Calgary News Briefs - June, 2015

Penticton Indian Band recognized by CCAB

The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business honoured the Penticton Indian Band as the 2015 recipient of the Economic Development Corporation of the Year at its second annual Calgary gala on May 14. The annual award, sponsored by Sodexo Canada, recognizes an outstanding EDC, affirming the value EDCs bring to Aboriginal communities through employment, business development and revenue generation. CCAB showcases the initiatives of EDCs which connect industry, government and Aboriginal communities, highlighting a vision of shared prosperity. The Penticton Indian Band Development Corporation ensures the certainty of the Penticton Indian Band’s traditional values and provides economic return that is sustainable.

Federal government approves ring road

One of the final stages of approval of the land exchange between Tsuu T’ina Nation and the Alberta government has cleared the way for construction of the southwest ring road.  The federal government has authorized the plan with an order in council. Once Bernard Valcourt, minister of Aboriginal Affairs, has signed off, construction can begin. Pending Valcourt’s final approval, construction of the ring road must be complete in seven years. In anticipation, the provincial government has budgeted to recruit a contractor to begin the work. Negotiations and past rejections by Tsuu T’ina have stalled the road for several years. Following the announcement, Mayor Naheed Nenshi said he’d like the construction to begin soon while costs are low as he anticipates a decline. He said he would be discussing with Premier Rachel Notley the possibility of the City of Calgary building the road through its own procurement processes.

Cluny Fortified Village archaeology program open to public

The University of Calgary is inviting volunteers to participate in an archaeological dig at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park from May 20 to June 23. Participants, who must commit to at least two days, will work with members of the Archeology Field School at the Cluny Fortified Village Site. All artifacts unearthed are the property of the Siksika Nation and will be stored at the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park Interpretive Centre. Supervised by experienced U of C archaeological students, participants will be given a tour of the site and the interpretive centre. Cost to participate will be daily admission to the park. 

Kennedy appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada

On May 8, Sheldon Kennedy received his insignia at a ceremony in Ottawa for outstanding achievement, dedication and service to Canada. Kennedy brought to light the sexual abuse he suffered as a teenager at the hands of junior hockey coach Graham James, who was charged with sexual assault. On May 25, 2015, James was charged with another count of sexual assault, following a historical sexual assault investigation in which a former Swift Current Bronco player came forward. Kennedy has become a dedicated and outspoken advocate for children and was instrumental in creating the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre, a comprehensive centre in Calgary that provides full services to children impacted by abuse. A recent study undertaken by the University of British Columbia indicated that such centres, particularly First Nations-focused centres, are needed. The study also showed that children of residential school survivors are at a higher risk of sexual assault. The Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre partners with Alberta Education, Alberta Health Services, Calgary Child and Family Services, Calgary Crown Prosecutors’ Officer, the Calgary Police Service and the RCMP.

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.

Photo Caption: Erwin Joosten and President Barry Telford, both of Sodexo Canada, with Penticton Indian Band Chief Jonathan Kruger and JP Gladu, president and CEO of Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.