Calgary News Briefs - August, 2015

Aboriginal Day celebrated in style

(From left) former Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine, arena director Scott WolfLeg, and Kathleen Ganley, Minister of Aboriginal Relations, address the crowd at Aboriginal Day celebrations in Calgary.

Bellegarde addresses Calgary business community

 At a lunch on July 22, Perry Bellegarde, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, addressed the Calgary Chamber of Commerce on the benefits of working with Aboriginal people. He said he wanted to see Aboriginal people educated for employment in the energy industry as a means of tackling poverty. He also wants them involved in development as their unique view of the environment provides the basis for sustainable growth of the energy industry. He noted a difference in opinion of First Nations toward pipelines, saying some are interested in economic potential while others are adamantly opposed. Assurance of better systems will lead those opposed to be more open, he said. Bellegarde also spoke about provincial and federal governments’ legal duty to consult when resource projects have potential to affect the rights of Aboriginals. Bellegarde advocated for greater involvement of First Nations on boards and management teams. Chamber of Commerce CEO Adam Legge said it’s vital that business and industry understand the Aboriginal perspective and work in partnership.

Peace, Love & Victor Walk

Since July 21, Theo Fleury and his team have been walking from the Be Brave Ranch, a treatment centre for sexually abused children near Edmonton, to Siksika. They were greeted by supporters when they stopped at Eau Claire Plaza in Calgary on July 25. Fleury initiated the Victor Walk in 2013 with a walk from Toronto to Ottawa over a 10-day period to raise awareness and provide support to those telling their stories. Six years ago Fleury published his book, Playing With Fire, in which he wrote about the abuse he experienced while coached by Graham James. The money raised from the walk has contributed to the Breaking Free Foundation Fleury and others founded to help those surviving childhood trauma access treatment. Symbolized by a frog, an image Fleury has tattooed on his arm, the Victor Walk represents moving forward on the healing journey. In acknowledgement of the support he has received from the Siksika Nation, Fleury chose it as the destination.

Memorial held for Colton Crowshoe

Family members and supporters gathered near the Abbeydale Community Centre to remember 18-year-old Colton Crowshoe, whose body was found in a pond near the location last July. Crowshoe’s homicide is not solved and his family continues to call for justice. On July 2, 2014, Colton was arrested and charged with trespassing and break and enter. He was seen on July 4 leaving a party with friends in Abbeydale. Family members reported him missing a few days later. A missing person’s news release was not issued until July 22. Two days later his body was found in the Abbeydale retention pond. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team has been called upon to respond to complaints leveled by family members of racism against the police in handling the investigation. ASIRT’s findings are expected this fall. The Crowshoe family plans to hold an annual vigil until they get the answers they seek.

Chief Chiniki restaurant in rebuilding stage

The new Chief Chiniki restaurant near Morley is under construction and could open before year’s end. Damages to the original restaurant, destroyed by arson in August 2012, were estimated at over $1 million. The restaurant complex will include a new gas station and a convenience store, and a new water and sewer system with about 700 square feet of leasable commercial space. The Chiniki Band received an insurance payment, but is also enhancing the new restaurant with its own funds. The 6,500-square-foot restaurant will have 120 seats inside and an additional 50 seats on an outside deck. The restaurant is a hub of the community and popular meeting place for locals and travellers. Noelan Twoyoungmen, 22, of the Stoney First Nation, received a two-year prison sentence recently pleading guilty to arson. Three youths were also charged. Project lead Ray Greenwood said the restaurant may include museum pieces and information about Aboriginal history and culture. The restaurant is expected to employ 20-25 people.

Public notified of release of high risk offender

Calgary Police Service issued public information and a warning following the release of Russell Noskey, 54, into the Calgary area on June 30. Noskey, who has a history of violent offences, was released after serving a two-year federal prison sentence for assault causing bodily harm. His history of violent offences and convictions includes dangerous driving/impaired, threats, assault, criminal negligence causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon, pointing a firearm, sexual assault, and manslaughter. Past offences were committed in Edmonton and Peace River. Noskey has been violent to strangers and family and intimate partners. Described as Aboriginal, approximately 170 pounds, 5’8” tall with brown hair and eyes, and two tattoos, ‘R.N.’ on his left hand and a small cross on his left forearm, he will be monitored by the CPS high risk offender program. The CPS says the warning was issued following careful deliberation and consideration of all related issues, including privacy, believing it to be in the public interest to inform the community of Noskey’s release. The intent is to enable members of the public to exercise precaution and not to embark on vigilante action.

Awards presented to deserving youth

The Chief David Crowchild Memorial Award was presented June 18 to more than 20 Aboriginal Calgarians who shared their stories through art. The children, who had been part of the child welfare system, were recognized for building bridges between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. The year-long project, titled “Uncovering colonial legacies: Voices of Indigenous youth in child welfare (dis)placements,” offered the youth a chance to express themselves through dance, beading, painting, drawing and other art forms. The project was spearheaded by a University of Calgary graduate student, who approached Levi First Charger, with the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth. USAY also recognized Macyn Morning Bull, a 16-year-old student at Henry Wisewood high school, with the Aboriginal Youth Achievement Award.

Chagnon-Greyeyes leads Aboriginal drum and walk on Nose Hill

On May 2, Cheryle Chagnon-Greyeyes of the Native Centre at the University of Calgary led a walk and drum circle on Nose Hill while teaching participants to drum, sing and learn about Aboriginal culture, smudging and honouring Mother Earth. Against the backdrop of the Rockies, Chagnon-Greyeyes led a circle of participants as part of Jane’s Walks, celebrated in cities across the country and internationally, the first weekend in May. The walks honour Jane Jacobs, an activist for cities and neighbourhoods, well-known for her book The Death and Life of Great American Cities. The walks bring citizens together to explore and learn about different aspects of their cities. Numerous tipi rings and rock cairns have been identified on Nose Hill, the largest natural prairie park in Calgary.