Yellow - East - Sun - Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre SICC Annual Report.pdf · South East...

Early in SICC’s history, the logo was developed by Elders depicting the green circle which represents Mother Earth. The images of the sacred pipe and braid of sweetgrass are acknowledged as gifts from the Creator. Each of the colors of the cardinal directions are represented as follows:

Red - North - BuffaloYellow - East - Sun

Blue - South - ThunderbirdWhite - West - Wind

Artist Credit:All of the beadwork on the moccasins were done by Eugene Ross (Dakota) Sioux Valley, MB.

Vision StatementLearning our ways, speaking our languages and living our lives as given by the Creator

Mission StatementProtect, Preserve and Promote the Cultures and Languages of First Nations as Dené, Saulteaux, Dakota, Nakota (Assiniboine), Lakota, nīhithaw (Woodlands Cree), nēhinaw (Swampy Cree) and

nēhiyaw (Plains Cree) in the Treaty 2, 4, 6, 8, & 10 Territories.

PhilosophyThe SICC has served First Nations people since 1972. It was the initial First Nations controlled educational institution serving at the provincial level. The Centre strives to maintain the cultural

identity of First Nations culture who inhabit what is now known as Saskatchewan: Dené, Saulteaux, Dakota, Nakota, Lakota, Woodlands Cree, Swampy Cree and Plains Cree.

Goals• To protect and revive First Nations languages in Saskatchewan• To preserve and transfer knowledge on First Nations history, culture and traditions• To promote First Nations cultural and linguistic identity• To improve the sustainability of SICC• To strengthen and enhance the capacity of SICC• To improve and enhance the profile of SICC• To attract and retain skilled and qualified First Nations employees• To create a healthy work environment• To transfer knowledge of our spiritual beliefs• To support the Elders Council in preserving oral history, teachings and spiritual knowledge

Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre - Annual Report 2013/2014

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The Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre (SICC) has been in operation since 1972. Over the intervening years the SICC has been the primary institute of the First Nations of Saskatchewan working for the preservation, protection and survival of the Dakota, Dené, Lakota, Nakota, Saulteaux, Plains

Cree, Swampy Cree and Woodland Cree cultures in the province. As the first institution established by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN), the SICC continues to be the cornerstone in maintaining First Nations languages, cultures, heritage and traditions. Many thousands of First Nations people have been served by the Cultural Centre over this time.

In the early seventies, the SICC played a leading role in the establishment of the principles of Indian Control of Indian Education. The need for Indian Control of Indian Education is paramount in all that the SICC does as an institution. Throughout Canadian history, mainstream institutions have inappropriately placed the study of First Nations languages and culture within a historical or anthropological context. The SICC strives to ensure that First Nations students have access to culturally, historically and socially appropriate learning resources.

All approaches to maintain a language and culture need to be done with the principles of survival

and retention as a guide. Only through

daily usage, inter-generational transmission and legislative protection will any language or culture survive. The SICC engages in the study, documentation, and recording of languages and cultural practices. This is done in an interactive way with First Nations Keepers who are devoted to the day-to-day practice of their culture. SICC delivers a variety of programs and services to First Nations and the general public in the following areas:1. Cultural Resource Management Department

- Oversees the delivery of programming in support of retaining and growing cultural aspects of the eight First Nations language groups in Saskatchewan.

2. Languages Department - Responsible for research, documentation and development of language resources to assist language educators and the offering of services to preserve First Nations’ languages.

3. SICC Library Department – Hosts a large collection of print, audio and visual resources about Indigenous peoples with a focus on the First Nations’ languages and cultures of the western region of Canada.

4. SICC Information & Resource Distributions - Responsible for the dissemination of print, audio and video educational language and cultural resource materials to schools, colleges and communities.

5. Finance and Administration - Ensures the effective management and administration of personnel, plant, property and maintenance.

6. Audio Visual Services - Provides full service audio-visual services to Saskatchewan First Nations.


Message from the Board of Governors

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7. Executive Office - Senior management of the entire institution with a key role in the governance, board of governors, commun ica t i ons , public relations and strategic plan for the SICC. The SICC is an ISO 9001 certified and compliant Institution.

The SICC houses Saskatchewan’s largest and most comprehensive collection of First Nations art and artifacts. There are two permanent collections within the SICC. The first is the SICC Museum Collection containing a substantial number of artifacts of the First Nations people that have existed in the region throughout history. The second is the SICC Contemporary Art Collection which is a representative collection of works by First Nations artists, many of whom were trained through the SICC Indian Art program.

The SICC’s programming and services are popular with schools throughout the province; both on and off reserve. The current First Nations youth demographic is growing at a rate consistent with the baby boom of the post war years. This ever-changing demographic demands that school curriculum reflects the evolving makeup

of Saskatchewan society which drives the need for additional cultural and language educational resources. Curriculum and education material

developers have not forecasted this change and have not kept pace with market demands. Therefore it is essential and appropriate that the SICC continue to be the leader in the development of linguistically and culturally based materials.

