E1 SPRING 2020
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to circulation dept: Kildonan Place, RPO Box 43084, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R2C 5G7
KALI“KO”REIS
Champion Boxer, Activist and Youth Advocate
Lesley Hampton
Inspires Diversity in Fashion
National Dance Program Boosts Self-Confidence and Graduation Rates
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CONTENTS
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Indigenous Champion James Lavallée’s Journey as an Athlete and His Plan to Give Back
ISSUE E1
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SAY MAGAZINE Volume E1, Digital Only SAY Magazine publishes eight times a year: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall, as well as Health and Fitness, Back2School, Economic Development and Education Guide issues. SAY Magazine is published by Spirit of Aboriginal Youth Inc. Mailing Address: Kildonan Place, RPO Box 43084 Winnipeg, MB Canada R2C 5G7 E: info@saymag.com www.saymag.com Publishers Dominick Blais and Kent Brown Editor-in-Chief Danielle Vienneau editor@saymag.com Managing Editor Sarah Ritchie
SAY Magazine assumes no responsibility for submitted material. SAY Magazine assumes no responsibility for statements made by advertisers or in submitted material. Graphics, photographs, editorial content and other printed material are the property of SAY Magazine and may not be used without the written permission of SAY Magazine. ISSN: 1707-3049 All copy copyright 2020 by SAY Magazine
“Runway Revolutionary” Lesley Hampton Shares Her Journey into the World of Indigenous Fashion
5 Finding a New Work-Life Balance
20 Music
10 Meet Smoke-Free Champion 24 Powering through the Pandemic
Saije Catcheway
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16 Leading with the Power of Data
Art Director Orli Gelfat - Orli G. Design Ad Sales/Subscriptions Megan Henry subscriptions@saymag.com Printed in Canada Website and Social Media Sphere Media Agency info@spheremediaagency.com Submissions are welcome. Articles, letters, queries, etc. should be sent by email to the editor at editor@saymag.com. Connect with us: www.facebook.com/SAYMagazine www.twitter.com/SAYMagazine www.instagram.com/say_magazine www.pinterest.ca/SAYMagazine
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Cover Story:
Pro Boxer Kali “KO” Reis Champions Sport, Health and Wellness In and Out of the Ring
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The OLI Dance Program Transforms Lives through the Power of Movement LEADERSHIP | 3
EDITOR’S MESSAGE
“A movement is growing up from the land, from the Elders, from the youth, and from a new crop of women leaders, calling for Indigenous leadership on the land.” — Valérie Courtois
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We are pleased to highlight some well respected high performance athletes and role models in this issue. On the cover is mixed Native American Champion Boxer Kali (Kay-lee) Reis, who is a role model for youth and an advocate for missing and murdered Indigenous women. Flip to page 12 to find out more about her transformative journey as a female fighter, and read about Métis Canoe Kayak athlete James Lavallée on page 6. On page 18, find out more about Outside Looking In (OLI), a national accredited dance program that’s empowering Indigenous youth in schools across Canada, and meet Indigenous fashion designer Lesley Hampton (page 8) who is known for promoting inclusivity, identity, awareness and heritage through her designs.
hen we set out to create this issue of SAY, we had no idea how the world would change in such a short time, or how the need for good and responsible leadership would extend beyond our (humanity’s) expectations. We are living in uncertain times, many of us at the mercy of COVID-19 and the implications it poses on our health and livelihoods, and the overall economy. Many speculate the world needed a reset. Perhaps this is a reminder to slow down, treasure the time we have together and respect Mother Earth. All of us at SAY believe we have a responsibility to continue sharing positive stories now more than ever. As a result, this leadership-themed issue is a special digital-only publication that is available to everyone everywhere at no cost. We hope you will share the power of SAY with friends and family across the globe, as a way to connect and share inspiring stories of perseverance during this global crisis.
As always, we like to provide additional resources that provide guidance and support. Keep reading for helpful tips on working from home and more information on staying safe during this difficult time. From all of us at SAY, be safe and stay well. We can continue to persevere if we work together. Danielle Vienneau, Editor-in-Chief
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Career Development
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Building a Skilled Indigenous Apr. 10, 2020 Workforce
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May 11, 2020
Summer 2020
103
Summer Solstice
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May 15, 2020
June 8, 2020
Back2School
104
Back to School
June 15, 2020
June 30, 2020
Aug. 17, 2020
Fall 2020
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Oct. 19, 2020
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Art and Entertainment
Oct. 9, 2020
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Winter 2021
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Nov. 13, 2020
Nov. 30, 2020
Dec. 21, 2020
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Finding a New Work-Life Balance Strategies for Working from a Home Office By JP Madden, Certified Leadership Coach
Working from home is an unfamiliar thing that has become a new reality for many people over the past few weeks. Why is telecommuting such a challenge? You have your same laptop. You’re being asked to do the same work. What’s the issue? How Our Brains React to Change
Our amygdala, the “reptilian” part of our brain, is hardwired to protect us from strange and unfamiliar things, and working from home is definitely a new and potentially stressful situation. When we feel stressed, our minds go into a “fight or flight” response, flooding our bodies with adrenaline and cortisol to help defend against, or escape from, a perceived danger. The negative side effect from these hormones is that they stop our cognitive brain function, reducing it by as much as 50%! Our cognitive brain function is the part that allows us to use logical reasoning, i.e., our “thinking brain”, which allows us to think back on past experiences, look ahead to new possibilities, evaluate consequences and plan strategically. In other words, we need our cognitive functions in order to work effectively.
discipline to your schedule. Work time is work time. Home time is home time.
Set boundaries.
