Everett Soop Exhibit Opens

BLOOD TRIBE ADMINISTRATION REVIEWBlood Tribe CommunicationsFREEVOL. 4 ISSUE 2 February - 09Everett Soop Exhibit OpensJournalistCartoonistActivistNation BuildingConferenceElijah HarperKeynote SpeakerMedicine Tree hostBoxing CardAlberta TransportationTraffic Safety ProgramCalendar ofUpcoming Events

EVERETT SOOP EXHIBIT OPENS AT GALTA foremost Canadian Indian cartoonist,activist and journalist left behind alegacy of humor and political satire thatis unmatched even by today’s standards.Everett Soop, a writer with a biting witand with an ability to write about theobvious, is the focus of an exhibit at theGalt Museum & Archives in Lethbridge,AB., from January 31 to April 26, 2009.Soop, it seemed, was destined to develophis mind and his art after he begansuffering from muscular dystrophy, adegenerative disease characterized byprogressive weakness and degenerationof skeletal muscles that control movement.His sharp wit and an ability tocraft observations into, oftentimes,humorous snapshots of everyday actionsor of current events, nestled Soop in theminds of his readers, and of those hecaricatured or criticized--everyone wasfair game.During the time when the Kainai News,Canada’s leading Indian newspaper, wasin its heyday, most readers would flipthrough the pages to read what Everettwas sharing with the people. Hiscartoons, which were randomly placedthroughout the newspaper, became thefocal point for many.There was another side to Everett--aside of him that spoke volumes of his intensityto be fair and honest. A lady whohad purchased one of Everett’s bookshad not received it yet. A call to IndianNews Media expressing her frustrationand a reminder of losing a subscriberresulted in a hurried call to Everett.He took the lady’s name, number andaddress, and personally delivered hisbook to a surprised lady who residedin Lethbridge. The following day, thelady called Indian News Media anddeeply apologized for her outburst. Shehad never imagined that Everett wouldpersonally deliver an autographed bookto her in that fashion. The staff of IndianNews Media found out later that Everetthad given up the only book he had leftto a lady who had now become a deepand dedicated admirer.The exhibit at the Galt Museum featuresmany of Everett’s early drawings and2cartoons on display. Louis Soop, Everett’solder brother, was on hand to dedicatethe opening of the exhibit in honorof his late brother. Louis also acceptedthe Meritorious Service Medal for Everett,a posthumous award from the GovernorGeneral of Canada in 2006. “Hedidn’t play favorites in who he directedhis criticism towards—native and nonnativeleaders alike,” described the elderSoop. “He had a brilliant mind.”Everett was a much sought after individualwho earned his place in society.He was named to the University ofLethbridge Senate, the Native AdvisoryCommittee of the Lethbridge JuniorCollege, and was awarded a lifetimeachievement award by the Native AmericanJournalists Association. He servedas a Blood councilor for four years andpublished two books of his cartoons:Soop Takes a Bow and I See My Tribe isStill Behind Me.The Galt Museum is open from 10 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday, andis open Sundays and on holidays from 1p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

NATION BUILDING CONFERENCE FOCUSES ON STRATEGICPLANNINGbroader view of economic developmentin First Nations’ communities, one thatwould encompass self-governance overself-administration. Dr. Begay comments“self-governance has a differentstructure than self-administration whichis largely administering programs forgovernment, self-governance entailsstrategies that assume jurisdiction overland, and resources and makes its ownlaws.”adequately fund our reserves, but that’snot to say that you should give uponGovernment funding sources,” and hecontinues: “You can’t talk about sovereigntyunless you have your money; it’sabout self-sustaining economies, createyour own money, your own economy.”The Conference did shed some lighton the value of self sustaining economiesachieved through sustainabilityand strategic planning. The hosts of thegathering were the Community Futuresinitiative, which is a Federal Governmentprogram to promote economicdevelopment in First Nations’ Communities.Dr. Manley Begay Jr. ”Nation Building isabout Economic Development”Building on a sustainable economy andgood strategic planning are the foundationsof a Nation. This was the messagebrought across by a conference titled“Nation Building on Economic Development”in Calgary, hosted by CommunityFutures Treaty 7 Economic Development,Jan. 27-28. The conference hada strong attendance from Chiefs andCouncils from the Treaty 7 area whogathered to listen to ideas and initiativesthat could help their communities buildstronger economic conditions.In a keynote address given by Dr. ManleyBegay Jr., a University Professorwith the Native Nations Institute, Universityof