Volume 1 Issue 6

December 2009

Inside this issue:

Christmas Lost?A Politically Correct Christmas

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VOLUME 1 ISSUE 6

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Karola & Marcel Guay

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Reproduction of any photographs, artwork or copy is strictly prohibited without prior written permission of the publisher. The advertisers, associate publisher and the

publisher are not responsible, or liable for misinformation, misprints, or typographic errors.

“Every Wednesday morning is my time to go to SARBI. I visit my friends and get caught up on what’s happening”, says Bridget. Bridget is a partici-pant in SARBI programs. Programs specifically for brain injury survivors.

“At SARBI they understand that ABI can mean that you are not always yourself”, she continued, “they understand that ABI can mean you repeat yourself, you can’t remember stuff, that you are still smart but processing speed in your brain is different.”

For over twenty years SARBI, the Saskatchewan Association for the Reha-bilitation of the Brain Injured has provided services to survivors of acquired brain injuries (ABI), their families and the community at large in Saskatoon. In 2002, SARBI also opened another location in Regina and an affiliate in Kelvington that operates as East Central SARBI.

Services at SARBI are focused on day programs that provide a social and supportive place for people who have had moderate to severe brain injuries. Brain injury often occurs along with other disabilities, such as hemi-peligia, visual impairment, hearing loss, loss of speech, inability to eat, along with mental health issues, and addiction issues.

SARBI’s enriched programs include: art therapy, crafts, games, music, food preparation, relearning social skills, attending community events, bowling, swimming, mini golf, seasonal celebrations and birthdays.

Experienced staff supervises programs at SARBI with assistance from vol-unteers. Volunteers are the backbone of SARBI; they help by playing games, helping clients with activities and accompany clients on community outings. Applications for volunteer positions are taken all year long.

“My volunteer time at SARBI really helped me choose my career path”, says Adria Quigley, former SARBI volunteer, now attending U of T for phys-iotherapy.

Every year in Saskatchewan, 2200 individuals sustain some form of acquired brain injury. Of those 2200 people, 150 individuals will require life long support. SARBI is one of the supports for this segment of the ABI population. SARBI clients have run the gamut from Motor Vehicle Accident to surgical error to gun shot to aneurism to stroke.

SARBI is a registered charity and Saskatchewan non-profit corporation. The Saskatchewan Brain Injury Partnership Project, a partnership supported by the Saskatchewan Government Insurance and managed by Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Health, provides core funds. SARBI is also required to raise match-ing funds through fund raising, grant writing and community events.

For more information about SARBI services or volunteer opportunities please call 373-3050.

would like to introduce some new feature categories coming in January 2010

watch for exciting new features every month!

Health & WellnessHealth & Wellness

Fitness • Lifestyle • Recipes

Real Estate • Home Improvement • Home Decor & Design

• Arts & Entertainment• Bars & Restaurants• Arts & Entertainment• Bars & Restaurants

A Politically Correct ChristmasTwas the night before Christmas and Santa’s a wreck…

How to live in a world that’s politically correct? His workers no longer would answer to “Elves”,

“Vertically Challenged” they were calling themselves. And labor conditions at the North Pole,

Were alleged by the union, to stifle the soul.

Four reindeer had vanished without much proprietyReleased to the wilds, by the Humane Society.And equal employment had made it quite clear,

That Santa had better not just use reindeer.So Dancer and Donner, Comet and Cupid,

Were replaced with 4 pigs, and you know that looked stupid!

The runners had been removed from his beautiful sleigh,Because the ruts were deemed dangerous by the EPA,

And millions of people were calling the Cops, When they heard sled noises upon their roof tops,

Second-hand smoke from his pipe, has his workers quite frightened,And his fur trimmed red suit was called “unenlightened”.

To show you the strangeness of today’s ebbs and flows,Rudolf was suing over unauthorized use of his nose.

He went to Oprah, in front of the Nation,Demanding millions in over-due workers compensation.

And as for gifts….why, he’d never had the notionThat making a choice could cause such commotion.

Nothing of leather, nothing of fur…..Which meant nothing for him or nothing for her.

Nothing to aim, Nothing to shoot,Nothing that clamored or made lots of noise.Nothing for just girls and nothing for just boys.

Nothing that claimed to be gender specific,Nothing that’s warlike or non-pacifistic.

No candy or sweets…they were bad for the tooth.Nothing that seemed to embellish upon the truth.

And fairy tales…these not yet forbidden,Were like Ken and Barbie, better off hidden

For they raised the hackles of those psychological,Who claimed the only good gift was ecological.

No baseball, no football…someone might get hurt.Besides – playing sports exposed kids to the dirt.Dolls were said to be sexist and should be passé.And Nintendo would rot your entire brain away.

So Santa just stood there, disheveled and perplexed,He just couldn’t figure out what to do next?He tried to be merry, he tried to be cheerful,

But you must have to admit he was having a very bad day.His sack was quite empty, it was flat on the ground,Nothing fully acceptable was anywhere to be found.

Something special was needed, a gift that he might,Give to us all, without angering the left or the right.

A gift that would satisfy – with no indecision,Each group of people in every religion.

Every race, every hue,Everyone, everywhere…even you!!!

So here is that gift, it’s price beyond worth….

“May you and your loved ones, enjoy peace on Earth”!!!!

329 - 20th St. WestSaskatoon, Saskatchewan

Phone: (306) 652-8444 Fax : (306) 652-2628

email: greatwestwarehouse@shaw.ca

Community Speaks Volume 1 • Issue 6 www.communityspeaks.ca

Community Speaks and

Original Peoples would like to thank all our

clients for their advertising support and for

telling their compelling stories.

Our hope for 2010 is to continue to bring

Saskatchewan stories, business news and happy thoughts to the pages of

our papers.