The SICC was founded by First Nations leadership and Elders who sought to have an institution to counter the negative effects of the Residential School era. Residential Schools had a negative impact on every single First Nations individual in Saskatchewan and that impact continues to grow with each successive generation. The SICC counters these negative impacts through programming

like Traditional Parenting Skills Workshops and maintaining a substantial unique collection of Elders’ testimonials.

The SICC hosts the annual First Nations’ Language Keepers Conference that draws speakers, presenters and participants from throughout Canada and into the United

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êwako ôma pîkiskwêwin kâ-kî-miyikoyahk kôhtâwînaw kika-âpacihtâyahk kiyânaw nêhiyawak kipîkiskwêwininaw êwako ôm ôma kâ-âpacihtâyân ôta ê-tâpwêmakahk manitônâhk ê-natotâkawiyahk ôma kâ-âpacihtâyahk kâ-nêhiyawêyahk.

Our language was given to us by The Father for use to use as Cree people, our language, this which I use here, truth is conveyed to the spirit-world and we are listened to when we speak Cree.

Elder Augustine Paskemin (Cree)Sweetgrass First Nation


States. This event is endorsed by the First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres (FNCCEC) as a national event. Participants are able to learn and share best practices in language instruction and access materials for instruction that are otherwise unavailable to them. Since 2005 thousands of Language Keepers, youth and Elders have attended this event.

The SICC is the first and central cultural institution of the 74 First Nations of Saskatchewan. While the SICC will continue to evolve to meet the changing cultural and linguistic needs of the First Nations of Saskatchewan, under the guidance of the Board of Governors the Cultural Centre will hold to the mission given to the institution in 1972. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Elders, members of the Board, staff, the Language Keepers and the many dedicated individuals who work to support this institution that is essential to the future of the First Nations of Saskatchewan.

Respectfully submitted,

Chief Ross Allary, ChairpersonSICC Board of Governors

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ahkamêyimok! mahtêsa anima tânisi ta-kî-itôtamâhk ka-mâmawôhkamâtoyâhk tânisi ta-kî-isi-pasikônamâhk kâwi kipîkiskwêwininawa pokw-îtê ôt ôhci ôma, ta-pasikônamawâyâhkok kitosk-âyaminawak ka-ati-isi-kiskêyihtahkik ôma pîkiskwêwin

Persevere! Let’s see what we can do to cooperatively rejuvenate languages from all over, to rejuvenate language for our Youth so that they many know the language.

Elder William Ratfoot (Cree)Makwa Sagaiehcan First Nation


Vice Chief Bobby Cameron

FSIN

Margaret Keewatin FSIN Senate

Chief Carol Bernard Saskatchewan First Nations

Womens Commission

Chief Robert Head Independent

Chief Ross Allary South East Treaty #4

Tribal Council

Chief Darin Poorman Touchwood Agency

Tribal Council

Chief Leo OmaniPrince Albert Grand Council

Chief David Scott Saskatoon Tribal Council

Representative TBDBattlefords Tribal Council

Chief Ben Weenie Battleford Agency Tribal

Council

Chief Louis Taypotat Yorkton Tribal Council

Chief Michael Koochicum File Hills Qu’Appelle

Tribal Council

Photo’s unavailable:

Chief Robert Sylvestre

Meadow Lake Tribal Council

ChiefDennis LewisAgency Chiefs Tribal Council

SICC Board of Governors

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On behalf of the Board of Governors, management and staff of the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre (SICC), I am pleased to present the departmental reports and audited financial statements to our First Nations’ leadership for fiscal year 2013 – 2014. The SICC serves the language

and cultural needs of the 74 First Nations of Saskatchewan. On behalf of the board, management and staff of Cultural Centre I want to extend our sincere appreciation to the First Nations of Saskatchewan for this great honour.

In 1972, the SICC was established by the Elders and leadership to uphold the cultural and spiritual contributions of our ancestors. Our founders were motivated by the need to counteract the negative impacts of the residential schools era. As the departmental reports will detail the SICC has carried out extensive activities to fulfill its mandate.

The SICC’s hosts an annual national conference for First Nations language and cultural education. The 2013 First Nations Language Keepers Conference attracted over 350 delegates from across Canada and the United States. The theme for the 2013 conference was “Kinship.” The 2014 SICC First Nations Language Keepers Conference will be held on November 26 & 27, 2014 at the Saskatoon Inn. The conference theme for 2014 is “Utilizing Technology for Language Preservation.”

Over the past two years the SICC has developed significant expertise in the creation of compelling

animations for First Nations language


learning. Previously the SICC developed two series of animations based on children’s books that were released in 2008. These books, “What I do in the Morning” and “I walk in the Forest” are written in Dakota, Dené, Lakota, Saulteaux, Nakota, Plains Cree, Swampy Cree and Woodland Cree. In the 2013-2014 fiscal year the SICC released two new series of animations: “Where I go in the Forest” and “What I see in the Forest.” In this annual report you find highlights of this project and you can view these animations on the SICC website at http://www.sicc.sk.ca/sicc-animation-project-for-youth.html.

