10 ANNUAL CONNECT EVENT - United Way Calgary and Area · 2019. 10. 8. · Natoo’si Indigenous...

2009 2019

CONNECT

INTERGENERATIONAL WISDOM Iiyika’kimaat Through Connections

CARRIAGE HOUSE INN MACLEOD TRAIL SOUTH, CALGARY, AB

EVENT10th ANNUAL

10th ANNUAL CONNECT EVENT | OCTOBER 17-18, 2019 2

I would like to welcome you to the 10th annual Connect Event, hosted by United Way of Calgary and Area’s Natoo’si Indigenous Healing and Well-being Initiative.

As we gather together over the next few days, it is important to recognize that this land, adjacent to where the Bow River meets the Elbow River, is called “Mohkinstsis” in the traditional Blackfoot name. It is also called the city of Calgary. This is traditional land of the Blackfoot Confederacy, as well as Treaty 7 Territory which includes Kainai, Siksika, Piikani, Tsuut’ina, and Stoney Nakoda nations. Many Métis and Inuit people have also made their homes here in Calgary.

It is hard to believe that it has already been 10 years since the first Connect Event! What a great learning journey we have been on together towards well-being and reconciliation. The past ten years of learning and knowledge sharing amongst the urban Indigenous community has helped inform our direction, and the direction of the social sector. Through what we have learned at past Connect Events, we have come to a place of understanding, building stronger relationships with our Elders, and beginning to honor the importance of ethical space. We are working more intentionally to honour both the Indigenous and Western ways of knowing, in parallel with each other.

Over the course of the next two days, you will have the opportunity to interact and learn from a number of inspiring speakers, including Elders, cultural advisors, knowledge keepers, and academics. They will share their knowledge and teachings through storytelling and group activities that will provide you with a better understanding of the strengths and resiliency of Indigenous nations. The theme of this year’s event is “Intergenerational Wisdom – Iiyika’kimaat (try hard) through connections.”

I would like to thank our sponsors, Alberta Health Services, the Calgary Foundation, the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary, Fluor, and the YMCA whose generosity made this event possible. To all the committee members who selflessly donated their time and energy to this event—thank you. Without your dedication the last ten years would not have been possible. I look forward to watching how the Connect Event will continue to grow over the next 10 years!

Sincerely,

Karen Young President and CEO United Way of Calgary and Area

“Over the past ten years the Connect Event has guided Calgary’s learning around urban Indigenous populations and become a venue for reconciliation. We look forward to the continued accomplishments ahead.” – Bruce McFarlane, Board Liaison to United Way’s Indigenous Advisory Committee

WelcomeOki, Tansi, and Hello,


THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18

7:00 AM Pipe Ceremony Elders Kelly and Daphne Good Eagle

8:00 AM REGISTRATION and BREAKFAST

9:00 AM Words to Creator, Smudge, and Land AcknowledgementWelcome and Housekeeping Emcees: Nicole Eshkakogan and Evans Yellow Old Woman

Opening Remarks and Context Beth Gignac, COO of United Way of Calgary and Area Emcees: Nicole Eshkakogan and Evans Yellow Old Woman

9:45 AM KEYNOTE: “The United Way of Multicultural Wisdom: From Intergenerational Trauma to Intergenerational Resiliency” Dr. Marie Wilson

10:45 AM BREAK

11:00 AM KEYNOTE: “Being + Doing: Authentic Change Making for Progress” Bina M. Patel

12:00 PM Step Dance Russ Baker

12:30 PM LUNCH United Way Video on Intergenerational Trauma

1:30 PM BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Justice Lana Garcelon and Amelia Crowshoe

LGBTQ2S+ Suitaakii Black and Amber Twoyoungmen

Honouring our Women Steve Kootenay-Jobin and Aiyana Leonard La Couvée

Languages Steven Crowchild and Sandis Twoyoungmen

2:30 PM BREAK

2:45 PM BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Justice Lana Garcelon and Amelia Crowshoe

