horoscope

Horoscope for Indigenous communities living on reserves for October 27 to November 2, 2024.

Leave a comment

Aries (March 21 – April 19)
You’ll feel a rush of energy this week, Aries. Use it to support the community or work toward a goal. Elders or friends might have wisdom to offer you midweek—listen, but don’t feel pressured to act before you’re ready. Keep your balance by making time for ceremony or grounding activities that recharge your spirit.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Community and relationships are at the center of your week, Taurus. If you encounter a challenge with a loved one, approach it calmly and lean on traditional teachings to find a solution. By the weekend, look for guidance in nature. A walk on the land or time at the water’s edge could bring you peace.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
This week, you’re full of questions and ideas, Gemini. Be open to messages that come through a relative or a cultural event midweek; they might reveal something new about yourself or your path. Remember that even quick conversations can carry lessons if you stay present. Share your insights with others—they need your voice.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Home and family take up much of your focus this week, Cancer. Early on, you might feel a need to be alone with your thoughts or return to traditional practices that bring comfort. By midweek, reconnect with friends or family members you haven’t seen in a while; they have words or stories that will strengthen you.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Creativity flows strongly for you this week, Leo. Think about ways to express your culture, whether through art, dance, or music. By Wednesday, someone in your circle may offer encouragement or support—welcome it with an open heart. If you feel a need for rest as the week closes, take time for self-care.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
This week, you’re driven to organize and make a plan, Virgo. In a community or family setting, offer your skills to create something lasting for others. If an unexpected opportunity comes midweek, remember that you have the power to decide what fits your spirit. By the weekend, connect with family for some much-needed relaxation.

Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Libra, this week you’re called to share your truth, especially with those close to you. You might face a challenge around Wednesday—use your values and the teachings of your ancestors to guide you through. Spend time on the land or in ceremony over the weekend; it will help you regain balance and clarity.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
This week, reflection is key, Scorpio. Early on, you might feel a pull to spend time alone or focus inward. Listen to your dreams and intuition; they carry messages. By Thursday, you’ll be ready to address unresolved issues. Treat yourself to something special, like a home-cooked meal or some time under the stars.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Connections and teamwork are important for you this week, Sagittarius. Someone from your past might show up, offering a chance to bring peace to old memories. Midweek, open yourself to old friends or new faces in the community. Share your story and listen to others; this exchange will bring unexpected wisdom.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Capricorn, this week’s energy draws your attention to your goals and community role. Early on, a new opportunity might arise—consider it carefully, but don’t let it sway you too quickly. As the weekend comes, connect with loved ones or mentors who can remind you of your values. Their guidance will ground you.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
You’re called to explore and expand your mind, Aquarius. A new teaching or cultural lesson might come your way around Thursday, so stay open to it. This could also be a good time to revisit teachings from Elders. By Saturday, balance your week’s energy with some quiet time—give yourself space to rest.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
This week brings up deep emotions for you, Pisces. Letting go of past burdens is essential now, so lean on ceremony or meditation to help you. Around Wednesday, you’ll feel more grounded and ready to embrace the present. Spend time on the land or with family by Friday, and let the Earth’s energy renew you.

May you find peace and guidance as the stars shine on you this week.

Horoscope Image by Darren Collis from Pixabay

cv

cv-BLOG

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for Cows and Plows

Leave a comment

I received an inbox from a friend of mine this morning, asking about forms that needed to be filled out for the Agricultural Benefits Settlement Agreement (cows and plows). I sent the link and instructed how to get the filled-out document submitted.

Anyway, the form itself is in PDF; both standard and fillable. It can be filled out after being printed out and dropped off at a local sub-office. You can also download the fillable form, fill it out and submit it through email attachment.

While I am tasked with posting information, I am not in any of the meetings or even involved enough to know what is going on behind the scenes. My thought was that an online form can be filled out and submitted that way. However, many of our members still like to go manual on forms and this current method does make it easier for them.

When I was first tasked with posting the information on my band’s website, I looked up the term ‘electronic funds transfer,’ because it sounded so technical or financial (bad term). It is not so bad, in fact, I have had travel claims paid to me through EFT.