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a

Happy New Year.

Marcel & Karola Guay

A Politically Correct ChristmasTwas the night before Christmas and Santa’s a wreck…

How to live in a world that’s politically correct? His workers no longer would answer to “Elves”,

“Vertically Challenged” they were calling themselves. And labor conditions at the North Pole,

Were alleged by the union, to stifle the soul.

Four reindeer had vanished without much proprietyReleased to the wilds, by the Humane Society.And equal employment had made it quite clear,

That Santa had better not just use reindeer.So Dancer and Donner, Comet and Cupid,

Were replaced with 4 pigs, and you know that looked stupid!

The runners had been removed from his beautiful sleigh,Because the ruts were deemed dangerous by the EPA,

And millions of people were calling the Cops, When they heard sled noises upon their roof tops,

Second-hand smoke from his pipe, has his workers quite frightened,And his fur trimmed red suit was called “unenlightened”.

To show you the strangeness of today’s ebbs and flows,Rudolf was suing over unauthorized use of his nose.

He went to Oprah, in front of the Nation,Demanding millions in over-due workers compensation.

And as for gifts….why, he’d never had the notionThat making a choice could cause such commotion.

Nothing of leather, nothing of fur…..Which meant nothing for him or nothing for her.

Nothing to aim, Nothing to shoot,Nothing that clamored or made lots of noise.Nothing for just girls and nothing for just boys.

Nothing that claimed to be gender specific,Nothing that’s warlike or non-pacifistic.

No candy or sweets…they were bad for the tooth.Nothing that seemed to embellish upon the truth.

And fairy tales…these not yet forbidden,Were like Ken and Barbie, better off hidden

For they raised the hackles of those psychological,Who claimed the only good gift was ecological.

No baseball, no football…someone might get hurt.Besides – playing sports exposed kids to the dirt.Dolls were said to be sexist and should be passé.And Nintendo would rot your entire brain away.

So Santa just stood there, disheveled and perplexed,He just couldn’t figure out what to do next?He tried to be merry, he tried to be cheerful,

But you must have to admit he was having a very bad day.His sack was quite empty, it was flat on the ground,Nothing fully acceptable was anywhere to be found.

Something special was needed, a gift that he might,Give to us all, without angering the left or the right.

A gift that would satisfy – with no indecision,Each group of people in every religion.

Every race, every hue,Everyone, everywhere…even you!!!

So here is that gift, it’s price beyond worth….

“May you and your loved ones, enjoy peace on Earth”!!!!

Once again it is the season for giving gifts. In the atmosphere of secrecy, love and thoughtfulness combine to plan surprises of delight. The home is aglow with the fervent expectancy of something desired – something needed is carefully selected, wrapped and hidden away until the day arrives. In it all, however, there is a fresh reminder of God’s eternal plan of love to meet the dire need of man’s soul and provide THE BEST GIFT to completely satisfy and delight his heart. This is the gift of unspeakable worth. This is God’s gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23).

“Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; But made himself no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2: 5-8).

Nearly two thousand years ago in an obscure village, a child was born of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village where He worked as a carpenter until he was thirty. Then for three years He became an itinerant preacher. Jesus never went to college or seminary. He never wrote a book. He never held a public office. He never had a family nor owned a home. He never put His foot inside a big city nor traveled even 200 miles from his birthplace. And though He never did any of the things that usually accompany greatness, throngs of people followed Him. He had no credentials but Himself.

While he was still young, the tide of public opinion turned against Him. His followers ran away. He was turned over to his enemies and went through a mockery of a trial. He was sentenced to death on a cross between two thieves. While He was dying, His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth – the simple coat He had worn. His body was laid in a borrowed grave provided by a compassionate friend. But three days later this man rose from the dead – living proof that He was, as He had claimed, the Savior whom God had sent, the Incarnate of God.

Twenty centuries have come and gone and today the risen Lord Jesus Christ is the central figure of the human race. On our calendars His birth divides history in two eras. One day of every week is set aside in remembrance of Him. And our two most important holidays, celebrate His birth and resurrection. On church steeples around the world His cross has become the symbol of victory over sin and death.

A gift offered to you does not become yours until you receive it. So it is with salvation. Faith is the empty hand that reaches out to receive God’s gift of life. It is the personal appropriation of His offer. It is believing in your heart that Christ’s suffering and death were for our sins; that His resurrection from among the dead was for your justification.

Millions have already received this Gift and have been made to be eternally grateful for the blessing it has brought them. Men have been gifted eternal life as a possession, because they have taken the Savior by faith. The forgiveness of sins, peace with God, and much more are all wrapped up in this invaluable gift of God’s beloved Son.

This one Man’s life has furnished the theme for more songs, books, poems and paintings than any other person or event in history. Thousands of colleges, hospitals, orphanages and other institutions have been founded in honor of this One who gave His life for us.

All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the governments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned have not changed the course of history as much as this ONE SOLITARY LIFE. Over the centuries millions have found a new life of forgiveness from sin and peace with

God through faith in Jesus Christ.

The reason we celebrate His life on this monumentul day is because through Him our eyes are opened to the truth. It is this truth which sets us free, and it is His forgiveness and love which helps us move forward. As we celebrate, let’s try to remember the

sacrifices that Christ made for our lives.