LGBTQ2S+ Suitaakii Black and Amber Twoyoungmen

Honouring our Women Steve Kootenay-Jobin and Aiyana Leonard La Couvée

Languages Steven Crowchild and Sandis Twoyoungmen

8:00 AM BREAKFAST

9:00 AM Words to Creator and SmudgeSummary of Previous Day / Context / Connect Story Emcees: Nicole Eshkakogan and Evans Yellow Old Woman; Joanne Pinnow

Honoring Ceremony – United Way Song; Joanne Pinnow

9:40AM KEYNOTE: Elders and Youth Couch Conversation Elder Patrick Diagneault, Elder Edmee Comstock, Youth Ethan Twoyoungmen, Youth Bryanna R. Brown

10:30 AM BREAK

10:45 AM Youth Film – “Medicine for the People” presented by Johnny Caisse

11:15 AM Cultural First Aid and Sharing Circles Elder Reg and Rose Crowshoe

12:30 PM LUNCH and NETWORKING

Event Schedule


CULTURAL TECHNICIANS

Elder Kelly Good EagleKelly Good Eagle Sr. grew up on the Siksika and Blackfeet reservations. Kelly attended school in East Rochester, New York, where he graduated in 1973. In 1975, he moved to Calgary. Kelly has been married to his wife, Daphne, for 44 years. They have three children, two girls, Michelle and Joanne, and one son Mervin (deceased), eight grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Kelly is proud of his family, who honour their cultural ways and teachings.

For over 25 years Kelly has been a member of the Horn Society and is now an Elder for the society on the Siksika Reserve. He has been employed with Alberta Health Services since 2009, where he currently holds the position of Traditional Wellness Counsellor. Kelly has been a Calgary Stampede Teepee owner for nine years, and he also sits on the Calgary Stampede Indian Events Committee as a Vice-Chair. He is an Elder Advisor for the Calgary Police Service, Knowledge Keepers, United Way, and Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary. Kelly is a Vice Director on the Board of Directors at the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum in Banff.

Elder Patrick DiagneaultPatrick Diagneault was born and raised in a small northern community of Ile a la Crosse, Saskatchewan. He is married with three beautiful children, and has two grandchildren. In the earlier part of his life, he was taken from his home life and introduced to residential school, and here he had to learn a different way of life.

Patrick has worked in the health field for most of his life, and is always looking to help people move forward. Through the teachings he received from his grandfather and father, he works with families and other people today. He has extensive knowledge of his Cree cultural and spiritual teachings.

Patrick is a member of the Circle of Aboriginal, International Association of Public Participation, and the Project Management Institute, and strongly supported on behalf of TransAlta, the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.

ELDERS KELLY AND DAPHNE GOOD EAGLE

ELDER PATRICK DIAGNEAULT

Elders

Elder Daphne Good EagleDaphne Good Eagle grew up on the Siksika reservation. She has been married to her husband Kelly Good Eagle for 44 years. Daphne and Kelly have three children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She considers her loving family her greatest accomplishment, and helping many people through her prayers and knowledge of the traditional way of life.

Daphne is an active member of the Sundance on the Siksika reservation. She has been a Horn society member for over 20 years for the Siksika tribe. She is an Elder for Miskanawah and the Calgary Elders Knowledge Keepers and sits on the board of directors for Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum in Banff. Daphne has been taking part in the Calgary Stampede for over 50 years. Today, she is a teepee owner, a role she inherited from her mother in 2010. Daphne enjoys travelling throughout Canada and United States to dance at powwows.


CULTURAL TECHNICIANS

ELDER REG CROWSHOE

ELDER ROSE CROWSHOE

ELDER EDMEE COMSTOCK

Elder Edmee ComstockEdmee Comstock is the youngest of 17 children from one of the most important historical families of the Red River Settlement. Her great grandfather was John Bruce (Jean-Baptiste Bruce), the first president of the Métis Provisional Government at the Red River Colony. Louis Riel was his secretary.

