Calgary Briefs - August 2012

In 2007, Blackfoot Crossing received the Travel Alberta ALTO Award for Sustainable Tourism.

Blackfoot Crossing celebrates five years

Last month marked the opening of Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park five years ago. Approximately 100 km east of Calgary, located near Cluny, the 62,000-square-foot centre houses cultural artifacts of the Siksika people to preserve and showcase their history. Built on a hill near Chief Crowfoot’s burial site, Blackfoot Crossing overlooks an 800 hectare historical park marking not only an important First Nations Bow River crossing but also the Cluny Earth Lodge Village, a settlement dating back to 1740-42 and archaeological dig site of the University of Calgary’s archaeology department. Most significantly, Blackfoot Crossing is the historic site of Crowfoot’s negotiation of Treaty 7 in 1877. The $25 million building with its museum, theatre, galleries, restaurant and gift shop is the largest First Nations owned and operated tourist site in Canada.Each year in early August, Blackfoot Crossing features its Annual World Chicken Dance Competition. Throughout the year, Blackfoot Crossing offers authentic experiences of storytelling, dance performances, drum competitions and tipi camp. Designed by Goodfellow Architecture, the building follows the practices of LEED certification.

Actua receives $1.5 million grant from Suncor Energy Foundation

Actua, Canada’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics  youth outreach network received a $1.5 million grant from Suncor Energy Foundation in support of outreach programming for Aboriginal youth. Actua’s community-based, culturally specific programming reaches 30,000 Aboriginal youth in 200 communities across Canada. “This investment will make it possible for us to build on our program delivery model and create positive dynamic learning environments that encourage self-confidence and other critical life skills while exposing Aboriginal youth to the many exciting careers that are open to them,” said Jennifer Flanagan, Actua’s president and CEO, in a news release. Through Actua’s member organizations undergraduates in science, engineering and technology lead workshops and camps in all provinces and territories nation-wide. “Our partnership with Actua is based on the shared values that all youth, regardless of background, ability, or socio-economic status, need experiences that develop science literacy,” said Arlene Strom, vice-president, Communications and Stakeholder Relations, Suncor Energy. “We believe literacy is key to building the skills and knowledge of our future workforce which will help support the long-term economic and social prosperity of our business and communities.”

Modular buildings for First Nations communities

Atco has begun making modular buildings for First Nations and Inuit communities across Canada through its new branch, Atco Sustainable Communities. Two structures will be unveiled in August, a school for the St. Mary’s Band in B.C. and a daycare for Saskatchewan’s Gordon First Nations. From its 10 plants in Canada and the U.S., Atco plans to build a range of structures from hockey arenas to office buildings. Company president Boris Rassin said Atco’s modular buildings are well-suited to the North with its brief building season and limited labour supply. “Atco has 65 years of experience working in some of the most remote locations around the world,” Rassin said. Sustainable Communities employs approximately 20 people, but that number is expected to grow.

Food ‘n More initiative enables charities to buy food in bulk

The Calgary Urban Aboriginal Initiative is one of several Calgary charities banding together to buy bulk food and share warehouse space. Others include the Calgary Dream Centre, the United Way and the Community Kitchen Program. The Food ‘n More initiative is supported by the city, provincial and federal governments as well as members of the food industry, including producers and wholesalers. “And when we link arms, that makes a whole difference,” said Marilyn Gunn, founder of the Community Kitchen Program. “And with the capacity of 1,000 volunteers out there we can have a large impact in the city of Calgary.” Any non-profit or church group that provides hampers or meals can participate in Food ‘n More’s centralized purchasing and warehousing initiative. According to Food ‘n More, annually over 370,000 Albertans do not have adequate food and nutrition.

Global Fest 2012 human rights forum focuses on Aboriginal issues
Since 2007, Global Fest has presented its human rights forum as part of its arts and cultural festival celebrating cultural diversity and artistic excellence. This year’s panel discussions addressed Calgary’s commitment to combating racism and ending discrimination Aug. 13-17 at lunch hour at the downtown public library. Panel discussions include debunking common myths of Aboriginal issues and ways to create a more inclusive workplace. Dr. Leona Makokis presented a new perspective on Aboriginal post-secondary education.
Former circuit judge and author of Bad Medicine, John Riley presented new perspectives on Aboriginal justice with Kim Pate, executive director of the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies. The Right Honourable Paul Martin also spoke at the forum addressing educational needs through the  Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative.

Compiled by Darlene Chrapko