Calgary Briefs - February 2013

Pathways hosts 7th annual round dance

On Jan. 26 Pathways Community Services hosted its 7th annual Friendship Round Dance at the Bowness Community Centre with 800 people attending. The traditional round dance brings the community together in the winter months. Free and open to all, the evening begins with a pipe ceremony followed by a feast of traditional food including moose stew and bannock. The event has grown each year bringing drummers and lead singers from Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. This year there were 30 drum groups and lead singers “So many youth were walking around attending to the Elders,” said Kirby Redwood, executive director. “The little kids joining in, standing in a circle, was also a powerful visual.”

Last Tsuu T’ina War Vet Dies at 97

Harold Crowchild, the last member of the Tsuu T’ina Nation to serve in the Second World War, died on Jan. 12 at age 97. He served with the headquarters 4th Canadian Armed Division in active duty. He also served in the United Kingdom, France, Holland and Germany as a trooper. A heavily decorated soldier, his medals and decorations from the war included Star, France/Germany, Star & Defence medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp, War Medal 1939-1945. He will be remembered as the warrior “Iron Shield.” Crowchild was also a revered Elder and true cowboy who loved the rodeo and his horses which he rode and broke into his 80s.

Through the Lens Exhibit at the Whyte Museum

An exhibit of current and past participants of the Through the Lens program opened in the main gallery of the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies in Banff on Feb. 2. The Through the Lens program encourages participating high school students in traditional and digital photography. This year 22 students from Banff, Canmore and Morley participated. Over a period of four months the students learned from portrait workshops, darkroom techniques and critiques of their works. Their photographs reveal the ways the students have connected to their worlds. The exhibit is also showcasing alumni of the program in Through the Lens: A Retrospective which features over 1,500 photographs, taken by past participants over 15 years. Beyond the Lens, also a part of the exhibit, displays photographs of participants from the past five years who continue to work in the field of photography. In conjunction with the exhibit, the book Through the Lens – Encouraging Creativity in Youth, was launched. The hardcover book reproduces high quality images of 130 photographs and includes stories of 15 past participants. The book comes with a DVD with the complete archive of all alumni. Part of Exposure 2013, the Calgary Banff Canmore Photography Festival, the exhibition will remain on display until the end of March.

Power of Vision 2013

On Feb. 14 and 15, a two day Aboriginal Youth Health and Wellness symposium was held at the Coast Plaza for Aboriginal youth aged 12-17. The series of interactive workshops included the Canadian Red Cross RespectED on Bullying, the Calgary John Howard Society on Youth Drug Impact, MiKmaq on Youth Leadership, and the Alex on Healthy Sexual Decision Making. DJ “Eagle Bear” Vanas, storyteller, author and warrior, delivered the keynote address and entertainment was provided by Don Burnstick. Pamela J. Smith, a Calgary Aboriginal youth role model, emceed the symposium which began with a dinner on Thursday evening and was followed by the full day of workshops Friday.

Conscious Calgary Convergence teaches about Idle no More

On Jan. 31, Conscious Calgary Convergence brought a diverse group of people, organizations and communities together, featuring teachings by Idle No More. The purpose of the all-ages event held at the Community Wise Resource Centre at the Old Y was to inspire, connect, educate, and challenge. The event included an information table for participants, a clothing swap and gift exchange, and food prepared by “Food Not Bombs,” an autonomous chapter of the Food Not Bombs movement that serves vegetarian and vegan food as a direct action protest and supports social justice. The event wrapped up with a Round Dance and tunes by Osmataz Buckshank.

Compiled by Darlene Chrapko