A great strength of the SICC is our Elders Council comprised of members from each of the eight First Nations cultures of Saskatchewan. This council plays a central role by providing direction and insight to the Cultural Centre. The SICC consults with the Elders Council on all major projects undertaken. Periodically, the council is available to provide consultation to Saskatchewan First Nations individuals, organizations and communities on language and cultural matters.

The SICC holds seasonal Sweat Lodge ceremonies and feasts four times a year. As well, staff of the SICC is often called upon to assist and facilitate at ceremonial activities by other organizations. The SICC Birds of Prey Program provides for the distribution of feathers and other items from birds of prey such as Eagles and Hawks for ceremonial and spiritual purposes only. The applications are reviewed and approved by the SICC Elders Council. The call for applications to this program is January of each year and the deadline for applications for the Birds of Prey Program is April 30. The awarding of the feathers is done at a spring Feather Issuance ceremony where the approved recipients of the feathers are

Message from the President

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provided with direction on the proper protocols for handling these items.

In the coming fiscal year the SICC will undertake an extensive updating of the Cultural Centre’s Strategic Plan and Five-Year Action Plan. This process will be guided by an experienced facilitator who will lead the board members, management and staff through this essential renewal of the institution. The renewed Strategic Plan and Five-Year Action Plan will ensure the SICC continues to fulfill its mandate.

The SICC’s auditor conducted the audit of the Cultural Centre’s Financial Statements for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014 in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards. Our auditor issued an unqualified audit report and the Centre’s Board of Governors subsequently approved these financial statements.

With the guidance of the Board of Governors, the management continues to provide financial and administrative services that contribute to the efficient operations of the Cultural Centre. This sound guidance is reflected in the SICC’s accreditation as an ISO 9001 certified organization. In the coming year, the management and staff of the SICC will look forward to continuing to provide and enhance language and cultural programming to the First Nations of Saskatchewan.

Sincerely,

Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre

Dorothy Myo President

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Onowê kîkitowin kâ-kî-mînikowiyan imâ kâ-âpacitôt kihci-anihšinâpê kâwîn ci-kanônat kišê-manitôwin, mi-imâ kâ-kî-âpacitôt ânîn pimâtišiwin ci-ani-minotâkosi. Kêkâ kikî-wanitômin iniwê anihšinâpêmowin, nakat tahs imâ kinôhsêyênsinânik, kâ-mâcî-anohkîwât âša mînawâ ci-pimâtišimâkan anihšinâpêmowin kêwînawâ kitapinôcîhimak ci-âpacitôwât.

The language is given to us by the Creator, where our grandfathers utilize it to communicate to the Creator. This is where our culture is linked to that language. We just about lost our language but our grandchildren are working to revive it so that we can reawaken our ancestors and traditions through language.

Elder Howard Walker (Saulteaux)James Smith First Nation

Ken CroweDakota

Hartland GoodtrackLakota

Philip MorinWoodland Cree

Dolly NeapetungSaulteaux


In section 29 of the FSIN Convention Act (amended, June 2008) direction was given by the Chiefs-in-Assembly of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) to the Executive of the FSIN for the establishment of a Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre (SICC) Elders Council (EC). The SICC EC advises the FSIN and institutions on spiritual, cultural and traditional governance matters.

The SICC EC is comprised of one representative of the eight (8) Saskatchewan First Nations language groups: Plains Cree, Swampy Cree and Woodland Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota, with ceremonial male and female Elders. The SICC EC meets seasonally to provide advice and guidance to the FSIN and the SICC.

On October 22, 2008, the SICC Board of Governors and representatives of the FSIN

reached a formal agreement to transfer the annual funding and responsibility for the EC to the SICC. FSIN representatives agreed to transfer the responsibility of coordinating the SICC EC along with the funding to SICC beginning in the 2008-2009 fiscal year.

Over the past year, three meetings were scheduled over the year: June 2013, October 2013 and February 2014. Only the June meeting was held. By October, the SICC was working with the FSIN to update Schedule A to continue holding SICC EC meetings. By February, the FSIN received news of federal government funding cuts which suspended future SICC EC meetings indefinitely until FSIN funding is restored.

In 2012, the SICC EC passed a resolution to submit the EC Terms of Reference to the Board of Governors, who in turn, requested that the Code of Ethics be reintroduced and that all Tribal

SICC Elders Council

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Lambert SylvestreDene

William RatfootPlains Cree

Isabelle ImpeySwampy Cree


Councils provide their input. At present, six of the ten Tribal Councils have reviewed the document without changes.

The SICC ensures that SICC EC meets the requirements as set out in their agreement with the FSIN. The evolution of the EC is in keeping with First Nations protocol, customs and tradition. All members of the EC report back to their respective communities, tribal councils and other First Nations institutions they are involved with. The SICC anticipates the work to continue into future years and that the continuity that is achieved through having a single coordinating body, with appropriate expertise, will bring about the most positive result. Nonetheless, it is the Elders’ expectation that have participated to date that the momentum created will continue to be supported and efforts acknowledged by all parties who have taken an active role in the establishment of this SICC EC.

