First Nations delegates chose Joseph, a member of the Big River Cree Nation, to lead them to a better future, because he:

• Is a tough but fair negotiator. As a Vice-Chief he tackled the ever-tough justice system and prevailed.
• Has the energy and vitality to work consistently with the 74 First Nations.
• Is a strong proponent of the Spirit and Intent of Treaties.
• Has the ability to communicate and appreciates the cultural and custom differences.
• Will address social and economic disparities and will make a difference in First Nations poverty.
• Knows the value of sound governance as a tool for progress.
• And has the personality, positive attitude and good humour needed to have the people work for and with him.

Chief Lawrence Joseph, with Vice-Chiefs Morley Watson, Guy Lonechild, Glen Pratt and Lyle Whitefish are a strong team and expectations of them are very high.
The Kisîahyak are Cool
Over 100 kisîahyak (Woodland Cree way of saying “Elders”) from northern Saskatchewan, the eldest being 91 years young, rocked, jigged, and performed “Drops of Brandy” over the weekend of November 17-19 in Prince Albert.

They came from the Athabasca, La Ronge, Pelican Narrows, Cumberland House and northern plains regions for two days and nights of pure unadulterated fun and good times.

The PAGC Women’s Commission were responsible for bring together all these young-at-heart men and women who are the bulwarks (protectors) of the traditions and customs of their communities and tribes.

There are many more wise and knowledgeable kisîahyak in First Nations communities, but they couldn’t all come, so a few were honoured for their contributions to their tribes and promotion of self-worth and dignity to others.

The kisîahyak have relied on their traditional knowledge and ingenuity to survive in a sometimes-harsh environment and with continued interference from the outside world. These are the people who give meaning to the words “Spirit and Intent of Treaties,” because they have lived on the land and have practiced what was promised by Queen Victoria in Treaty No. 6, 130 years ago.

Grand Chief Ron Michel and FSIN Chief Lawrence Joseph came to join in the fun, and made the great-grandmothers and great-grandfathers very happy campers. I was very privileged to be around these honourable and dignified men and women.

The host PAGC, and sponsors like Northern Lights Casino and Northern Lights Community Development Corporation must be complimented for their support of such a worthwhile event.
NOTE: First Nations people – the Cree, Nakawe, Dene, Dakota, etc, use their language to describe their “Elders.” Many tribes feel that the English language fails to capture their values and principles. These tribes believe that English words like “Elder, Aboriginal, Native,” etc, are culturally inappropriate or incorrect. The word “Elder” is synonymous with the respectful leaders of Hutterite colonies, the Church of the Latter Day Saints, Baptists, etc.

The question as to who is an “Elder” is frequently raised in the First Nation and non-First Nation community. Each First Nation has their own definition. What’s yours? Look for more detailed reporting of the Kisîahyak Gathering in the December 2006 issue of the Tribune.
Hockey Roundup
Two years ago I mentioned Russian player Evgeny Malkin, who is a super hockey player. The 20-year-old surfaced in the USA this fall after skipping the Russian republic. (It’s almost as if he defected from the old Soviet Union.)

The Pittsburgh Penguins and the NHL welcomed him with open arms even though he’s an alien like the Mexicans who seek employment in the United States. Malkin is already a superstar playing alongside Sidney Crosby – another phenomenon.

Malkin skates like Jean Beliveau, stickhandles like Gil Perreault, and has power and speed like Bobby Orr. There are actually many NHL players who are able to show their skills since the crackdown on obstruction and goon hockey. The rough-and-tumble players must now be able to skate and score and actually play hockey. The fans that pay the piper, as it were, enjoy the skating and scoring.
Ken Dryden, the Canadiens legend, was in Prince Albert recently to seek support in his bid for the leadership of the federal Liberal Party. Dryden, a lawyer, is one intelligent man. Gerrard Kennnedy, another Liberal leader hopeful is the son of Jack Kennedy of The Pas, MB. I played hockey with Jack in 1955.

The First Nations kids from northern Saskatchewan are doing well in the Prince Albert Minor Hockey Association leagues. I hope they’re doing equally well in school and in the community. There are lots of pressures in playing at the elite level in organized hockey and in a new environment.
I watched the PA Raiders host the Portland Winter Hawks on November 20. The Raiders are struggling but have the same team to finish strongly again, like they did in 2005.
Rookie Mathew Robertson is one smart hockey player. He’s not very big (would fit into the new NHL), but the local product “sees” the ice well, which means he has a pretty good idea of how a play will develop and where he should be either in an offensive or defensive situation.
Jonathan Cheechoo of the San Jose Sharks is on a pace to score 30-40 goals. Jordin Tootoo, on the other hand, is scoreless and pointless after going 15 games, but his role is to check. His team, the Nashville Predators are doing well in their division, having had a strong start.
Ted Nolan, coach of the New York Islanders, is doing very well. They had a 0-3 start, but since then have been one of the better teams in the NHL. Many of his former players and associates credit him with having such an excellent rapport with all his players. Former Sault Ste. Marie Greyhound, and fellow Ojibway, Chris Simon, signed as a free agent to play for his former junior coach. Now that’s a sign of confidence.

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