About resolutions, careers and the bingo queen

Page 4

People and places

Oki.

How is everyone this fine 1997? Well, have you stuck to your resolution? I do want to apologize to a dear friend of mine, Connie Rain. I wrote a story about her family's grass dance special way back in September. It wasn't supposed to be malicious; I guess the joke wasn't taken the way I wrote it. I felt real bad when she approached me and asked why I made fun of her. I didn't realize I offended her. I do apologize and I hope the story doesn't hurt our friendship in any way.

I know this happened away back then. Congratulations to the 'Boyz' Hobbema Whalers on winning second place at the Anishinawbe Falcons' Cup at Kamloops, B.C., on Nov. 15 to 17.

Being the bingo queen and all, I must tell you the bingo is going real well! December was a good month. We had our first "growing pain" bingo on Dec. 5. My friend and helper Joanne was pulling her hair out by the time the bingo was over. One player that made me re-think our bingo was Priscilla Christian of Paddle Prairie. I heard that she was an avid bingo player of ours, because things went out of whack that evening she had to split the blackout with two other players. My subjects and I would like to apologize, and we are trying to make this bingo better for everyone.

I was talking with Jimmy Giroux of Driftpile. He owns PNR Gas Bar. He was telling me, he clears out some space in his store just to let some bingo players come and play. Kind of like a little bingo hall. I think that's a great idea. Maybe, an idea for other bingo cards sellers (hint, hint).

CFWE decided to have a special bingo each month. This month the special will be held on Jan. 30. For our future, we will let everyone know when we are going to have it.

I am sorry if I ramble on and on about bingo. But, this column is yours and mine. I feel like the Maytag man - no one ever calls. Again, I would like to tell everyone, please give me a story.

I wanted to go to the Wilfred Buffalo Memorial Powwow on Dec. 24 and 25. I couldn't make it because I had the stomach flu, but I heard it was a good one.

Speaking of past events, I went to the DOTC Wintertribal Days in Brandon, Man., last year. Of course, you and I both know that it's happening at the end of this month. Anyway, I was working out there selling little things for a friend of mine. I swear, mega people and mega good times. I met two people who stick out in my mind. One was Doris, she was another seller of tidbits. I never had anyone to take over when nature called or to eat. All weekend, she came over to my stall and help me out. It's funny, I never knew her name until we were packing up on the last day. Another person was Doug Sinclair, an artist from Sandy Bay First Nation, Man. The year before, he won second place for his sculpture. He makes masks and shields in hide. He sculpts them right from the hide. He's pretty talented with his hands. We hit it off so well, I think he and I were friends from a different life. I have so many memories and met so many good people. I'm wishing my fairy godmother would come down and take me there.

Also, reminding you of another great yearly event happening Jan. 15 to 19. You guessed it: the Cross-Cultural Days down in southwestern Alberta. The Napi Friendship Centre, the Town of Pincher Creek and Peigan Nation are presenting it. This year they are having a basketball tournament, hockey tournament, conference and powwow. So, if you have nothing to do and you have wheels go down and visit with them for the weekend. Ah-ho!

When I was teenager, I quit school and became a nobody. I did everything my teachers said I would do. I guess in those times, I thought they were right. I went back to school at 19, received my high school diploma and started to work for AMMSA at 21. At that time, I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. Pondering what am I good at? First, I thought I want to be a doctor. No, too much blood to look at day in, day out. Then, I thought I wanted to be a lawyer. You can go intoit with good intentions but how long would that hold. Actually, I still don't what I want to do. Sorry, I'm starting to lose sight of the story. The Canadian Native Arts Foundation is hosting a career fair called "Blueprint For the Future" in Calgary on Feb. 5 and 6. And another one in Winnipeg on April 9. They have heard the cries of the Aboriginal youth across the country about what are there futures going to be. This career fair will provide information of every kind of career there is in the western world and the paths on which to take for it. So, if you're just like me and don't know where to go after graduating, go and find what you're looking for at this fair. Gee, maybe I should go too! Just kidding!