Boundaries can be difficult to set but are super important to establish, especially if you are not the only one at home. Establish clear signals of when you are in “work mode” and when you are “at home”. For me, it is my laptop. If it is open, I’m working and not to be interrupted. If it is shut, I’m available for my family.
Value your home time.
When you are “at home”, be present and engaged. Remember that your children and your partner deserve your time, and you deserve it too. And, when you allow yourself to be present at home, it gives you permission to be fully engaged when it’s time to work.
...we need our cognitive functions in order to work effectively. Give yourself time to adapt.
It’s going to be hard to separate your workhome environments and to get those structures understood and accepted by all. Be patient with those around you, and be patient with yourself. Forgive the missteps and celebrate the successes. Whether you’ll be working at home for a few days or a few months, make the most out of your time and be your best self. Coach JP Madden is a certified leadership coach who works with high-achieving individuals, from sports professionals to business leaders, coaching them to higher achievement by getting them unstuck and on track towards their full potential. For more information, visit coachjp.ca.
So how do we prevent or reduce these innate, natural responses? How do we “reset” and regain our cognitive function? The answer is to keep as many things “normal” about our work days as possible. Here are a few tips on how to do just that:
Keep your morning routine.
It starts from the moment you wake up. Get up at the same time you normally would. Shower first thing, or do whatever you normally do to prepare for the day. Get fully dressed for work. Resist the temptation to wear “daytime” pyjamas. While fun, the unfamiliarity of working in different clothes will decrease your efficiency. That goes for shoes too. Your feet will sense the change if you’re sitting there in your socks.
Use your saved commute time.
Use the 20-30 minutes, or however long your normal commute would take, to set up and tear down your temporary work station. This will allow you that much needed separation from work and home. Apply a LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP||55
INDIGENOUS CHAMPION
Canoe Kayak Athlete
James Lavallée How Connecting to the Water Changed His Life By D. Vienneau Métis sprint kayaker James Lavallée never thought that his first time on the water would be so life-changing, or ultimately be the key to unlocking his potential. Lavallée’s years of training led him to the podium at the 2017 Canada Summer Games, earning three medals for Team Manitoba, one of the highlights of his athletic career thus far. Lavallée proudly wore his Métis sash during his award presentation in his hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Lavallée has been paddling for over a decade, and his accomplishments extend from the podium in sport to the podium on stage as a motivational speaker. He has represented Canada at two Junior World Championships and has won several medals at National Championships. In 2014, Lavallée was named the flag bearer at the World Junior Canoe/Kayak Championships, and in 2016, he joined Canada’s national canoe kayak team. Following his success at the Canada Summer Games in 2017, Lavallée was awarded the prestigious Tom Longboat Award, presented to the top Indigenous male and female athletes of the year. 2019 also proved to be a memorable year for Lavallée as he received the Indspire Award for Métis youth and spoke at the 2019 Annual Vision Quest Conference and Trade Show. He also recently wrapped up a two-year term as an RBC Olympian, sharing his story of perseverance with thousands of youth across the province. As a child, Lavallée struggled in school, finding it nearly impossible to keep up. He was eventually diagnosed with dyslexia
Photo credit: Ruth Bonneville, Winnipeg Free Press 6 | LEADERSHIP
and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Recognizing that Lavallée needed an outlet outside of school, his parents signed him up for multiple sports, hoping that something might stick. “I tried every sport imaginable, from basketball to soccer to Ukranian dance...and I’m not Ukranian at all,” said Lavallée. “There were a few sparks, but nothing really fit.” A few trips to the Manitoba Paddling Centre in Winnipeg changed everything. “I remember the first time I got on the water,” explained Lavallée. “All the stress, frustration and anger I felt at school just lifted away. I had never felt that way. I started to feel more like myself.”
Feeling empowered, Lavallée began his paddling journey at age 11, training up to four times a week. “I wasn’t very good at it, but I really enjoyed it,” he explained. “I started making friends, and I was still back of the pack but I was doing better.” At 12, he participated in his very first race in Selkirk, Manitoba. “I was sitting on the line, and I remember thinking, ‘Why not me? Why can’t I win this [2k] race?’” He fell
behind early on in the race, but just before the 1000m mark, he thought, “It’s now or never.” He sprinted past all of his competitors and won his very first race. That was the motivation Lavallée needed to really push himself. He then began to hold himself to a higher standard, pushing beyond his limits. With all of the paddling, he improved dramatically in school, going from a frustrated kid in middle school to the honour roll by grade 12 and an A+ student in his first year at the University of Manitoba. This dramatic turn of events came from having an outlet and a place to relax that allowed Lavallée to start fresh every day. Many of the things he learned in paddling transferred to his everyday life. “Kayaking gave me more confidence to be a better advocate for myself—to explain what I need and make it happen,” said Lavallée. “The reflective process of sport has helped me learn how to learn.” Through paddling, Lavallée began to form his identity. Today, he is a very proud Métis man, but growing up, he didn’t truly understand what it meant to be Métis. In fact, he always felt like something was missing. It wasn’t until he took a Native Studies class in high school that he started asking more questions. He learned his family history and started putting the pieces together. “Then it clicked why paddling was such a great find for me,” affirmed Lavallée. “I didn’t know it when I started, but I was getting back to using the river, just in a different way than my ancestors did. That is very powerful.”
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is to support Indigenous communities that want to paddle, connecting people back to the water.
Canadian Sport Centre Manitoba Photo credit: Cory Aronec Photography Ltd.