Arizona, Tucson; he stated“Economic development is really aboutgovernance and self-determination” andadded, “In order to build a strong tribaleconomy, there has to be good strategicplanning and sustainable projects thatwill benefit the community”. He sharedhis experiences with Tribal groups fromthe United States who faced similareconomic situations as the First Nationscommunities in Canada. Dr. Begayis presently the Faculty Chair for theInstitute. The conference focus was on aChief Weasel Head welcomes Clarence Louisto Treaty 7 Territory.Chief Clarence Louis of the OsoyoosIndian Band, gave a powerful presentationon what makes business work on aFirst Nations’ reserves, referring to thenine successful businesses owned bythe Osoyoos Band. Since his election tothe post of Chief in 1984, he has beenable to turn a poverty stricken communityinto a thriving entrepreneurial centre,with virtually all members of the Bandemployed by these business ventures.“I believe in Band businesses beforeindividual businesses,” Louis said andit has proven well for his community of450 members. He attacked the conceptof waiting for the Federal governmentto provide enough funding for economicdevelopment. “The Federal Governmentwill never have enough money toHank Shade, Community Futures Treaty 7,Director.3

HARPER KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT SIK-OOH-KOTOKIFRIENDSHIP CENTRE’S 40TH ANNIVERSARYElijah Harper, the former Member ofParliament who almost single-handedlystopped the Meech Lake Accordin 1990, was the keynote speaker at theSik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Centre’s40th anniversary on Saturday, January31, 2009, in Lethbridge, AB. Harper,who gained national fame for saying“No”, in bringing closure to a majorconstitutional proposal by the thenPrime Minister Brian Mulroney and theten provincial Premiers, which excludedrecognition of Aboriginals in one ofthe main modifications in the Canadianconstitution, shared his thoughts andviews on his life and of politics before apacked house of well-wishers.The 40th anniversary of the Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Centre (SFC) waswell-attended as many people from thevarious organization both on-and-off theBlood reserve contributed to the $150-a-plate affair. A number of speakersexpressed their appreciation and congratulatedthe Sik-Ooh-Kotoki FriendshipCentre for their continued presencein Lethbridge including Blood ChiefCharles Weasel Head, Member of ParliamentRick Casson, Leroy Little Bear,former president of the SFC Board, JimShort, SFC finance manager, ScottyMany Guns, Siksika Council (representingChief Leroy Good Eagle), BrendaGladue, Aboriginal Relations, Governmentof Alberta, Roland Cotton, presidentof SFC, and Smokey Thompson,4president of Alberta Friendship Centres.Harper, who said he was honored to beat the Friendship Centre’s 40th anniversarycelebrations, praised the effortsof all friendship centres throughout thenation. “The Friendship Centres haveplayed an important part of many livesof Aboriginal people across Canada,” hesaid in acknowledging the SFC’s efforts.“Here, I understand that this is one ofthe top Friendship Centres in the province.”In his travels across the country, Harpersaid education is fundamental to ouradvancement beyond our own environments.“It is very important to have educatedpeople,” he explained. “Knowledgeis power, and we are empoweringourselves when we go to school to getan education. Education is the key to oursuccess, and our survival.”Chief Charles Weasel Head praised theSik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Centre fortheir presence in the City of Lethbridge.“Your (SFC) efforts of establishing andbuilding foundations with the manypartners and organizations only servesto enhance the provision of services forour people,” he said. “And, to continueto improve on the relationships you haveenvisioned in each of your forty years—congratulations.”In her role as the SFS Executive Director,Lydia First Rider said she was verypleased at the number of people whoattended the 40th anniversary. “It wasa really good turnout; a lot of communitysupport, many organizations bothon-and-off the reserve supported us,”she said. “The community, overall, haveutilized the Friendship Centre at onetime or another. There’s a real familyatmosphere here.”The Master of Ceremonies, Travis PlaitedHair, kept the people entertained andthe banquet featured traditional singingand dancing by Julius and Troy Delaneyand Quincy Delaney-Russell and ToddCross Child. Talented singers Ira Provostand CCMA recording artist ShaneYellow Bird entertained the people withtheir music. Blood musician CharlesShade gracefully accepted to perform ata later date due to time restraints.Chief Charles Weasel Head is seen here sitting with M.P. Rick Casson, Professor Leroy Little Bear,Elijah Harper and other dignitaries at the Sik-Ooh-Kotoki 40th Anniversary celebration.