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Joe O'WatchNakota

(Inducted into the FSIN Senate June 2013)

“Nikî-wîndamag nibâbâ ci-andotawak ci-anisinabê kâgîgitot, sigwa ci-kagwê kikêndaman anisinabê otiscigêwin.”

“I was lectured by my father to respect the Elders, the Indian ceremonies, and everything to do with the culture.”

Elder Alfred Peigan (Saulteaux)Pasqua First Nation


ObjectivesThe objectives of the Cultural Resource Management (CRM) Department are:

• To facilitate policy development and other initiatives to guard against expropriation and exploitation of Saskatchewan First Nation languages, traditions, ceremonial practices, cultural resources, traditional arts and history. This ensures that research, study and usage are done in an ethical and culturally appropriate manner;

• To advocate for the preservation of First Nations’ Treaty, historic, sacred, traditional usage and other sites of a special nature and to facilitate policy development and other initiatives required for ensuring the preservation of sites of significance;

• To facilitate the repatriation of human remains, sacred objects, objects of cultural patrimony, historic documents and other Saskatchewan First Nations’ cultural property maintained in government, non-government and private collections and to facilitate policy development and initiatives required to ensure repatriation and appropriate stewardship of items repatriated; and,

• To serve as a central repository for objects pertaining to the languages, traditions, ceremonial practices cultural resources, arts and history of Saskatchewan First Nations and to manage the Centre’s collections.

Birds of Prey ProgramThe Birds of Prey Program allows for the distribution of feathers and other items from

birds of prey such as Eagles and Hawks for ceremonial

and spiritual purposes only. This program is conducted through the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment. The call for applications is January of each year. The deadline for applications is April 30 of each year to accommodate for spring and summer ceremonies. On May 29, 2013, the SICC met and reviewed and made their recommendations for the Birds of Prey Program. Of 39 applications, 26 were approved. On May 31, 2013, the Feather Issuance Ceremony was held at the SICC’s location on English River First Nation 192J.

SICC Cultural and Ceremonial ActivitiesThe CRM Department assisted in ceremonial aspects for the following SICC Elders Council: a ceremonial day that included a Sweat Lodge and Feast on May 27, 2013 at Yellow Quill, a Pipe Ceremony on May 28, 2013 near the Elbow area, a Sweat Lodge on May 30, 2013 at Yellow Quill and Feast on May 31, 2013 at the English River Business Complex, a ceremonial day that included a Sweat Lodge and Feast on July 18, 2013 at Yellow Quill, a ceremonial day that included a Sweat Lodge and Feast on August 5, 2013 at Yellow Quill, a ceremonial day that included a Sweat Lodge and Feast on October 20, 2013 at Yellow Quill and a ceremonial day that included a Sweat Lodge and Feast on November 26, 2013 at Wanuskewin Heritage Park and, a ceremonial day that included a Sweat Lodge and Feast on January 18, 2014 at Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation.

Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company (SNTC) mētawēwikamik Summer Drama Camp for KidsThe SNTC acquires facilitators who assist in providing a culturally based performing arts

Cultural Resource Management

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experience for youth ages 7 to 15 years. Culture and language, theatre exercises, games and activities are the content of the program. Seven programs will take place in urban, rural and reserve locations throughout Saskatchewan. Each program concludes with a showcase performed by the youth for the host community.

In late June 2013, staff of the CRM and Languages d e p a r t m e n t s coordinated to provide basic language and culture teachings for the facilitators. The facilitators were provided cultural teachings in regards to the history and phonology of the Plains Cree language and in relation to life. The history and phonology of the Plains Cree syllabics in relation to language preservation was also shared.

National Aboriginal Day CelebrationsThe Annual SICC National Aboriginal Day Celebrations were held on June 21, 2013 at the English River Business Complex in Saskatoon. The total attendance was over 500 and consisted mainly of K-12 students. It is an occasion for Canadians to celebrate the rich contribution Aboriginal people have made to Canada. The SICC focuses on showcasing First Nations song, dance, teachings and other activities. The event was held from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Event highlights included Pow Wow dance

performances, hand drum singing, flute playing, birch bark basket making, face painting, crafts, a hot dog lunch and much more. Participants relayed positive feedback through teacher and

student conversations with SICC staff.

mostos-awāsis , mistasiniy, Buffalo Child StoneIn previous years, the SICC have met with officials from the then known Saskatchewan Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport to discuss the process of establishing a commemoration of mostos-awāsis. This historic rock was blown up December 1, 1966, by the federal government to make way for the Diefenbaker Dam. The SICC and Ministry are working

towards an agreement that would set aside Crown land for this commemoration and ceremonial site. This land will have special designation as a sacred site or preferably as First Nations reserve status.

