Calgary Briefs - April

Aboriginal Youth Animation Project screening

On March 19, young artists from the Aboriginal Youth Animation Project were in attendance for a screening of their films at the Plaza Theatre. Works by Megan Crowchild, Dre First Rider, Lauren Ferguson, Danni Ghostkeeper-Ferguson, Joey Good Eagle, Colton Raw Eater and Will Walton were shown. For 20 weeks participants between the ages of 15 and 30 worked as a team learning life skills and creating animated films on youth-related issues, culture and identity. Established in 1984 as a centre for appreciating animation, the Quickdraw Animation Society is a non-profit, artist-run, film production co-op dedicated to providing the independent animator access to equipment, resources, and training to create their own animated productions. The Aboriginal Youth Animation Project was funded by USAY, the Aboriginal Friendship Centre, and federal and provincial governments.

Chamber partnership provides Aboriginal awareness training

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce has entered the “implementation phase” of its Aboriginal Workforce Initiative, launched in 2008. Dr. Neil McDonald of Cross Cultural Consulting Inc. is providing Aboriginal awareness training for businesses and organizations wanting to improve Aboriginal hiring and retention strategies and to develop business partnerships with Aboriginal communities. This research and action plan aims to connect the business community with Aboriginal opportunities and improve Aboriginal economic and labour market outcomes. The chamber is offering a full-day training session with McDonald on April 21. Space is limited to 25 people. Customized training is also available.

Major energy and environmental players meet at “Energy Café”

On March 2, the major players in the energy debate gathered for a round table discussion at the University of Calgary. Spearheaded by Shell Canada, in celebration of its 100th anniversary, the provincial government and several environmental groups, including Greenpeace, the Suzuki Foundation, and the Sierra Club, and First Nations began a conversation on the future of energy in Canada. People on both sides of the debate met to discuss how to use energy resources while protecting the environment. Lorraine Mitchelmore, president and CEO of Shell Canada, told Global News it will take all Canadians to develop the energy future with growing demand for energy and a reduced environmental footprint. All Canadians are asked to participate in answering the question, “How do we become a clean energy superpower?” Mitchelmore said Shell is introducing the idea of an “energy diet” to look at how energy is conserved and used. The discussion will be made into a National Geographic documentary.

Wordfest and Writers’ Guild present Judge John Reilly

During Freedom to Read Week, Wordfest and the Writers’ Guild presented Judge John Reilly, the author of Bad Medicine: A Judge’s Struggle for Justice in a First Nation’s Community. In his controversial book, Reilly, a former circuit judge in Banff, Canmore and Cochrane, criticized the corruption on the reserve, pointing at some Stoney Nakoda political leaders. The Alberta Judicial Council has asked that he not write another book until he is fully retired. Chief David Bearspaw Jr. has launched an official complaint against Reilly. Reilly was struck by the number of young Stoney people that have died in recent years.

Experts speak on crime prevention techniques

Dr. Martin Brokenleg, director of Native Ministries and professor of First Nations Theology and Ministry at the Vancouver School of Theology in Vancouver, was one of a handful of experts to share his expertise on local crime prevention techniques at Safe Communities conference held at Mount Royal University in Calgary March 29 and 30. Brokenleg is also vice president of Reclaiming Youth International, which provides training for individuals who work with youth at risk. Also speaking were high ranking members of the Calgary Police Service and RCMP and Minister of Justice and Attorney General Verlyn Olson.

Compiled by Darlene Chrapko