OFF RESERVE HOUSING GRANTSEXTENDS DEADLINES TO BUYERSThe Off-Reserve Housing Program hasextended its timeframe for interestedhome-owners from the Blood reservewho are planning to purchase a house.Gina Tailfeathers, off-reserve housingcoordinator, says fifty applications arecurrently available and 25 applicationshave been made from potential homeowners.Tailfeathers said an additionalgrant is available for 77 more housingunits from those wanting to purchase ahouse off the reserve and to take advantageof the housing grant in helping withthe down-payment.The criteria and requirements involvedinclude the purchase of a house off-reserveand in Alberta; attend Home Programsessions; provide a pre-approvalcertificate from a lender; provide a copyof the legal review on mortgage, andlien search; provide a copy of insurance;have 2-3 per cent of purchase price setaside to cover closing costs, and providefinal approval from lenders. Tailfeatherssays interested persons looking at thepossibility of purchasing a home offreservecan pick up an application at theBlood Tribe Housing department. Shesays since the Kainai Housing Corporationis involved in such a new venture,there are a few areas which requiretechnical research, but is pleased thatthey have received 25 applications frompotential homeowners. “People are reallyexcited about this opportunity,” shesays. “I will assist them in getting holdof a bank to get pre-approval of a mortgage,or if they need help with a realtorand any banking or credit issues.”The Off-reserve Down Payment AssistanceProgram was approved forthe Blood Tribe on January 31, 2008,for 50 units off the Blood reserve. TheKainai Housing Corporation begantaking applications on April 1, 2008,and the program will end on March 31,2009. Interested potential homeownersmust realize that since the time-frameis limited, that each application will betaken on a first-come-first-served basis.Several examples of the assistance programgrant are if an applicant purchasesa house for $150,000, the calculationwould be to times the $150,000 by 10per cent which would be $15,000. Or, ifthe unit purchase price was $200,000,the calculation would be to times the$200,000 by 10 per cent which would be$20,000.For more information on the Off-reserveHousing Grants, please contact GinaTailfeathers at the Housing departmentat 403.737.3988.LANDS ENVIRON-MENTAL STAFFMONITOR BLOODTIMBER LIMITSThe Lands Environmental ProtectionDivision is keeping a watchful eyeon a potential outbreak of pine beetlesin the Blood Tribe Timber Limitsnear Waterton Lakes Nation Park. Inan effort to closely monitor the TimberLimits, the Lands EnvironmentalProtection Division (LEPD) recentlyobserved the area from above in ahelicopter in an effort to utilize theglobal positioning system (GPS) topinpoint affected treetops.The LEPD were looking for anytrees which had red tops, an indicatorof possible pine beetles in the area.The Pine Beetle is a small insect, lessthan a centimetre long, which livesmost of its life under the bark of pinetrees, including lodgepole, ponderosaand western white pine. In mid-summer,large number of female beetlesattack new trees by boring throughthe bark to the sapwood. Theyconstruct vertical galleries betweenthe bark and the sapwood where,after the males join them, they mateand the females deposit their eggs.These eggs hatch into legless larvaethat feed outwards from the verticalgalleries on the phloem tissue of thehost tree. The beetles introduce ablue-stain fungus into the sapwoodof the tree that prevents the tree fromrepelling and killing the attackingbeetles with the pitch flow. It alsoblocks water and nutrient translocationwithin the tree. The joint actionor combination of larval feeding andfungal colonization kills the host treewithin a few weeks of successfulattack.Normally, Pine Beetles play animportant role in the life of a forest.They attack old or weakenedtrees, speeding the development ofa younger forest. The unusually hotsummers and mild winters we haveexperienced