Calgary Briefs - October

New Calgary Stampede Princess named

On Sept. 26 Eva Meguinis of the Tsuu T’ina Nation was named the 2011 Calgary Stampede Princess. Each year one princess is chosen from the five tribes of Treaty 7, Piikani, Stoney, Kainai, Siksika and Tsuu T’ina Nations, to represent Indian Village at the Calgary Stampede. This year all four contestants were from Tsuu T’ina. They were judged on public speaking, traditional dance, cultural knowledge and horsemanship. Meguinis, who begins her reign immediately, takes over from last year’s Indian Princess, Sahvanne Weasel Traveller, of the Piikani First Nation. Meguinis will promote the colourful, unique First Nation culture to Stampede visitors from around the world. A traditional jingle dress dancer talented at beading, storytelling and sewing, Meguinis will showcase her talent, educating many about traditional First Nations culture. Her family has been involved with the Indian Village for the past 27 years. During her reign, Meguinis will make over 250 public appearances.

Youth centre opens in Morley

The Bearspaw Youth Centre in Morley opened on Sept. 20 to the music of Litefoot and local metal band, Soggy Moccasins. The centre is a place for young people to engage in a variety of sports, educational and arts programs. In addition to providing recreational facilities, cultural programs will help to preserve Stoney First Nations language and heritage. After school educational programs planned include computer access and arts programs. As reported in the Cochrane Eagle, following a prayer and pipe ceremony, Chief David Bearspaw, said to the crowd of over 100, “Today we are opening the centre to encourage the youth to develop educational and work skills for the future.” Each of the five claws of the centre’s bear’s paw logo represents an aspect of well-being that the centre encompasses: emotional, social, spiritual, cognitive and emotional.

Funding announced for youth projects

 “Canadian Heritage’s support allows the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth to continue to publish New Tribe magazine, which is a staple in our Aboriginal Youth community,” said LeeAnne Sicker, executive director of the society. “Our monthly magazine brings culturally appropriate, positive and inspirational messages to our community, while showcasing Aboriginal people’s achievements.” Through the art and technicality of animation, The Quickdraw Animation Society, is engaging 10 Aboriginal youth to tell traditional stories, using language and other cultural expressions to complete short animations and a documentary. The YMCA Niipaitapiiyssin Leadership Program offers leadership training and activities based on Aboriginal culture. The three projects received a total of $243,800 in funding through the Cultural Connections for Aboriginal Youth initiative of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Ring road construction impairs access to casino

As construction on the ring road continues in the southwest, a temporary interchange is making access to the Tsuu T’ina First Nation casino difficult. The Grey Eagle Casino and Bingo, situated on the northeast corner of Glenmore and 37th street, is the site of a temporary $15 million interchange. The casino is losing revenue because drivers find the interchange hard to navigate, said Grey Eagle manager Martin Brickstock. Entry into the casino is on the right feeder lane over the bridge rather than a direct left turn into the casino. Although the interchange is temporary, signage is not clear. The Tsuu T’ina Nation has withdrawn from a deal for the southwest section of the Calgary ring road that would have gone through the reserve. The southeast section of the ring road is slated for opening in 2013.

Skills project to help with land clean-up

In September, the federal government announced $12 million in funding to the Contaminates Remediation Training Organization of Canada for its Caring for the Land project. Based out of Calgary, the project will provide training opportunities for Aboriginal people, primarily in the north. The project is funded by the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership program, which is supported under Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The Caring for the Land project is a formalized partnership comprised of representatives from Aboriginal organizations and communities, the environmental remediation sector, educational institutions and the federal government. The project provides community-based training to address emerging labour and skills shortages, and will respond to private sector willingness to invest in the recruitment and retention of Aboriginal people.

Compiled by Darlene Chrapko