The Health & Wellness Issue - Danielle Murray - Métis Nation of Alberta
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(Oh-t-paym’-soo-wuk) — The people who own themselves Issue 1 / 2019
The Health & Wellness Issue
Danielle Soccer
Murray Success
Yoga instructor Two Métis
and Métis health women excel on
advocate on international
sharing positivity stage
Focus on Métis
Health Doula
Highlighting the Noreen Utri
MNA's health passes along
care services and her maternal
programs wisdom
T H E O F F I C I A L V O I C E O F T H E M É T I S N AT I O N O F A L B E R TA
MÉTIS NATION OF ALBERTA
Youth & Seniors
Gathering
JAN 18-20, 2019
Delta Edmonton South
ion s •••
rat
e n e
g G
••• Unitin
Story-telling sessions
Cultural workshops including
Métis beading, jigging, Michif,
traditional medicine, & more
Banquet & dance with music by
Rockin’ Fiddle (for registrants only)
FRIDAY, JAN 18 SATURDAY, JAN 19 SUNDAY, JAN 20
6 – 10 pm: Meet & Greet 8:30 am – 4 pm: Main Event 8:30 am – 12 pm: Main Event
6 – 10 pm: Banquet, Continues
Entertainment, & Dance
MNA citizens experiencing travel & accommodation barriers, contact youth@metis.org
Space is limited. Register now by emailing youth@metis.org or contact
the Youth Team at the MNA head office, 780-455-2200 Ext. 249.
@ABMetisyouth #UnitingOurGenerations albertametis.com
2 OTIPEMISIWAK / ISSUE 1 / 2019 THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE MÉTIS NATION OF ALBERTA
CONTENTS
Published by:
The Métis Nation of Alberta
Co-Editors:
Olivia Bako, Amy Dillon,
Rolando Inzunza ISSUE 1 / 2019
Contributors:
Olivia Condon, Kelly Johnston,
Leanne Miller 5 Event Recaps
HEADSTRONG summit,
Graphic Design:
Métis Week celebrations,
Adam Still
Provincial Council inauguration;
John McDonald retirement
Photography:
Olivia Bako, Patrick Bako, Jenn Clara,
Amy Dillon, Hannah Hamilton, 10Christmas Celebrations
Johathan Harline, Des Iles, A photo collage from the MNA's
Anthie Michailides, Leanne Miller, Christmas festivities
Adam Still
Contact Information:
12 Health Initiatives
Métis Health Services &
Métis Nation of Alberta
Programs
12
Provincial Office
#100-11738 Kingsway NW
Edmonton, AB, T5G 0X5
1490 Years of Métis Nationhood
A visual timeline documenting
Phone: 780-455-2200
key events in MNA's history
Toll-Free: 1-800-252-7553
albertametis.com
16Cover Story
Danielle Murray comes full
@ABMetis
circle with her health and
wellness
@Albertametis
@Albertametis 20 Métis Soccer Stars
Two Métis women excel both
on and off the soccer pitch
22
22 Citizen Profile
Meet Noreen Utri, a Métis doula,
and an advocate for natural and
empowered childbirth
24 MétisWorks
Contractor Database
Have a job that needs to be
done? Try one of these Métis-
owned businesses today!
26 Recipe
Warm up with this recipe for
On the Cover: Métis health old-time baked beans
advocate, Danielle Murray, with
her children Isabella and Molly.
Photo by Des Iles Photography.
ALBERTAMETIS.COM OTIPEMISIWAK / ISSUE 1 / 2019 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
A Healthy Start to
the New Year
Flip to page 22 to read about dedicated
doula Noreen Utri. Noreen is an empowered
childbirth advocate and helps her clients with
everything from pregnancy health, birth plans,
and breastfeeding techniques.
We also had the pleasure of speaking with
young soccer stars Mariah Kyllo and Bailey
Richarde. On page 20 you’ll learn how the
pair proudly represented Alberta and Western
Canada in Greenland’s 2016 Arctic Winter
Games and Toronto’s 2017 North American
Indigenous Games; bringing home silver and
fourth place, respectively.
In this issue you’ll also find: a winter recipe;
H
photo galleries of Métis Week and the MNA
appy New Year and thank you for community Christmas party; event recaps
picking up our first Otipemisiwak issue including the Provincial Council inauguration
of 2019. With the new year upon us, and John McDonald’s retirement; and much
I am inspired and energized to keep pushing more.
our Nation forward. One of the many ways we Please read on and enjoy these stories of
continue this advancement is through a num- Métis dedication, passion, and perseverance.
ber of health, wellness, and youth initiatives. If you’d like to submit artwork, poetry,
To highlight this important work, we have recipes, or stories to be featured in future
dedicated this issue to the health of our Métis issues of Otipemisiwak, flip to the back cover
Nation of Alberta (MNA). to learn how.
From mental health supports and services
to opioids addictions programs and Naloxone Best wishes,
training, our drive to improve the wellbeing of
MNA citizens is unwavering. Flip to page 12 to Audrey Poitras
read more about our current projects. President,
We also went into the community to learn Métis Nation of Alberta
about the health and wellness efforts of a few
gifted MNA citizens. On page 16 you’ll find
the story of Danielle Murray; a yoga instructor
and corporate wellness specialist who battled
mental health challenges before embarking on
her current path.
4 OTIPEMISIWAK / ISSUE 1 / 2019 THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE MÉTIS NATION OF ALBERTA
EVENT RECAPS
BY OL I VI A BAKO + A M Y D I L LO N + L EA N N E MIL L ER
HEADSTRONG
ON OCTOBER 13, 2018
the Métis Nation of
Alberta (MNA) hosted
Anti-stigma
Region Six President,
the first ever Métis Carol Ridsdale, speaking to
specific HEADSTRONG youth at the HEADSTRONG Summit.