in the past few yearshave lead to an epidemic, especiallyin British Columbia where millionsof lodgepole pines – the province’smost harvested tree – have beendestroyed.Kansie Fox, conservation biologist,LEPD, said the monitoring of potentialdamage to our Timber Limitsfrom pine beetle outbreaks is necessaryand adds that the Timber Limitsare in relatively good shape. “I thinkit’s in a healthy state as far as pinebeetle infestation is concerned. We’dlike to keep surveying it in the futureto monitor pine beetles; at least everytwo years.”Paulette Fox, environmental protectionmanager, Kansie Fox, conservationbiologist and Okan HungryWolf, forest health technician, overseeTribal environmental concerns.5

MEDICINE TREE HOST BOXING CARDThe Medicine Tree Society hosted aboxing card which featured local andvisiting boxers from across WesternCanada. The fight-filled night provedto be very entertaining in which the15 bouts on the card had almost everythingfrom first round knockoutsto slug-fests which lasted the fullthree rounds.Travis Plaited Hair, youth coordinator,Medicine Tree Society, and whowas one of the coordinators for theboxing card, said he was pleasedwith the number of boxers and fansin attendance. “The event went beyondmy expectations. We had boxingclubs from B.C., Saskatchewanand Alberta who all showcased theirskills and talents,” he said. “It wentjust as we planned it.”In bout four, Dalton Red Crow,Medicine Tree Boxing club, fightingin the 165-lb, junior category, displayedan aggressive and skilled boxingstyle in stopping Brandon SpearChief of the Lethbridge Boxing Clubin the second round to win his bout.Tim Bruised Head, Medicine Tree,fighting in the senior novice, 185-lbcategory, stopped Lance Arthurs ofthe Diamond Back Boxing club with6a second-round knockout to take thewinning belt. Morris Crow fightingin the junior open, 135-lb category,put up a game effort but lostto Sydney Binding of the MedicineHat Boxing club. In the battle of theheavy weights, Ian Bruised Head,Medicine Tree, outslugged JesseGill, Central Boxing club, to take thewin and the belt. Bruised Head alsowas named the best overall fighter asvoted on by the judges from AlbertaBoxing. Cobie Soop, fighting in the175 lb. senior category won a firstrounddecision by scoring a knockoutover Shane Rose of the LethbridgeBoxing club.In one of the more entertainingmatches of the evening, DarrenOrubor, Impact Boxing club, battledTanner Wilson, Medicine Hat, in thejunior open, 148-lb category, to takethe belt in earning the victory.The winners of each bout wereawarded a belt and a Hoodie and thesecond-place fighters were presentedwith a trophy.Plaited Hair would like to thankMedicine Tree coaches DexterBruised Head and Heather Black, Dr.Kennedy, BTDH, the officials/referees,Ginnie Brown, Alberta BoxingAssociation, Blood Tribe Recreationdepartment, UFA Lethbridge, MistihkWaskihk Cultural Healing Inc.,Blair Orr, the volunteers and KerryFahlman for providing the boxingring.

SIK-OOH-KOTOKI POWWOW ATTRACTS PARTICIPANTS FROMCANADA AND USAA high number of dancers and drummersentertained the many visitorsand guest during the two-day powwowon February 7th & 8th, 2009,at the Exhibition Pavilion in Lethbridge,AB.With approximately 230 dancersdancing to the beat of 14 drumgroups, many of whom are worldchampions including High Noonfrom Hobbema, AB., the two-daypowwow proved to be a startingpoint in kick-starting the powwowtrail. The Sik-Ooh-Kotoki FriendshipCentre is celebrating its 40th anniversarywith a number of activitiesthis year including its banquet, thepowwow and the Boxing card.Travis Plaited Hair, youth coordinator,Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society,was one of the powwow organizersand said the event turned outbetter than they imagined. “I think itwent beyond our expectations,” heexplained of the huge turnout. “Wehad planned to have a good powwow,a decent powwow, but I think,at the end, based on all the remarkswe got from visitors and from thelocal people, they all felt it was oneof the better powwows they’ve beento for a while. It was a good way tokick off the powwow year.”Plaited Hair wanted to thank theSik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship SocietyBoard, the Executive Director andstaff, Stacey Chief Body, Tobias andBarney Provost, the volunteers, theLethbridge Exhibition Pavilion, theCity of Lethbridge, and to all thevisitors, dancers and drummers whomade the powwow one to remember.The M.C.’s for the powwow wereJason Goodstriker and Oliver Shouting.7