The SICC Elders Council and staff and Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport met on May 28, 2013 to update, discuss and tour the Elbow area for possible ceremonial grounds. Due to time constraints, half the tour was conducted and after re-scheduling a second time, the latter half of the tour was held October 16, 2013. Not all members of the SICC Elders Council were able to

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“Tßékwi beyatié hultá ho¿q hél beghqnáyati nrþa ho¿q yanatthé nuheskéné béba.”

“Women must not be excluded from any decisions made for the future of our children.”

Elder Rosalie Tsannie (Dené)Hatchet Lake First Nation


attend and subsequently an official tour occurred in spring 2014.

Community Culture and Language ServicesThe CRM provides culture and language services to First Nations people across the province. The City of Saskatoon contacted the SICC to clarify terms, meaning and correct spelling for a sidewalk project that would include words of the Plains Cree language. The CRM staff provided these translations. CRM assisted One Arrow First Nation with coordinating traditional parenting program in their community in September 2013.

The Tisdale SIAST campus had CRM staff in to discuss ceremonial protocol with students that are enrolled in the justice system as well as lead a Feast ceremony for them. CRM visited four schools in Prince Albert to discuss the importance of Pipe ceremonies before Pow Wows and the importance of ceremonies to First Nations people and as a result, are invited to attend a Pow Wow on June 5, 2014. The Northern Trappers

Association invited CRM staff to assist

with the Elders in attendance. At the 2013 SICC Language Keepers Conference, CRM staff delivered a workshop entitled “Language through Traditional Arts.”

The SICC Pow Wow Initiation ProjectThe CRM staff coordinated the SICC Pow Wow Initiation Project for the third year in 2013. The four-week, 7 class project is open to the public and provided participants with an overview of Pow Wows in Saskatchewan. Topics discussed were: Pow Wow history, Pow Wow evolutions, contemporary Pow Wows, protocol and etiquette; drums and drum making, songs and song composition, outfits and regalia, information on all seven Pow Wow dance style, and demonstrations by these experienced Pow Wow dancers.

Some participants joined to gain understanding and knowledge, while others join in preparation for the community initiation, to become full-fledged Pow Wow circuit dancers through proper protocol. Participants were initiated at the 2013 FSIN “Spirit of Our Nations” Cultural Celebration & Pow Wow.

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kanikê ta-pimi-miyayâhk anima osk-âyisiyiniw anima kâ-kakwê-âyimôtamâhk kâ-kî-pê-isi-pimâtisiyâhk mîna kâh-kapêyi ê-pê-isi-paminikwêyahkok ninêkihikonawak pêci-otâhk, êwako tâpwêwiwin kiskinohamawik.

At least to give the Youth our stories, our livelihoods and how our parents raised us in the past, teach them that truth.

Rita Nawakayes (Cree)Red Earth First Nation


Revitalizing Language through Traditional Art FormsThe SICC was awarded a grant from the Saskatchewan Arts Board, a project called Revitalizing Language through Traditional Art Forms. The SICC partnered with two traditional artists (one male and one female) who practice declining traditional arts or art forms. The resources travelled to Saskatoon, SK and teach SICC staff how to create traditional arts and integrating First Nations languages in the activity. The workshops were video recorded and made into DVDs for promotional purposes.

2013 SICC First Nations’ Language Keepers ConferenceThe 2013 SICC First Nations’ Language Keepers Conference was held November 27-28 at the Saskatoon Inn Hotel & Conference Centre in Saskatoon SK. All CRM staff sat on the committee taking the lead in ceremonial aspects, volunteers, the Feast and Round Dance, the Book Launch Gala and Annual Book Writing Contest.

2013 First Nations University of Canada Annual Spring Pow Wow CelebrationThe SICC was involved with the 2013 FNUniv 35th Annual Spring Celebration by organizing the Elders Honouring Ceremony and managing the traditional food booth.

Since 2010, the SICC has sponsored an annual Elders Honouring Ceremony that recognizes a Saskatchewan Elder for all the attributes of an Elder as well as: being a role model; upholding their traditional beliefs and ceremonies; contributing to language and cultural revitalization; their views on education and Treaty protection; and, being involvement with initiatives that the SICC is involved. On May 12 2013, Elder Lambert Sylvestre was honoured who exemplifies all the characteristics of previous Elders honoured.

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2014 Honoured ElderLambert Sylvestre

Birch Narrows First Nation

2013 Honoured ElderJean Oakes

Nekaneet First Nation

2012 Honoured Elder Fred Paskemin

Sweetgrass First Nation

2011 Honoured Elder(Late) Velma GoodfeatherStanding Buffalo First Nation

2010 Honoured ElderHarry Blackbird

Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation


The Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre welcomed conference participants, community members and special guests to an evening of celebration on November 26 for the annual Book Launch associated with First Nations Language Keepers Conference. The winners of the 2012 Book Writing Contest – Buffalo River Dené School (Grade 6) launched the newly published title, ‘The Giant Mariah’ which was read to the audience by Jessie Sylvestre who was the supervising teacher of the students who submitted last year’s winning entry.