Inspired by the history of his ancestors and a mosaic of people in his life, he recognizes the importance of being a role model and leader for other Indigenous youth. “It’s an honour to have that role. This means I now have a platform to give back, and to me that is extremely important.” So important, in fact, that Lavallée is considering transitioning out of high performance sport and focusing more on education and his plans to give back to his community and sport. As the current chair of the Indigenous advisory committee for Canoe Kayak Canada, one of his goals
His most recent endeavour includes the official launch of Waterways Recreation, a non-profit group that partners with Indigenous communities and organizations to run paddling programs across Manitoba. The initiative, created by Lavallée and a group of dedicated friends, aims to create spaces for Indigenous Peoples, especially youth, to reconnect with the land while strengthening their identity and forging deeper connections within their community. While paddling will always be a part of his life, Lavallée’s future plans include transitioning to marathon canoeing and earning his degree with the hopes of going into management and specializing in social enterprise for not-for-profits. Lavallée is currently living in Montreal, Quebec, awaiting a response to his university transfer applications. He is looking forward to getting back out on the water at home in Winnipeg this summer.
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FASHION
Lesley Hampton
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By S. Ritchie reaking onto the fashion scene in 2016, Anishinaabe and Mohawk fashion designer Lesley Hampton has quickly become a leader in the Indigenous fashion industry. She is known for her mission of promoting inclusivity, identity, awareness and heritage through fashion, and has already presented at numerous fashion shows around the world and dressed celebrities such as actress Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, television personality Elaine Lui and renowned Cree/ Métis actress Tantoo Cardinal.
Photo credit: George Pimentel
Empowerment through Fashion Diversity
Vogueworld listed the 25-year-old, Toronto-based designer as one of “the most recognized Indigenous designers” of today, and refinery29 ranked her number 5 on its list of Canadian Powerhouses of 2019, calling her a “Runway Revolutionary”. The latest of many other accolades, Hampton was recently nominated for the Fashion Impact Award, to be presented at the Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards this fall.
SAY had the opportunity to speak to Hampton about her journey and inspiration as an Indigenous designer.
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Photo credit: Red Works Photography
Her Spring/Summer 2020 collection “The Preface” is all about self-healing, using colour and elemental therapy to instill self-happiness, self-confidence and selflove in all those who wear her designs.
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only Canadian “North American” person going to the school that I was in. And then, attending my international school in England, I experienced much of the same and learned to create a community because of it. These experiences translated to fashion design. I saw that there was this hole in the industry that wasn’t including certain body types or body shapes, or abilities or skin colours. So knowing how to create a community out of diversity, I wanted to really bring that to my fashion design in any way that I could.
SAY: How did you get interested in fashion? Hampton: It’s always been something that I’ve been interested in. I ended up doing my undergrad in art studio and art history, so I really figured out what it meant to put a concept together and use material to give that message. Then I noticed that all my artwork was always in relation to the body, or to appearance, or pop culture in some way, so it was just a natural transition then to fashion design.
SAY: How do you blend traditional Indigenous culture with high fashion? Hampton: I would say my designs are Indigenous designs because I’m an Indigenous person making them, but I do love to include the Indigenous community in any way that I can. Personally, being given the opportunity to show at Toronto Fashion Week [and other] big shows, I really try to include other creatives on that journey, whether it be Indigenous models or accessory designers. SAY: Have you ever participated at an Indigenous Fashion Week before? Hampton: I did do Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto in 2018 for their inaugural show, and it was an incredible experience. I have since participated in Vancouver
Indigenous Fashion Week, and thanks to Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto, I was invited to other fashion weeks, such as the Sante Fe Indian Market Fashion Show. SAY: Do you have any advice for people interested in going into the fashion industry? Hampton: My advice for a budding fashion designer would be to have a message that you want to put forward into the world, and through your fashion, project the change that you want to see. That will allow you to become more well-known, and push your message and your brand forward. SAY: You mentioned earlier you work with Indigenous accessory designers; do you have connections with other Indigenous businesses? Hampton: I’m a warmth ambassador for Manitoba Mukluks, and I do a lot of work with Indigenous activists such as Sarain Fox—dressing her for events and opportunities such as her Sephora commercial campaign. I love teaming up with other Indigenous people and/or businesses in any way that I can to put our work, our faces and our authentic storytelling at the forefront. Lesley Hampton creates signature, athleisure and bridal fashion lines. To view and purchase, visit lesleyhampton.com.
As a fashion design student, I already had the drive and I knew what I wanted to say. I just had to learn how to sew and be good at all that technical stuff. What I learned in class, I immediately applied to my collection.
SAY: How has your experience living abroad influenced your design? Hampton: I think my international background really influenced how I casted the models for [my first] collection, and has really influenced my casting in general as a brand because we are so inclusive. I think that stems from my upbringing and knowing what it’s like to be the odd kid out, [from] my time in Australia and being the
Photo credit: Ted Belton
SAY: What message were you hoping to convey with your first collection? Hampton: The first collection was inspired by the jingle dress and how I could modernize that type of design and the power it holds to the modern-day, city-dweller woman. I used a lot of reflective materials as my reinterpretation of the metallic cones and to still keep the feeling of empowerment and have it come through on the runway show.