Mental Health Summit in Partnership
with the Mental Health
Summit
Commission of Canada (MHCC) and the present to support the youth and share
Canadian Mental Health Association her story about her connection to the
(CMHA) at Delta Edmonton South Métis community. The youth took part in
Conference Centre. HEADSTRONG is a cultural activities such as jigging lessons
PHOTOS COURTESY HEADSTRONG - MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION OF CANADA
one-day anti-stigma summit developed and a beading workshop. This summit
by the MHCC to empower youth to brought together 50+ Métis youth lead-
be brave, and speak-up about mental ers from all six MNA regions to develop a
health in their communities. The summit plan to change the way their community
had four Métis youth speakers who all associates stigma with mental health.
bravely shared their stories about living The youth in attendance left with the
with mental health challenges. Listening knowledge to speak-up against stigma
to the stories of Brittany Johnson, in their community, reach out to other
Aura Leddy, Jessica Mayhew, and Luc youth in need, and a stronger connec-
Gauchier helped youth address the tion to their Métis culture.
common issues of stigma surrounding For more information about Metis
mental health. Stigma is a common specific health care services and programs,
factor preventing individuals from turn to page 12.
seeking help. Elder Doreen Bergum was
ALBERTAMETIS.COM OTIPEMISIWAK / ISSUE 1 / 2019 5
EVENT RECAPS Métis Week 2018 EACH NOVEMBER, the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) Provincial Head Office celebrates Métis Week to commemorate the outstanding contributions of Métis people to Canada. Provincial Head Office hosted several events November 12-17, including a proclamation ceremony at Edmonton City Hall, the Louis Riel Commemorative Walk, Family Day, and many more. Every year, Métis Week centers around November 16th; the day the Right Honourable Louis Riel was hanged. On this day we gather at the Alberta Legislature building to honour Riel's sacrifice and carry on his vision of a strong Métis Nation. 6 OTIPEMISIWAK / ISSUE 1 / 2019
2018 Youth
Art Contest
Winners
EVERY YEAR, during Métis Week, the MNA
holds a youth art contest. Over one-
hundred young artists from across the
province submitted their representations
of Métis culture. The winner of each age
group will have their artwork recreated as
a lapel pin for Métis Week 2019.
Jayla Bezuidenhout, age 7
Austan Najmi-Beauchamp, age 13
Aiden Alexson, age 8
OTIPEMISIWAK / ISSUE 1 / 2019 7
EVENT RECAPS
New MNA Provincial Council
Sworn-in at Packed Ceremony
THE NEWLY ELECTED Métis Nation of PHOTO:
The newly elected members are as follows: (Back L-R) Dr. Tracy Friedel,
Alberta (MNA) Provincial Council (PC) were
Provincial President – Audrey Poitras Lawrence Gervais, James Cardinal,
officially sworn-in Saturday, October 20,
Conrad DeLeeuw, Gary Gagnon,
2018. Provincial Council were amongst Provincial Vice President – Daniel Cardinal
Jason Ekeberg, Duane Zaraska,
family, friends, and community at the River Carol Ridsdale, Elmer Gullion.
Region One President – James Cardinal
Cree Casino in Edmonton. (Front L-R) Audrey Poitras,
Region One Vice President – Jason Ekeberg
One by one, each council member was Hilda Lambert, Andrea Sandmaier,
called to the stage to read and sign their Region Two President – Duane Zaraska Judy Gentes, Daniel Cardinal.
solemn oath to the Nation and its citizens. Region Two Vice President – Andrea Sandmaier
Some were joined by family members and
Region Three President – Lawrence Gervais
mentors who shared histories of dedica-
Region Three Vice President – Judy Gentes
tion, pride, and continued determination to
make a difference. Region Four President – Dr. Tracy Friedel
The packed ceremony came just a day Region Four Vice President – Gary Gagnon
after their first PC sitting on October 19,
Region Five President – Elmer Gullion
2018 at the MNA Provincial Head Office.
Region Five Vice President – Hilda Lambert
The 14 Provincial Council members hit the
ground running with many initiatives in Region Six President – Carol Ridsdale
each region during Métis Week (November Region Six Vice President – Conrad DeLeeuw
12-17, 2018).
8 OTIPEMISIWAK / ISSUE 1 / 2019 THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE MÉTIS NATION OF ALBERTA
Honouring
the Career of
John McDonald
AFTER DEDICATING NEARLY 70 YEARS to years, he travelled the world to serve his
his country and community, John Kenneth country, taking on many roles including
McDonald celebrated his retirement Gunner, Corporal, Sergeant Major, and
with the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Chief Warrant Officer.
Aboriginal Veterans Society of Alberta on In the 1980s he settled in Edmonton,
Oct. 19, 2018 at the River Cree Casino. and for the next 17 years worked for
John has been an outstanding role the City of Edmonton as a Maintenance
model for Indigenous youth and a bright Engineering Analyst. In 1989, he retired
example of what tireless dedication can from the Canadian Armed Forces Militia
achieve. He and his partner, Myrtle, leave and nine years later retired from the City of
behind a decade-long legacy at the Bold Edmonton.
PHOTOS: (From Top) Métis Child & Family Services
Eagle program, a summer military/employ- It wasn’t until age 57 that he discov- Jiggers; Member of the Aboriginal Veterans Society;
ment program for Indigenous youth. John ered is family connection to a long line John being presented with a gift; John McDonald
also served as President of the Korea of Hudson’s Bay Company explorers and with MNA President Audrey Poitras.
Veterans Association Unit 21. traders, and their Swampy Cree wives.
Born in 1933 in Neepawa, Manitoba, From that time onwards, John has
John began his illustrious career with the dedicated himself to his community.
Canadian Army in 1950. For almost 40 The community in turn has honored the
well-decorated veteran with
the Aboriginal Role Model of
Alberta for Indigenous Youth
award, The Queen’s Silver
Jubilee Medal, The Canadian
Peacekeeping Service Medal,
The Canadian Special Service
Medal, and The Korea
“Ambassador Peace” Medal, to
name just a few.