Jesus Christ IncarnateThe Reason for the Season

Karola GuayClinical Pastoral CounselorKarola GuayClinical Pastoral Counselor

Community Speaks and The Original Peoples would like to thank everyone for their patronage, and we wish everyone a

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Christmas is once again upon us, and it is the season for the rebirth of the erratic Christmas shopper. We have all been in contact with someone that solicits the bins, turns and twists the merchandise to find what they are looking for, oblivious to the fact that someone else may also be interested in exploring the sites. This person is a professional coupon clipper, price tag exchanger, and time hogger at the check out. They keep you waiting in line with baited breath as they send the cashiers running through the store to see if their items are the ones listed in the weekly sales flyers. It is difficult to have the Christmas spirit when there is lack of parking, compounded by long line ups, and time restrictions; dampening the shimmer of Christmas lights and the holiday spirit because we are straddled with anxious commercialism. Let’s transport ourselves back to a bygone era where people were brimming with anticipation for the impending moment of celebration. They felt connected and engaged because the season had a deeper meaning, and it was this simplicity which brought about fond memories. Christmas was a time for celebrating life, and being thankful for all that you had. People did not feel a deep seeded void during this time because they found pride and a sense of satisfaction in creating handmade personal items as gifts. They survived today’s depressed state because expectations were lower and friends and family were seen as the most treasured commodity that you could have. They took the time to create and follow meaningful family traditions. It was an era where families sat together and made Christmas ornaments for the tree; and these ornaments were the foundations for the family history. Mothers took the time to bake Christmas treats, and you remember this fondly because the sweet smell permeated throughout the house and you knew your reward would be licking the icing out of the bowl. You remember going to the woods, crisp snow crunching underfoot, pathways guiding you on your quest of choosing the most spectacular Christmas tree for your home. You still feel the sting of winter in your cheeks as you reminisce about tobogganing and the horse drawn sleigh rides. All of these traditions had their humble beginnings somewhere in history, and perhaps you are wondering how they came to be in practice today In 300 A.D. in Turkey, a young many named Nicholas who had just become an orphan came to live with his uncle. A large sum of money was bequeathed to Nicholas to be presented when he came of age. Being a wise man of faith, his uncle taught Nicholas about God and giving to others. When Nicholas received his inheritance, his dream of being able to help others in need came true. Shortly after receiving his fortune, he left Myra to attend an all boys private school in the neighboring town of Patara. While at school he heard about a homesick, lonely boy. To cheer him up, Nicholas secretly began carving a wooden animal for the boy to play with. Late one night he crept out of bed and slipped his gift into the little boy’s shoe. In the morning when he awoke, the boy discovered his gift and was so excited that he decided to create an entire Noah’s ark for the younger ones. Nicholas continued secretly giving throughout his entire life making him a very beloved man. He became a role model and parents wanted their children to admire and pattern their lives after caring more about the needs of others. He was willing to sacrifice his own comfort to provide for others, and the only reward he sought was in knowing that he had made another’s life easier. Nicholas gave people what they needed, whereas Santa Claus focuses on the wants of others. As a result the people to whom Nicholas of Myra ministered were deeply grateful, and, in turn, sought to “light a candle” for others in need. Today, our modern

day Santa Claus promotes the idea of “What can I get? Not, “What can I give?” The use of boughs, including holly and mistletoe as decoration during winter celebrations is an ancient idea. In the Middle East, trees were traditionally cut down, brought into the home, and decorated, just as Christmas trees are today. Evergreens were a natural symbol of hope and the promise of renewed life in the spring during a time when most plants are barren in European climates. Today, the Christmas tree is the most famous and widely used legacy of this tradition which predates Christianity. In Germany the first Christmas trees were decorated with edible things, such as gingerbread and gold covered apples, candy canes, and chocolate. Then glass makers made special ornaments similar to some of the decorations used today. At first, a figure of the Baby Jesus was put on the top of the tree. Over time it changed to an angel/fairy that told the shepherds about Jesus, or a star like the Wise men saw. Christmas trees became very popular in 1841, when Queen Victoria’s German husband had a Christmas tree set up in Windsor Castle decorated with candles to the represent the stars. Long ago people believed that they could use bells to frighten away evil spirits. Bells were a simple form of noisemaking. They could easily be obtained or made, and everyone knew how to use them. Many people thought that as winter began, evil spirits would come to harm them. So during the dark days after the harvest or the hunt, people would engage in ceremonies to keep the bad things from happening to them while they waited for the onset of spring and warmer days. The tradition of using noisemakers like bells during these times carried over into the celebration of Christmas. But instead of making noise to keep away evil things, people made noise to celebrate something happy. The tradition of eating turkey came into being because they were fresh, affordable and large enough to feed a crowd; they could be slaughtered without a huge economic sacrifice. Cows were more useful alive than dead, and commercial beef was not available until the late 11th century. Chicken was more highly regarded than it is today, but rooster meat was tough, and hens were valuable as long as they laid eggs. Venison would have been another option, especially during the 17th and 18th centuries, though it would have required you to hunt for your thanksgiving meal. There was plenty of ham or brined pork around, but it was not considered for special occasions. Eating turkey was also in keeping with British holiday customs that had been imported to the New World. Traditional Carols have a strong tune and consist of a verse and/or chorus for group singing. They are often based in medieval chord patterns, and it is this that gives them their unique characteristic musical sound. The first print of “God Rest You Merry Gentlemen, The First Noel, The Angel Did Say, I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In, and Hark The Herald Angels Sing” was in “Christmas Carols ancient and modern. By (1833) William B. Sandy’s and composers like Arthur Sullivan helped to re-popularize the carol, and it is this period that gave rise to such favorites as “Good King Wenceslas” and “It Came Upon The Midnight Clear” This is the toughest question: why do we need to leave Santa Clause cookies and milk when he comes down the chimney at our house? This is because he has to work very hard on Christmas Eve, and if we leave milk and cookies we will get more presents silly!!!!!!

