Last Minute - The Lethbridge Journal

Kiitsiikaakomiim Naa’ah
By Katty Jo Rabbit
Submitted to the Lethbridge Journal
When Aboriginal women still lived in tipis they were the staple in the system that made
traditional ways of living so simple yet ingenious. From pitching the tipis to mending the
moccasins, to burying the food stores, all the while carrying their babies in a moss bag, they
were the driving factors of the clan. They were also celebrated every day and held in high
regard when they were gifted with special talents.
As part of traditional culture it is very common to give gifts to display your respect to the
individual receiving gifts, so you have to be sure to make your Naa’ah - mother - feel special.
Here is a great DIY idea that is great for the Aboriginal mother or just great moms in
general.
A twig wall mount that can be used as a jewelry hanger, this gift is a great way to look crafty
when in reality you aren’t. It will also score you brownie points as you get to say it is handmade,
which moms love. You will need some peculiar shaped twigs, which will be attached
to a straight branch that will be the base. The more twigs the better, as it will make for a great
hanging, but be sure to remember to get twigs that will hold heavy rings.
Next you will need copper wire, varnish, shears, a clamp, sand paper and wood glue. The
first step is to clean the twigs and whittle them to give a polished look. If you would like to
keep it natural then leaving the twigs is okay too. But it will look more artsy if you clean
the branches, and sand it down so that when varnished the stain will be uniform. After the
pieces are varnished, glue the twigs to the branch to create” t” intersections, glue and clamp
these intersections, let it dry.
Once dried, reinforce the intersections with copper wire so that it will support various pieces
of jewelry. Using the copper wire, twist a piece to form an “o” near the top. This will act as
the wall hook and you have a wall mount. Pair this up with a nice jar of fresh mint, or sage,
a card and you have a sentimental tear jerker. Blackfoot women are known for their beauty
and their fierce loyalty but give this present and you will have a dedicated fry bread maker
for the rest of your days, not to mention gas money without asking.
Every woman, especially Aboriginal women, are strong, beautiful and exceptional, so for
mother’s day be sure to burn an extra large smudge on behalf of your mother to remind you
that every day should be mother’s day, as it was back in the olden times when nothing was
taken for granted.
Canadians are living longer and costs for the Old Age Security (OAS) are rising.
On April 1, 2023 the Government of Canada plans to start raising the age of
eligibility for OAS and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) from 65 to 67.*
What does this mean for you?
54 or older as of March 31, 2012 You may still obtain OAS/GIS at age 65
53 or younger as of March 31, 2012
The age of eligibility for OAS/GIS will change gradually between 2023 and 2029
Starting in July 2013, Canadians who are eligible for, but not yet receiving OAS will have the flexibility to delay receiving
it in exchange for a higher monthly amount at a later date.
6
5
4
3
The number of working-age Canadians
for every senior is decreasing**
The number of working-age Canadians per
senior is decreasing, placing additional
pressure on the OAS program.
2
1
0
1990 2012 2030
**Source: 9th Actuarial Report on the
Old Age Security Program
For a free brochure or more information visit www.ServiceCanada.gc.ca/retirement
or call 1 800 O-Canada (TTY 1-800-926-9105)
*Subject to parliamentary approval
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0 LETHBRIDGE JOURNAL • WEEK OF MAY 11, 2012 • www.lethbridgejournal.ca