The MNA was honoured
to be among friends, family,
and colleagues to toast John’s
retirement from the Aboriginal
Veterans Society of Alberta.
Many in attendance stood to
speak of John’s strong charac-
ter, passion, and dedication.
The MNA thanks John for his
service and contribution to our
community and wishes him
the best in his retirement.
John McDonald
ALBERTAMETIS.COM OTIPEMISIWAK / ISSUE 1 / 2019 9
EVENT RECAPS 10 OTIPEMISIWAK / ISSUE 1 / 2019 THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE MÉTIS NATION OF ALBERTA
Christmas
Celebrations
ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, we
gathered at the Radisson Hotel, in
Edmonton, to celebrate the holidays
at the Métis Nation of Alberta
Christmas Party. The afternoon
was all about kids and families with
fun cultural activities and a visit
from Santa. The evening brought a
delicious dinner followed by a dance
with entertainment from Nicely Put
Together Band.
ALBERTAMETIS.COM OTIPEMISIWAK / ISSUE 1 / 2019 11HEALTH INITIATIVES
Metis Health
Services and
Programs
T he Métis Nation of Métis Capital Housing Corporation’s Past studies have found a growing
Renaissance Tower for Métis citizens number of Métis Albertans are living
Alberta (MNA) has travelling to Edmonton for medically- with chronic diseases, especially
several initiatives necessary appointments or treatments. diabetes and heart disease. This project
underway to understand Five families and a total of 14 people will explore the number of Métis with
have stayed in the suites, including a chronic disease, their types of medi-
the health needs of Métis senior and her daughter, a mother and cations and treatment, and common
Albertans and improve her three children, a husband and wife, complications of those diseases. The
access to health care services and a senior with her two daughters health report will be available in the
and grandson. coming months.
and programs, specific to “I am so grateful to the Métis Nation
Métis communities. Read on of Alberta for assisting with medical Maternal &
to find out more about each lodgings for my child to attend an
appointment with the Neurologist in Perinatal Health
initiative. Edmonton,” says a Region 6 citizen In partnership with the University of
who stayed in a suite. “Our family has Alberta’s Department of Obstetrics
had to deal with a variety of medical and Gynecology, the MNA is leading
Medically Necessary and financial difficulties in the past a project to better understand the
Accommodations couple of years and it has been truly experiences of Métis women during
In June 2018, the MNA furnished a a blessing to receive this help. We did pregnancy and childbirth.
one-bedroom suite and a barrier-free not expect to stay in such a beautiful There is little information available
two-bedroom place; that alleviated a lot of the stress on the strengths, challenges,
suite in we were dealing with facing our med- and needs of Métis mothers and
the ical concerns. I know that this service newborns. This study will help the
is a great assistance for our Métis MNA implement Métis-specific
people, I was not sure if I could take health programs and services and
my child to their appointment without document important practices
this help.” related to pregnancy and childbirth.
To learn more about these accom- The MNA will be organizing
modations and the applications regional consultations and is
process, visit albertametis.com/ looking for Métis women to share
ILLUSTRATION CREATED BY RAWPIXEL AT FREEPIK.COM
medical-accommodations their experiences. Specifically,
this study aims to understand the
Chronic Disease perspectives of Métis women related
to the influences of colonialism,
Together with the University of Alberta
intergenerational trauma, resilience,
School of Public Health and the
cultural healing, and traditions on
Analytics and Performance Reporting
pregnancy and childbirth.
Branch of Alberta Health, the MNA
is part of an ongoing project to study
diabetes and heart disease in Métis
Albertans.
12 OTIPEMISIWAK / ISSUE 1 / 2019 THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE MÉTIS NATION OF ALBERTAAddictions options, holistic healing, the road to
recovery, managing palliative care,
In June 2018, the MNA hosted a
Community Health Night on Fetal
(Alberta Treatment resources and supports, and individual Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Standards Project) wellness plans.
At the focus group, participants said
The evening provided educational
information about the cause and
Through online surveys and face-to- they found comfort in researching prevention of FASD, the experiences of
face gatherings at the MNA’s Health symptoms, treatment people with FASD, and support for their
Forum on Nov. 3, the MNA and its options, and caregivers.
health care partners are working survivorship Participants at the session
together to create a minimum standard rates of said they learned how to
of care for patient safety, quality of their work and communicate
care, and supports and services for with people who
addictions. have FASD and find
The feedback gained will be used to support pro-
advocate for safer and more appropri- grams. Others
ate health care regulations of addictions said they felt
treatment and ensure a strong Métis the Community
voice is represented. Health Night
was non-judge-
Harm Reduction mental
(Opioids) towards moth-
ers of children
MNA staff have been travelling and adults with
across the province to offer FASD.
free naloxone training The presenta-
and distribution of a tion is available to
lifesaving medicine that view on the Métis of
can reverse opioid Alberta Facebook Page.
overdose. In October, a second
Since June 2018, we Community Health Night
have trained 422 peo- was held with a focus on maternal
ple, many of whom health and family planning. Métis
specific
had personal expe- doctor Cassandra Felse-Durksen, a
diagnoses.
riences with opioids. specialist in women’s health at the
The group
Some shared stories of Indigenous Wellness Clinic presented
also talked about
losing a loved one, or how at the MNA head office in Edmonton.
humour and a
their teens or their teen’s Attendees had the opportunity to learn
large support system
friends use opioids, while others about reproductive health, sexual
helping through tough
expressed shame to admit they carried health, and reproductive life planning
situations. Others shared how doctors
a naloxone kit. among other topics.
often ignored their symptoms, forcing
Opioids affect people from all walks The next Community Health Night
them to advocate for themselves to get
of life and the MNA will continue is scheduled for January 23, 2019 and
screened and receive proper treatment.
offering this free training into 2019 will focus on family law. Specifically,
We also learned about a need for a
throughout Alberta. child custody and parenting will
centralized resource of programs and
services and a person to guide patients be discussed by family law attor-
Cancer and family through the system. ney Ning Ramos at the MNA head
Throughout 2018, the MNA hosted a More focus groups are planned in office (#100 11738 Kingsway NW,
series of focus groups in Edmonton 2019 as we gather firsthand experiences Edmonton, AB). Register online at
and Calgary with Métis citizens to learn to better inform the Alberta Métis mnafamilylaw.eventbrite.com
about the experiences of people who Cancer Journey Resource Toolkit.
had or currently have cancer. For more information on Métis
Their stories will be included in an Community health services & programs,
Alberta Métis Cancer Journey Resource please call 780-455-2200 or email
Toolkit. The toolkit will help Métis Health Nights health@metis.org
Albertans experiencing cancer. The Community Health Nights increase
resource will have information about Metis Citizens’ awareness on various
cancer, receiving a diagnosis, treatment topics.