AROUND THEREZ…BLACK WATER CALLED UP TOAMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUEThe Stockton Thunder, the proud EastCoast Hockey League affiliate of theNational Hockey League’s EdmontonOilers and American Hockey League’sSpringfield Falcons, announced thatrookie center Judd Blackwater has beenloaned to the Rockford Ice Hogs of theAHL on a professional tryout agreement.Blackwater has skated in 32 combinedgames this season for the Thunder andFresno Falcons scoring 21 points whileamassing 41penalty minutes. The 6-foot,193-pound forward was signed by theThunder as a free agent on December30, 2008. The Blood Tribe native hasearned his first call-up to the AHL of hiscareer. In his first AHL game versus theManitoba Moose, Blackwater scoredhis first goal for a 1-1 tie and scoredthe winner in a shootout to earn the IceHogs their victory.SHADE WINS BOY’S STEER RID-ING JACKPOTMontana Shade, a 13-year-old femaleattending the Cardston Junior Highschool, put on a show at the Boy’sSteer Riding School in winning thesteer riding jackpot from a group of 11participants. Shade, who completed therodeo school and entered the steer ridingjackpot during the weekend’s Bulleramaevent was one of four females inthe rodeo school and showed the boysin attendance what true grit is made upof—determination and guts. Shade willremember her first-place finish for yearsto come and will have the braggingrights until the next rodeo school.8TREATY 7 DISABILITY CONFER-ENCE SET FOR LATE FEBRUARYThe annual 2009 Treaty Seven DisabilityConference hosted by CommunityFutures, a component of Treaty SevenEconomic Development, will focus onemployment and economic opportunitiesfor person’s with disabilities. Theconference is scheduled for February 23– 25, 2009, at the Coast Plaza ConferenceCentre in Calgary, AB., and willfeature workshops, keynote speakers,educational, conference, entrepreneurshipand self-employment sessions.Also included are a variety of topics,networking opportunities and a banquet.For further information, please contactthe Communications department at403.737.8130, or visit the CommunityFutures website at johnathon@t7edc.com.KAINAI FOODBANK REQUEST-ING FOR VOLUNTEERSThe Kainai Foodbank is seeking volunteersto assist with the high volumeof food items recently donated fromoutside agencies. The high volume offood and items donated was in responseto the recent winter weather conditionswhich put a strain on the foodbankshelves. Kimberly Jimmy, foodbankmanager, says all volunteers are morethan welcome to drop by at the KainaiFoodbank and to lend a hand in stockingthe shelves and preparing food hampersfor their clientele. Anyone wantingfurther information can contact the foodbank at 403.737.2919.LAND DISPUTE INITIATIVEMEMBERS TAKE TRAININGThe Seven panel members who arepresently involved in the Land DisputeInitiative are currently taking training toassist them in understanding and reachingimpartial decisions in dealing withland disputes on the Blood reserve. TheLDI members are enrolled in a trainingexercise called Kiipatapisinnoon whichhelps each panel member better understandthe Blackfoot way of life. Thefive-day course which began on January19, ended on February 2, 2009. Theirnext training module consists of thePrivacy Act which will introduce themto current privacy trends in protectingthe rights to privacy of each individualor group seeking resolution to theirland disputes. The LDI members willcontinue with further training includingmediation processes.