Once again it is the season for giving gifts. In the atmosphere of secrecy, love and thoughtfulness combine to plan surprises of delight. The home is aglow with the fervent expectancy of something desired – something needed is carefully selected, wrapped and hidden away until the day arrives. In it all, however, there is a fresh reminder of God’s eternal plan of love to meet the dire need of man’s soul and provide THE BEST GIFT to completely satisfy and delight his heart. This is the gift of unspeakable worth. This is God’s gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23).

“Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; But made himself no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2: 5-8).

Nearly two thousand years ago in an obscure village, a child was born of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village where He worked as a carpenter until he was thirty. Then for three years He became an itinerant preacher. Jesus never went to college or seminary. He never wrote a book. He never held a public office. He never had a family nor owned a home. He never put His foot inside a big city nor traveled even 200 miles from his birthplace. And though He never did any of the things that usually accompany greatness, throngs of people followed Him. He had no credentials but Himself.

While he was still young, the tide of public opinion turned against Him. His followers ran away. He was turned over to his enemies and went through a mockery of a trial. He was sentenced to death on a cross between two thieves. While He was dying, His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth – the simple coat He had worn. His body was laid in a borrowed grave provided by a compassionate friend. But three days later this man rose from the dead – living proof that He was, as He had claimed, the Savior whom God had sent, the Incarnate of God.

Twenty centuries have come and gone and today the risen Lord Jesus Christ is the central figure of the human race. On our calendars His birth divides history in two eras. One day of every week is set aside in remembrance of Him. And our two most important holidays, celebrate His birth and resurrection. On church steeples around the world His cross has become the symbol of victory over sin and death.

A gift offered to you does not become yours until you receive it. So it is with salvation. Faith is the empty hand that reaches out to receive God’s gift of life. It is the personal appropriation of His offer. It is believing in your heart that Christ’s suffering and death were for our sins; that His resurrection from among the dead was for your justification.

Millions have already received this Gift and have been made to be eternally grateful for the blessing it has brought them. Men have been gifted eternal life as a possession, because they have taken the Savior by faith. The forgiveness of sins, peace with God, and much more are all wrapped up in this invaluable gift of God’s beloved Son.

This one Man’s life has furnished the theme for more songs, books, poems and paintings than any other person or event in history. Thousands of colleges, hospitals, orphanages and other institutions have been founded in honor of this One who gave His life for us.

All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the governments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned have not changed the course of history as much as this ONE SOLITARY LIFE. Over the centuries millions have found a new life of forgiveness from sin and peace with

God through faith in Jesus Christ.

The reason we celebrate His life on this monumentul day is because through Him our eyes are opened to the truth. It is this truth which sets us free, and it is His forgiveness and love which helps us move forward. As we celebrate, let’s try to remember the

sacrifices that Christ made for our lives.

Jesus Christ IncarnateThe Reason for the Season

Karola GuayClinical Pastoral CounselorKarola GuayClinical Pastoral Counselor

For more than 6,000 years, the nomadic tribes who roamed the Northern Plains gathered on this site of natural beauty where today visitors can relive stories of a people who came here to hunt bison, gather food and herbs, and escape the winter winds. Walking in their footsteps, you will understand why this site was a place of worship and celebration, of renewal with the natural world, and of a deep spirituality.

Wanuskewin Heritage Park sits on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River overlooking the valley where the Opimihaw Creek flows into the River just minutes northeast of Saskatoon. Undergoing major renovations, the facility will slowly open highlighting the beautiful

interpretive walking trails, new interpretive programs, meeting rooms, and the new restaurant. The restaurant will provide meal

options for any size appetite and highlight the traditional types of foods of the First Nations’ ancestors such as bison, venison and rabbit. The Wanuskewin Heritage Park Gallery highlights aboriginal artists showcasing their work. Anything from paintings, sculptors, beaded work, or anything in between can be seen in the gallery.

The Park’s biggest asset is the land surrounding the building maintained as original native habitat. Four elaborate interpretive walking tails totaling six kilometers have been maintained to highlight the various aspects of the First Nation’s heritage from the archeological site and buffalo rubbing stone to the medicine wheel and traditional dance. These trails are open year round with visitors having access to snow shoes during the winter.

Interpretive programs focus on educating visitors on certain aspects of traditional life and focus on the understanding of the significance of the dances, regalia, colors and design. Visitors can learn the significance of a tipi, learn about traditional crafts and games, and experience the serenity and power of the First Nation’s ancestral roots.

Wanuskewin Heritage Park embraces the sacred, cultural and spiritual values of the First Nations people and is where visitors can seek peace of mind; enjoy a place of natural beauty; a place of learning and understanding; and a place where living is harmonious with nature.

Wanuskewin Heritage Park is open seven days per week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Admission is charged. Group tours can be arranged by calling 306-931-6767 or visiting www.wanuskewin.com

Community Speaks Volume 1 Issue 6 www.communityspeaks.ca

BUSINESS CHAMPIONS

What gifts did the three wise men bring?

Rashneet (Age 6) “The wise men brought coconut oil which was made of coconut, some sweets and some gold.”

Jay (Age 5) “The three wise men brought Jesus presents of gold, frankincense, smurr (sic) and silver. But I think he would have preferred wrestling toys.”

Dominic (Age 6), Merchant Taylors: “I don’t know what the three wise men brought Jesus but I would have given him a tin of biscuits. I think Mary, Joseph and Jesus would have all liked a biscuit.”

Rebecca (Age 5) “They brought Jesus gold and myrrh but I would have brought him a nice warm blanket.”

William (Age 7) “I don’t know what presents the wise men brought Jesus but a Lego set would have been better.”

Ellie (Age 5) “The three wise men brought Jesus gold, frankin-cense and myrrh - no real presents. I feel sorry for him.”

Ellie (Age 6), “When he was born three kings brought him gold, coins and a sheep.”

What animals were there when baby Jesus was born?