A feature of the conference was the 2013 First Nations Language Keepers Conference Book Writing Contest for Youth. The winners of the contest were announced at the start of the luncheon on the second day. They were as follows:

1st place - Dené book titled ‘What’s Wrong with Me?’ By Krista George - St. Louis School - Patuanak, SK

2nd place - Plains Cree book titled ‘nâhkatêyitêhtân kitaskînaw’ or ‘Protecting Our Mother Earth’ by Grade 2/3 Class (Teachers: Mrs. Joseph-Knutsvik and Pearleen Baptiste), Chamakese Education Centre Pelican Lake First Nation, SK

3rd place - Plains Cree book titled “kâ-nitawi-kiskinohamâsoyân” or “The Time I Went to School” from the Grades 1 – 6 Students (Teacher: Beatrice Henry), Chamakese Education Centre - Pelican Lake First Nation, SK

ObjectiveThe overall objective of the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre (SICC) Languages department is to ensure the preservation, revitalization and retention of Saskatchewan First Nations languages and cultures for current and future generations of First Nations’ peoples and other Canadians. The Dakota, Dené, Lakota, Saulteaux, Nakota, Plains Cree, Swampy Cree and Woodland Cree languages are an intrinsic part of the heritage of Saskatchewan First Nations. The SICC Languages department is devoted to the continuation of all these eight First Nations’ languages.

2013 First Nations Language Keepers ConferenceThe 2013 First Nations Language Keepers Conference was held on November 27 and 28 in Saskatoon. A call for presentations went out in March. The deadline for the receipt of presentations was October 11, 2013.

Staff of the SICC has already begun compiling suggestions that came out of the conference survey this year and will be busy planning throughout the year for another successful conference in 2014.

More than 350 participants, presenters and special guests registered for the conference this year. In addition to the various plenary and workshop sessions, there was a Book Launch the evening of November 26 and on the evening of November 27 SICC hosted a traditional Round Dance at Oskayak High School.

Languages Department

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Kinship was the theme of this year’s conference. We are all connected in the natural world, we are all related. It was important to our ancestors to know how each individual was related in their immediate families, their extended families and in the community. They spoke to people through relationships, saying, ‘daughter, grandchild’ rather than using given names. These bonds were sacred and were treated with great respect. Presenters were asked to include references to ‘Kinship’ and the ‘Language of Kinship’ in the delivery of their sessions.

First Nations Language Instructors Certificate ProgramThe First Nations University of Canada and SICC have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding for the delivery of a First Nations Language Instructors Certificate Program. This is geared toward language instructors at the community level to provide them with additional academic credentials. Many of the language teachers at the community are fluent speakers but have not had the formal training in the area of language instruction. Additionally, they often lack resources and the understanding of the methodologies used in language instruction.

The program is a six week intensive training in the language of instruction along with the techniques for instruction. The role of SICC according to the MOU is to lead in the marketing of the course and

develop all promotional materials for distribution. In addition to marketing, the SICC will develop and assist in the delivery of a ‘student success program’ which will add the cultural context for teaching language. This will be a series of weekly

seminars geared toward assisting students in growing their vocabulary and learning words in the context of cultural activities. Classes began on July 2 and continued until to mid-August. There were a total of 27 students who took the course in this initial year. The course is designed so that students may join the program at any time since each year is designed to be self-contained. The course content will run over three years and will result in a certificate for successful graduates.

Saskatchewan First Nations Animation Project for YouthThe Language department provided translation support for the Saskatchewan First Nations Animation Project for Youth. Through the course of the year 35 new language learning resources were developed.

Language Department PresentationsThe Language Department provides language presentations in conjunction with the other departments of the SICC. In the 2013-14 fiscal year, these presentations were provided at National Aboriginal Day, Story-Telling Month and the First

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“Yanatthé nuheskéné þqþú nihoæe nádé hasí béba nuheyatié chú nuhecvanié dánághúlná.”

“Let us maintain our Dene Language and Culture for the future of our children.”

Elder Mary Jane Sayazie (Dené)Cold Lake First Nation


Nations Language Keepers Conference. In total there were over 1,000 elementary and secondary students in attendance at these presentations.

First Nations Languages Translation and InterpretersProvision of translation and interpretation services is an essential on-going endeavour of the SICC. These services include First Nations’ oral history, worldview research and archival development. The Languages department provides interpretation services for a wide range of First Nation conferences, workshops and events.

The SICC provides translation services in all eight First Nations on a project basis to the federal government, First Nations, private corporations, academic institutions, the FSIN and its institutions. Minor translation requests are received on a daily basis and are provided on pro-bono basis. These minor translation requests come from language teachers, students, private institutions, museums, Office of the Treaty Commissioner and FSIN Institutions.

In addition, the SICC is continually called upon to provide patient interpretative language services for hospitals and courts, translation services for the

federal government, reference resource

and referral for translation upon request. In addition, First Nations language teachers request minor interpretive services on an ad-hoc basis.