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HEALTH
Meet Community Smoke-Free Champion
Saije Catcheway SAY is pleased to introduce you to the second youth leader in our Community Smoke-Free Champion series as part of our partnership with the Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance (MANTRA). Saije Catcheway is a star defence player with the Junior Women’s Hockey League (JWHL) championship team, the Balmoral Hall Blazers. The Blazers are only the second Canadian team to ever win the JWHL championship. Catcheway is from Skownan First Nation in Manitoba, Canada, and has been attending Balmoral Hall School since kindergarten on a “Girls of Promise” scholarship. Catcheway explained how she stays away from cigarettes and vaping to help achieve her hockey goals. SAY: Do you smoke or vape? Catcheway: I choose not to smoke or use e-cigarettes for my overall health and to stay focused on my hockey career. Smoking or vaping could be a distraction from training and I want to be 100 per cent focused. SAY: Is there a difference between smoking or vaping? Catcheway: Recently, smoking has been frowned upon on social media and (many) teenagers are highly influenced by what they see and read on social media. But since e-cigarettes came into play, and since they’re colourful and look cool, that’s what I think has triggered the obsession with vaping for many young people. SAY: Why do you think youth start vaping? Catcheway: I think a lot of youth start vaping just to feel part of a clique. But they need to be bigger than that. They need to realize if they don’t want to, they can focus on something else, like sports, art or music, and just stick to that. I think it’s important to find something you’re passionate about that keeps you busy. SAY: What keeps you from smoking or vaping? Catcheway: At my level of hockey, scouts and coaches don’t want to see their prospects drinking or smoking or vaping. That’s always in the back of my head. There are eyes watching me all the time, especially on social media, and that really influences me to say no. I know vaping hinders my lungs and cardiovascular endurance, and
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that’s huge for hockey. I know that saying no to smoking and e-cigarettes will be most beneficial for me. SAY: What is the hardest part about saying no to smoking or vaping? Catcheway: It’s especially hard when you’re out with a bunch of people and two or three have e-cigarettes and people are trying them and having a good time and it doesn’t seem harmful. They’ll say, “Try it.” That’s the hardest to say no to. When you’re with a group of friends, you’re not always thinking of university or that coaches may see what you’re doing on social media. But I make a point to re-check myself and focus on what’s more important. And for me, that’s hockey, school and my health. MANTRA wants to hear from you! For a chance to be featured as the next Community Smoke-Free Champion, send in your story—explain why you don’t smoke or vape, or how you quit. Contact MANTRA at healthpromotion@mantrainc.ca. The Community Smoke-Free Champion series is an initiative of the Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance (MANTRA). Its mission is to act as a catalyst, educator and coordinator for tobacco reduction activities in Manitoba. Visit mantrainc.ca for more information and check out MANTRA’s online peer support group, The Quit Crowd, on Facebook.
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COVER STORY
“KO” REIS Fight 4 All Nations By D. Vienneau Kali “KO” Mequinonoag Reis is the first mixed Native American boxer to compete in the high-profile, challenging world of professional boxing. After a short amateur career, Reis turned pro at 21. She is the former WBC World Middleweight Champion and UBF World Champion, and the first Native American to win the International Boxing Association middleweight title. Hailing from Providence, Rhode Island, USA, Reis is the youngest of five children, and a self-proclaimed tomboy and family wild child who has always taken the road less travelled.
Reis grew up in a very musical family and strongly connected to her Native roots, thriving and competing at pow wows frequently. She has always been very athletic, playing softball and basketball at a young age, and always wanted to do what her two big brothers were doing. She is strongly inspired by the matriarchs in her family, but her real life superhero is her older brother Drew, who she lost recently to a 12-year battle with brain cancer. Although Reis had a fairly stable family life and was very close with her siblings, she has endured her fair share of hardships over her 33 years, with a father who was in and out of her life and having experienced personal trauma as a young teenager. And in 2012, Reis was involved in a serious motorcycle accident which halted her boxing career for over a year. Always feeling like she had something to prove, she found her calling in the sport of boxing which has allowed her a platform to excel, speak up, heal and love herself. Keep reading to find out more about Reis’ journey in and out of the ring in our exclusive interview. 1212 | LEADERSHIP | LEADERSHIP
Photo credit: Jeffery Ashe Meyer
Reis was raised by her mother Patricia “Gentle Rain”, who gave Reis her Native American name, Mequinonoag, meaning “Many Feathers, Many Talents”—a name fitting of the warrior woman she has become. Reis’ mixed background includes lineage from the Wampanoag Nation and Seaconke Tribe, and Nipmuc and Cherokee tribes (on her mother’s side) and ancestry from the Cape Verde Islands (her father’s side).
COVER STORY
SAY: What do you do to unwind outside of boxing? Reis: Painting. My grandmother taught me how to paint at a very young age. It’s another form of expression for me. I can lose myself in painting and drawing, and express myself without being judged. If I ever need to get something out, I can get it out on the canvas. I love that about painting. I can lose myself in boxing as well, hours of hitting the bag or watching fights. SAY: What is your “day” job? Reis: I am a residential counsellor where I take care of girls (ages 12-18) in a group home facility, which I have been doing for about 12 years now. It’s my full-time job (outside of boxing) and I love it. I didn’t have experience in this line of work, but someone gave me a chance and it just clicked. As a kid, I was the one helping out the special needs kids that no one wanted to talk about or sticking up for those who couldn’t stick up for themselves. When I was a teen and going through the difficult things I was going through, I wished I had someone to talk to, who wouldn’t judge me and who cared—I’ve always wanted
SAY: You are also a motivational speaker—what kind of topics do you typically speak about? Reis: Trust, self-confidence, self-love and resiliency are some of things I talk about a lot lately, especially because I have been opening up more about my personal life. I find public speaking healing for me too. We don’t realize how resilient we are, and sometimes we need to be reminded. Everybody is looking for significance, to feel loved and wanted. It starts with you—put the phone down and love yourself. People project back to you what you project out to the world. This is me speaking from experience: the more you love yourself and the more you tell yourself you are worthy of love, and the more you work on yourself from the inside, you can project and put out the energy that you want to attract. It took me a long time to learn and accept that. I am a work in progress, but I’ve really been pushing that message, especially when speaking to young people. SAY: How does it feel to be a role model for young people? Reis: I am honoured, especially coming a long way from not thinking much of myself to where I am now. I try to be vulnerable and open about every aspect of my life, and I think that makes it easier for people to relate to me. I’m fortunate to get messages from people all across the world, especially from Indigenous and mixed-race youth. I get emotional about it because I love seeing someone realize their worthiness, how much love they have and how much they deserve to be here. Boxing is the platform that I’ve built from, and that’s what I am most recognized for. Sometimes I have to pinch myself—I’m KO Reis and that’s pretty cool. SAY: You spoke about some of the challenges you faced as a mixed-race youth. How do you feel in your skin now? Reis: I love me now—I don’t think there’s anyone that is more proud. You can’t tell what race I am just by looking at me, and sadly, most of the discrimination I faced as a child was from other Natives. Because
Photo credit: Emily Harney/Fightograthy
As chaotic and violent as it may seem from the outside, boxing is really a calm dance, “the sweet science”, the art of hitting without getting hit. I love that I can always learn something new from any fight I watch. It’s beautiful to watch a fighter who has really honed in on their game and who is really passionate about it. I just love it!
