Calgary News Briefs - July, 2015

AltaLink supports Alberta Indigenous Games

At its National Aboriginal Day celebrations on June 16, Alberta’s largest electricity transmission provider, AltaLink announced a new sponsorship with the upcoming Alberta Indigenous Games, which will be held in Edmonton from July 12-16. Over 1,000 youth participate in and benefit from the games held every two years. Revolving around the theme of Reclaiming our Youth, the games include 12 special events, competitions in 10 different sports, a career fair, mentors, Elders, Indigenous arts, speaking, music and dance, and other gatherings. 

Langevin’s name on bridge, school being examined

Calgarians are expressing opposing viewpoints on whether Langevin Bridge and Langevin School should be renamed now that the connection between Sir Hector Louis Langevin, a Father of Confederation and advocate for residential schools, has come to the fore with the recent release of the summary of the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Some, like Linda Many Guns, University of Lethbridge Native Studies professor, is adamant that the name be changed because of the association and its impact on residential school survivors, while others, such as local historian Harry Sanders, believe the name should be kept along with an explanation of Langevin’s association with residential schools. Mayor Naheed Nenshi said he is looking into the renaming and will bring it to council in the upcoming weeks. In the meantime, he is seeking the advice and perspectives of the city’s advisory committee, historians and First Nations people, acknowledging that changing the name would be appropriate in light of the TRC’s recently released report.

Bow Valley College officials honoured with Blackfoot names

On June 5, Bow Valley College president and CEO Sharon Carry and Vice President Academic and Chief Learning Officer Anna Kae Todd were given Blackfoot names at a special naming ceremony in the Iniikokaan Aboriginal Centre on campus. The titles recognize the commitment that Carry and Todd have made to ensure the success of Aboriginal students. Situated on traditional Blackfoot land, BVC has strong connections to First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, particularly through programs which are reflective of traditional Aboriginal practices. The name Niipaitapi Askinimatstohki, meaning Lifelong Educator was bestowed upon Carry along with a traditional headdress for her leadership and accomplishments. Todd received the name Aapsinis Kimaakii, White Buffalo Rock Woman and presented with a walking stick to acknowledge her passion for hiking and love of nature. The ceremony was led by Elders Leonard Bastien and Peter Strikes With A Gun with many dignitaries in attendance. In her acceptance, Carry alluded to the destructive impact of residential schools, acknowledging that education is an aspect of the path toward reconciliation.

University of Calgary honourary degree recipients

Sheldon Kennedy, Nellie Cournoyea and Jane Ash Poitras were presented with honourary degrees at the June convocation ceremonies at the University of Calgary. Kennedy was recognized at the June 8 convocation for the faculties of environmental design, graduate studies, kinesiology and social work, with an honourary degree for bringing to light the issue of child abuse by taking his own story nationally and internationally. Cournoyea was recognized with an honourary degree on June 9 at the Werklund School of Education and faculty of graduate studies convocation. She is chair and chief executive officer of Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. Formerly, premier of the Northwest Territories, Cournoyea, an Aboriginal land and constitutional rights advocate is also a leader of public and Aboriginal governments and supporter of development of the north and its resources. She is also recognized for public service and volunteerism. Poitras was recognized at the faculties of arts and graduate studies convocation on June 10. Her visual art has received international acclaim and she is highly sought after as a lecturer. Painter, printmaker and writer, Poitras has created a new First Nations lens in contemporary art. Her work has been shown in a number of exhibitions, both solo and group, around the world and is found in a number of public, private and corporate collections. 

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.