The City of Saskatoon contacted the SICC to clarify terms, meanings and correct spelling of words in the Plains Cree language for a sidewalk

project that would include words of the Plains Cree language. The Languages staff continue to provide translations and presentations as requested from the field. Translations were provided to the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute, the Honourable Justices of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Lung Association and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to name a few.

O n a k a w ē k K ī c i - A n i s i n ā p ē k L a n g u a g e C o m m i t t e e “ D e v e l o p i n g

Dialogue on the Onakawēwin Language”The Languages Department worked with The Onakawēk Kīci-Anisināpēk Committee to develop a handbook entitled, “Let’s Speak Onakawēwin.” This manual will have 20 short lessons on how to speak Nahkawē phrases and increase vocabulary amongst beginning learners. An accompanying CD was produced by SICC to provide audio recordings of material from the manual.

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“Zuyawicaßa lila ohiþaúaöi iß þaúu uñ iúþeöi hena wa¡aúe üca. Þúa þohan wiñyañ cañþe úiñ maía glaúiñyañ iüpayaöi úiñ hehañ ihañúe kta naíuñ hehañ oyañúe úiñ iüpayaöi kta.”

“A nation is not conquered until the hearts of its women are on the ground. Then it is finished, no matter how brave its warriors or how strong their weapons.”

SICC (2009). Cultural Teachings: First Nations Protocols and Methodologies


OverviewThe Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre’s (SICC) Library department primary objective is to meet the educational and reference needs of First Nations in Saskatchewan through Library services. The Library provides library services, reference and material loans to Saskatchewan First Nations and the general public. As well, the library is the central repository for the oral history collections for Centre. In addition, the Library provides teaching and curriculum resources for Saskatchewan First Nations’ language.

The Library began operations in the fall of 1973. It houses a comprehensive collection on the Indigenous peoples of the Americas. The Library serves as a central source of information for the First Nations of Canada. It also provides non-First Nations people with key information that promotes cross-cultural understanding, and fosters awareness about the uniqueness of First Nations.

The Library lends assistance and support to First Nations’ schools. The Library staff respond to requests for information on library procedure and software training via telephone, fax, email, and personal visits. Traditional services such as circulation, cataloguing, processing, book repair and shelving constitute the bulk of the activity in the library.

Library Collection/Special CollectionsAll materials in the Library’s collections must have Indigenous content. As a result, the Library is widely used by students, teachers and academics, especially those specializing in the field of Indigenous Studies. The Library has completed the cataloguing of the Teacher’s Language Curriculum collection. The Teacher’s Language Curriculum collection is now part of the online catalogue and borrowers are able to view the

collection online. As new materials are developed in the different First Nations’ languages, these will be added to this collection.

Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples (LSSAP) CommitteeThe SICC Library is a member of the Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples Committee (LLSAP). This committee was created for information sharing on issues relating to library services for Aboriginal peoples in Saskatchewan. LLSAP meets on a quarterly basis. The SICC Library is also a member of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee of the Saskatoon Public Library.

Storytelling MonthThe SICC Library coordinates with Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples (LSSAP) Committee to host Storytelling Month activities held in Saskatchewan each February. Elementary and secondary students, teachers, parents and others attended the Storytelling Month activities. This is an annual celebration of First Nations’ literature, traditional storytelling, cultural teachings and other traditional activities. In 2014, these events were held at the White Buffalo Youth Lodge gymnasium on February 4 & 18, at the Frances Morrison Library on February 11 & 25 and the First Nations University of Canada on February 21.

The presentations featured were:• Elders Stories• Nakoda Oyade - In the Beginning• First Nations Perspective on Treaty Making

through Storytelling• nēhiyaw acimowinisa• Cree Storytelling• The First Butterflies & Other Stories• Indian Sign Language & Teepee Teachings• Nēnapohš

Legends

Library & Information Services

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The primary mandate of the Audio/Visual (AV) - Technical department is the recording of the cultural, community, governance and artistic endeavours of the First Nations of Saskatchewan. The AV department of Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre (SICC) has had another busy year in providing audio, visual and technical sound services to the seventy-four First Nations of Saskatchewan.

During the year the department provided audio/visual services for the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) Legislative Assemblies and the annual “Spirit of our Nations” FSIN Cultural Celebration and Pow Wow. Additionally, the department has assisted at Treaty celebrations province-wide and when requested contributed services to First Nations across Saskatchewan for a wide range of other events.

The department continues to strive to enhance its technological basis to order to provide up-to-date services. This will allow the Centre to meet the challenges presented by the demands of this increasingly technological era. During the past year the AV department:

• Provided audio and recording for Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs and Stoney Knoll First Nation Landless Conference held at Whitecap Dakota Nation on April 18, 2013.

• Provided audio for First Nations University of Canada Students Association Round Dance April 19, 2013 held at the Oskāyak High School, Saskatoon.

