Minister of Natural Resources tells Indigenous leaders a solution must be “for the good of all Manitobans”
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By James Wastasecoot
Minister of Economic Development, Investment and Trade and Minister of Natural Resources for Manitoba, Jamie Moses, spoke to Indigenous fishers, leaders and elders at the Assiniboia Downs on Feb. 6. Billed as Part 2 of the Peguis Treaty and Aboriginal Rights Meeting which was held Jan. 4 (See Chiefs lay down challenge for Kinew government: revisit the Natural Resources Transfer Act, Jan 2024 issue), the forum drew Indigenous leaders, fishers and hunters from Manitoba First Nation communities. The minister told the gathering of hunters and fishers that being of a minority himself, he understood the experience of colonization and promised that he’d listen and respect the considerations voiced by Indigenous leaders and Manitobans. He said: “I don’t have all the answer for you today. But what I do have is an understanding that I’m willing to have that conversation on details, and how we can work equity into that perspective into every conversation around resource management.”
Chief Nelson Genaille of Sapotwayak Cree Nation said: “The provincial government is trespassing in our territories. That’s a key message that you have to take to Wab Kinew and his ministers in the departments and the different parties that represent Manitoba.”
Peguis teacher training program kicks off with the sound of the drum!
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By Terra Indigena staff
Peguis Feb 8, 2024 - Members of Peguis council, School Board and UCN held an official launch of the University College of the North (UCN) Kenanow Bachelor of Education teacher training program in Peguis today at the Council chambers. The program offering is a collaboration between Peguis School Board and the University College of the North (UCN) based in The Pas.
“It’s all done in the spirit of collaboration for education and helping First Nations move forward toward local control of education,” said School superintendent, Cindy Spence. “It’s part of the movement toward self-government and being able to operate our own systems in our jurisdiction.”
UCN president and Chancellor Doug Lauvstad said a community-based approach is an important model that enables community and family supports for students that is invaluable. “And to hear 42 students, that’s kind of a record,” he said, referring to the number of students registered.
Read more: Peguis teacher training program kicks off with the sound of the drum!
Ogimawin ceremony held to bestow headdress and Otter hat
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By Terra Indigena staff
A special ceremony, "Ogimawin”, was held at Peguis Central School February 11, 2024 to mark the gifting of a headdress and Otter Hat to Chief Dr. Stan Bird. The ceremony was first announced in a community meeting January 18 by elder Kathy Bird who led the initiative. A full gym witnessed the event where participants said prayers, sang traditional sacred songs, and danced in honour of the bestowing.
“The Grandmothers felt it was important that he have a headdress and he wear a headdress because he represents who we are,” said elder Kathy Bird. “It’s not about power, it’s not about ego, it’s not about what he can gather, it’s not about control, it’s about listening to us, all of us, and giving us a voice.”
“This ceremony not only recognizes the individual’s accomplishments but also emphasizes their responsibilities to protect th
eir community, uphold its values, and to guide future generations towards a more prosperous future,” Treaty One Chiefs stated on their social media channel.
Following the ceremony there were presentations by guests and elders of the community. A sumptuous feast of moose and all the trimmings was laid on.
Peguis winter carnival brought people out for fun, food and spectacular events
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By James Wastasecoot
The highlight of this year’s Winter Carnival was the Friday night performance of NorthsideBaby, a rapper from northern Alberta’s Dene Thá First Nation. But there was plenty of fun and frolics going on in numerous venues throughout the weekend. And the weather was nice.
“There was something for everyone,” said organizer and Rec Director Jonathan Flett. “It turned out better than I thought it would.”
Junior B’s played Norway House Cree Nation Flames on Saturday, drawing 1,200 fans who loudly supported their team to victory (see story in this section). Another highlight, the Indian Car contest, renamed this year to the “Native Car,” for reasons unknown, was conducted outside on the parking lot. “It was hilarious. If I hadn’t seen it for myself, I wouldn’t have believed you could squeeze 15 Indians in a Chevy Malibu in 22 seconds,” said spectator Wayne Wilson. But that was the youth event. The adult category failed – bigger people – well, there’s only so much room in a midsize car. Fittingly, the Indian car was dented and showing a bit of rust.
Did you know that our ancestors threw tires? Yep. It’s in the “traditional games” so it must be true. Along with the axe throwing, the tires were thrown just a few steps from the Arena entrance. They lost one axe in the snow, so keep an eye out.
Arm wrestling is always a favourite, moderated by Brittney and Cory Sutherland. Two stalwarts of the sport who’ve made it popular in Peguis. There were plenty of constants in every age category. The weight-lifting is another popular event – held this year in the Multiplex gym, coordinated by Edgar Stevenson.
At Lake St. Andrews there was a fish derby. Many contestants made the trip and came away with prizes. A volleyball tournament was held at the Peguis Central School gym where teams battled it out for prizes and for the sheer love of the sport, thanks to people like Lezley Sutherland who still plays and coaches.
On Sunday, there suddenly appeared women who seemed overdressed for the carnival. One wondered what the tall, beautiful woman in heels and make up was
doing at the Peguis Winter Carnival. Was she lost? No, it was the Drag Queen contest, another fan favourite. Reina Traverse is a Drag Queen who MC’d the Peguis Drag Queen Contest at the Peguis Multiplex on Sunday. Reina lives and works in Winnipeg as a drag queen full time at Club Happenings in Osborne Village. The club website features photos and videos of the nightclub where Reina is among the performers.
The drag queens danced solo on the arena red carpet. One, Shaniqua, seemed to lose her drawers, but, no, it was the slip, thank goodness. Without breaking stride she continued on with her performance, with much applause and cheers from the fans.
Arts & Crafts, Toy scramble, Grocery scramble and many more events brought people out to have fun and get caught up with friends and neighbours.
There were numerous volunteers without which the event would not have been possible. The list is long and isn’t published here. Look for this on Peguis Rec Facebook page in the next few days.
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