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Youth participants, volunteers, and Bridges team members during the Grand Entry, facing Elder and honoured guest Randy Bottle who opened the day with a prayer and supportive words for the youth.
Aboriginal youth showcased
On April 12, Bridges Social Development hosted its annual Aboriginal Youth Explosion at Mount Royal University’s Wyckham House. This year’s event, sponsored by Suncor Energy Inc. and the Rozsa Foundation, brought together Aboriginal youth from Calgary and surrounding area to tell their stories through art and performance. The youth participate in Canada Bridges’ Unveiling Youth Potential Program, which supports youth leadership roles in building community. This year 26 youth told their stories through dancing, drumming, singing and music, and public speaking. An additional 10 youth used artwork to do their talking.
Approximately 200 family and community members from Alexis, Siksika, Morley, Calgary and Tsuu T’ina attended to support the young Aboriginals on their journey as they grow into leadership roles.
New Attainable Homes project launched
On April 15, Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Ward 7 Councillor Druh Farrell officially launched Attainable Homes first inner-city development. Nenshi unveiled the artist’s rendering and sales information for the project which is part of the 16 Avenue North Urban Corridor Area Redevelopment Plan and the first laneway housing project in the city. Attainable Homes Calgary Corporation is a non-profit organization that is a wholly owned subsidiary of the City of Calgary. It links developers, builders, lenders, lawyers and insurance companies to lower the costs of home ownership. Three key elements contribute to making new homes affordable for Calgarians with moderate incomes: forgivable equity loans, affordable home prices and a joint appreciation plan.
“Alesha’s Dream”
On May 21, the Stardale Women’s Group and The School of Alberta Ballet will be performing Alesha’s Dream in the Wright Theatre at Mount Royal University. In the performance, a group of teenage Aboriginal girls explore the issue of youth suicide and its prevention. Following the play, Stardale will launch its new book titled “Committing,” hosted by Helen McPhaden and the author, Eugene Stickland.
BluEarth Launches Aboriginal Clean Energy Scholarship
On April 16, Calgary’s BluEarth Renewables Inc. launched its Aboriginal Clean Energy Scholarship. For its inaugural year, the ACES program will offer financial support of $3,000 per academic year to Canadian Aboriginal students pursuing trades certification, diploma, degree and other programs at accredited post-secondary institutions. ACES will also offer skills development through paid internships. Successful candidates will be paired with BluEarth team members as learning partners throughout the academic year. “The scholarship offers a unique opportunity for Aboriginal students to gain work experience and learn from one of the most experienced renewable power generation teams in the country,” said Kent Brown, president and CEO of BluEarth.
Esquao Awards honour outstanding women
The Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women is hosting its 19th Annual Esquao Awards Gala on May 22 at the Coast Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre. An initiative of the IAAW, the awards gala recognizes and honours the achievements and successes of Alberta First Nations, Métis and Inuit women. The women are nominated by their communities. The Esquao Awards has grown since its conception in 1995 and has now become the largest sponsored event to recognize the achievements of Canada’s Aboriginal women.
Compiled by Darlene Chrapko
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