DEPARTMENT FEATURE – FINANCEThe Blood Tribe Administration Finance department staff, pictured here, ensure daily financialactivities are dealt with in a courteous and professional manner.The Blood Tribe Administration’s financialand business center is administeredby a department which plays a vital rolein maintaining accountability and indealing with the financial matters of theBlood Tribe. The Finance department,which is situated on the main floor of theBlood Tribe Administration, is staffedwith seven permanent employees. EachFinance employee has specific dutiesand is responsible to ensure accuracy inpromoting accountability and transparency.Veronica Shade, senior finance officer,is responsible for the day-to-day operationsof the Finance department. Sheworks closely with senior managementand the Finance Committee in annualfiscal processes which include the monitoringof budgets and reporting requirements.In addition, as the Senior FinanceOfficer, her duties include supervisingthe accountants and staff and ensuringeach accountant assigned to BTA departmentduties are fulfilled. Part of her dutiesinclude reports on the functions ofeach role and responsibility within theFinance department structure which isvital in keeping management informedon the financial activities of the BloodTribe Administration.Each accountant has specific dutiesthey must adhere with including keepingthe Senior Finance Officer informedon BTA department financial functions.An accountant in the Finance departmentis assigned to one-or-more BTAdepartments or Entities and must carefullyscrutinize each item and accountpresented before them by the Directors.The Finance department provides accuratefinancial information to the decision-makerson a timely basis including10th Working Day Financial Statements.Also, the Finance staff ensures that eachDirector works within their yearly budgetto avoid deficits or cost-overruns.The annual Audit is another area the Financedepartment must prepare for at theend of each fiscal year. The Audit is astatement of the Blood Tribe’s financialresponsibilities and is reviewed by auditorswho operate according to GenerallyAccepted Accounting Principles. Theaudit is reviewed by the auditors whoreport the finances in an objective andunbiased manner. The Finance departmentthen reports the audit to Management,Committees and to the Chief &Council and provide copies of the auditto the people of the Blood Tribe. Thispractice of sharing the audit with themembership ensures that fiscal responsibilityis based upon accountability andtransparency.The Finance department also ensuresthat revenues are received and distributedas per cashflows and ensures thateach departmental financial controlsand accountability are maintained. Themonthly financial statements are alsoreviewed and are provided to Management,committees and to Chief &Council.The Finance staff is comprised of thefollowing:Senior Finance Officer:Veronica ShadeManagement Accountant:Gabrielle Medicine CraneHer duties include the Fund Transfer Account,Public Service, Interest Distribution,Management, Human Resources, St. Mary’sPension, Interest Account and Tribal Government.She is the FNTP operator, overseesBus Co-op, Housing, Lands and EconomicDevelopment.Chief & Council Accountant:Avelina Chief CalfHer duties include Chief & Council,Finance, Membership, Shot Both SidesBuilding and Real Estate. She consolidatesfinancial statements and oversees PublicWorks and BTEST.Accounts Clerk:Dawn Eagle Bear - casualHer duties include the Bus Co-op and AccountsPayables for all departments.Payroll Accountant Supervisor:Phyllis Eagle BearHer duties include Central Payroll for BTA,Bank Support Contact. She oversees theSocial Development, Recreation and FCSSdepartments.Payroll Clerk:Chantel Day ChiefCara Wells - casualFinance Executive Assistant:Evelyn MillsFinance Receptionist:Cynthia Young PineTasha Heavy Runner - BTESTMISSION STATEMENT:The Finance Department is responsiblein providing accurate financialinformation on a timely basis to Management,Committees and Chief andCouncil, which assists as a financialtool in decision making. The Financialinformation received and reported willbe completed according to the establishedaccounting policies and bylaw.9

