Calgary Briefs - July

2011 Aboriginal Graduation Banquet & Powwow

The University of Calgary’s 20th annual Aboriginal Graduation Banquet and Powwow, “Circle of Inspiration and Achievement,” was held on June 11 at the Red and White Club.  Eight hundred people gathered to celebrate the graduation of 77 Aboriginal students. The graduation ceremony also included a PhD in Education, Morris Manyfingers. There were 250 registered dancers and eight drums hosted by Blackfoot Crossing. The Circle of Honour included Wilton Goodstriker, Reggie Crowshoe, Casey Eaglespeaker and George Calliou. Susan Aglukark, who received an honourary doctorate, opened the program with an inspiring rendition of O Canada. Members of the Circle of Honour presented the graduates with eagle feathers blessed on site, and faculty members presented grads with colourful Pendleton saddle blankets.

Blackfoot Crossing Hosts World Chicken Dance competitions

Blackfoot Crossing hosted its first annual Blackfoot Crossing Fest on June 18. The festival featured the fourth annual World Chicken Dance Championships. Inspired by the prairie chicken during mating season, the male dances to win the female. Originating with the Blackfoot peoples of Southern Alberta, the Chicken Dance has become a powwow favourite across North America for its colourful dress, unique style and speed. Dancers came from across Canada and the United States to compete for prize money in various categories. Visitors also toured Canada’s largest Aboriginal historic site and enjoyed traditional food, craft workshops, storytelling, hiking, tipi-raising and games for children.

Dreamcatcher Foundation Brings Gala to Western Canada

The Dreamcatcher Foundation, which helps First Nations youth fulfill their dreams, hosted its annual black-tie gala fundraiser at the BMO Centre at Stampede Park on June 16. Aboriginal stars in attendance included Adam Beach, Lorne Cardinal, Last of the Mohicans’ Eric Schweig and country music favourite Shane Yellowbird. The foundation assists parents in paying fees for sports, arts and cultural activities for youth.  It also supports educational pursuits of mature students and postgraduates and assistance for medical needs not covered by First Nations health benefit programs. A national organization, the Dreamcatcher Foundation reviews about 2,000 applications annually, helping between 1,200 and 1,500 people. This was the first time the gala was held in Western Canada.

No widening of Highway 1A along the Stoney Nation

Plans to widen and improve a deadly stretch of Highway 1A along the Stoney Nation reserve have been discontinued by Alberta Transportation. The project was removed from the government’s three-year plan and funds have been reallocated to other projects. Trent Bancarz, of Alberta Transportation, said, “The band informed us they did not wish to conclude the agreement, so the project is suspended.” In a related archaeological project, Bison Historical Services was hired by Alberta Transportation to excavate the area along Highway 1A. The archaeological project is legally required when the province disrupts or impacts First Nation land. First Nations artifacts were found over the past three years and sent to the Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton, said Sean Goldsmith, a partner with Bison Historical Services. Stoney contract workers were hired to work on the excavation.

Money available to help groups review proposed Komie North Extension

The National Energy Board is making $75,000 available under its Participant Funding Program to assist people and groups with an interest in the regulatory process for the proposed Komie North Extension project. This program is meant to help Aboriginal groups and others interested in participating in the process. NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd., a subsidiary of TransCanada PipeLines Limited, has filed a project description indicating its intent to construct and operate four new segments of 166 km of pipeline and related facilities. This funding is to help interested parties review and comment on the Komie North Extension and facilities application to be submitted by NOVA. July 20 is the deadline to submit application for funding.

Compiled by Darlene Chrapko