Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Dedication to nohkom Roseanna Houle

"You only have to look at a child and you will find something to love in that child, even at first when you think the child a little rascal. The children know what you think of them. From then on, you only teach from the heart and that is the only way to teach!" 
- Roseanna Houle


nohkom teaching the Cree language
I am currently taking an art class (EDEL 302) from the University of Alberta for my after degree in Aboriginal Teacher Education (Bachelor of Education) and our austhetic assignment was to pick an Artist, reflect on how this artist's piece moved my heart & spirit and then create or make a visual representation of what I realized.  Well as I was pondering this over the weekend, I was having to dig around my study and look for art supplies to start creating my "visual representation" ~ boom, I came across this article written about my late grandmother (nohkom) who is and will always be my idol, hero, rock...she represented all that was good & beautiful in the world.  I was only honoured to have her in my life until I was nine years old but she has always been central in my life and heart.  Here is a write up about her done by a former but retired newspaper, "The Native People" in August 1979 and author unknown.

Her blood flows through my vains & I will always honor my hero and get strength, and remember her immense unconditional love kakike (always) ~ the strong messages we get from our ancestors!

I just wanted to share this with you and hope she inspires you to see all that is beautiful in the world and even in the eyes of a child...


She would teach all day & come home to us, her grandchildren, and teach us our mother Tongue, Cree.

Her words are simple:

"You only have to look at a child and you will find something to love in that child, even at first when you think the child a little rascal. The children know what you think of them. From then on, you only teach from the heart and that is the only way to teach!" 
- Roseanna Houle

Here are a few exempts of other accounts of her tireless work in the promotion of the Cree Language:
"In conjunction with the Alberta Curriculum Development Branch, Blue Quills had developed language books, teachers’ guides, student texts, and exercise material in the Cree language. Cree was also taught as a second language to students in the high school and was accepted by Alberta Education as a second language credential for university entrance. The materials developed were Cree 15-25-35 for grades ten to twelve. The Board assigned this responsibility to Mrs. Roseanna Houle who worked with a team of Cree language curriculum developers. Impassioned with the love for the language and a gifted teacher, Mrs. Houle inculcated this passion for the language into her students. Upon completion of the curriculum development project, Blue Quills had continued to write and publish other types of materials including a beginner’s manual for non-Cree speakers, the syllabic system of writing, and the correct application of Roman Orthography. The history of the Treaties was to be recorded to enrich the academic programs and strengthen students’ pride in their heritage." 
Blue Quills First Nations College, 1971-2001 30th Anniversary Commemorative Edition p. 9 (accessed May 30, 2012)

Another recollection of nohkom, comes from an interview of late Stanley Redcrow in 1972, former employee of Blue Quills School in regards to the take over of Canada's First Native Owned & Operated school in Canada.  Jean Chretien was overheard saying we would fail within the first year.  That was over 41 years ago and the school is still alive and well.  As I write this it is conducting it's annual Week Cultural Camp at the very grounds that used to be a prison for many during the Indian Residential School era.:
"...Sask. Indian: Did you make any changes as far as the curriculum went and the teaching of Indian Culture?
Mr. Redcrow: Yes we made a lot of changes. There was no Indian language taught at this school. Right away I told the people to start teaching the cree language, reading and writing and also different ways of doing things to improve the Indian situation that is say, making moccasins, and bead work and all kinds of things like that. They are doing that now and the children are very happy.
Sask. Indian: I understand you have a cree teacher here, Mrs. Roseanna Houle, from nearby Saddle Lake Reserve. Perhaps you can tell us a little bit about her class and how she teaches the children.
Mr. Redcrow: She started with the alphabets and it took her a little while before she could make the kids understand what she was trying to do but of course she's talented to teach the cree language and she just goes ahead like a real teacher and she's doing a very good job. Some of them didn't even know how to speak Cree, their own language and now they are starting to learn their own language again by reading and writing and practicing with the others..."
Saskatchewan Indian. 1972. Interview with Stanley Redcrow. Available at http://www.sicc.sk.ca/archive/saskindian/a72feb08.htm (accessed May 30, 2012).



Monday, May 28, 2012

Aaron Paquette Journal: Sunshine Breaks Through

Aaron Paquette Journal: Sunshine Breaks Through: Cree Teachings 24"x 26" Mixed Media on Canvas 2010 Sohkahcahkwewin ᓱᐦᑲᐦᒐᐦᑫᐧᐃᐧᐣ It means having strength of soul . I called this Cree ...

Aaron Paquette Journal: Painting at the Royal Alberta Museum

Aaron Paquette Journal: Painting at the Royal Alberta Museum: Teachings of the Sweat Lodge 24" x 36" Mixed Media on Canvas 2010 A few days ago I was at the Royal Alberta Museum. I was asked to paint ...

Aaron Paquette Journal: Notes for my Children - Responsibility

Aaron Paquette Journal: Notes for my Children - Responsibility: It’s time to take responsibility, and that’s a Big Deal. Most people will spend their entire lives trying to do the exact opposite, to avoi...