ALBERTA TRANSPORTATION PROMOTETREATY 7 TRAFFIC SAFETY PROGRAMIt is estimated that over 1900 childrenare injured or killed in pedestrian orbike-related collisions in Alberta eachyear. Tammy White Quills-Knife,regional traffic safety coordinator forTreaty Seven First Nations, based outof Treaty Seven Management Corporationand who is employed with theOffice of Traffic Safety, Alberta Transportationand Alberta Center for InjuryControl and Research, says her role asthe regional traffic safety coordinatoris to work with each Treaty Seven FirstNation to begin the process of creatingawareness in preventing such traffic-relatedinjuries or deaths from occurring.“One of my major responsibilities androle is forming a committee/networkthat will begin identifying traffic safetyissues and concerns,” she says. “Ofcourse, in identifying those concerns,you are looking at injury prevention andpromotion.” White Quills-Knife saysthere are many areas which are includedin prevention of injuries or deaths.These include bike and traffic safety,farm equipment, motorbikes and allterrainvehicles, pedestrian walkways,crosswalks and traffic lights and otherareas of concern.White Quills-Knife says awareness inbeginning the process of reducing injuryand fatality-related problems could bedeveloped and implemented with theguidance and direction of the leadershipfrom within each Treaty Seven FirstNation. “So, whether it (enforcement)comes from the police services, or fromChief & Council, we need to look atthese concerns.”White Quills-Knife says the difficultyin enforcing traffic safety is unlike amunicipality where bylaws and enforcementmeasures are in effect. “Weare structured differently as opposedto municipalities, the communities areunique,” she says. “Anything that wouldbe developed would be to model whatis going to work for us in the communities.”In beginning the process of establishingawareness, White Quills-Knife will bemeeting with each community to createawareness of the Alberta Traffic SafetyPlan and Calendar and to promote communitymobilization. “Historically, wejust assume that it is the responsibilityof our police services, but, it’s a jointresponsibility too,” she says in describingher duties. “So, having someone inthis role to help the communities begindeveloping their plans really helps.It’s such a new initiative, but, it’s alsowelcomed.”White Quills-Knife is available to meetwith any individuals, groups or communitieswho want to know more about theAlberta Traffic Safety Plan and Calendarand can contact her at 403.539.0350 oron her cell at 403.863.2417 for any additionalinformation.RESERVATION MUSIC FESTIVAL ROCKS STAND OFF TOWNSITEA number of talented musicians recentlyperformed in the old Saipoyi gymnasiumin shaking the winter blues away.Jim Doore, Reservation Music Festivalorganizer, said the event was well attendedand is looking ahead at establishingmore music fests as an outlet for themusicians to strut their stuff.“I want to thank all the musicians andpeople who came to the festival,” hesaid. “We hope to have more events inthe future and have these in differentcommunities.”The Reservation Music Festival featuredmany local and visiting artists including:Fabian North Peigan, Dolly Provost,10Margaret Devine, Stone Boy, The Doores,Elizabeth Big Head, Duane, TerrenceBlack Forehead, Adrian & SamanthaNargo and William Messenger.The festival had a special guest, Elvis(Reo Hairy Bull), all the way fromGraceland, L.A. (Levern Area) who performedcrowd favorites and was morethan ready to sign autographs. Alsofeatured was the talented drumming ofAdrian Nargo who performed a solo actand drummed for some of the musicians.During the festival, organizer Jim Doorewas surprised when the festival committeesang happy birthday for him and fedthe people in attendance a tasty Indiantaco meal. Jim Doore wanted to thankthe St. Paul’s Treatment Centre clientsand the people of Stand Off and surroundingcommunities for their support.

KAINAI/BLOODTRIBENOTICEThe Government of Canada is introducing a New Status Card to be effectiveJune1, 2009. In order to apply for the new status card, the following must bepresented at the time of your application:* Original Birth Certificate (Baptismal Certificate will not be accepted norphotocopies)* Canadian Passport. If you do not have a passport- 2 other pieces of ID arerequired.* 2 other pieces of Identification from the following - 1 of which must be apictured IDDrivers LicenseStudent ID cardProvincial Health CardOther Government pictured IDCurrent Indian Status CardIF YOUR STATUS CARD HAS BEEN LOST OR STOLEN YOU MUST REPORT THISTO THE POLICE AND THEY WILL ISSUE YOU A FILE NUMBER. THIS NUMBERWILL BE REQUESTED FOR AT THE TIME OF YOUR APPLICATION.The following dates have been set for the new status cards:DATE: FEBRUARY 16th, 2009 - MARCH 3rd, 2009 (excluding weekends)TIME: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PMPLACE: OLD SAIPOYI SCHOOL GYMPlease call the membership department at (403) 737-8110 for an appointment.At this time the card will not be issued to children under the age of 16.IT IS MANDATORY THAT YOU HAVE THE ABOVE IDENTIFICATION WITH YOUAT THE TIME OF APPLICATION. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE IDENTIFICATIONWITH YOU, YOU WILL BE TURNED AWAY.If you have a current status card, you are encouraged to keep using your carduntil the renewal date.For more info call the Blood Tribe Membership Department - 403-737-810911