ALBERTAMETIS.COM OTIPEMISIWAK / ISSUE 1 / 2019 1390 YEARS OF MÉTIS A JOURNEY
THROUGH
NATIONHOOD HISTORY
From humble beginnings in 1928 to today; the Métis Nation of Alberta has a strong 2006: New MNA Membership Cards
history of nationhood. For 90 years we have fought to ensure our way of life, identity, The MNA issues its first new membership
and rights are recognized and together, we will continue to tackle difficulties and card, based on the requirements of the
National Definition of
celebrate triumphs with one common goal, to propel the nation forward. Métis for Citizenship
within the Métis
Nation, to MNA
1928: Association de Métis Alberta President Audrey
Poitras.
et les Territoires du Nord-Ouest
Métis in the Cold Lake area organize
after the federal government transfers 1991: The Métis
control of natural resources to the
Nation of Alberta
province. Concerned about the impact
on Métis living on Crown land, they form The MAA officially
the Association des Métis Alberta et les becomes the Métis Nation
Territories du Nord-Ouest. In 1932, the of Alberta Association
Association is organized more formally (MNA). The name change
and becomes the Métis Association is an unambiguous
of Alberta (MAA). assertion of Métis
nationhood.
1920 1970 2010
1938: 1982: Constitution Act, 1982
Métis Population After intense consultations with the MAA,
Betterment Act led by President Sam Sinclair, Premier of
Alberta adopts the Alberta, Peter Lougheed, proposes the final
Métis Population wording for what would become s. 35(1) of the
Betterment Act, Constitution Act, 1982: “The existing aboriginal
creating the province’s and treaty rights of the aboriginal peoples of
12 original Métis Canada are hereby recognized and affirmed.”
colonies (now known as “Aboriginal peoples of Canada” is defined to
Métis Settlements). explicitly include the Métis.
1987:
MAA-Alberta
Framework Agreement
The MAA becomes the only Métis
government in Canada to have a
framework agreement with a provincial
government. The agreement provides
the MAA with stable funding to
pursue the priorities of the
Métis Nation within September 19, 2003:
Alberta. R v Powley
The Supreme Court of Canada
1961: Métis Association of Alberta is formally registered
confirms that s. 35 of the
Under the leadership of Adrian Hope (President 1961-67), the MAA Constitution Act, 1982 protects
formally registers as an association, giving it access to federal funding. Métis rights.February 1, 2017:
MNA-Alberta Framework
Agreement
Alberta and the MNA sign a
renewed 10-year Framework
Agreement, in which Alberta
“recognizes the MNA’s
representative role on
behalf of its citizens.” The
Framework Agreement includes
April 14, 2016: Daniels Decision commitments to deal with Métis
harvesting, consultation, and
The Supreme Court of Canada confirms the other rights related issues.
federal government is responsible for dealing
with Métis issues.
August 7, 2016: New April 13, 2017:
Objective: Negotiating Canada-Métis
a Modern-Day Treaty Nation Accord
The MNA Annual Canada and the
Assembly votes to Métis National
amend the MNA Bylaws Council and its
to include negotiating a governing members,
modern-day treaty on including the MNA,
behalf of Métis in Alberta sign the Canada-
as one of the MNA’s Métis Nation Accord.
objectives and to adopt a
new Oath of Membership.
2011 2018
November 16, 2017:
MNA-Canada
Framework Agreement
on Advancing
Reconciliation
Canada and the MNA
sign the Framework
Agreement on Advancing
Reconciliation. This marks
the beginning of formal negotiations towards the recognition of
Métis rights, resolution of long-standing grievances (such as those
relating to the scrip system), and the establishment of modern self-
government for the Métis Nation of Alberta.
January 30, 2017:
MNA-Canada MOU on
Advancing Reconciliation
Canada and the MNA sign the July 19, 2018: MNA-Canada
Memorandum of Understanding Consultation Protocol Agreement
on Advancing Reconciliation Canada and the MNA sign the
(MOU), putting the MNA on track Consultation Protocol Agreement. It
to negotiate a modern-day treaty outlines clear roles, responsibilities,
for Métis in Alberta. and a method for consultation
between the MNA and Canada.FEATURE
A Lifetime
Journey
Métis health advocate
comes full circle with her
health and wellness
BY OL I VI A BAKO
D anielle Murray knows what it’s
like to go from peak athlete to
rock bottom.
She began figure skating at age 3 and
moved into competion at age 12. For
the next eight years, she trained up to
five hours a day both on and off the ice.
However, once she hit her 20s, she lost
that structure.
“When I retired from skating, that
stopped, and I pulled back from fitness
PHOTO BY HANNAH HAMILTON PHOTOGRAPHY
because I had been doing it every day
all day for so many years,” she recalls.
