Calgary Briefs - April 2012

Iniskim Centre celebrates five years
The Iniskim Centre, which supports First Nations, Métis and Inuit students at Mount Royal University, recently celebrated five years. Iniskim, explained Leonard Weasel Traveller, a former Blackfoot Confederacy Chief who named the Centre on March 21, 2007, likens education to the ancestral buffalo hunt. “Iniskim is our relation to the buffalo, the source of food, shelter and clothing for our ancestors.” Iniskim provides resources, tutoring, Aboriginal housing, programming, counselors through the wellness centre, and other cultural programming. “We do everything we can to help (Aboriginal students) out,” said Marlene Poitras, acting director. “It’s a foreign world, so we make an environment for them to feel comfortable.” The centre hosts a highly successful Aboriginal Education Program that prepares students for university entrance. Out of 70 students enrolled in the program in the fall, only three dropped out, said Poitras. The Centre will host special graduation ceremonies for First Nations, Métis and Inuit graduates on June 2.

Treaty Seven Chiefs, Ian Tyson to lead 100th Stampede Parade
Seven chiefs of the Treaty Seven First Nations will join country singer Ian Tyson as Honourary Parade Marshalls of the 100th Anniversary of the Calgary Stampede. Mike Casey, president and chairman of the Calgary Stampede made the announcement on March 29 in the 100 day leading up to the event. He said Tyson “is someone who symbolizes western heritage and values, is an iconic Calgarian and someone who embodies the Calgary Stampede. And as we get set to celebrate our centennial, I’m thrilled to have the seven Honourary Parade Marshalls join us as they represent a relationship that started 100 years ago and remains strong today.” Joining Tyson at the head of the parade will be seven leaders from the Treaty 7 First Nations: Chief Charles Weasel Head of the Kainai Nation and Grand Chief of Treaty 7; Siksika Chief Fred Rabbit Carrier; Piikani Chief Gayle Strikes With a Gun; Tsuu T’ina Chief Sandford Big Plume; and from the Stoney Nakoda Nation,  Chiniki Chief Bruce Labelle, Wesley Chief Ernest Wesley and Bearspaw Chief Darcy Dixon. The parade will be held on Friday, July 6.

Survey: Calgarians favour alternative to Tsuu T’ina Ring Road
Following the announcement of the April 23 provincial election, the City of Calgary launched CitiesMatter.ca, an online survey to the five political party policies on civic issues. Among the questions asked was, “Should the government negotiate with the Tsuu T’ina First Nation to build a large ring road around Calgary through the reserve lands or should the government look for another option?” The Calgary Herald and Edmonton Journal commissioned Leger Marketing to conduct the survey. Based on 1,215 telephone interviews held March 22-25, the survey found that 47 per cent of Calgarians believed negotiations with Tsuu T’ina should continue. Almost half of those polled – 49 per cent – felt the government needed to find other options. The survey indicates that continuing negotiations with Tsuu T’ina may be more politically risky than other solutions, said pollster Ian Large. An agreement was rejected by Tsuu T’ina band members in a 2009 referendum. Negotiations continued last summer but no resolution was found by a September deadline. Trent Bancarz, Alberta Transportation spokesman, said the discussions are continuing and a planning study looking at routes within the city is on hold.

Compiled by Darlene Chrapko