What do we want? Our culture back.
When do we want it? Now.
A Stoney couple has teamed up to create a non-profit organization focusing on bringing culture and tradition back to the reserve.
Matthew and Tasina Pope co-founded the Sacred Rocky Mountain Mini Thni Movement Association (SRMMTMA), officially a registered non-profit organization as of last week, and they have a vision for the Nation.
“There is so much potential on this reserve but you only see the negative side unfortunately. I want to re-establish the culture of the Stoney tradition of what we had – there is a loss of culture and we are trying to bring that back,” explained Tasina, SRMMTMA co-founder and Bearspaw band member.
It is no secret that there is an abundance of issues on Stoney Nation, with Cochrane RCMP reporting more than 150 assaults, 263 charges of mischief to property, four charges of drug trafficking, 37 persons reported missing and 20 break and enters recorded in Morley in 2015 – but the Popes said they are dedicated to building a better future for residents on the reserve.
The SRMMTMA has proposed to build the first youth drop-in centre/indoor skate park on the reserve to support a variety of programs and services, including recreational programs, information sessions, and Stoney teachings. The organization will be utilizing different provincial and reservation grants for funding, the founders explained, but are currently waiting to hear back from the chiefs to secure a location for the building.
Acting Tribal Administrator Ken Christensen declined on behalf of the chiefs, and for himself, to comment on the new organization.
In a Nation that has approximately 5,200 residents between the three bands – Bearspaw, Chiniki and Wesley – with a Chief and council members for each band, the co-founders said they have received a lot of “positive support” in their direction.
“People have had this idea too but didn’t know how to go about it… they are praying for us to finish this,” Tasina said.
“We sent letters to the three chiefs so, hopefully, we get on their agenda because I think this will be beneficial for all three bands – if they want to see a positive change, our association is the way to do it,” Tasina said.
Cochrane RCMP, the detachment that responds to calls from Morley, said they would be supportive of the non-profit organization.
“It’s a good thing – anything to engage youth in any sector of the community. If the youth don’t have anything to do, they make their own things to do and sometimes it is not always on the good side of stuff, so anything to keep them engaged in a learning process… we’d be supportive of any type of youth program,” said Cochrane Sgt. Jeff Campbell.
While the association’s board of members waits to hear back from the Chiefs, they are keeping busy organizing the future programs and services, including Canadian Forces enrollment meetings on Feb. 18 - 19 and upcoming sports programs such as a hiking club, beginners yoga, elder and youth painting nights, and elder evening “get-togethers.”
Support for sports initiatives has been tremendous, with Soccer Alberta and Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta supporting the Morley teen soccer program, and national non-profit organization ParticipACTION pledging to give $500 grants each for teen lacrosse and badminton.
“I am hoping to see a lot of active individuals… less alcohol, drug and gang affiliations. I want to see a lot of proud Stoney members because, for me, I am at a loss when I see drive-by (shootings), we were never really like that,” Tasina explained.
Inspired by First Nations people in British Columbia, Tasina said she was encouraged when she saw bands utilizing each band member to be “productive members.” The SRMMTMA board of directors includes members from each of the reservation’s three bands – all who grew up on the reserve and want to see a change.
“It is a very realistic goal. I do see the vision, they need this and this needs to be done and it would create a good environment,” Matthew said.
As Tasina discussed the importance of this initiative for the reserve, she looked at her husband holding her infant son and explained that she wants to build a better world for him as well.
“I know I don’t want to see him in a casket at such a young age,” Tasina said.
“I’ve already seen my cousins, close and distant relatives die at such a young age, from overdoses, liver cirrhosis, drinking and driving, and suicide – and if I have this (organization) hopefully there is a chance for them not to have such a high percentage in those unfortunate areas.”
For more information email [email protected] or go to the website at srmmtma.wix.com/srmmtma-online.
Updates for the organization can be found on Twitter @SRMMTMA and Facebook on the “Sacred Rocky Mountain Mini Thni Movement Association” page.
