monkman says. The University of Manitoba honours Dane Monkman for his visionary leadership and commitment to Indigenous sovereignty.
Dane Monkman (Giizhebaabi Migizii) is a proud member of Peguis First Nation who grew up in Hay River, Northwest Territories. He is dedicated to advancing Indigenous governance and building stronger nation-to-nation relationships. While completing his master’s in political studies at the University of Manitoba, Mr. Monkman [BA/19, MA/24] focused his research on Treaty One. He also worked with Mamawipawin, the Indigenous Governance and Community-Based Research Space, on impactful projects like Walking With Our Sisters. Mr. Monkman’s academic path at UM now guides his role in government. As director of ministerial affairs for the Manitoba Indigenous Reconciliation Secretariat, he works with the Premier on engaging rights holders to help bring their voices into policy.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING.
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16Powered by FlippingBook