Kiniw Management

Kapawe’no, Treaty 8 Territory – One of the most meaningful parts of this year has been the growing and harvesting of tobacco at Kapawe’no First Nation. For Boh Kubrakovich-Kiniw, spending time each day caring for the plants has provided balance alongside the work of Political Support and Business Development. Recently, Kiniw volunteered to lead a workshop on harvesting the three strands of tobacco and planting fruit in the newly tilled garden beside the greenhouse, bringing citizens together to learn, share knowledge, and work with the land.

For nêhiyawak, sovereignty is lived through our actions. Growing tobacco, planting food, and passing teachings to the next generation are ways of strengthening our Nation and maintaining our relationship with the land. Kinanâskomitin to Hereditary Chief Sydney L. Halcrow, Lifetime Councillor Debra Chalifoux, Lifetime Councillor Pamela Halcrow and the amazing Elder Knowledge Council for supporting food sovereignty, cultural knowledge, and Nation-building at Kapawe’no First Nation. 

Every seed planted today helps grow the future of our Nations tomorrow.

Standing in support, Kiniw demonstrates that true leadership is not about speaking the loudest but about creating space for the next generation to find their voice. This moment captures the passing of knowledge, responsibility, and opportunity, ensuring that future leaders such as Alicia Kubrakovich, Pine Creek Anoshinabe are prepared to carry the vision forward.

The Néhiyawak Summer Gathering 2026 brought together Kapawe’no First Nation, Sucker Creek First Nation, and Whitefish Lake First Nation from July 27-29 at the Kapawe’no Gathering Grounds, creating three days of culture, language, teachings, entertainment, and fellowship. Families, Elders, youth, and visitors enjoyed hand games, traditional medicine teachings, storytelling, museum tours, live music, cultural demonstrations, and family activities while renewing relationships and celebrating nehiyaw identity. 

The gathering was hosted through the shared leadership of Hereditary Chief Sydney L. Halcrow, Chief Barb Okemow, and Chief Albert Thunder, whose commitment helped make the event a success. 

Hereditary Chief Sydney L. Halcrow of Kapawe’no First Nation noted, “When our people come together, we strengthen our Nation, our language, and our future.” Chief Barb Okemow of Sucker Creek First Nation added, “This gathering showed the power of our Nations working together for our families and future generations.” Chief Albert Thunder of Whitefish Lake First Nation reflected, “Gatherings like this keep our culture strong and remind us of the importance of supporting one another as Nations.” 

The event was supported by many volunteers, staff, Knowledge Keepers, including Lifetime Councillors Debra Chalifoux and Pamela’s Halcrow from Kapawe’no, Michelle Knibb, Rebecca Peterson, Margaret Thunder, Shirley Calliou and many others plus Boh Kubrakovich-Kiniw, who all were part of the team of the planning and coordination efforts. 

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the OCN Blizzard. Joining the celebration are Gardiner MacDougall, Blizzard head coach from 1996 to 1999 who went on to a championship career at UNB and now coaches the Moncton Wildcats, along with Boh Kubrakovich-Kiniw, the last remaining founder connected to the original OCN Blizzard organization, and original General Manager Leonard Strasberg, recognizing the people who helped build the team’s lasting legacy.

Ryan Sutherland of Minegoziibe Anishinaabe understands the value of supporting youth and helping them pursue opportunities that can shape their future. A longtime supporter of youth programs and development, Ryan has always encouraged young people to work hard, stay focused, and strive for their goals. That dedication is reflected in the success of his son, JJ, who is heading west to attend a hockey academy after a strong AAA U15 season in Brandon. Opportunities like this are earned through commitment, discipline, family support, and countless hours of hard work on and off the ice. Ryan’s commitment to youth development and strong parenting demonstrates the positive impact that guidance, support, and encouragement can have on the next generation.

Congratulations to JJ on this well-deserved achievement. Wishing JJ continued success at the academy, in hockey, in the classroom, and in all the opportunities that lie ahead.

NHAC CEO Joseph Busch and renowned comedian Don Burnstick brought an important message to wellness: no one should carry life’s challenges alone. Through honest conversation, shared experiences, and humour, the three encourage our nations to speak openly about mental health, family, culture, and personal well-being. By combining leadership with laughter, Kiniw, Busch and Burnstick state that strength comes from connection, nation, and the willingness to reach out when help is needed.

Whether on the ice, behind the bench, or supporting from the stands, Kiniw understands that youth development extends far beyond the game itself. By volunteering time, sharing knowledge, and encouraging teamwork and discipline, Kiniw helps create opportunities for young people to build confidence, leadership skills, and pride in themselves and their communities, one season at a time.

Knowledge Keeper Don Cunningham was proud to attend the Alberta Native Provincials to watch his grandson compete and to support Boh and the coaching staff who dedicate their time to developing young athletes. A firm believer that success is built through both academics and athletics, Don recognizes the importance of creating opportunities for youth to excel on and off the playing field. Events like the Alberta Native Provincials bring families, communities, coaches, and mentors together to celebrate hard work, discipline, teamwork, and cultural pride while encouraging the next generation to pursue excellence in all aspects of life.

A meaningful discussion with former Edmonton Oilers alumni focused on the importance of creating opportunities for First Nations youth through sport, mentorship, leadership, and community development. These conversations help build connections that inspire young people to pursue their goals, strengthen their communities, and create pathways for future generations to succeed both on and off the ice.

Hereditary Chief Sydney L. Halcrow and Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi carry a responsibility that goes far beyond any single meeting or gathering. Both leaders have stood firm on the recognition of Aboriginal title and the inherent sovereignty of the Nations across Treaty 8 territory, work that reaches back through generations of Elders and Knowledge Keepers who never surrendered the land, the water, or the right to self-determination. Their leadership reminds us that sovereignty is not something asked for. It is something lived, protected, and passed forward.

Moments like this one, where nation, culture, nehiyawewin language and pride come together, show what that leadership looks like on the ground. Hereditary Chief Halcrow and Grand Chief Mercredi continue to guide that path forward, grounded in wahkotowin and the strength of the people they serve, so that the title and rights of Treaty 8 Nations remain unbroken for the generations still to come. 

Canada and Alberta this is the Nêhiyawak, Dene and Beaver Territory always has been and always will be forever.