Edmee considers herself blessed to be raised in a traditional Métis family with a strong work ethic and sense of community, spirituality, and

Elder Reg CrowshoeDr. Reg Crowshoe (Awakasina) is a well-known Piikani Blackfoot Elder, spiritualist, ceremonialist, and teacher and Former Chief of his Piikani Nation. Dr. Crowshoe has researched the Piikani Blackfoot language and the Blackfoot society practice to develop solutions for cross-cultural understanding. He has pioneered and initiated cross-cultural programs for many organizations and institutions across Western Canada. Dr. Crowshoe is also the founder of the Old Man River Cultural Society, and he wrote the book Akak’stiman, A Blackfoot Framework for Decision-Making and Mediation Processes, published by University of Calgary Press in 2002.

Elders

belonging. She generously shares her cultural teachings, Michif language and history through various educational outreach programs for youth and families. Wearing her Métis sash with great pride, she is now a well-respected elder and a beloved representative of the Bruce clan of the Red River Colony. In 2012, Edmee was the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal for her work in the community.

Elder Rose CrowshoeRose Crowshoe is Piikani born and raised. She is a retired alumni student of the University of Lethbridge. She believes in her traditional teachings that she acquired from her great grandmothers, grandmother, and mother. These teachings have helped to raise her children, grandchildren, and great grandchild.


EMCCEE Evans Yellow Old WomanEvans Yellow Old Woman is from Siksika Nation. His Blackfoot name is Apsipistoo, which means White Owl. He is part of the Blackfoot Confederacy and descends from the Runs Away Buffalo Clan. He is a Two-Spirit man living and working in Mohkinstsis (Calgary). He is currently the Associate Director of Indigenous Relations with The Alex. He has a nine-year-old daughter named Teshay.

EMCCEE Nicole EshkakoganNicole Eshkakogan is Anishnawbe/Blackfoot from Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation and the Piikani Nation. Nicole is completing her PhD in Sociology at the University of Alberta focusing on Indigenous Gender and Wellness.

Nicole is the Scientific Director at the Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society, where she is working towards identifying successes, gaps, connections, and future directions on culturally responsive trauma violence informed care for families affected by family violence.

KEYNOTE Dr. Marie WilsonMarie Wilson, a Commissioner of the historic Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (2009-2015), has been an award-winning journalist, trainer, federal and territorial executive manager, high school teacher in Africa, university lecturer, and consultant.

As a prominent public speaker throughout Canada and internationally, she brings acknowledged expertise on the successes and challenges of advancing reconciliation.

Ms. Wilson holds honorary degrees from six Canadian universities, and in additional to several professional awards, is the recipient of the Order of the Northwest Territories, the Order of Canada, and the Meritorious Service Cross. She and her husband, Stephen Kakfwi, have three children and four grandchildren, her most valuable achievements!

YOUTH HELPERS We would like to extend our gratitude to our youth helpers, identified as ‘Elders in the making,’ who will be helping us throughout the event. They will be connecting with Elders and other youth throughout the Connect Event.

Knowledge Keepers


KEYNOTE Bina M PatelBina M. Patel has worked for more than 20 years to advance social good and justice. She has led strategic initiatives to help communities transform themselves through innovative, inclusive, and sustainable efforts in the areas of asset building, public health, civic engagement, and economic development.

As Deputy Chief of Staff in City Hall in Chicago, Bina was responsible for overseeing a portfolio of programs and policies in the area of human capital, human services, public health, and community development. Bina was selected to participate with the PLACES fellowship (2012) through The Funders’ Network, where she engaged with community members and colleagues from across the country to dive into racial, social, and economic justice issues. Much of her professional work has focused on advancing racial equity through addressing structural racism.

Knowledge Keepers

JUSTICE Lana GarcelonLana Garcelon is Dënesųłiné from English River First Nation, located in northern Saskatchewan on Treaty 10 territory. Her current role is the Indigenous Liaison at Calgary Legal Guidance. This role includes building relationships with local agencies, Indigenous communities, and Indigenous clients accessing justice. Lana is passionate about Indigenous cultures, rights, and justice. In 2017 she completed her law degree studying abroad in New Zealand for three years. Since returning to Canada, she is keen to bring her experience to serve Indigenous people. Outside of work, Lana is an avid volleyball player involved with leagues in Calgary but favours weekend tournaments on-reserve.