“I started enjoying life’s indulgences,
going out more, having some beers
and eating some pizza, and I ended up
gaining quite a bit of weight, probably
about 50 pounds from where I am now.”Without a healthy outlet, her high- yoga teacher training in Victoria, B.C. in I’m out of shape. I can’t come,’ but it’s
stress sales and marketing job piled 2008 and began offering yoga classes in all about learning about your boundar-
onto her mental health struggles and Whitecourt at a local fitness centre and ies, limitations, and personal strengths
she ended up hospitalized. out of her home. Life also happened, through practice and going from there,”
“I was not well mentally, and I was and Danielle married Tom Murray in Danielle points out. “We had the same
absolutely physically not well. Using 2007, and had two daughters; Isabella, idea: to make yoga fit the person, not
alcohol and things like that to deal or 8, and Molly, 6. the person fit yoga.”
not deal with my problems, which is “They’re listening to everything I say, With her teaching taking her around
something I find a lot more common and we all have these things that we are Alberta and as far away as Phoenix,
than people admit,” she says. uncomfortable with about ourselves,” Arizona, Danielle’s growing reputation
She’s since been diagnosed with clin- she observes. “I want to show them caught the attention of Lululemon
ical depression and anxiety. However, [how] to have a positive mindset two years ago. She’s been a Lululemon
her hospitalization was the turning approach to wellness and do it because Ambassador ever since, building
point in her life where she reconnected relationships with the community,
with fitness and wellness; made possi- reaching out, and supporting people in
ble with support from her family. their wellness.
Everyday Danielle’s mom “The greatest thing that it
and her best friend Tamara means for me is that I get to
would get her up and out of meet so many interesting
bed to take her to yoga. people all the time within
Practising yoga was the community, just
the only time she felt through my role as
better and relaxed. an ambassador,” she
Soon, she fell in says. “I’ve met so
love with it. many fantastic stu-
Now she’s back dents and had so
on top. She’s many wonderful
happier, healthier, opportunities to
and helping oth- teach at amazing
ers feel the same events, like the
through yoga. Lululemon 10k
“I will say mov- this year.”
ing into yoga saved After clocking
my life; I don’t so many kilometres
know if I’d still be on the road, last
here today,” she says. year Danielle and
“I’m so grateful for her family moved to
the support I had from Edmonton to be closer
my husband, family, and to her extended family.
friends that helped guide Although she continues
me down that path.” to do teacher training, she’s
Meanwhile, she continued also turned an eye to corporate
working in sales but decided yoga wellness — a full-circle transforma-
was the path she needed to follow. tion for someone who once worked in a
“With anxiety a lot of people that high-pressure environment.
have it feel they can’t calm down,” she you want to feel good, and you want to “Coming back and now trying to
says. “They feel like there’s a weight on do the things you enjoy.” provide the tools that were so, so
their shoulders or on their chest. What For five years Danielle continued important and crucial in my wellness
happened with yoga, especially the teaching training. She was taking and my mental health, it’s been really
breathing exercises and the practises teacher intensives in Edmonton with fulfilling for me to help people out,
helped me be able to learn how to bring instructor Michele Theoret, at and in a way that’s approachable and
PHOTO BY DES ILES PHOTOGRAPHY
myself back down when I felt like I was Empowered Yoga school, who eventu- accessible,” she adds.
on the edge of panic attacks. It gave me ally invited her to assist with teacher “Especially in our society today,
some really valuable tools to cope with training there. we have so much pulling us. We have
my mental health challenges.” “Sometimes I feel yoga can appear a emails, we have schedules, kids’
Feeling inspired to share this little inaccessible when people say, ‘I’m demands, pulling us from the moment
positivity with others, she took her first not flexible, I’m not this, I’m not that. and that’s why anxiety is so prevalent.
ALBERTAMETIS.COM OTIPEMISIWAK / ISSUE 1 / 2019 17EVENT RECAPS
“I will say
moving into yoga
saved my life; I
don’t know if I’d
still be here today.”
PHOTO BY JENN CLARA PHOTOGRAPHY
18 OTIPEMISIWAK / ISSUE 1 / 2019 THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE MÉTIS NATION OF ALBERTAParents and professionals, there’s this explains. “You sit, and you breathe, and wellness,” she says. “That identification
drive to do it all and be it all and be the you close your eyes, then you might of ‘This is who I am, this in my gut
best all the time. Yoga is what we really notice a distraction come up. Maybe it’s is what I know and what I need,’ and
need to bring us back to what’s import- a thought, maybe it’s a sensation. You being able to identify that.”
ant; to get back in our own bodies and notice your distraction, you acknowl- Danielle didn’t learn her great-grand-
really engage with and acknowledge our edge it, and then you come back. It ends mother was Métis until she passed
feelings, both physically and mentally.” up looking like a cycle.” when Danielle was a teen. Her mom
Besides the physical benefits like Not only has yoga and self-aware- and grandmother researched their
strength and flexibility, Danielle ness taught Danielle to recognize her genealogy and registered the family as
has learned to be more self-aware feelings, it’s also taught her when to Métis citizens, but at the time Danielle
through meditation. Meditation, she reach out to others and the importance didn’t pay much attention.
emphasizes, is not about stopping your of community support. Since having her own family she
thoughts or emptying your brain, but This led her to explore her Métis wanted to learn more about her
about being present. heritage. great-grandmother’s life. She found out
“Meditation is actually about sitting “Knowing who you are and know- her great-grandmother was one of eight
and engaging in the moment,” she ing what you need is at the root of siblings and left school in late elemen-
tary to stay home and raise them.
She wants to share this new-found
connection with her kids and teach
PHOTOS BY DES ILES PHOTOGRAPHY (TOP); HANNAH HAMILTON PHOTOGRAPHY (BOTTOM)
them to be proud of who they are and
feel a sense of belonging.
“I want my kids to learn where they
came from and not only learn about it
but be so proud. I think of the story and
history of our heritage; we are such a
strong and resilient people.”
As a corporate wellness consultant,
Danielle works with organizations
to provide in-house initiatives,
employee engagement strategies, and
health & wellness focused experi-
ences. She currently leads corporate
retreats with Holos Refuel, and The
Holos Group. For more information
visit daniellemurrayyoga.com
ALBERTAMETIS.COM OTIPEMISIWAK / ISSUE 1 / 2019 19FEATURE
r S t a r s
s Socce
Méti tiona
n
l
a
Sta ge
n Inter
Excel o
started improving — going to a lot of
A
tournaments and summer camps.”
s teammates The opportunity to captain show-
representing cased her leadership qualities, so when
the chance to co-captain the Northern
Alberta and Western Alberta team at the AWG came in 2016
Canada, Mariah Kyllo and she embraced the opportunity.
