Calgary News Briefs - March 2015

Tsuu T’ina beauty to compete in Miss Universe Canada pageant

Cree Big Plume, of the Tsuu T’ina Nation, is headed to the preliminaries of the Miss Universe Canada pageant, which will determine Canada’s representative at the annual Miss Universe Pageant. Big Plume, who works as a treaty researcher in the band office’s land claims department, was scouted by Patti Falconer Agencies. Big Plume said she was hesitant at first because of her busy schedule but decided not to pass up the opportunity. “It ties in with honour, volunteering, being a role model, and a good human being,” she said. Big Plume will compete in Toronto on May 16 against 64 other contestants from across the country. 

Victim Identified and Man Charged with First Degree Murder

After seeking assistance from the public, the Calgary Police Service was able to identify a man seen with Dawns Baptiste, prior to her death. Baptiste’s body was found in a yard on Feb. 12, 2015, in the Whitehorn area of the city. Late in the day on Feb. 14, Curtis Jade Tyson Healy, 25, was arrested. It is alleged that Healy met Baptiste on Feb. 11, and they travelled around the city by C-Train. Around midnight, both left the train at the Whitehorn Station. It is believed Baptise was assaulted, dragged into a nearby yard and sexually assaulted where she succumbed to her injuries. Healy was charged with first-degree murder.

7th Annual Valentine’s Day Memorial March

On Feb. 14, the 7th Annual Valentine’s Day Memorial March took place at Scarboro United Church. The annual Memorial March, which is held in cities across the country and internationally, seeks to raise awareness about violence against women and bring about change. Although violence affects all women, the Memorial March planning committee has stated that Indigenous women as a group face compounded risks and are five times more likely to die as a result of violence. The committee also shares the fact that while most women are at a greater risk of assault by an intimate partner, Indigenous women are equally at risk of assault by a stranger.

8th Fire Gathering to be held at University of Calgary

The 8th Fire Gathering will take place on March 13-15 at the University of Calgary. The gathering will focus on presenting information on the Idle No More movement and address a host of issues such as human rights, workers and union rights, Aboriginal Treaty rights, Indigenous Sovereignty and Canadian Sovereignty, the environment, community activism, progressive politics, the 2015 federal vote and Canada’s future. Among the guest speakers are Derek Nepinak, Tantoo Cardinal, Beverly Jacobs, Janice Makokis, Shannon Houle, Tanya Kappo, Sylvia McAdam and Nina Wilson. The overall aim of the gathering is to share knowledge and expand networks to enable action and positive change.

St. Mary’s University fosters Aboriginal Culture

St. Mary’s University has developed a number of innovative programs to support its growing enrollment of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students. Close to Siksika and Tsuu T’ina First Nations, St. Mary’s is recruiting and supporting FNMI students, who are underrepresented in post-secondary. Its FNMI Advisory Council is leading the way to encourage and support FNMI students. The Elders on Campus program makes Elders available to students by appointment. Casey Eagle Speaker and Edmee Comstock lead cultural and spiritual ceremonies, which will include transferring a buffalo robe to St. Mary’s in a March event. Special initiatives, such as the Ghost River Rediscovery Project, will give students an opportunity to undertake a nine-day journey exploring the link between First Nations culture and nature.

Photo caption: Cree Big Plume from Tsuu T’ina Nation will compete in Miss Universe Canada pageant in Toronto in May.