to be that person for other young people. To have a young person tell you “I chose not to commit suicide” or “I chose to finish school and go to college” because of something you said…that’s worth more to me than any paycheck.
Photo credit: Leonardo Tillet, Tillet Studios
SAY: Why boxing? How did you get into the sport? Reis: The solo part of boxing really intrigued me. Growing up, I had a lot of anger issues and trust issues, so being able to count on just myself was important to me. As a kid, I was always interested in boxing but I’d never heard of anyone boxing in Rhode Island, so it wasn’t until I was about 12 or 13 that I really started to express my interest and talked about it with my mom. A friend of hers, Domingo Tall Dog, used to be a boxer, and he would come by and teach me a few things. We even hung a bag in one of our closets. About a year later, when my father came back into the picture, he took me to Manfredo’s gym in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The head coach actually tried to discourage me from training, but I kept showing back up and just fell in love with the sport.
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COVER STORY
Photo credit: Stanley Hot
Photo credit: Rudy Monodragón
I’m mixed, I always felt that I wasn’t Native enough or Cape Verdean enough. When I was young, it all started with my hair. Everyone has this stigma of what a Native American is supposed to look like. I have crazy long, thick curly hair. There was a
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point in time when I would go to pow wows and beg my mom to braid my hair tight so that not one curl popped out. It was such a battle. I wasn’t proud of my hair as a kid, but I am so proud of it now! I have come a long, long way, even just in the last four years.
SAY: How did you get past those challenges? Reis: Knowing who and where I’ve come from has made the difference. When people question who you are or how Native you are, you start to question yourself. You start wondering, “Am I really Native? Am I sitting here pretending?” No. I know exactly where I come from—the history of my tribe, my lineage, my chief. I feel proud of who I am, and I like to educate others who question it. SAY: How is your culture interwoven with your will to fight? Reis: The reason I fight is based on who I am as an Indigenous woman. I have a specific purpose and a reason to do what I do. The Indigenous youth I speak to are the reason I fight. My entrance [into the stadium/ring] is like my own ceremony before a fight. No matter where I am [in the US], I try to engage the people from that territory. I always ask permission first, out of respect for those from that land. If I am fighting locally, I usually have local drummers from around my way. If my mom is around, she will dance me out.
COVER STORY
I’ve been very blessed to have jingle dress dancers, traditional men and women, and kids dance me out. It’s very powerful! I’ve gotten some backlash from others, but this is how I pray, this is my ceremony, this is my medicine.
manager or promoter for most of my career, until 2016—so I feel like my career is just now beginning. I feel like I’m at my prime, so I plan to continue to fight, win a few more world titles and work to get female pros more exposure and better pay.
SAY: Can you tell us more about “Fight 4 All Nations”? Reis: Since starting boxing, I’ve always been known as KO, but I didn’t really have a slogan or a motto. In 2015, a good friend of mine, my warrior sister, who works in PR and marketing challenged me and asked me what my brand was. She said, “What do you fight for?” My response was I fight for my people. I don’t fight for just my tribe. I fight for all nations—for the four directions. That’s where my “Fight 4 All Nations” slogan and logo came from. It’s what I do in and outside the ring—I fight for all nations of Indigenous People.
Aside from boxing, I would like to get into acting and film. I already tell a story with my fists, so I figure why not try it with acting, writing and storytelling? My other big dream is to start a Fight 4 All Nations Rez Tour, so that I can visit reservations from East to West two to three months out of the year. My goal is to promote boxing, health and wellness, and leave each community with a curriculum and equipment they can use once I leave. My vision also includes the creation of a Fight 4 All Nations foundation that allows youth to participate in camps and programs. Ultimately, I hope to see gyms built and see more health and wellness programs in the communities that don’t have them.
Photo credit: Jeffery Ashe Meyer
Photo credit: Teen Vogue
SAY: What are your future goals, fightrelated or otherwise? Reis: I recently signed with a new promotions company—I actually didn’t have a
Indigenous Peoples’ Day March.
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SUBMISSION
Leading with the Power of Data By Cynthia Carr, Epidemiologist
“Management is efficiency in climbing the ladder of success; leadership determines whether the ladder is leaning against the right wall.” — Stephen Covey, Author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
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hether making decisions related to high stakes multi-million dollar infrastructure projects or evaluating smaller community programs, as a leader (and as the quote above implies) you need data to find out where the “right wall is” and how far you are away from that wall. One of the biggest challenges facing leaders is that they are often overwhelmed with the needs of community members but have little access to information to support funding for much-needed programs. All leaders, regardless of how powerful their “gut instinct” might be, need real data to support their decisions, and they need to empower staff to provide them with it.
