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Nistawoyou centre on road to recovery

Author

Terry Lusty ? Fort McMurray

Volume

5

Issue

23

Year

1988

Page 3

The Nistawoyou Friendship Centre has shifted into high gear says executive director, Gerry Cuthbert.

The centre was the subject of controversy last summer due to financial difficulties coupled with a large turnover of staff and board members. Four board members resigned and the centre was also struck from the member list of the United Way.

United Way executive director, Beth Vandervoort, stated that she "cannot comment on whether (the centre) would receive new funds if they requested such" but the centre would be treated like a new organization making a first application. At this time the United Way has not been approached.

An investigation last fall revealed the centre had also given improperly authorized loans to directors and members and was ordered to refund more than $14,000 to the Alberta Gaming Commission.

Bill Gust, an inspector with the Gaming Control Branch, informed Windspeaker that his organization could not say how much the centre has paid back but added that he centre is "probably complying" with arrangements. If there were any problems, he would be aware of them, he said.

At present, Nistawoyou staff are actively pursuing their annual participation in Fort McMurray's winter carnival, March 4 to 6. Of special note is the king and queen contest which involves about a dozen separate competitions.

To compete for the prize money of $1,000, $700 and $400 participants must be 18 years or older and perform the Red River jig, trap setting, squirrel skinning, nail pounding, log sawing, tea boiling, bannock making, snowshoeing, moose calling and target shooting, as well as wear traditional northern dress.

Cuthbert says the contest requires a team effort and winners will be determined by aggregate points. The first leg of the contest is slated for 8 p.m. March 4 at the centre.

In friendship centre programming, Cuthbert hopes to continue promoting cultural traditions in the centre. Of particular note is the powwow dancing classes attended by 43 young women.

"It's our biggest single attraction," says Cuthbert. Other programs that draw a lot of local input include Cree language instruction and parka making.

Six Alcoholics Anonymous groups, including an Al-Anon group, meet each week at the centre. A fine options program, which allows people who cannot pay fines to work off their debt, is also operated at the centre. "And this isn't just for Natives. We also have a lot of non-Natives go through the fine options (program). In fact, that is often how we get the janitorial work done around here."

To help serve the community better, the centre is going to have a board-staff training workshop Jan. 16 to 17 says Cuthbert.

The centre operates through an annual subsidy of $144,154 from the Secretary of State and approximately $40,000 from the province. Additional revenue is generated from bingos.