• Provided video recording for Yorkton Tribal Council at the Office of Treaty Commissioner “A History of Treaties” Workshop held in Yorkton at the Painted Hand Casino on Friday, May 3, 2013.

• Provided audio for Mount Royal Collegiate Pow Wow and Festival of Nations on May 28, 2013.

• Recorded the Wild Horse drum group live at Mount Royal Pow Wow on May 28, 2013.

• Recorded the Eagle Rock drum group at Glennross Studios May 30, 2013.

• Provided audio recording for FSIN Spring Assembly June 5-6, 2013, Whitecap Dakota Nation.

• Provided audio for the SICC’s National Aboriginal Day event on June 21, 2013.

• Released the Wildhorse drum group “World Champion Singers” CD on July 19, 2013.

• Released Eagle Rock drum group “Honouring the Past and Present Songmakers” CD on August 6, 2013.

• Provided audio and recording for Saskatchewan First Nations Economic Development Network at Whitecap Dakota Nation, Dakota Dunes Event Center September 18, 2013.

• Provided video recording for Willow Basket Making Workshop by Eugene Ross, Dakota craftsman on October 8-10, 2013 at the Paved Arts Studio in Saskatoon.

• Recorded the Poundmaker drum group round dance songs compilation at the Poundmaker First Nation band hall, on October 18, 2013, and completed recording the drum group November 29, 2013 at Glennross Studios in Saskatoon.

• Provided audio and recording for the

Audio/Visual Technical Department

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Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs Annual General Meeting at Saskatoon Inn on October 22, 2013.

• Provided audio and recording for FSIN Fall Assembly at Dakota Dunes Casino, Whitecap Dakota Nation on October 23-24, 2013.

• Provided audio and video recording for Treaty 6 and Metis flag raising ceremony at City Hall, Saskatoon on October 25, 2013.

• Provided video recording for Quill Work Workshop on October 29-31, 2013 at the Paved Arts Studio in Saskatoon.

• Provided audio and visual services for the SICC First Nations Language Keepers Conference November 26-28, 2013 at the Saskatoon Inn.

• Videotaped Elder Gladys Wapass-Greyeyes for Office of the Treaty Commissioner on January 14-16, 2013.

• Provided audio and video recording for FSIN Hearing held at Wanuskewin Heritage Park on January 17-18, 2013.

• Provided audio and recording for the FSIN Winter Assembly held at Dakota Dunes Casino on February 13-14, 2013.

• Provided audio and recording for the FSIN

Education and Post-Secondary Forum held at First Nations University of Canada on February 19-21, 2013.

• Provided audio and recording for the Northern Saskatchewan Trappers Association Convention 2013, held at the Senator Allen Bird Memorial Center on March 14, 15, 2013.• Provided audio and recording for the Assembly of First Nations Treaty Gathering 2013, held at the Dakota Dunes on March 26, 27, 2013

The department continues with the conversion of audio tapes and video tapes into digital formats to ensure the preservation of these valuable resources. Some of these digital recording could potentially be made available over the

Internet. These video and audio recordings were recorded since SICC opened in 1972 and some are in a fragile state, any of these recordings of First Nations’ individuals and events are historically important. The last of the reel-to-reel tapes of Elders testimonial and First Nations events is expected to be complete in 2014-2015. These approximately 200 recordings are among the oldest in the SICC’s collection and date from the 1960’s and 1970’s.

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“Nuhni Denes¶øiné dahídli sí, nuhení hçlü beþá näníde, ¿eyi hoþá yanatthé hobaz® nuheskéné béba þadánéthen dayailti.”

The Deneß¶øiné people have their own minds to express what is best for the future of our children.

Elder Abel Denecheze (Dené)Hatchet Lake First Nation

Saskatchewan Indian Cultural CentreFinancial Statements

March 31, 2014

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FIRST NATIONSLANGUAGE KEEPERSCONFERENCE

UTILIZING TECHNOLOGYFOR LANGUAGEPRESERVATION

NOVEMBER 26 & 27, 2014SASKATOON INN, SASKATOON, SK

tānisi•Anīn Šikwa•Hau Kona•Hau Kola•Hau Koda•Edlqnét’e

SASKATCHEWAN INDIAN CULTURAL CENTREpresents

SICC.SK.CA

REGISTRATION:Early Registration: $275(postmarked by Oct. 15, 2014)

Registration: $350(after Oct. 15, 2014)

Elders: $60Students: $60

(with valid student id)Tradeshow: $350

KEyNOTE SPEAKERS:WAB

KINEWDR. NEAL MCLEOD

PluS Many OThER

PRESEnTaTiOnS

Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre305-2555 Grasswood Road EastEnglish River Business ComplexEnglish River First Nation #192J

Saskatoon, SK S7T 0K1Phone: (306) 244-1146

Fax: (306) 665-6520E-mail: [email protected]: www.sicc.sk.ca

/SaskatchewanIndianCulturalCentre /siccmultimedia@S_I_C_C

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