Bailey Richarde have spent “I knew most of the girls on the team
before we went, so I knew what their
the better part of the last play was like,” she recalls. “It was easy
five years playing together, to coach that group because we’ve been
bringing home silver from friends for a long time, so I knew how
to push them to be their best.”
Greenland’s 2016 Arctic “[Greenland] was freezing, but it
Winter Games (AWG) and was one of the best experiences of my
finishing fourth at Toronto’s life,” Bailey adds. “The atmosphere
when you’re playing, when everyone
2017 North American is cheering and chanting your name, it
Indigenous Games (NAIG). was so fun.”
Despite losing to Alaska in the 2016
As individuals, they’ve won provincial gold medal game by a narrow 2-1
championships and have spent more of score, the women capitalized on the
their lives on the soccer field than off. momentum and brought home gold
Hailing from Fort St. John, B.C., from Alberta provincials in Calgary later
Mariah, 17, has played soccer since she that week.
was four years old. She started playing Bailey, 18, was raised in Grande Prairie
competitively for the Fort St. John but frequently made the two-and-a-half-
Strikers at eight and won multiple hour drive to Fort St. John to play with
indoor and outdoor tournaments before the Strikers. Like Mariah, she’s played
graduating high school. soccer since the age of four.
As her love for the game and skill on After years of being teammates,
the field grew, she became captain of Bailey and Mariah established a strong
the Strikers at age 11. friendship during high school in Grande
PHOTO BY JCOMP AT FREEPIK.COM
“My passion for soccer really picked Prairie, before they came together on the
up in my U12 year,” says the midfielder. continental stage for the 2017 NAIG.
“Just the team and the team building we “It was such a crazy experience to
did was awesome, and that’s when we be a leader for all those girls there,”
20 OTIPEMISIWAK / ISSUE 1 / 2019 THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE MÉTIS NATION OF ALBERTAn d o f f the o men ng
o n a t i s w e r y o u
Both c h , t w o Mé p l e fo r oth N
p i t a m CONDO
soccer ve ex try LIVIA
p o s i t i e co u n B Y O
e s e t t i ng a s a c r o ss th
ar s a t hlete
o u
Indigen
says she won’t let the chance to be a
positive role model go to waste.
“I am very proud of my Métis/Cree
Mariah says. “It felt especially good heritage,” she says. “I love being able to
because Alberta hasn’t done well [his- represent my province and heritage and
torically], so to get to the bronze-medal to be a leader, not only as a woman, but
game was great. It was really good as a proud Métis person.”
having Bailey there because I felt like With high school behind them both
we pushed the other girls to try harder.” women are looking forward to pursuing
The two women co-captained the post-secondary educations, but neither
NAIG team. Bailey says that it was their have plans to quit soccer anytime soon.
closeness that made them an unstoppa- “Physically keeping active is import-
ble force of leadership. ant for me; I really like when you have
“We had to set a good example for to push yourself more to be better,”
the other girls,” she says. “We kept Mariah notes. “But the mental part of
pushing the girls no matter what. It the game is huge… I look back on the
didn’t matter if we were down 2-1 or game to see what I can fix, and there’s
7-0, we’re not going to give up. We had always room to improve.”
to put in 100 per cent all the time.” Mariah moved back to Fort St.
ABOVE: Mariah (left) and Bailey (right) on their
But it was a close 2-0 loss to John at the end of September to play way to the 2016 Arctic Winter Games.
Saskatchewan that highlighted the trials indoor with the Strikers, and is hoping
BELOW: Mariah as a child at Doig (Reserve) Days.
of leadership when things don’t go to advance her education after the
exactly as planned. snow melts.
“When we were losing, a lot of the “After the winter, I will move back
girls were getting down, and it can be to Alberta — Grande Prairie or Calgary
frustrating as a player when people — to become a personal trainer then
aren’t trying as hard anymore, so pursue a degree in education,” she says.
you have to keep it positive,” Mariah Similarly, Bailey sees soccer as a way
explains. to stay active and busy.
After graduating from high school “I love playing. I feel like it keeps
this past June, both women received me out of trouble,” she says. “It always
calls to join the Grande Prairie Regional makes me happy. If I’m feeling down I
College Wolves for the outdoor season. know I can go play the game and walk
“Honestly, it was really exciting to out with a smile on my face.”
play with [Mariah] because we have She plans to continue with the
such good chemistry together and we Wolves next season and is looking into
know how each other play,” Bailey says. taking Kinesiology in Grande Prairie or
Paving the way for other Métis ath- Kamloops in the near future.
letes, both are aware of their possible
influence on young Indigenous women
within their community and Mariah
ALBERTAMETIS.COM OTIPEMISIWAK / ISSUE 1 / 2019 21CITIZEN PROFILE
Métis Doula “Childbirth is
an experience
Empowering Mothers that remains
BY KE LLY J O HNSTO N with a woman
for her entire
I t’s 2 a.m. and Noreen Utri has just
woken to the sound of her phone
ringing. She answers in a hushed
voice so as not to wake her family,
life, and so many
women do not
asking a few simple but vital ques-
tions. She ends the call with words of
get to choose how
encouragement, love, and assurance
that she will be there soon. that experience
Noreen Utri is a doula, and her job
is just getting started. will go.”
