Calgary News Briefs - October 2014

A little hoop magic

Tyrone Sitting Eagle, third generation hoop dancer, from Siksika, danced for large crowds at the Indian Village during the Calgary Stampede. 

On Sept. 16, at the Showcase Grand, Lorna Crowshoe of the Blackfoot Women’s Society, and Casey Eagle Speaker, of Hull Services, joined six other speakers to present their ideas on the state of philanthropy, how it can improve, and what giving really means. Elizabeth Cannon, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Calgary, provided the opening remarks. Speakers were given seven minutes to share their perspective on the act of giving. Other speakers were Sheldon Kennedy, athlete, author and board member of the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre; Lucy Miller, United Way, president and CEO; Craig Kielburger of Free the Children; Samantha Nutt, War Child Canada; and Samuel Weiss, U of C Hotchkiss Brain Institute. Student Mustafa Ahmed, whose poetry explores violence, drugs, poverty emerging from his life in Regent Park, Toronto, Canada’s first inner city housing project, closed the event. The Walrus Talks is a national series of events produced by the Walrus Foundation which also publishes The Walrus magazine.

Community partners launched a pilot project to coordinate efforts in supporting students and families in the southeast area schools of Patrick Arlie and Holy Trinity. The Integrated School Support Project is a prevention-based initiative designed to target services that address needs within the diverse schools and their communities. Several new programs will be added to existing ones to help children succeed both in school and in their social lives. The holistic approach incorporates nutrition, fitness, emotional health and academic success. The diverse services provided to students and their families include a positive police presence, an onsite psychologist, a physical education specialist, the services of a social worker, and a health clinician. Services also include breakfast and lunch programs and after-school programs that provide mentorship and tutoring. ISSP plans to expand community resources to include pre-natal support and other programs to address parental needs, as identified by members of the community. Initially, ISSP will serve young people aged four to 12 then expand to include those up to 18 years. After the pilot project is evaluated, and if successful in achieving long-term outcomes, it will expand to other schools and communities. 

From Sept. 10-12, speakers gathered at Mount Royal University to discuss Aboriginal and environmental issues. The conference also featured artists, philosophically evocative plays and science demonstrations. The former head of the MacKenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry, Justice Thomas Berger, one of many keynote speakers, said entering into affected communities helps make effective decisions. Berger’s 1977 inquiry became known for giving voice to Aboriginal people. He went into the villages and listened to the viewpoint of First Nations people. As debate on the Northern Gateway and Keystone pipelines continues, decision-making and dialogue, with both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people must continue, said Michael Quinn, director of the Institute for Environmental Sustainability at MRU. People who live in these areas must have a say. If these viewpoints go unheard, he said, massive opposition will continue. Renowned natural scientist David Schindler spoke about healthy water systems and the effects of industry on water.

On Sept. 12, 18 members of the Wesley First Nation celebrated graduation from a two-year early learning diploma in childcare brought to their community by Bow Valley College. The Calgary college delivered the program to the Wesley First Nation, so the students wouldn’t have to commute. Three other members of the First Nation celebrated university graduation and six students graduated from high school. Successes such as these inspire others in the community in their educational pursuits. First Nations students face major hurdles and challenges when entering mainstream post-secondary institutions.

The Canadian Solar Industry Association held its 5th annual Solar West Conference Oct. 1-2. Billed as the largest solar industry event in Western Canada, the two-day conference featured solar energy insights with presentations from international and domestic experts and industry leaders. Frank Oberle, minister of energy and MLA for Peace River, spoke on the future of alternative and renewable energy in Alberta. “This year is a pivotal year for solar in Alberta as the government is set to put forward its first renewable energy policy that could give rise to measures allowing for greater participation for solar energy in the province’s electricity mix,” said John Gorman, CanSIA president and CEO. Conference participants also heard from Alderville First Nation Chief James R. Marsden on collaborations that have developed Canada’s first solar farm fully owned by First Nations.