Matthew (Age 6), “There were sheep, horses and a crocodile outside the stable.”

Ruby (Age 6), “At his birth there were oxens, a donkey, three camels, three birds - all white - and three cats, all black.”

Hannah (Age 7), Merchant Taylors: “There was a donkey, a sheep and cow there as well as Mary and Joseph. It sounds quite crowded.”

Who is Jesus? Jay (Age 5), “Jesus was a king and he wore a crown even

though he was a baby. It was a really small crown.” Antonia (Age 7), “Jesus is Mary and God’s little boy.” Molly (Age 6), “Jesus was a newborn king - but there were a

lot of newborn kings so he wasn’t the only one.” Zoe (Age 6), “Jesus is really old and his birthday was on

Christmas 2007 years ago.”

Why do we celebrateChristmas?

Ellyshia (Age 9), “I am not really a Chris-tian. I believe in unicorns and pixies.”

Ben (Age 7), “We celebrate Christmas because Santa comes and gives us lots and lots of presents.”

Where was Jesus born? Charlotte (Age 6), “A long way away from Liverpool.” Alexie (Age 5), “Baby Jesus was born in a stable made out of

hay with string around it.” Charlie (Age 4), “He was born in a stable a long way away

from here in another country. Bethlehem - it’s in England.” Erin (Age 6), Broomhill Infants: “Jesus was born in the stable

- it had lots of hairs.” Ellyshia (Age 9), “Jesus was born in a barn, a shed or barn

anyway. Or it might have been a stable, one of the three.”

What did the wise men follow to find the stable where Jesuswas born?

Hannah (Age 7), “They followed a special Christmas star, which is only out around Christmas.”

Erin (Age 6), “They followed a star. It was really bright like the sun, even at night.”

Who are his parents? Charlie (Age 4), “Jesus’s mummy and daddy are called Jovis

and Mary.” Ansel (Age 6), Broad Oak: ‘Jesus’s parents were Gods.’ Archie (Age 7), “His parents were Mary and Joseph. That’s

easy because I was Joseph in the play.” Antonia (Age 7), “Jesus’s mum and dad are Mary and Joseph

and they were very happy with the king’s gifts.”

Who was the Angel Gabriel? Erin (Age 6), “The Angel Gabriel is a big white fairy. He helped

Mary and Joseph look after the baby - kind of like a doctor.” Millie (Age 7), “I don’t know who the angel is but I like

Jesus.” Katherine (Age 9), “Gabriel was this herald angel. He was a boy

but he’s played by a girl in Christmas plays.”

What Children Say.........

I Too Had My Moments In The SunI zip myself into the dirty sleeping bag which I keep dry by sliding a piece of cardboard

beneath it. It’s day-time so I’m not in my cardboard house, my permanent residence. I don’t have an address per se; I don’t even own this piece of sidewalk that I have claimed. My home sits flush against a brick wall of a laundry mat.

Today is a good day. The sun is shining, the skies are blue, and the sub zero temperatures don’t even penetrate through my sleeping bag, my shield from the elements. Instead the rays caress me with their warmth.

I push a brightly painted container out a bit from where I am, but keep it close enough so it is within arms reach. Even though there’s no sign to indicate what the purpose of the tin is for, it is a universally accepted symbol that everyone understands but far too many choose to ignore.

I close my eyes feigning sleep and twice I hear the musical clink of coins dancing in the tin. I wait awhile longer but my tin can is silent, the music gone, at least for today. I’m so warm in my sleeping bag that I am reluctant to expose my arm to the elements, nevertheless I unzip the sleeping bag just far enough to snatch the tin can and bring it into the warn cocoon of my bed. I take out the two coins and slowly turn them between thumb and forefinger. Inside my sleeping bag it is too dark and I don’t know for sure what the denominations are but the size and weight would suggest a loonie, or if I’m really lucky a toonie or two.

If this is the case, I might be able to buy a coffee and a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups chocolate bar, my favourite and the change from that I’ll add it to my kitty. I’ve been hoarding change, saving up for a pack of smokes. The price for a deck of 20 is ridiculous. I don’t really remember the last time I actually smoked but the deep craving haunts me and I guess my coffee, chocolate bar and smokes are my one and only purpose in life. It’s a narrow goal; an achievement that I’m sure would cause the average person’s eyebrows to rise at my “lofty” aspirations. Little do they know that at one time I had aspirations and dreams I too had moments in the sun, moments before the clutches of mental illness slowly stripped away everything, only satisfied once I was a homeless person. Now the mental disease shares my sleeping bag, my cardboard home, and my very existence.

I climb into my box, close the flap. I’m tired. I think I’ll buy my treats tomorrow. I doze off but the shrieking of the wind blows stinging sheets of snow through the flap of my cardboard home, making the interior damp and cold. I climb out on all fours and stand up intending to turn the box so that the flap will face the wall of the laundry mat. Immediately the stinging sheets of snow pelt my face. I stagger, I fall. I’m lost in white with the wind wailing in my ears. I hear something. I look up into the curtain of snow; I catch a glimpse of movement, a flurry of colour. A shape appears, and a hand reaches out to me and pulls me to my feet and lifts me up out of the snow and carry’s me to a van that’s parked tight to the curb and places me inside in the warm interior. The dark angel follows and sits close beside me.

The panic becomes palpable because I recognize the dark angel for what he is, a social worker. A social worker that has swooped down from the sky. A predator catching its dinner. It’s a familiar scenario and I know the dark angel intends to hide me in a church basement, or a shelter. The dark angel begins the drill and asks me what my name is?

Where I’m from? What meds I take. I tell the dark angel that I can’t stay in a shelter. It’s too noisy. The voices in my head warn me to leave, go back to the streets and reclaim my status of anonymity which I crave as much as a cigarette.

