Spring to Summer With The Beaver First Nation, 2016
Introduction: Z.Z. and Summer Ice YEG-GA Learn North, 2016
The selinite for these carvings was acquired from the rock merchant known as Asad (now retired) on 118 avenue, Edmonton, by the School of One Carver. The carvings, including the sculpture called Summer Ice YEG-GA seen in the centre of this image, were taken by Z.Z. to the territory of the Beaver Nation during the late Spring through to the end of Summer 2016. Z.Z., a seasoned veteran of the Global Art Project who recalls her Chinese heritage and perspective on the World with her carving "Stretch Marlin", obtained a fellowship for an internship through one of the programs offered by UNorth, University of Alberta. The internship entailed working with Chief and Council in the areas of youth, recreation, and lands; finding ways to facilitate consultation on land and resource-related agreements with government, industry, and other external organizations for the Land and Resources Officer; assisting in fieldwork and mapping projects; and striving to develop community programs relative to education, recreation, housing, health or job assistance for the Human Resources Development Department. As part of the training for this internship, Z.Z. and her co-workers participated in the Ben Calf Robe Pow Wow, Reconciliation in Solidarity Edmonton (RISE) Blanket Exercise, and Terre Create Workshop, while during her internship she was centred in Boyer 164, one of two reserves of the Beaver First Nation.
The Beaver First Nation is a Northern Alberta Treaty 8 Nation comprised of the Danezaa people (also known as the Beavers). The Beaver First Nation is one of only two Danezaa bands in Alberta (the other one is the Horse Lake First Nation). In addition to Boyer 164 the Beaver Nation's territory also includes the reserve called Child Lake 164A. Both places are located near Fort Vermillion in the beautiful Peace Country. While Z.Z. also details her extraordinary experiences and opportunities to learn from the Beaver Nation elsewhere within the Global Art Project, in the vignettes found below she provides unique insight into Canada Day activities in this part of the World neatly situated in the Northeastern corner of the Province of Alberta. Meanwhile, her first selection marking her contribution to Project Y150 YEG-GA documents a "belated Mother's Day" celebration at Child Lake shortly after her arrival.
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Mother's Day Celebration
Child Lake 164A, Division No. 17. 10:33AM, May 14, 2016. 24°C
Today I helped cook for the belated Mother’s Day celebration in the Child Lake Community Centre. It was a great opportunity to meet a lot of community members including many Elders. I tried prairie chicken and rabbit for the first time, caught by Henry, a councilman and previous chief.
General Assembly
Boyer 164, 12:01AM, 1 July, 2016. 13°C
At the very beginning of this Canada Day I had the privilege of attending my first General Assembly, held by the Dene Th’a. My co-workers and I bumped into some community members from Beaver First Nation and together we enjoyed the hand games, tea dances, round dances, moose calling, and traditional cooking workshops.
Free Pancakes
Mackenzie No. 23, Alberta, 9:04AM, 1 July, 2016. 20°C
Summer Ice YEG-GA helps me mark a free pancake breakfast with some band members. I was delighted to emcounter familiar faces who introduced me to band members that live off-reserve. The Beaver First Nation website documents a registered population of 1027 band members but over half of the live outside of the reserve. I was fortunate to meet and work with additional "off-reserve" band members during my trips to Grande Prairie and Edmonton for consultive workshops.
A Piece of Peace River
Boyer No. 23, 9:45AM, 1 July, 2016. 20°C
Summer Ice YEG-GA helps me relax with a good read on the edge of the Peace River. Although the river looks pristine it is actually quite murky and many community members have voiced their concerns about the health and treatment of the water. For some Elders of this community, the Peace River is a historic site separating the hunting grounds of the Cree and the Beaver Nations.
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Everyone Loves a Parade
Mackenzie No. 23, 12:21PM, 1 July, 2016. 21°C
Canada Day celebrations got rowdy and Summer Ice YEG-GA accidentally took a tumble onto the pavement! The parade ran along the main street of Fort Vermillion, looking out on the Peace River. I was told by a community member that there used to be a residential school located along the main street. Our friend from the community told us that the carcasses of infants were found buried beneath the grounds when the school was demolished. According to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, the last residential school closed in 1996.
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Firestone Works Before the Fireworks?
High Level, 4:07PM, 1 July, 2016. 25°C.
Stopped by High Level for some Canadian treats and to watch Firestone perform live, a country band which includes friends from Boyer. During my time here I’ve been introduced to Canadian bands incorporating traditional elements into other genres. A Tribe Called Red is my personal favourite, a group of three DJ-producers made up of Cayuga and Ojibway.
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Friendship Dance
Hay Lake 209, 7:14PM, 1 July, 2016. 24°C.
Summer Ice YEG-GA helped mark the moment just before I joined a friendship dance. I had met one of the traditional dancers performing that night during pre departure training. He is Cree and a motivational speaker. He taught us cultural etiquette and shared with us some challenges facing First Nation communities, including the problems of drugs, alcohol, suicide, and domestic violence.
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