Friday, May 25, 2012

I WILL NOT BE BOUGHT


As a proud First Nations Cree & Dene woman who exercises her Treaty Right to hunt, gather, fish, & maintain her culture, & who needs a healthy (Mother Earth) Environment to maintain that Right, I accuse the Oil Industry of Infringing on My Rights & say with all my Spirit & Intent that my Treaty Right can & will not EVER be bought ~ this Treaty Iskwew is not for sale & I will instill this in my grandchildren & you will not starve my family into submission...I will stand strong & tall until my last breath on our Great Mother! 


ekosi maka


... I will make you proud my ancestors, my greatest strengths ~ Mistahi Muskwa (Chief Big Bear) ekwa nohkom Roseanna Houle

Mrs. Roseanna Houle teaches the Cree alphabet























Support the Winnemem Wintu Tribe

On May 20th during the Occupy Oakland General Assembly a representative of the Winnemem Wintu tribe requested support for their War Dance that will take place on May 24-27, which they hope will convince the Forest Service to close the river for their Coming of Age ceremony.

For more information about the War Dance please visithttp://www.winnememwintu.us/


Tuesday, May 22, 2012

[Positivity] How to Get the Boring Tasks Done

"Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the week."
Spanish Proverb

"Nothing is so fatiguing as the eternal hanging on of an uncompleted task."
William James

Hi!

Not all tasks of the day are inspiring, fun or exciting. Some just feel dull or boring. But you still have to wash those dishes and take care of those monotone, routine tasks at work or in school.

So what can you do to not get lost in procrastination? How can you get going with those tasks you don't feel much like doing and get to done?

In this newsletter I'll share how I do it, how I get some motivation and find more pleasure in what may seem to be a boring task.

  • Think of why you are doing the task and how good it will feel when it is done. Instead of focusing your mind on how boring a task may feel focus your thoughts on why you are doing this and how good it will feel when you are done with it. If needed, sit down for a few minutes, close your eyes and see in your mind and feel how good it will be when you are there, when you are done with the task. Then go to work with that motivation and those positive feelings in your body.

  • Do it mindfully. When you sort papers, do the laundry or do the dishes be fully there. Focus 100% on just the fork with all your senses - how it feels, looks and smells - as you are scrubbing it and nothing else. Don't get lost in daydreams. If you are just there I have found that even such a simple and mundane task becomes more enjoyable and something that can bring inner calm rather than distress.

  • Don't think too much. Get going instead. The more you think about the boring task the more boring it seems in your mind. And so it becomes harder and harder to get started and to get to done. So try to think very little about it. Just make a decision to start doing the task, get up and go do it right away.

  • Make a deal with yourself and set a timer for 10 minutes. It is often in easier to do tasks like these in small bursts. So make a deal with yourself to make a dent in this task. Make a deal to just spend 10 minutes on your inbox, mundane reading or cleaning the house. Set a kitchen timer and say to yourself that you only have to do this work for 10 minutes. When the timer rings you can continue doing it if you feel like it (this often happens to me because getting started is the hard part). Or you can stop and go do something more interesting instead.

  • Create a pleasurable distraction. If possible, try to listen to the radio, your favorite songs, an audio book or watch a movie or TV-episode while doing your boring task. You don't always have to do just one thing at a time in silence. I often listen to music or watch an episode of the Simpsons while doing the dishes or other routine work at home.

  • Reward yourself. When you are done with your task then reward yourself. Take a walk in the sun, move on to a more fun or creative task at work or in school or have a tasty treat. This habit can make it easier to get started and to keep going each day. Because you know that you can look forward to not just being done and the long-term payoff from that but also your immediate reward right after you are finished.

I hope this email will help you to have a great and less dull week!

Henrik
 
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Sunday, May 20, 2012

Niki Watts: An Inspiring Native Youth

Here is a young lady who inspires all by being her & the love for the Arts & Music

Niki Watts: Entry for the WhoInspiresU.ca video contest sponsored by Tri Cyclen Lo.
Please help me get enough votes and views before MAY 24TH 2012! Please remember to share this video! Also one view per day per IP address counts as a vote and will help me win in this contest! Thanks everyone.

All original songs by my sister Caley Watts:
Song 1: Tumble Weed
Song 2: Lady Rain
Song 3: Lay Me Down

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4_HdL1HpLk&sns=em

Monday, May 7, 2012

DOULA TRAINING

Here is an excellent opportunity in our area considering Doula's are finally considered a valuable asset during labor, delivery and after support in the Alberta Medical Field.  Doula is a historical practice that is healthier for mother & child...


DOULA TRAINING @ Blue Quills First Nations College

MATERNAL SUPPORT COURSE


A Doula, opamihowosiw, is a non-medical assistant who provides physical, emotional and informational support in prenatal care, during childbirth and during the postpartum period

June 4—8, 2012

Please Register and Pay Fees by May 25 2012 
Tuition/Registration: $450

The 4 day training includes Modules in:
Traditional Knowledge 
Wholistic Health 
& Doula



For More information and to Register Contact: Corinne Jackson at Blue Quills First Nations College — 780-645-4455 ext 121 corinnej@bluequills.ca