Calgary Briefs - September 2012

Indian Village thrives at Stampede
Tipi-raising racers pull canvas around poles as a demonstration at Indian Village at the Calgary Stampede. The Stampede celebrated 100 years this past July.

Guards charged with assault

Three guards working at Alberta Children’s Hospital have been charged with assault causing bodily harm following a December 2010 altercation.  The alleged victim, Bronson Crowchild, was initially charged with assault by the Calgary Police Service in the immediate aftermath of the incident. Crowchild was waiting outside the facility for a ride after visiting a sister who was a patient. Two security officers told him to leave the premises. A verbal disagreement ensued that became physical. A subsequent internal investigation by Alberta Health Services, including a review of CCTV footage, resulted in the charge being dropped, an apology being issued to Crowchild and his family, and the findings being forwarded to police for further action. AHS security guards Romeo Pilar Banaga, 42, and Ahmed Mahmoud Montasser, 25, and contract employee Tristan Scott Coombes, 22 have each been charged with one count of assault causing bodily harm. They will appear in court Sept. 27.

Mustard Seed live-in program offers practical experience for post-secondary students

Now in its second year, the Mustard Seed’s Missional Housing program is open to 18 post-secondary students to experience life in poverty and homelessness. Students live at The Mustard Seed’s Centre Street building in a hostel-like setting, sharing kitchens and common areas. Mentored by The Mustard Seed’s staff, students learn to become neighbours with the supportive housing residents. The program offers practical experience to enhance the educational experience. Community Living Manager Deb Runnalls, who oversees the program, said, “A student often learns theory in the classroom and from books. The Missional Housing Program will take those learnings and offer students the opportunity to put them into practice.” Amanda Achtman, a University of Calgary political science student who will be participating in the program this fall said, “I’m hoping to gain a better understanding of the challenges that the poor in Calgary experience on a day-to-day basis.”

Chief Chiniki restaurant destroyed by fire

A fire that destroyed Chief Chiniki restaurant, located along the Trans-Canada Highway near Morley, is still under investigation. Shortly before 1 a.m. on Aug. 21, Nakoda EMS and Fire, assisted by Springbank and Cochrane fire services, were unable to contain the fire that spread through the wood structure. The restaurant was named in honour of Chief Chiniki, one of the chiefs that signed Treaty 7. It was a popular destination for both tourists and locals. Damage to the restaurant was estimated at $2 million. Chiniki administrator Shirley Ketterer said it has yet to be determined if the restaurant will be rebuilt.

Martin calls for more government funding for Aboriginal education

Former Prime Minister Paul Martin, now head of an Aboriginal education initiative, spoke to an audience of about 300 at the Hyatt Regency as part of GlobalFest on Aug. 15. Martin called for additional government funding to combat Aboriginal high school dropout rates and to increase post-secondary attendance of Aboriginal students. “My view is governments have got to act on it. They have to properly fund it. Underfunding Aboriginal education is discrimination,” he said. In its fifth year, the annual human rights forum is part of GlobalFest, a multicultural celebration and international fireworks competition. Forum coordinator Lisa Fleming said, “Our idea is to truly educate people and share the information that they obtain from the daily forums. We try to bring up issues that are not common every day conversation.” GlobalFest promotes arts and culture to celebrate cultural diversity.

Compiled by Darlene Chrapko

Museum showcases Aboriginal art in celebration of Calgary 2012
Two exhibitions of Aboriginal art were displayed as part of Calgary 2012 at the Museum of Contemporary Art: a Canadian premiere exhibit of the works of Aboriginal artist Carl Beam (1943-2005) upstairs and Narrative Quest, in the main gallery. The closing of the exhibits on Aug. 25 also paid tribute to the works and accomplishments of Joane Cardinal-Schubert in a presentation by local art historian Monique Westra. MOCA artistic director Jeffery Spalding described Narrative Quest as a “survey from artists of the most senior achievement, such as Joane, Faye Heavyshield, Terrance Houle – all the artists of great distinction . . . . Alex Janvier . . . . as well as some other younger artists that are not as well known to us.” This was the first time the works of Ontario-born Ojibway artist Carl Beam were shown in Canada. They were created for an exhibition that toured art museums in China in 1999 and were subsequently bought by private collectors. Beam incorporated photographic images on different materials using a variety of techniques.

2013 Stampede Princess announced
Taking over the reign from Amelia Crowshoe as the 2013 Calgary Stampede Indian Princess is Amber Big Plume, a second year Law and Society student at the University of Calgary. A fancy shawl dancer, Big Plume is excited about her role as official representative of the Calgary Stampede. A traditional Princess Transfer Ceremony took place on Sept. 16 at the Carriage House Inn. As an official ambassador the Indian Princess makes over 350 appearances, promoting the spirit of the Treaty 7 and Calgary Stampede’s partnership.

Compiled by Darlene Chrapko

Compiled by Darlene Chrapko

Report reiterates cost of domestic violence
On June 5, the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy released a report titled Preventing Domestic Violence in Alberta: A Cost Savings Perspective. The report reinforces recent studies showing Alberta has the fifth-highest rate of police-reported violence and the second-highest rate of self-reported spousal violence in Canada. The report shows that social problems cost Albertans up to $600 million every five years. Many of the costs are incurred by victims of domestic violence who choose to flee, including basic supports, health care, legal and social assistance, counselling and treatment for addictions. New Democrat MLA Rachel Notley attributes the high costs of the effects of domestic violence to the scaling back of preventative services, pointing mainly to cutbacks of mental health supports that include the discontinuation of a suicide prevention program for First Nations and reduction of the number of nurses, counselors and psychologists in Alberta high schools.

Compiled by Darlene Chrapko