The dark angel’s face closes up while I talk and my words fall on deaf ears. This person I can see is oblivious to the fact that once upon a time I had my moments in the sun too. The van pulls away and manoeuvres through the snow storm. The van stops, doors slide open and I’m escorted into a building, the kind of building that has always frightened me because I know that this might be the time that I’ll only leave once more, with my eyes closed and my body motionless.

I look around me. It’s so antiseptic and sterile. I see right through the pretences at making this look like a home. It is more of a cross between the lobby of a cheap hotel and a hospital emergency room. Despite the attempts to hide the odours of death, vomit and urine, I can smell them. I recognize the smell of bleach and a heavy dose of something that smells like artificial flowers in a can. This place is my worst nightmare come true.

The dark angel transfers me to a woman who takes my arm and escorts me through the maze of halls. She is overly cheerful. I am nauseated. I submit to the shower. To her dressing me in pyjamas. This woman opens a door and I’m surprised to see simply a bed, a chair and a few pictures on the walls. I climb onto the bed and she promises to come back with food for me.

I am warm, clean and very sleepy. I doze off. I hear someone calling to me in a dream. I am still groggy but now I’m sure that someone really is calling me by a name I haven’t heard for a very long time. I open my eyes and find myself looking at a man who is smiling at me. It is the most beautiful smile I have ever seen. The man takes my hand. I don’t try to pull away. The man looks deeply into my eyes and tells me he loves me. That he’s always loved me. He continues speaking in a voice that finds my spirit, caresses it and cradles it, soothing my souls with its deep, familiar baritone. The voice continues on about how beautiful I am and that he has missed my smile.

I can’t understand how this man can look at me like that. I scoff at him and tell him that I am an old homeless woman. I demand he look at my face, take a good look at the roadmap of wrinkles which are a testimony of my journey. He disagrees with me and declares that as we’ve aged so have his eyes and in his eyes he still sees the young girl he met years before, fell in love with and married. His finger traces a path from my hairline to my chin and he remarks how each wrinkle represents a time in my life when he loved me. He gently strokes my hair and comments that the colour is like silver, the colour of angel’s wings and that to him everything about me is still beautiful.

My mind sifts through the muddled thoughts that live there and to my surprise I reply that in his smile I see the young man I had a crush on and that I do remember him and that the strength of character that enabled him to be a good and kind man is still there. I tell him that being here with me today is better than a pack of smokes and a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups chocolate bar. Now we are both smiling and crying at the same time. Tears of sadness for the years we lost and tears of joy for our rediscovered love.

Educational Funding Dispute ...

Consensual Decision Making Process ...

Evolution of Housing on Reserve ...

HST... The Line in the Sand ...

www.originalpeoples.ca

The Original PeoplesThe Original Peoples

Tony LacoursiereHighway #16 / Box 500DELMAS, SASKATCHEWANS0M 0P0

Gordon LacoursierePhone: (306) 445-5562

Fax: (306) 445-9842Email: gklacdelmas@sasktel.net

Elk Velvet, Venison & Breeding Stock

Tony LacoursiereHighway #16 / Box 500Delmas, Sask. CanadaS0M 0P0

A Division of DELMAS GARAGE / MANUFACTURING LTD.SCREW IN EARTH ANCHORS FOR HOME, FARM & COMMERCIAL USE.

Gordon LacoursierePhone: (306) 445-5562

Fax: (306) 445-9842Email: info@evertightanchors.ca

Len Taylor MLAThe BattlefordsConstitutency

1991 100th StreetNorth Battleford, SK

S9A 0X2Phone: 445-5454 Fax: 445-5617

lentaylormla@sasktel.netwebsite - lentaylormal.ca

This is my first writing in a long time. There will be many more in future issues. I would like to start off by thanking Canadian Aboriginal News for the opportunity to build and expand their readership and their advertising base into the great northwest of Saskatchewan.

I am Darrell Pratt and I have had many years of experience in advertising and working with people to help them increase their business. I have been married to Amy for the past 16 years. We live in the beautiful town of Battleford. We are the proud parents of two girls and have five grandchildren. Family means a great deal to us as we are also foster parents and presently have two children aged 13 and 14.

I have travelled to almost every town and city in the northwest and have met a lot of very friendly and wonderful people in each and every place from Cut Knife to Meadow Lake and beyond. With the deadline getting close this will be just a short column.

Before I go I would like to take this time to wish everybody in the Northwest a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year filled with only good things.

Thank you for reading my article and have a great Holiday Season.Please remember Don’t Drink and Drive.Sincerely,Darrell Pratt

Darrell & Amy Pratt

MIGNEAULT GREENWOODBarristers and Solicitors - Sallows Building

1391 - 101st Street, North Battleford, Saskatchewan S9A 2Y8Kevan M. Migneault, B.A., LL.B.

Murray E. Greenwood, B.A., LL.B.Jan I. Zacharias, B.A. LL.B.

Deanne K. Kasokeo, B.A., LL.B.Monti Migneault (Student)

MAIDSTONE OFFICE:Murray E. Greenwood attends at Elliot Insurance Offices

every Thursday afternoon. Telephone: (306) 893-2461

CUT KNIFE OFFICE:Murray E. Greenwood attends every second and fourth Tuesday afternoons at the R.M. of Cut Knife building.

Telephone: (306) 398-2353

29th Street Market221 - 29th Street

Battleford, SKPhone: 937-3377 Fax: 937-3372

Fresh Meat • Produce • Groceries

Dave & ellyse samchinsky

MARY LONGMANNEW WORKOn view until January 10, 2010

Saskatoon-based artist Mary Longman (Aski-Piyesiwiskwew) uses cutting edge lenticular technology to explore history and stereotypes.