JUSTICE Amelia CrowshoeAmelia Crowshoe is a member of the Piikani Nation who resides in Calgary, Alberta. Amelia holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and culture and is currently a 3rd year law student at the University of Calgary Faculty of Law. Amelia’s professional work has primarily focused on First Nation data governance, community research, privacy, and data repatriation with First Nation communities. A recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, she has travelled internationally sharing with many about her Piikani culture and worldview. Amelia is an active member of her cultural community and is also a competitive jingle dress dancer. In 2012, Amelia was crowned the Calgary Stampede Centennial First Nations Princess and continues to volunteer with the First Nations princess program. She also volunteers as the president of the Indigenous Law Club at U of C. Through her law practise she hopes to work with First Nations clients in the Province of Alberta to build Indigenous legal principles that can develop alongside the Canadian common law.


LGBTQ2S+ Suitaakii BlackSuitaakii Black is a Two Spirit, Indigenous Trans, and Indigiqueer advocate from Siksika Nation currently living in Mohkintsis. In 2017 she won the Shine award at the Southern Alberta Indigenous Youth awards for her work within the LGBTQ2S+ community. She currently works at the Calgary Queer Arts Society doing diversity training on gender and sexuality across the city, and also leads the Treaty 7 Film Collective that supports LGBTQ2S+, BIPOC, as well as immigrant and refugee artists in Treaty 7. Suitaakii will be leading discussion topics around LGBTQ2S+ history, allyship, and education.

LGBTQ2S+ Amber TwoyoungmenAmber Twoyoungmen is a storyteller and a young leader. She is one of the founding members of the Nakoda AV Club, a volunteer-run production society that works to promote storytelling through film on the Nakoda reserves. She dreams of being the first female film director from her Nation, and knows that if she achieves this, she will be an inspiration to other young women struggling to succeed. Amber is also a musician, composing the scores for her short films, and an artist. She is an avid volunteer, and in high school sat on the Cochrane Youth Council, working on campaigns such as breast cancer awareness, and hunger. Amber is also an important member of her family, and she takes pride in her role as a caretaker and mentor to her young relations. Her family and her culture are very important to her, and they are part of everything she does. She loves to travel and is always excited for new adventures that bring her new perspectives of the world, and the Nakoda people’s place within it.

HONORING WOMEN Aiyana Leonard La Couvée Aiyana Leonard La Couvée is an Ojibwa Cree. She is a youth leader and public speaker who is passionate about Indigenous issues. At the age of 15, Aiyana co-created the Footprints Project, an art and social-awareness initiative featured at the annual Calgary Sisters in Spirit March. This initiative gained national attention as Aiyana and her sister, Kaiya, collected more than 1,500 pairs of shoes, representing the number of missing and murdered Indigenous women across Canada. Aiyana recently spoke to audiences at We Day – Calgary and We Day – National in Ottawa, as well as several youth conferences. She also conducts workshops for youth about issues that confront Indigenous communities.

Aiyana is the recipient of the Southern Alberta Indigenous Youth Award’s Vision Award and was nominated for the provincial Youth of Distinction Award (YODA). She is currently a senior at Ernest Manning High School, where she enjoys learning about film and broadcasting, photography, and culinary arts.

Knowledge Keepers


HONORING WOMEN Steve Kootenay-JobinSteve Kootenay-Jobin is Iyarhe Nakoda from Stoney Nation in Treaty 7 Territory. He has a Bachelor of Arts Sociology, Arts and Science Diploma and is currently enrolled in the Master of Education program. He is the Indigenous Housing and Events Coordinator for the Iniskim Centre at Mount Royal University, where he helps Indigenous students find campus housing, organizes cultural events, and supports Indigenous students while they attend school. He also works with faculty and staff at the university on cultural training, ensuring that the school is accessible and inclusive for all students. In addition to this work, Steve also serves on several committees at Mount Royal University, and in the Calgary community. These committees are involved in diversity, human rights, murdered and missing Indigenous women, mental health awareness, and cultural awareness. In June 2019 Steve was awarded the Chief David Crowchild Memorial Award. The award recognizes the contributions of a person who shows leadership in building relationships and engagement between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