It is easy to use EFT for my band, and it makes it easy for me because it eliminates many steps for me to receive funds. I live in a remote community, Hall Lake. Central office is about an hour’s drive. I would have to drive to La Ronge, get my cheque and cash or deposit at the bank, all within business hours. I am a teacher at my hometown and there is little chance for me to do all that within a suitable timeframe.

So, what does that sound like? Yes, exactly like direct deposit. That is how we get paid in our band. I can only imagine how people got paid back in the day, when they had to manually take care of the cheque cashing process to pay bills and buy groceries, especially when they lived in a remote community. Almost everything is digital now, yes it makes people lazy, but it is very efficient and seamless (if there is Internet). Without the Internet? Well, that would be another story, for another time.

FYI, band membership has not received their money yet.

https://llrib.com/electronic-funds-transfer-eft-application/

https://llrib.com/media-release-llrib-approves-601-5-million-agricultural-benefits-settlement-agreement/

Definitions for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) from various sources.

Scotia Bank – Electronic Funds Transfer

Streamlines domestic payables and receivables (CAD/USD).  Money is transferred between different users’ bank accounts within Canada.
(https://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/small-business/business-banking/payments-and-merchant-services/eft-sco.html)

CIBC – An Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), or direct deposit, provides the ability to send funds directly from your business account to suppliers and employees within Canada and is available on CIBC SmartBanking™ for Business. Payments can be made in CAD or USD with a higher maximum amount per payment than Interac e-Transfer, and also allows for recurring and bulk payments, which makes it a great option for direct deposit payroll.
(https://www.cibc.com/en/business/advice-centre/articles/small-business-101/business-payment-options.html)

Wiki – Electronic funds transfer (EFT) is the electronic transfer of money from one bank account to another, either within a single financial institution or across multiple institutions, via computer-based systems, without the direct intervention of bank staff. Funds transfers are the primary mechanism used by the business community for fast and reliable transfer of funds between two parties.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_funds_transfer)

Google search ⇒

Images for article from https://www.pexels.com/ The best free stock photos, royalty free images & videos shared by creators.

cv-BLOG

Snowy Owl Story – wāpōhow ācimowin

Leave a comment

Snowy Owl – wâpôhow. Thanks to Solomon Ratt and our friends at the Cree Literacy Network, especially Arden Ogg, who worked with Solomon and I, to put this simple animation together. First published at the Cree Literacy Network: https://creeliteracy.org/2024/03/16/s…

In March of this year, 2024, I contacted Solomon Ratt if I could animate his story of the snowy owl. He gave me permission and I went to work on the project with gusto, until I started having to deal with some personal issues. About a month later, my computer crashed and burned on me (not literally). I had to resort to using an old desktop a few generations below what my main PC was at. I was very disappointed at the way my luck was going at the time.

This past month, I ordered the parts I needed and I got my PC going again, even upgrading two generations above my previous build. With things going better in my life and with a better PC, I remembered this old project and proceeded to complete it. It took me four whole hours to take it from where I left off to finish it. I hope you enjoy it, I hope to produce more animations in the future.

cv-BLOG

Alone – Season 11 on History Channel – June 13th, 2024

Leave a comment

Over the years, I have heard of this show and how great it is. I have been meaning to check it out but I never took the time. I am seeing ads for Alone and there has been much hype for a Cree woman that will be one of the contestants. Her name is Michela Carrier, The Cree Trapper – owanihikēw (which actually translates to “trapper,” but because it’s written in Cree, it’s all good).

https://www.facebook.com/share/GcASHETrRzGuyyDJ/ 

I am hoping to catch this show when it premiers, but even highlights will be good after it premiers. I am not sure I will be re-subscribing  to Amazon Prime, where I would then have to subscribe to StackTV just to watch the show. Since I watch mainly news and sports shows, I probably would not watch anything else besides the occasional Law & Order shows.

I am interested because of The Cree Trapper, the other characters seem interesting too. Good Luck Tuck, The Bushcraft Baller and The Big Land Trapper, all are interesting, but The Cree Trapper is what caught my eye during the ads.

By the way, check out History Channel’s YouTube Channel, they have all kinds of awesome videos: UFOS, dogfights and even time travel.

https://www.youtube.com/@HISTORY/videos

cv-BLOG

Treaty 6 Cows and Plows – April 5, 2024

Leave a comment

The Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB), has had a “a formal offer of settlement from Canada and is now working on a final settlement agreement with Canada.” The update was posted by Chief Tammy Cook-Searson on her Facebook page on April 5, 2024. You can see the update by following the link.