Calendar of Upcoming EventsFebruary 2009FOCUS EMPOWER EXPANDCommunity Futures Treaty Seven2009 Annual Disability ConferenceCoast Plaza Conference Centre, Calgary, ABFeb 23 –25, 2009“What You Focus on Expands: The Business Strategy”The 2009 Community Futures Treaty Seven Disability Conference will promote employmentand economic opportunities for First Nations people with disabilities. Congruent with the theme ofthe conference: Focus Empower Expand, the vision is to build the capacity of existing T7 subagreement holder’s employment services (on and off reserve) for addressing the needs of peoplewith disabilities, to facilitate opportunities for networking and connections among all stakeholders,and to achieve outcomes in the area of employment for First Nations people with disabilities. Theconference includes: Educational Sessions, including Keynotes, and Breakout Sessions. A Regional Career Information Fair with a number of companies participating, plus many smallbusinesses in southern Alberta. Conference Sessions – Youth to Work, Assistive Technology, and Business Strategy. Sessions of Self Employment and Entrepreneurship. Networking Opportunities throughout the conference. Awards Banquet & Entertainment First Nation Arts & Crafts showcasedREGISTRATION INFORMATIONRegistration Fee: $125.00Includes Awards Banquet & EntertainmentPersons With a Disability: $ 25.00Includes Awards Banquet & EntertainmentMonday February 23, 2009Warren Macdonald,Canadian MotivationalInspirational KeynoteSpeaker, Winlaw, B.C.After surviving a tragic mountainclimbing accident in Australia,which left him an amputee. Warrenbecame the first double amputee toreach the summit of Africa’s tallestpeak, Mt Kilimanjaro (19,222ft). He has since released hisfirst best selling book (A Test of Will) and has been featuredon The Discovery Chanel, Larry King Live, The OprahWinfery Show, and CNN World Edition.Payment Method: Cheque made payable toCommunity Futures Treaty SevenSuite 300, 6011 – 1A Street S.W.,Calgary, AB T2H 0G5Attn: Johnathon Red Gun, johnathonrg@t7edc.comDisability Employment CoordinatorVisit us @ www.t7edc.comKEYNOTE SPEAKERSTuesday February 24, 2009Denise Bissonnette,International KeynoteSpeaker, Writer, & TrainerWinnipeg, Man.Denis Bissonnette is an internationalrenowned writer, trainer, and keynotespeaker. For Two decades, she hasinspired people and organizationsthroughout North America to look beyondtraditional concepts of careerdevelopment and to craft livelihoodsrooted in the individual “genius” of each person.The Blackfoot Canadian Cultural SocietyPresentsInternational Peace Pow-Wow 2009Lethbridge, Alberta, CanadaEnmax Centre2410 Scenic Drive SouthSaturday Grand Entries: 1:00 & 7:00 pmKelly Healy, Event CoordinatorOliver Shouting, MCKatie Pard, Ladies’ Head DancerDance Competitions10 Adult Categories: 1 st - $500, 2 nd - $300, 3 rd -$2007 Teen Categories: 1 st - $200, 2 nd - $150, 3 rd - $1007 Junior Categories: 1 st - $100, 2 nd - $75, 3 rd - $50Drum Competitions1 st - $3000, 2 nd - $2000, 3 rd - $1000Miss Blackfoot Canada PageantContact Roxie Vaile @ (403) 388-4935Forms : mcrowhealy@blackfoot.caFebruary 28 & March 1stSunday Grand Entry: 1:00 pmHead StaffStan Whiteman, Arena DirectorJason Good Striker, MCElijah Provost, Men’s Head DancerHost Drum Picked DailyHost HotelsLethbridge Lodge 1-800-661-1232Best Western Heidelberg Inn and1-800-791-8488Chinook MotelQuality Inn & Suites1-888-331-6440SpecialsHead Dancers’ Katie Pard and Elijah ProvostMiss Blackfoot Canada Andrea True Joy FoxLadies FancyJr. Miss Blackfoot Canada Jamie Crying HeadTeen Girls JingleJoshua Allan Devine MemorialMen’s Grass DanceTRADERS and VENDORSContact Debbie Kelman @ (403) 327-6828Forms : mcrowhealy@blackfoot.caAdmission: $12.00 per day, $9.00 Students/SeniorsMore Info at www.blackfoot.ca Phone (403) 327-6807 Email: mcrowhealy@blackfoot.caPublished by Blood Tribe Administration/ COMMUNICATIONs Dept.Darlene Plume:Rick Tailfeathers:Tom Russell:Myron Fox:Senior Executive OfficerPR DirectorCommunications WriterProduction TechnicianSioux Crop Eared WolfTechnical AssistantPublished by the authority ofBlood Tribe Chief & CouncilBox 60 Standoff, AB T0L 1Y0ph: 403-737-3753FAX: 403-737-2336visit our website for more...www.bloodtribe.org