LANGUAGES Sandis TwoyoungmenSandis Twoyoungmen is from the Iyarhe Nakoda Nation. Language is a priority for Sandis because it not only identifies who he is, but the traditions and culture connected to that. Growing up in Mini Thni (Morley, AB) the language was spoken all around him on a daily basis; the people in the community have made it important to remember who you are and keep the language strong. Sandis believes language is special to Indigenous peoples because it carries them through ceremonies and prayer.

LANGUAGES Steven CrowchildSteven Crowchild (Ninagha Naʔitsidi) is a Tsuut’ina Isgiya, father, and current Director of the Tsuut’ina Gunaha Institute, the language revitalization program of the Tsuut’ina Nation. Steven has worked for the Institute since 2012 in various capacities but has served as Director since 2014. Under his leadership, the program has evolved and adjusted to serve the need of language and culture revitalization on the Tsuut’ina Nation. Over the years, Steven has been directly involved in the development and piloting of various initiatives and projects such as app development, curriculum development, culture camps, language nest, mentor-apprentice initiative, animation, language/culture film projects, professional development initiatives, recording projects, and so much more.

Knowledge Keepers


Ethan TwoyoungmenEthan Twoyoungmen, a student at Mount Royal University, is working towards his personal goals of becoming an Indigenous role model for his community. Ethan is a mentor for Canada Bridges, which supports Indigenous youth moving off reserves and into the city of Calgary, offering a mentor to guide them in the right path. He is also part of the Stoney Nakoda AV club, as a supporting member for filming projects.

One of Ethan’s favourite past times is music; he is a pianist, guitarist, and singer. Ethan greatly values his culture, people, and the traditions of the Nakoda people.

Johnny Rodger CaisseJohnny is a cree Métis from Ile-a-la-cross in Northern Saskatchewan. He was raised with both Cree and Métis traditions. Johnny has been Métis Jigging for over 20 years and has spent countless hours performing and working on his craft. He continues to attend Cree sweat lodges to date, as he was raised by a strong cultural family. Not only is he cultural, but he also loves education. Johnny graduated from college in 2015, and has a diploma in business administration management. Johnny hopes to one day own his own business.

Bryanna R. BrownBryanna Brown is a Labrador Land Protector. An Inuk woman from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland, she is currently working towards obtaining a Bachelor of Business Administration degree through the Memorial University. She is a volunteer live-in with RESET Calgary, an Indigenous youth leader with Youth Indigenize the Senate, and an advocate. Some of the issues Bryanna advocates for include the national crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited, global climate justice, persons living with disabilities, women’s rights, the human rights of Indigenous peoples, mental health, and against human trafficking, the overrepresentation of incarcerated Indigenous youth, and racism.

Russ BakerRuss Baker is from Prince George, BC. His family is Carrier Lheidli Tenneh (Klet’Leh Tenn eh), Woodland and Plains Cree, and Irish. He currently works as the Program Manager, Mentorship and Systems Change, at Canada Bridges.

Russ has an educational background in Indigenous child and youth care counselling from Douglas College. For the past 21 years, he has worked with youth, families, and organizations throughout various Indigenous communities, both on and off reserve. Russ has travelled around the world for dance (one style which includes step dance) and rugby. During this time he has seen the importance of knowing one’s culture and teachings.

Knowledge Keepers


Youth Representative Johnny Caisse

Youth Representative Ethan Twoyoungmen

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“The Connect Event has become a quintessential aspect of community awareness and understanding of urban Indigenous histories and healing. We are proud of the accomplishments reached over the past ten years and look forward to the next ten.”

– Bruce McFarlane, Board Liaison to United Way’s Indigenous Advisory Committee

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In a Glance10 YEARS


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10 ANNUAL CONNECT EVENT - United Way Calgary and Area · 2019. 10. 8. · Natoo’si Indigenous...

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