This is an exciting time for many band members. They are many who are thankful for the news and are grateful that the announcement has finally arrived. It has been anticipated for years.

The post by Tammy has been shared, 230 times as of this writing. On some of the shared posts by members, there are questions on how the funds will be distributed and how the Settlement Planning Committee (SPC), will include all members of the band, including the minors. Below is a table of dates, locations and times:

Some people are concerned about the time and location of the meetings because there are members who will be working during the meetings. There members that live out of the province of Saskatchewan, and want to know how they can get the information that will be presented during the meetings. These are concerns that will have to be dealt with at some point.

I will be following the posts from LLRIB C & C closely, as they are the people that are the most up to date on the matter. I usually receive the updated info within the hour of the Facebook posts on my email. At which point I update the LLRIB.COM website. I am informed no more, and no less than everybody else.

LLRIB.COM: Update on LLRIB Treaty 6 Agricultural Benefits Claim (Cows and Plows) – April 5, 2024

larongeNow – https://larongenow.com/2024/04/05/llrib-receives-offer-of-settlement-for-cows-and-plows-claim/

Numbered Treaties Map (banner) – https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Numbered-Treaties-Map.svg

Cow and Plow images from – https://pixabay.com/  (Stunning royalty-free images & royalty-free stock) 

cv

Cree, cv-BLOG

Excerpt: How to say it in Cree, A Book of Common Everyday Phrases, by Solomon Ratt

Leave a comment

I was asked to read a page off of a Cree book by Solomon Ratt. The Cree 10 class from my school, Sally Ross School, asked me because I speak the Woodland (TH) dialect, and more importantly, I have an awesome Woodland Cree accent.

(Page 5)

II. POLITE CONVERSATION

A. tānisi? Hi! How are you?

B. namōtha nānitaw, kītha māka? Fine, and you?

A. piyakwan, tāpwī mitho-kīsikāw. The same, it is really a nice day.

B. īhī, awīnā awa kā-wīcīwat? Yes, who is this that you are with?

A. iyaw, nitōtīm awa. Oops, this is my friend.

B. (to C) tānisi, Hi!
tānisi ī-isithihkāsoyin? How are you called? (What is your name?)

C. Charlie nitisithihkāson.  Charlie is my name.

B. tānitī ohci kītha? Where are you from?

C. mōsosākahikanisīsihk nitohcān. I am from Hall Lake

B. wahwā, tāpwī wahthaw Wow, that’s far.

kikiskīthimāw cī Heebul. Do you know Abel

ikotī ohci? from there?

C. namwāc. No.

B. kiyām. That’s okay.

nitōtīm ana iyako. He is my friend.

A. ikosi, ī-wī-mīcisoyahk ōma. There, we are going to eat.

sāsay cī kītha kikī-mīcison? Have you eaten yet?

B. namīskwa. Not yet.

A. āstam māka, wīcīwinān. Come then, come with us.

The dialogue I was asked to read, was from a book I was familiar with: How to Say it in Cree, by Solomon Ratt. The book has been in the LLRIB CRU catalogue for ages and has been around since 1990. I tried using my natural voice, but as many of you know, reading Cree and speaking Cree are not always the same.

If you want to order a copy of the book, you can follow the link and take a look at the many Cree resources available from LLRIB CRU:

Click to access CRU_Catalogue_Jul_2022_forWeb.pdf

cv

Cree, cv-BLOG

UFOs – machi-pimithākana

Leave a comment

UFOs have been a much talked about subject by many people on the rez. I have heard and been fascinated by many stories of sightings and possible close encounters. It was always fascinated me to hear and feel the emotion of the story teller.

AI Generated UFOs on my photograph.

Besides the stories of a previous post (https://firstnationstories.com/?p=2779), I have some tales from older people that had interesting experiences.

I remember one, where an older woman told me she was outside her house, she lived out in the middle of nowhere. She was ending the day with her chores when she saw a UFO hovering over some trees nearby her house. She had a gun with her and carefully took aim at the object, however, she may have been frozen in fear, as she could not pull the trigger. She told me that it may have been the beings in the UFO that stopped her from pulling the trigger.