The more staff understand why it is important to fill in what can seem to be meaningless and tedious data entry, the more they will “buy in” to doing their part by empowering the organization with good quality data. In order to do so, leadership must consider: “what do we need to know”, “how are we going to get this information”, “what is the IT and training investment”, “who will be trained to analyze this data so that it is reliable information”, and most importantly, “how do I ensure staff are continually updated on progress toward organizational or project goals using the data they helped collect?”
His company Sigfusson Northern Ltd. works with northern communities in long-term planning (such as sanitation and winter road access) as well as crises related to infrastructure (such as flooding). For him, it’s crucial to start with the right data, then process it with historical knowledge to achieve results. He and his staff routinely connect with Elders and other community residents for their perspectives. Detailed calculations with the right data matter, but they must be supported by field knowledge to double check the results. “Double checking” means ensuring the community members are empowered, just as his staff, in guiding the solution.
A leader’s perspective on the Once challenges and solutions are identiHow staff can help you get to link between data, empower- fied, he listens to the community leadership ment and leadership the desired outcome and project team. From there he will proLeaders don’t have time to develop data collection plans, analyze the data or make first round decisions about what the “raw data” means to their business or community. However, staff cannot be expected to simply know how to do this by themselves; investment in training and then trusting in the information provided are imperative.
Warren Sigfusson loves tractor videos, or any kind of video involving heavy machinery. While he watches these videos, he monitors and learns how others dig up dirt, pave a road or till a field. In other words, he is constantly “collecting data”, learning from the experience of others and applying it to his own work and training opportunities for staff.
vide feedback on areas that may have been overlooked or data that may have been misinterpreted. In this way, morale is kept high as staff continue to grow and connect with community members who are impacted by the work. In pursuing this approach to leadership, he can be confident that the product he has promised communities will be achieved on time and budget.
The path from multiple data inputs to confident decision making Leadership Pressures: Ongoing Data Input, Ongoing Questions, How to Merge Efficiently
What are the community health priorities?
Do we invest in repairing old roads or creating new ones?
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How do we increase academic achievement?
How many houses will we need in the next 20 years?
Solutions: Find the Data Points, Focus on the Overlap
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KNOWLEDGE Community or Clients and Staff Input
RESEARCH Administrative or Program Data, Surveys
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Desired Outcome
Evidence Based and Evaluable Decisions
SUBMISSION
How to Get There
If you believe that data can help you lead your organization toward success, here are some starting points that require minimal financial investment: • Hold a one-day workshop with a skilled facilitator and include ALL staff members, no matter the level or job title—all will tell you of at least one example where they needed information and could not access it. • Guide them toward open communication and problem solving, even if not every proposal is achievable right now. • Identify where the gaps are in both information technology (storage capacity) and in basic data collection (about programs, activities and sales) to help measure your operations. • Lay out your annual or long-term strategic plans and work together to either modify or create new indicators of short, medium and long-term progress toward stated organizational goals.
When to Get There
Achieving your strategic goals won’t happen overnight, but on-going training in data collection and comfort in trusting data will empower your staff and increase your confidence as a leader. Look at your key information gaps and do not over-invest in a complicated technical solution.
• Start with one or two staff members who are keen to learn more and let them develop a simple Excel spreadsheet as a start. • Consider starting with a comprehensive “Baseline Assessment” where you hire an expert to assist your organization in determining what information you have, how it can be used, and what other systems may have data to help you. • Set annual goals for data collection and continue to expand as staff comfort and capacity expands. • Invest in a solution that is sustainable and does not impose too much extra work on staff – the other key parts of their jobs will suffer, or they will simply stop collecting data.
• Always include opportunities for client, community and staff feedback to inform your administrative or technical data gaps. • Look for ongoing improvements in both collecting data as well as in staff using the data to illustrate key areas of operational utilization, success and challenges. By empowering your staff to use data to support decisions, your organization will continue to thrive! Cynthia Carr is an epidemiologist and principal consultant with EPI Research Inc. She has worked for more than 25 years using data to support program planning, evaluation and knowledge exchange.
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“Are you sure this is correct? Show me the raw d ata.” “Only sen ior mana can hav ge ent we’ll telleyaccess to reporm ts and ou what y change.” ou need to
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“Show m points sue your key data pporti solutions ng your .” “I don’t e the ans xpect you to kn know howers; I expect youow w to find the answ to er.” “Tell me what you the tools know an d an need to k d training you now more .”
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YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
The OLI Effect
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Inspiring Change through Dance
By D. Vienneau ance is a vehicle for individual expression, celebration of spirituality, history and culture, and is especially significant for many Indigenous communities around the world. For many people, dance is a way to let loose and have fun, an outlet for creativity and promotes a peaceful state of mind. While the physical benefits are evident, dancing can also drastically improve a person’s mental well-being, better preparing them socially and academically for everyday life. Outside Looking In (OLI) is a Canada-wide high school credit dance program created for Indigenous students in grades 7 through 12. The program was founded in 2007 by CEO Tracee Smith, who had been running casual dance classes for children on reserves in Ontario for several years. She realized the dance program was having a significant positive impact on the youth participants and the communities as a whole, and believed a longer-term program could help boost the graduation rates of Indigenous students. OLI introduces students to modern dance styles, like hip hop and contemporary dance. Given the high success rate of the program, with inspiring stories coming out of Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba and
Front and centre: Jaydin Nungag of Inuksuk High School in Iqaluit (Nunavut).
Nunavut, it’s safe to say this program is changing lives, and its long-term commitment to the development of youth is a key component to that success. Since its inception, over 96.2% of the students who have gone through the program have earned their high school diplomas, a truly remarkable statistic when
Contemporary dancer Cody Berry from Lac La Croix First Nation (Ontario). 18 18 | LEADERSHIP | LEADERSHIP
compared to the national average high school graduation rate of 36% for Indigenous students. As OLI’s mission states, through the transformative art of dance, Indigenous youth are inspired to pursue education, engage in self-expression and celebrate empowerment. This is the OLI Effect.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT Leaders program also attend a week-long leadership forum and perform a separate routine at the showcase in Toronto.