Noreen has always been fascinated
by birth and long before she became
a doula she felt a special connection
to the process. The oldest of four “In Métis culture, this was how
children, Noreen was 18 years old when knowledge was passed down, and
she watched her baby sister come into I took great comfort in them being
the world. She stayed diligently by there.”
her mother’s side during her difficult She also opted to delay non-essen-
postpartum recovery period. It was tial interventions, such as weighing
then she realized the incredible and bathing, in favour of immediate
importance of family and support for breastfeeding. Luckily, all these prac-
a birthing mother. tices were supported and encouraged
Years later, when Noreen became by her midwife.
pregnant with the first of her own She also chose this care as it helped
three children, she wanted to connect her feel closer to her Métis culture
with her physical, mental, and spiritual and create the birth experience she
body. She turned to her Métis family needed.
for knowledge and support; particu- “As they were for our ancestors,
larly her aunt, Brown Bear Woman. midwives are there for the mother
“I wanted to honour the traditions from the beginning to the end,” she
of my ancestral roots, and my Auntie says. “My midwife helped me to under-
helped me to rediscover them,” stand each stage of pregnancy and how
Noreen says. “I practiced ‘quiet birth,’ to prepare mentally and physically.”
the tradition of having the mother and This positive personal experience
all attendants making as little noise as led her to become an advocate for
possible during labour, so as to encour- natural and empowered childbirth
age the baby not to be scared to join us. — when a mother feels confident
It helped me to focus all of my energy and prepared, so she may have a safe,
and intention on the task at hand.” loving, and dignified experience — and
She also wanted her family there. it wasn’t long before she realized birth
During her youngest child’s birth work was truly her calling.
Noreen’s eldest daughter, mother, She eventually began training to
and grandmother all joined her in the become a doula.
delivery room. “It was a struggle,” she admits.
22 OTIPEMISIWAK / ISSUE 1 / 2019 THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE MÉTIS NATION OF ALBERTA“Finding the balance between complet- From a postpartum perspective,
ing my education while running my day Noreen provides support through the
home and being a wife and mother was healing process and helps mothers
not always easy. I really had to perse- establish a proper breastfeeding
vere. But my desire to be able to help technique and routine. She is also a
others kept me going.” baby-wearing advocate.
After two years of hard work, Noreen “Wearing your baby is not only a
achieved her certification as a birth beautiful way to help your baby feel safe
and postpartum doula in May 2018. She and calm, it’s also very practical. I love
didn’t stop there. helping mothers learn how to do it.”
Today, Noreen is also a certified Some doulas also assist with
lactation educator, childbirth educa- childcare, preparing meals, light
tor, and certified Energy of Birthing housecleaning, and running errands
practitioner. With her range of training, — all tasks that can become incredibly
experience, and naturally calm and daunting when a mother is preoccupied
intuitive persona, her business, Heart to with her new baby. As a journeyman
Heart Doula Care, is thriving — primar- chef and seasoned homemaker, Noreen
ily by word of mouth. enjoys this aspect of the job.
From her perspective, she sees the “It’s what I do for my own family.”
role of midwives and doulas as more While midwifery is an option
essential than ever. potentially offering more culturally-ap-
“Childbirth is an experience that propriate care, it is only available for
remains with a woman for her entire women who are considered low-risk
life,” she says, “and so many women do (a mixture of age, health, and the
not get to choose how that experience likelihood of complications) and able
will go.” to secure a spot on the - very long -
This is particularly true for midwife waitlist.
Indigenous women. Currently, the Many women, despite their intention
policy in Alberta is that pregnant to birth with a midwife, simply never
women living on remote reserves must get the chance. Engaging with a doula is
leave their communities and travel to a good way to ensure, regardless of the
a major centre to receive hospital care. care obtained, a woman can still create
Often, this means women are alone a birth experience aligning with her
and vulnerable during one of the most personal and spiritual values.
intimate times of their lives. Noreen believes the key to an
“It can be stressful, even frightening, empowered birth starts with education:
to try to navigate an unfamiliar medical “There are so many things to consider.
system,” she says. “Indigenous women My goal is to help women be fully
have reported discrimination and even informed about the choices they’ll make
mistreatment in hospitals. None of these during the process.”
things are conducive to a peaceful birth.” Finally, Noreen stresses, support
So what does a doula do? from a community is key.
“Pretty well everything except deliver “It doesn’t matter whether it’s simply
babies!” Noreen says with a laugh. “A the birth partner or a whole group of
doula can provide information about family and friends, as long as everyone
staying healthy (both mentally and is there to love and support the birthing
physically) during pregnancy, as well as mother.”
be a source of accountability for those Noreen looks forward to the reward
goals. Doulas also help women create that comes with serving mothers;
their birth plan, which essentially whether helping create ideal birth
means, ‘My body, my birth, my way,’ plans, providing physical, mental,
explains Noreen. and emotional support during labour,
In the fervour of labour, a doula can helping a woman learn how to breast-
coach the mother based on her birth feed or baby-wear, or passing along her
plan and help her advocate for herself hard-earned maternal wisdom.
should things go awry — a common
occurrence in any birth setting.
ALBERTAMETIS.COM OTIPEMISIWAK / ISSUE 1 / 2019 23MÉTIS BUSINESS
MétisWorks
JAKOM Inc. S. Basinger Welding &
Crane Rental Oilfield Services Fabrication Ltd.
Bonnyville Welding & Mechanical Construction
780-573-9829 Sherwood Park
Contractor cody@jakom.ca
Jayde Builders
780-920-8788
Sjbweld@hotmail.com
Database
Building Construction Sharon Kaup
587-286-4228 Custom Greenhouse Container
Services
Jewell Services Inc. Onoway
The Métis Nation of Alberta is pleased to announce General Contractors 780-967-5331
Athabasca kauptns@gmail.com
MétisWorks — an online resource for Métis-owned businesses
780-213-4410
and contractors. The MétisWorks database aims to increase the
jewellservices@xplornet.com SMG Métis
visibility of Métis entrepreneurs, helping to build relationships
General Maintenance Contractor
within their communities, while connecting them with Lac La Biche Building Products Fort McMurray
opportunities across the province. Timber Mart Building Supplies 780-880-1288
Lac La Biche mxcfleet@shaw.ca
Have a job that needs to be done? Try one of 780-623-0470
Solar Ninjas Energy
these Métis-owned businesses today! Marczyk Stake & Lath Electrical Services
Oilfield & Road Construction 780-264-9059
1198625 Alberta Ltd Dreamcatcher 2000 Consulting Products stephen@solarninjas.energy
Hauling Hotshot Renewable Energy Technologies High Prairie, Alberta
Edmonton 587-717-6782 1-780-523-4266 Steelhead Ventures Ltd.
