Aboriginal entertainers help inner-city schools

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It was an entertaining evening in support of inner city youth and up-and-coming Aboriginal talent. The WhiteStone Project's Giving Back to the Children and Youth second annual fundraiser was held at the University of Alberta Campus' Horowitz Theatre on Aug. 17.

Entertainment was provided by several Aboriginal performers.

The crowd enjoyed Raquel Nipshanks' traditional story-telling and the break-dancing of the youth group Xtreme Body Rockerz. They were also delighted with this year's Prairie Music Award nominees, Cree-Ative Harmony and Nathan Cunningham, who previously performed at the Royal Bank Stage on Aboriginal Night during the World Games. Entertainment was also provided by country singer and songwriter Jennifer Waniandy before renowned musician and actor Tom Jackson closed the show. Jackson entertained the crowd with jokes, story-telling and a few songs.

"It's a great combination to showcase our Aboriginal talent and support our youth. We have local talent and performers from all around Alberta here tonight," said event co-ordinator Marcel Pelletier. "It encourages our kids; they see the entertainers and think to themselves that they can do that too, and that really is our goal. To give our kids a positive outlook for their futures."

All proceeds from the event were donated to the Ben Calf Robe Aboriginal School, Sacred Heart Catholic School, McCauley Public School, St. Michael's Catholic School, and Norwood Public School. The schools are located within the inner city and have a large majority of Aboriginal students.

The WhiteStone Project's aim is to provide resources for the Aboriginal community to establish a safe environment. They do it through funding-raising and supporting community initiatives.

"I'm really proud to play along with my fellow Aboriginal talent whenever I can," said musician, Nathan Cunningham. "Especially to support an important project like this one. If what I do can help our youth grow up in a supportive, healthy community then I'm proud to be here."

"Whenever I get the chance to perform with other Aboriginal talent, I take it," said Jackson. "There is a different kind of bonding that goes on with your fellow Native entertainers. And to be able to support new Native talent and our communities at the same time is what makes what I do truly satisfying."

As WhiteStone Project co-ordinators begin to prepare for next year's event, Jackson said he would consider coming back next year too.

"I'm sure I will be hearing from organizers and will come back if I can," said Jackson.

The City of Edmonton Community Services, Deborah Grey MP, Windspear Centre, A-Channel's Big Breakfast, CFRN TV, Global TV, and Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples were among the supporters of this year's fund-raiser.

"We're looking forward to next year," said Pelletier. "Every year we're getting bigger and better."