The OLI Effect
Smith, who is from the Missanabie Cree First Nation in Ontario, knows first-hand how important it is for young people to have access to creative outlets. “I’ve danced my whole life; I knew how transformative dance could be,” Smith said in a recent interview with the Winnipeg Free Press, adding “students begin to exercise more, eat healthier foods and become more invested in academics once they join OLI.” This long-term intensive dance program aims to empower young people, giving them the opportunity to engage in regular physical activity and self-expression through dance, and to showcase their talents at the annual event culminating at Toronto’s Meridian Hall, Canada’s largest softseat theatre. The multi-media gathering, which normally takes place each spring, is an experience that gives “Canadians have an opportunity to look inside Indigenous
communities while the Indigenous youth (approximately 200 OLI participants) get to see beyond theirs,” said Smith. In order for students to earn their credit, students must attend their dance classes regularly and attend all rehearsals, but more importantly, students must demonstrate progress and good attendance in their academics. OLI’s Future Leaders program is the next phase for youth wanting to pursue challenges beyond the regular OLI dance program. A credit program also, it focuses on career education, leadership development and mentorship. Future Leaders helps prepare youth for “next steps” beyond graduation by building personal management and employability skills. Through work experience and on-going mentorship, youth learn to identify opportunities, grow their supportive networks and contribute to the community. Those enrolled in the Future
The ripple effect of OLI in communities across the country has been profound, with participants encouraging their peers and siblings to join, and then becoming program leaders and mentors themselves. Even volunteers have greatly benefited from the program, like Nathan Knott, an Education Assistant at George Knott School in Wasagamack First Nation (Manitoba). Knott is the lead volunteer for OLI at the school and has been involved since the program began in the community three years ago. From dancing and warming up with the youth, he lost close to 40 pounds in his first year leading OLI. Jaydin Nungag of Inuksuk High School in Iqaluit (Nunavut) began his journey with OLI during the second term last year. He was extremely shy and introverted when he started, but now he is a confident Future Leader and loves teaching dance to others. One of the most exciting stories comes from Lac La Croix First Nation (Ontario). Cody Berry was one of five dancers in the very first year of OLI in 2008, and not only did he graduate high school but he is now a thriving professional contemporary dancer residing in Toronto, Ontario. His younger sister Rija-Jean, currently in grade 10, is following in his footsteps. She is in her third year of OLI and her first year as a Future Leader. Outside Looking In is a nationally registered charitable organization. For more information, visit olishow.com.
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MUSIC
John McLeod With a music career spanning over three decades, John McLeod is known for his unique country-blues style, blending traditional country music with his own personal twist to the genre. McLeod is a Métis singer-songwriter and guitarist of the Sapotaweyak Ojibwa tribe (Manitoba, Canada).
His music has taken him all over the world and earned him several accolades, including being inducted into the South Australia Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011, where his name and handprint are permanently inscribed onto a concrete guitar on public display in Barmera, South Australia. In 2014, McLeod was nominated by the Native American Music Awards for Best Country Recording for his album 3 of a Kind. Over the years, his songs have certainly caught the attention of listeners around the globe. “Métis Indian Song” (Moving On, 2009) reached #1 on the Canadian National Aboriginal Top 30 Countdown, remaining there for two weeks. He hit #8 in Germany and #11 in Austria with “Nashville Nights” (Moving On). “Lazy Vampire” (3 of a Kind, 2013) has been a popular hit worldwide, with nearly 60,000 views on YouTube. His most recent singles include “Lucy Jane” (2016), “Love Echoes” (2018) and “Peyote Jim” (2019). McLeod’s journey has not always been a straightforward one. In addition to being an artist, he has also worked as a driller, oilman, bush pilot and businessman. In
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2006, at the age of 49, John had a triple bypass. Most people would be happy just to be alive and tread carefully for the rest of their years, but not McLeod. Two days after his operation, he was back to work. He soon went to California to further pursue his music and found the warmth of the sun and the desert mountains a perfect mix for his heritage and spirituality. McLeod currently resides in Palm Desert, California. His many interesting life experi-
ences, the stories of his travels and the people he has met along his journey through life continue to attract new fans from around the world. McLeod feels he has been given a second chance at life, and he intends to enjoy it while telling his story through song. He hopes that others will see that you are never too old to pursue your dreams.
MUSIC
The Spiritual Warriors
“Best World Recording”, 2019 Native American Music Awards
Internationally acclaimed music group The Spiritual Warriors create music inspired by the land and life in the coastal mountains of the Lil’wat Nation (British Columbia, Canada). With their unique blend of Indigenous chants and contemporary roots, rock and reggae, The Spiritual Warriors are distinctly West Coast. Passionate about preserving and promoting their language and culture,
the band performs most of their songs in Ucwalmícwts, the traditional Lil’wat language—a language that an estimated three per cent of Interior Salish people speak fluently. Formerly known as Kalan Wi, The Spiritual Warriors are led by father and daughter, Leroy Joe (vocals, guitar) and Daisy Joe (vocals), and are accompanied by Richard Doucet with his rhythmic djembe beats. The backbone of the Caribbean rhythm section is laid down by Mike Rowe (bass) and Tim Lall (drums).
The band regularly collaborates with other First Nation artists and musicians to write and perform live. Their debut album Ancestors was released in 2019 and won Best World Recording at the Native American Music Awards last fall, in addition to receiving four other nominations. This truly unique band takes listeners on a cultural journey to the natural heartbeat of the Indigenous drum and the St’at’imc people.