Another one, was when a woman came to visit my mother at our rez house. She sat down with my mother at the table and preceded to tell that she just heard that somebody saw a UFO, this was all said in Cree. What struck me the most by her tale, was when she exclaimed, that if anybody ever shoots one down, that will be the end of the earth. Presumably because they would destroy us all. At least, that was what my imagination pictured for me.

I did have the one incident that I mentioned in the previous blog, but I always wonder if I am seeing one when I see a strange fast moving object. I have seen many lights that may been suspect but I always rationalize and decide that it is a plane or a man-made satellite.

These days, you have to be wary of drones, which have become more advanced lately. I am sure there are many people who love to fool the general public, and being hornswoggled would be embarrassing. So unless you have solid evidence, it may be wise to be quiet about it until you are certain of what you saw.

Previous post – NŌHKOM WĀPAHTAM MACHI-PIMITHĀKAN – MY GRANDMOTHER SAW A UFO

UFO and Other Paranormal Information – https://www.nsa.gov/Helpful-Links/NSA-FOIA/Frequently-Requested-Information/UFO-and-Other-Paranormal-Information/

National Archives News – UFOs and UAPs – https://www.archives.gov/news/topics/ufos

UFO Video by Olena from Pixabay

UFOs Video by Eros Silva from Pixabay

Drone Image by Thomas Ehrhardt from Pixabay

UFO Image by CoolCatGameStudio from Pixabay

In closing, please support my new book:

*Available in softcover, hardcover and eBook
Amazon USA
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQGM8V3B
Amazon Canada
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CQGM8V3B
Get it Publisher Direct at
http://www.eaglespeaker.com
WANNA HELP CHARLIE’S BOOK SUCCEED ???
1 – BUY a softcover copy
2 – LEAVE a quick review, on Amazon
3 – TELL your cuzzzins, your friends, your peoples
#SupportIndigenousAuthors
#FirstNationStoriesAnthology

Cree, cv-BLOG

Sasquatch visits a teepee

Video Leave a comment

About three weeks ago, I saw a Christmas card being shown on Solomon Ratt’s Facebook page. I decided to do a little animation of it along with audio. I showed it to him for approval and he suggested a couple of changes and then I uploaded to my First Nation Stories Facebook page. Just recently, I decided to post it on my YouTube channel:

I received a Christmas card from him about a week ago. I was very honoured to be mentioned and referred to by such a legend in the Cree resource industry. I hope I can accomplish half of what he has. I am actually having trouble getting used to my job as a Cree teacher, but I am hopeful for the new year.

I told Solomon that I would try another animation with another Bigfoot image he drew, but it has been very difficult to complete.

I am just going to give it a rest, and get back to it when my motivation comes back. Right now I will be concentrating on my newly published book.

*Available in softcover and eBook Amazon USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQGM8V3B Amazon Canada https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CQGM8V3B Get it Publisher Direct at http://www.eaglespeaker.com WANNA HELP CHARLIE’S BOOK SUCCEED ??? 1 – BUY a softcover copy 2 – LEAVE a quick review, on Amazon 3 – TELL your cuzzzins, your friends, your peoples #SupportIndigenousAuthors #FirstNationStoriesAnthology

I am working on some short videos for promotional purposes. I need the videos to stand out; however, I am going to have to get a bit more experience on publishing the videos in different platforms.

mīna kihtwām

cv-BLOG

First Publication for First Nation Stories

Leave a comment

After all these years, I am finally published. Check out the embed post from Facebook:

I am very happy and elated to get published. For awhile, I thought my website would be the only place I could get my stories to see the light of day. I built my website on May of 2009, all for the sake of getting my stories out to the world. This is a new venture for me, my stories and my website.

About a year ago, I introduced myself to Jason EagleSpeaker through LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/eaglespeaker/). I was so glad that he responded to my email. After a few back and forth emails, we were able to work something out. I was still not sure if it was going to happen, but I was hopeful and at least I had taken some steps.

I am more motivated now to write more stories. I hope this is the beginning of a long relationship with publishing my written works.

*Available in softcover and eBook
Amazon USA
Amazon Canada
Get it Publisher Direct at
WANNA HELP CHARLIE’S BOOK SUCCEED ???
1 – BUY a softcover copy
2 – LEAVE a quick review, on Amazon
3 – TELL your cuzzzins, your friends, your peoples

 

cv