The Mendel Art Gallery gratefully acknowledges the support of the City of Saskatoon, the Saskatchewan Arts Board, The Canada Council for the Arts, and Saskatchewan Lotteries. Image above left: James Henderson, Untitled (Plains Indian) (detail), 1924, oil on canvas, Collection of the Mendel Art Gallery. Purchased with the assistance of funds from Price Waterhouse, Chartered Accountants, 1986. Image above right courtesy of Mary Longman.

On view until January 10, 2010Curated by Dan Ring and Dr. Neal McLeod

OPEN DAILY9AM–9PMFREE ADMISSION

950 SPADINA CRESCENT EASTBOX 569, SASKATOON, SKCANADA, S7K 3L6

(306) 975-7610 MENDEL@MENDEL.CAWWW.MENDEL.CA

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CHRISTMASFind and circle all of the Christmas words that are hidden in the grid.

The remaining letters spell a secet message.

Educational Funding DisputeVANCOUVER, Dec. 3 /CNW/ - First Nations are frustrated that, once again, the federal government is dictating how First Nations education should operate without consulting or working cooperatively with First Nations. First Nations have recently uncovered a new federal government report, developed apparently without meaningful consultation, which proposes new mechanisms for delivering the federal government’s Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) funding. The PSSSP is the main source of financial support for First Nations students across Canada who wish to pursue higher education. (The report: The Post-Secondary Student Support Program: An Examination of Alternative Delivery Mechanisms. Alex Usher. Educational Policy Institutes. November, 2009) While we can agree that it is time for an overhaul of the federal government’s archaic post-secondary education policies, any review and reforms must be undertaken in partnership and with detailed consultation with First Nations. Any plan that removes authorities from First Nations is unacceptable. The lack of consultation involved in developing this report is a major concern. Furthermore, more appropriate approaches are outlined in the national First Nations education policy, Indian Control of Indian Education, developed by First Nations and endorsed by the federal government in 1973. That policy calls for local First Nations control of education and for the federal government to fulfill its fiduciary obligations regarding First Nations education.

It is vital that we provide greater support for First Nations post-secondary students. The federal governments own post-secondary report notes that First Nations students are far less likely to enter into post-secondary education than their non-Aboriginal peers. Only 3 percent of registered Indians have a university degree, compared with 18 percent of the entire population. Despite the 29 percent growth in the First Nations population since 1996, the money available for PSSSP has stayed nearly constant over the past fifteen years. Unilateral decisions by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada will not assist in closing the education gaps faced by First Nations learners. First Nations must play a leading and active role in any and all education reforms to properly address these gaps. It is time for the federal government to meet with the First Nations of British Columbia to discuss how to achieve meaningful post-secondary education reforms based on the real needs of First Nations and First Nations learners. The First Nations Education Steering Committee (www.fnesc.ca) is an independent society committed to improving education for all First Nations learners in BC. It is directed by representatives of First Nations communities. The First Nations Summit speaks on behalf of First Nations involved in treaty negotiations in British Columbia. Further background information on the Summit may be found at www.fns.bc.ca

MNN. Oct. 31, 2009. The meetings in Kahnawake to set up a justice system are supposedly based on the decision making process of the Rotinoshonni:onwe. [Wampums 5 to 11, Kaianerehko:wa]. Our ancestors brought rational thinking to a principle. To keep our identity, we have to be free in body, mind and energy. We have to make up our own mind based on all the facts. There are many similarities in the nature based philosophies of all Ongwehonwe on Onowaregeh (Great Turtle Island) and beyond. These are the basic principles of our decision making process.

GOAL. The decision must be in the best interests of all the people. Consensus does not mean that all agree but that all understand the decision.

NOTE. Whatever ideas are put into the process, the needs and attitudes of each is considered and complements the decision. The individual has a duty to be directly involved, and to bring their ideas into the discussion within their clan. The final decision will be fully satisfactory to some, satisfactory to others and relatively satisfactory to the remainder, and will reflect elements from each group. This is a slow careful process requiring the reaching of a full understanding by each individual and not a decision made by a leader.

WAR CHIEF. Presides over the meeting to make sure that collective rational thought and behavior are followed.

CLANS. The people are divided into three clans: Bear, Wolf and Turtle. Each have 3 chiefs for a total of 9.

ASSISTANT WAR CHIEF. Each clan selects a temporary spokesperson called an Assistant War Chief.

WELL-KEEPER announces the subject for discussion and passes the issue over the Council Fire.

The three clans deliberate. Then the Assistant

War Chief either reports or asks questions or reports a final decision. If the Clans disagree or there is an error or the proceedings are irregular, the Assistant War Chief calls attention to it on behalf of his clan. They once again deliberate.

The issue is then passed by all three clans. THREE CRITERIA.When an issue is discussed, the clans consider

the short term and long term pros and cons of the issue. Three criteria must be met:

1. PEACE. Does it preserve the peace that is already established?

2. RIGHTEOUSNESS. Is it morally correct? And3. POWER. Does it preserve the integrity of the

nation? What does it do for the present and how does it affect the future seven generations from now?

DURING DELIBERATIONS.Each must follow the criteria of peace,

righteousness and power at all times. Persons are asked throughout the process if they fully understand. If not, the process stops until this is accomplished. One cannot simply be stubborn and refuse to understand as they will be questioned.

Every Person has a responsibility to expand and exercise their minds. The forces of life have given the human being the potential to use the mind to create a better life through peace, power and righteousness.

In the decision-making process:-all opinions have to be considered;-all must be completely reasonable;-all should come with an open mind;-all must fully understand the other’s viewpoint;-each participant cannot repeat a position once

it has been fully explained and understood;

-if a person does not agree with the views that have been stated, they must fully explain their dissenting views;

-no one can impose their will nor make decisions for another;

-all must understand the viewpoint and agree of their own free will; and

-if there is no consensus, the consensus is to retain the status quo.

