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Pope needs to give more than a qualified apology during visit this summer, says survivor
By Shari Narine, Windspeaker.com
MAY 16—Residential school survivor Dorene Bernard’s heart is heavy despite the confirmation last week of the Pope’s visit to Canada and an apology on Canadian soil. “My prayer is that … he’s going to elaborate fully,” said Bernard about Pope Francis. To her that means for the Doctrine of Discovery, colonization, genocide and assimilation.
Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society plans for new cultural building
By Daniel Barker-Tremblay, CFWEradio.ca
MAY 16—A new project set for construction by Edmonton’s Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society is described by Vernon Boldick as a “ceremonial building”. Boldick is the promotions and communications coordinator for the service organization. Bent Arrow will break ground during the summer with hopes construction will be completed as early as September.
Second edition of book offers ‘digestible bites’ of First Nations ways, issues
By Shari Narine, Windspeaker.com
MAY 17—Author Lynda Gray hopes that the second edition of her book First Nations 101 will impart the same level of understanding on other Indigenous readers as it did on her when she wrote the original version 11 years ago. “Once I understood residential school and other assimilation issues, a lightbulb went off and my whole life made sense…”
Father of the Northern Games to be inducted into national sports hall of fame
By Sam Laskaris, Windspeaker.com
MAY 17—Edward Lennie had long been bestowed the title Father of the Northern Games. But his son Hans had long wished his late father, an Inuvialuit Elder who was known for promoting traditional Arctic sports, would receive some additional recognition. Well, Hans Lennie’s wish has come true.
https://windspeaker.com/news/sports/father-northern-games-be-inducted-national-sports-hall-fame
Memorial Composite High School introduces ‘Community Spirit’ art installation
By Elliott Knopp, CFWEradio.ca
MAY 17—A new art installation has bee welcomed into a local school to help the learning facility Indigenize the space and increase inclusivity. The artwork titled “Community Spirit” was created by local artist Lance Cardinal and several students at Memorial Composite High School in Stony Plain, Alta.
Memorial Composite High School introduces 'Community Spirit' art installation - CFWE (cfweradio.ca)
Kahnawà:ke eyes infrastructure protests against French language Bill 96
By Shari Narine, Windspeaker.com
MAY 19—A “hot and uncomfortable summer” is brewing if Quebec’s French language Bill goes ahead without a “carve out” for all of the province’s First Nations, says former grand chief for the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke. If the Bill moves forward in its current state, said Michael Delisle, Jr., Kahnawà:ke “will react, will act, and will continue to ramp up civil activities.”
Indigenous artists Fawn Wood and DJ Shub named 2022 JUNO recipients
By Sam Laskaris, Windspeaker.com
MAY 19—Fawn Wood is still trying to fully comprehend the magnitude of her latest accomplishment. Wood, who has Cree and Salish ancestry and who lives in St. Paul, Alta., was in Toronto for JUNO Week and won the JUNO in the Traditional Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year category for her album kakike. Artist DJ Shub won in the Contemporary Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year category for War Club.
https://windspeaker.com/news/windspeaker-news/indigenous-artists-fawn-w…
Métis country western-style fiddle player and rising star to perform at Celebration of the Arts
By Daniel Barker-Tremblay, CFWEradio.ca
MAY 18—Seventeen-year-old Métis fiddle player Zach Willier will grace the stage at Archbishop O’Leary Catholic High School in a virtual setting on May 18 for the annual Celebration of the Arts event. Josie Burgess, music consultant for Edmonton Catholic Schools Division, says that her first impressions of the young star was that he is a gentleman with poise and talent that left her jaw on the floor.
Siksika delegation builds relationships in the UK as repatriation of cultural, sacred items begins
By Shari Narine, Windspeaker.com
MAY 19—After a “very emotional day” of ceremony on May 19 at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery in Exeter, England, the regalia of Chief Crowfoot is on its way home to the Siksika Nation.
“There’s a living spirit in this material coming home,” said Herman Yellow Old Woman, who along with Kent Ayoungman, performed the ceremonial songs.
Chief Crowfoot’s artifacts are coming home
By Daniel Barker-Tremblay, CJWEradio.ca
MAY 19—The general manager of Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, Stephen Yellow Old Woman, announced in a video May 17 that regalia belonging to Chief Crowfoot is being returned. After working for a decade and, ultimately sending a formal letter to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter, England, they are getting items of significance owned by Crowfoot repatriated to Siksika Nation.
Chief Crowfoot's artifacts coming home : Blackfoot Historical Park - CJWE
Alexis Nakota Sioux powwow dancer wins at Gathering of Nations
By Daniel Barker-Tremblay, CFWEradio.ca
MAY 19—Demi Potts from the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation won first place in the Junior Girls Fancy Shawl competition at the Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the end of April. More than 3,000 participants competed from 750 nations from the U.S. and Canada.
National Queer and Trans Playwriting Unit seeking Indigenous applicants
By Adam Laskaris, Windspeaker.com
MAY 20—Canada’s first-ever National Queer and Trans Playwriting Unit is now accepting 2SLGBTQ+ emerging and mid-career theatre-maker applicants interested in furthering their careers in the arts. The unit consists of a 10-month, paid mentorship and development program for five artists. The program provides $2,000 per month for the 10 months of the unit.
JUNO awards kickoff held in Jubilee auditorium with Edmonton to host next year
By Daniel Barker-Tremblay, CFWEradio.ca
MAY 20—The 2023 JUNO Awards are heading to Edmonton and excitement is already in the air. The city is set to host the awards event in March 2023 at Rogers Place. The JUNOS announcement event at the Northern Jubilee Auditorium started off with an Indigenous prayer and blessing, along with words from the Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi.
Manitoba and Ontario capture titles at national Indigenous hockey tournament
By Sam Laskaris, Windspeaker.com
MAY 20—After a two-year tournament hiatus because of the pandemic, coach Dale Bear was once again able to enjoy some success at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships. Bear guided the Manitoba female squad to the gold medal at the tournament. The Ontario male team won gold, led by coach Brandon Biggars.