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MUSIC
Def-i
Representing the Diné Nation, Christopher Mike-Bidtah, also known as Def-i, hails from Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is a writer and touring artist who blends a variety of styles, including hip hop, spoken word and contemporary Native American acoustic. Def-i has appeared on Eminem’s XM radio station Shade 45, Sway In The Morning, BBC News, National Public Radio (NPR), AJ+, Vans Warped Tour, RT America, PBS and a number of hip hop outlets. Dedicated to hip hop education, Def-i is also an experienced youth workshop facilitator and an active community member. He has worked with college, high school, junior high and elementary school students, teaching creative writing, song recording, the art of beat-making and
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the fundamentals of hip hop culture. He also devotes his artistry to support environmental movements within the Indigenous community and most recently served as a US hip hop ambassador in Nigeria. Years of hard work has cemented his name as a true representative of hip hop and a positive role model for Indigenous youth. Fans can now listen to Def-i’s newest album Desert Oceans, which dropped earlier this month. This LP is meant to represent the deserts of New Mexico and the beaches of Southern California, the homelands of Def-i and producer/artist collaborator Ariano.
MUSIC
Justinsayne N8V Justinsayne N8V raps in many styles; he can bust out harmonies, attack metal screams and swoon with a deep soulful growl. This Native American underground artist delivers songs that are personal, deep and straight from the heart in his own unique rock/rap/native style, self-dubbed “Rap & Roll” and “Pop & Mosh”.
Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, USA, this Ojibwe Seventh Fire Warrior of the Bear Clan from White Earth Reservation (Minnesota) now resides in Oregon, where he has garnered a dedicated fan base of “justinsayniacs”. He rocked the independent underground scene when he launched RED LIST in 2012. This debut album was thought-provoking, backed by amazing music production, heavy guitar riffs, 808 bass, turntable scratch action, head bangers and dance grooves. His follow-up album WAGON BURNER was a continuation of the brutal, in-yourface head banger sound, mixed with melodic dark overtones, and was named one of the 10 best albums of 2014 in Oregon. The lyrics speak of love and respect, real life struggles and evolution as a race. Justinsayne has performed at numerous festivals across the country and gone on six national tours with other leading artists in the underground scene. A strong collaborator, Justinsayne has been featured in over 40 songs with other artists, and is a familiar face in the underground hustler series of mix tapes. He just released his third album this past February, titled BORDERLINE
PERSONALITY. It promises to be another amazing journey through the heart, mind and voice of this talented artist. Through his music, Justinsayne N8V stays true to his roots and traditions. His songwriting is smart, complex and offers a strong positive message, while simultaneously reminding us of the real world we live in and how we can help change it for the better.
Apr 13 | Def-i Apr 20 | John McLeod Apr 27 | The Spiritual Warriors May 4 | Justinsayne N8V
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2019 Indigenous Music Awards Nominee for Best Radio Station Program
HEALTH
Powering through the Pandemic In recent weeks, we have seen many headlines using terms like “pandemic”, “global crisis” and “state of emergency”, and images of people in Hazmat suits pushing gurneys. These messages and images surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis are scary and understandably cause fear and anxiety.
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e have the opportunity to use this experience to educate and empower instead of provoking confusion and fear. To learn more about the virus and best practices for taking control of our health, we connected with one of SAY’s contributors, Cynthia Carr, an epidemiologist and principal consultant with EPI Research Inc.
What is the Coronavirus?
There are seven strains of the coronavirus. The newest is COVID-19. All seven viruses cause respiratory symptoms in different degrees. (In fact, four cause the ‘common
cold’ every year). With no vaccine or antiviral treatment for the coronavirus, falling ill can be particularly harmful for frail and elderly residents, as well as anyone living with other chronic diseases that impact the immune system. We are learning new things about the virus every day; with better testing capacity available around the third week of March, we saw an increase in reported cases. Remember though, this also shows the health system is doing its job, finding those carrying the virus more quickly. This will help ensure they do not spread it. Whenever you see numbers of new cases, remember
Control the Things You Can Control it doesn’t always mean people are getting sicker. In fact, with these new cases, we have seen the rate of hospitalizations cut in half —and hope this keeps up! Right now, most who are diagnosed are mildly ill, but we still need to avoid spreading it, especially to our most vulnerable community members.
What Can We Do?
Our immune systems have the best chance of successfully fighting all viruses if we treat our bodies right. We can support our communities and health systems by decreasing our chances of contracting the illness, avoiding overcrowding emergency departments and in-patient care.
Here’s how we can keep ourselves, and others, healthy now and in the future: Stock up on your medications. (Stopping your medication for periods of time is never a good idea—your body needs consistency to have an optimal immune system.) If you smoke or vape, consider stopping. It will enhance your body’s ability to fight disease and give your respiratory system a chance to strengthen. It will also reduce the number of times you bring your hand to your mouth and face area.
Clean your mobile phone and other hand-held devices with electronic friendly wipes.
If you smoke or vape, don’t share cigarettes with other people.
HEALTHY COMMUNITIES!
Wash your hands consistently.
Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
If you have a chronic condition, follow your care plan. (If you don’t have an individual care plan, make an appointment to see your primary care provider—get fully informed and in control of your condition.)
Avoid surface areas in public, and bring sanitizer with you “on the go”.
Plan to get your influenza vaccine next fall. It won’t help you fight COVID-19, but the more you support your immune system, the more able you will be to fight other “wild card” viruses in the future.
Remember, if you are feeling quite ill (short of breath and feverish in particular), seek medical help. Although it feels scary right now, this will pass, and it will pass more quickly if we all do our part to support the health system by keeping as healthy as possible. 24 | LEADERSHIP
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