The Chiefs and the War Chief who preside over the meeting make sure that the Kaianerehkowa and collective rational thought and behavior are followed.

All human beings are capable of rational thought, which leads to solving even the most difficult problem. The underlying philosophy is that human beings are loving, caring and wish to interact in a positive way. People cannot think clearly when they are in psychological plain, or have feelings of rage or lose hope. The process must bring us from despair to hope. We have to resist being manipulated or having decisions made for us or pacifying us. We all have a responsibility to develop our minds. To think is to create a sane world for the present and future generations, a world safe from the emotional, irrational behavior controlled by fear, hatred, greed, jealousy, suspicion and conflict. The main obstacle to our survival is fear.

We are a distinct nation with our own law, government, people and territory. We have to always assert this.

Kahentinetha MNN Mohawk Nation News, www.mohawknationnews.com kahentinetha2@yahoo.com

Consensual Decision Making Process

The Original PeoplesThe Original Peoples

Housing is a crucial issue within First Nations com-munities. Housing shortages, overcrowding, and quality of housing are hot topics within First Nations. For most First Nations band based capital has not increased in approximately twenty years and the populations are increasing while Urban First Nations members would like to move to their home communities.

Housing programs through INAC and CMHC cannot suffice the demand of First Nations housing. This past year, the Government of Canada announced the $400 million dollar Canadian Economic Action Plan (CEAP) which was intended to boost the Canadian economy. Some of this money was allocated to INAC to distribute with CMHC on board to assist in providing housing for First Nations.

Saskatchewan received approximately 15% of the CEAP funding for First Nations housing, however most First Nations could not either meet the tight deadlines in place, acquire ministerial loan guarantees, or the equity to build homes. Some First Nations that met the deadlines were told that their First Nation was not a priority in consideration of other First Nations appli-cants. This process put First Nations in Saskatchewan in a competition to acquire much needed units for their Nations. Further First Nations were not given the criteria at which units were awarded.

The end result for most First Nations in Saskatchewan remains pretty much in the same spot prior to the CEAP allocations.

Poundmaker Cree Nation, west of the Battlefords, boasts a population of approximately fifteen hundred members, where seven hundred of them live on reserve. Urban members want to move home, there are not enough units, health and safety issues are prevalent in some homes, and occupant abuse of units causes economic hardship for the housing department to maintain.

Uniquely, the Poundmaker Housing Committee (PHC) was formed in the spring of 2009 to assess the housing issues and work towards developing a commu-nity based housing policy. The PHC works voluntarily and have attained capacity development funding from INAC to pursue sustainable housing measures for their

community. This process is now underway; a commu-nity consultation was spearheaded by the Poundmaker Housing Department and Housing Committee this past fall. With the assistance of Turtle Island Associates, Inc. the findings from the community, support a hous-ing policy and strategy for sustainable, affordable, and attainable housing options on reserve.

The Poundmaker Housing department intends on canvassing a draft housing policy to its members through four more community meetings in the New Year through the spring until a community based policy can democratically proceed. The housing policy is based on fairness of applications, occupant responsibilities, Poundmaker housing responsibilities, maintenance, and home ownership options.

It is imperative that housing departments formulate meaningful and enforceable housing policies on reserve

for its members. There are millions of dollars in assets to be maintained and First Nations have to recognize this, to move forward towards providing options for housing to its members.

There are many First Nations across the Country attaining sustainable and affordable housing options through the development of responsible and fair hous-ing policies. Locally, the Lac La Ronge Indian Band has taken advantage of leasing lots and providing home ownership to its members. The Whitecap First Nation also has an innovative housing strategy for its mem-bers and provides home ownership options. Housing on reserve needs to evolve from the norm in order to provide options for all members of their respective Nations.

Evolution of Housing on Reserve

CMHC Sec 35 house in Poundmaker (Courtesy Poundmaker Housing Department)

The Original PeoplesThe Original Peoples

Anishinabek Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee predicts that First

Nations will draw a “line in the sand” over the proposed Harmonized Sales Tax that will add 13 cents on the cost of most purchases. “We should have drawn the line when they started to take our land,” the Anishinabek Nation leader told an anti-HST rally of about 400 First Nations citizens on the steps of the Ontario Legislature at Queen’s Park. “We should have drawn the line when they started to take our children to residential schools. “So we’re going to draw it now. We have defended this country as allies of the Crown; we are not subjects of the Crown. Our citizens do not have to pay taxes to any other nations.” Madahbee and other First Nations leaders joined New Democratic Party leader Andrea Horwath in condemning the federal government’s plans to harmonize the provincial retail sales tax and the goods and services tax in Ontario and British Columbia. NDP members were the only MPs to vote against enabling legislation that passed in the House of Commons Thursday afternoon. At about the same time, the rally participants learned of the bill passage

in Ottawa, they were told that citizens of Garden River and Batchewana First Nations had erected three blockades on the Trans-Canada Highway near Sault Ste. Marie and that transport trucks were backed up for miles. “This issue has galvanized First Nations people across this province,” said Madahbee noting that it would on the agenda of a special Assembly of First Nations meeting in Ottawa next week. “If our aboriginal and treaty rights continue to be ignored, the other governments could have 130 fires to put out.” The rally was scheduled on the final day of a three-day special assembly of the Chiefs in Ontario attended by representatives of 134 First Nations in the province. The Anishinabek Nation incorporated the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 41 member communities across Ontario, representing approximately 55,000 people. The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.

HST the ‘line in the sand’; Madahbee

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for North Battleford.Please call 306-937-7462

The Original PeoplesThe Original Peoples