Awareness day returns to NAIT

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Last year, the Aboriginal Student Council at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology did not host the Aboriginal Awareness Day that had taken root back in 1995. The scene was a complete turn-around on Feb. 11 this year when the student body got it all together and presented a fine demonstration of what are some elements of Aboriginal culture.

The function kicked off with an opening prayer by Angeline Badger and Mary Dumais, followed by words of welcome from the president, Dr. W.A.(Sam) Shaw, Senator Thelma Chalifoux and Dr. Phyliss Cardinal who is the administrator for the new Aboriginal high school in Edmonton.

While she was in attendance, Chalifoux presented the first annual Senator Chalifoux Award to Nona German, a Northern student services advisor with the Northern student education initiative. German, according to Native Student Liaison officer Eva Stang, supports northern Aboriginal students by picking them up at the airport or bus depot, driving them around to find accommodation, helping find day care and other services.

The award was created by the Aboriginal student body that wanted to recognize some of the individuals who have contributed to Aboriginal education, explained Stang. It can be an individual, an agency, a counselor or someone from the corporate sector, she added. The recipient received a framed eagle feather and her name will be inscribed on a wall plaque that will be displayed at the school.

With all the formal procedures out of the way, cultural activities began in earnest with some colorful demonstration dancing by various First Nations performers. The Edmonton Metis Cultural Dance Society performed square dances and lively jigs to the delight of those in attendance.

A few young dancers from Prince Charles school also exhibited their skills and proved that the culture will carry forward through them. Then it was round dance time and an opportunity for anyone from the crowd to share in the circle of dance that is ever so popular during the winter season.

Throughout the day, people were welcome to enjoy the drumming, dancing and food.

The student club led by Kevin Carter is re-activated and the annual awareness days will not be cancelled again. What Carter, a chemical engineering student form Manitoba, "has done has just been amazing," remarked Stang. "He's here every day."