780-203-4231 lmlewmearns@gmail.com marlenemarczyk@yahoo.ca Water & Sewar Services
j_young@shaw.ca Cochrane
Elavation Safety Ltd. Northern Mobile Service Ltd. 403-899-0655
AAA Precision Industries Safety Services Maintenance Consulting shane@steelheadventuresltd.com
Crane & Project Management Cochrane Spruce Grove
Rentals 403-808-4304 780-940-2392 Sure Shot Wireline Inc.
davepiche1962@gmail.com frontline.4@hotmail.com Wade@northernmobile.ca Abandonment Down Hole
Perforating
Acreage Development Solutions Ltd. GB Holdings Ltd. Pro Rescue Services Inc. Bonnyville
Acreage Development Earthworks Company Safety Services 780-573-8147
Millarville 403-472-3056 Stony Plain brenda@sureshotwireline.com
403-815-0004 gbhold@hotmail.com 780-289-2762
clayton@adsltd.ca office@prorescueservices.com Wan Wan Roofing
Gray Owl Property Inspection Roofing Services
Action Plus Flooring & Services Rainy Creek Ranch Bonnyville
Flooring Supplier General Maintenance Guest Ranch 780-573-3059
Cold Lake St. Paul Sylvan Lake
780-812-4065 780-646-3678 403-872-2557 Warrior Consulting
grayowlpropertyinspection@ mcleodbs@xplornet.com Energy & Environment Services
A-Plus Welding Inc. gmail.com Blackfalds
Welding & General Contractors Rivet Management Ltd. 403-304-6828
Devon Hawksly Knight Industries Ltd. Design & Construction matt@warriorconsulting.net
780-239-7639 Solar Photovoltaics Sherwood Park
dlamy@apluswelding.ca Edmonton 780-243-5115
780-660-3133 nicole@rivetmanagement.com
Boissy Welding Ltd. mcritchie@hawksly-knight.com
Welding Rowland Consulting Ltd. MetisWorks will be
Rocky Mountain House Iron A Welding Ltd. Hauling, Construction Consultants launching at the 2019
403-304-2702 General Maintenance Contractors Beaumont Business Mixer as an
650cabwl@gmail.com Tilley 780-808-9014 online database.
403-377-2034 ryanrowland@shaw.ca For more information,
Carvel Electric Ltd. ironawelding@msn.com or to register your
Electrical Contractors
business, contact
Stony Plain
metisworks@metis.org
587-520-1872
jordan@carvelelectric.com
24 OTIPEMISIWAK / ISSUE 1 / 2019 THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE MÉTIS NATION OF ALBERTAr e e d S c r i p
H a l
MÉTISf - b LAND:
C o m m is s i on
RIGHTS & SCRIP CONFERENCE
After Confederation in 1867, Louis Riel and the Métis
Provisional Government negotiated for rights to their
homeland. As a result, Canada promised land to the
“Half-breeds.” This promise was poorly executed
and many Métis families lost their land. Learn how this
impacted Métis in Alberta and what Canada is doing about it now.
Presentations & Panels:
February 8-9, 2019
• Keynote: Métis Scrip 101 with
Dr. Frank Tough
Lister Conference Centre, • Edmonton River Lots
University of Alberta • Future of Métis Land Claims in Alberta
• Sharing Circle with Métis Knowledge
Holders & Scrip experts
• Hirsekorn Case
This event will be LIVE STREAMED on the MNA Facebook page
MÉTIS NATION
OF ALBERTA
ALBERTAMETIS.COM OTIPEMISIWAK / ISSUE 1 / 2019 25RECIPE
Old-Time Baked Beans
(Adapted from the Métis Cookbook and Guide to Healthy Living; recipe courtesy of Alma Desjarlais)
Ingredients: Instructions:
1 lb or 2 cups beans (rinse well if canned) If using dried beans: rinse, soak, and cook
1 tsp. salt according to package directions (usually
60 minutes). If using canned beans: rinse
¼ cup molasses
thoroughly.
1 medium onion
Add all ingredients into a slow cooker or heavy
6 cups cold water
bottom pot and cook on low (or 300°F) for 5-6
⅓ cup brown sugar (or 2 tbsp. plus 2 tsp. of hours. Add water or no salt added stock if liquid
Splenda® Brown Sugar Blend) is needed.
1 tsp. dry mustard
*If using meat with very little fat, try adding
½ lb lean meat on hand, cubed (moose, venison, during the last hour of cooking instead of at the
PHOTO BY ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
bison, pork chop) beginning.
Serve on whole wheat toast with a side salad.
26 OTIPEMISIWAK / ISSUE 1 / 2019 THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE MÉTIS NATION OF ALBERTASAVE THE DATE M É T I S N AT I O N O F A L B E R TA
»2019
BUSINESS
MIXER
Growing Small Business
March 7, 2019
Edmonton Inn
& Conference Centre
11834 Kingsway Ave., Edmonton
FORGING
FUTURES FOR
MÉTIS BUSINESSES
MetisNationofAlberta albertametis.com
@Albertametis @ABMetis @Albertametis
ALBERTAMETIS.COM OTIPEMISIWAK / ISSUE 1 / 2019 27SHARE YOUR STORY
Over the years we have had
many inspiring, talented, and
interesting citizens share
their stories with us for the
Otipemisiwak Magazine. We
want to hear from you. Help us
make this publication even better
by sharing your stories, poetry,
recipes, photography, and more.
Email us at mna@metis.org to
learn how you can contribute.
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