Calgary Briefs - August

Calgarians honour Aboriginal culture

At the end of June, Calgarians gathered at Shaw Millennium Park to celebrate Aboriginal culture, the culmination of a week filled with events. The family day event wound up Aboriginal Awareness Week. Performing on the festival stage throughout the day was world champion hoop dancer Dallas Arcand, accompanied by his son, Dallas Jr., Métis singer Dorothy Walker and even Elvis made an appearance, aka Bobby Narcisse, a local youth worker. The theme of the weeklong celebration, Power of Youth, Wisdom of Elders, included people of all ages from different cultures. Showcased were traditional games, Elder storytelling, a First People’s art market, and the Tipi of Courage. Following a prayer given by Reg Crowshoe of the Piikani Nation, the theatrical grand entry of the evening powwow featured over 80 dancers from surrounding Treaty 7 Nations.

Stoney Tribal Cadet program gets new membership

Twenty-five children, ages eight to 17, are participating in the Stoney Tribal Cadet Program, modeled after the program used in Hobbema to address violence, suicide, alcohol and drug abuse in the community. Chief Bruce Labelle approached the Cochrane RCMP seeking solutions for the social problems that plague the Stoney Nation. Spearheaded by RCMP Cpl. Mel Calahasen and Lt. Waylon Kaquitts, the program will be officially launched in October with a public community performance of the drills the youth have learned. The young cadets will have the opportunity to travel off the reserve with other troops to share their experiences. Calahasen said that 60 per cent of the criminal caseload calls the Cochrane detachment receives are from Morley, a community of only 4,500 people. “The reality in this community, and every community that’s dealing with First Nations communities, is that there’s a high level of drugs and alcohol and violence,” Calahasen said. “What we wanted to do was take these kids from that environment and teach them with positive influences from the community.” By participating in the twice-weekly training, school attendance, good grades and community work, the young cadets earn merit points.

Calgary Stampede’s Indian Village to double in size

Indian Village at the Calgary Stampede will be moving to a new site on the northeast part of the grounds. Not only will the village get more space, but it will be more closely tied in with main Stampede activities. Warren Connell, vice president of park development for the Stampede, said, “By doubling that space, we allow what used to occur at a traditional (Native) circle. The five tribes of Treaty 7 are ecstatic to be moving to this site. Obviously we’ve done a lot of stakeholder consultation. We’ve been working with the teepee owners themselves and the Elders in the village for roughly four and a half years on this project.” A building will house support services for the village and display archives of the 100 year history of the Stampede, the Native tribes and the city. The Indian Village area will expand from 1.7 hectares to 3.2 hectares in the new River Park development.

Winner of AIDS Aboriginal artwork contest

Stanley English is the winner of the AIDS Calgary Awareness Association’s Aboriginal artwork contest. English’s submission was chosen as the piece that best conveyed the theme of “Strong voices working together in the face of HIV.” ACAA said that submissions represented the strength and diversity of Aboriginal Albertans. ACAA works in partnership with Aboriginal communities on HIV prevention, education and supporting Aboriginal persons living with HIV/AIDS.

Mustard Seed launches new employment centre

The Mustard Seed’s new employment centre will work closely with its clients to help them secure and maintain suitable work. Under-employment contributes to the cycle of poverty and homelessness. “The constant struggle of being unable to find work takes a real toll on an individual’s dignity and self-worth,” said Cliff Wiebe, director of support services at The Mustard Seed.  Intake facilitators will work with individuals to determine training and job opportunities that match interests, abilities and experience. Volunteers assist with writing resumes and preparing for interviews. Once working, employment coaches will meet regularly with clients to assist with any difficulties and address employer’s concerns. “Our clients face significant barriers to employment, but The Mustard Seed is committed to helping them to overcome those barriers and work toward greater independence,” said Wiebe

Compiled by Darlene Chrapko