Campiou acclaimed as president

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In a surprise statement, on Saturday, May 31, Lyle Donald of the Metis Nation of Alberta declined his nomination for President of the Canadian Native Friendship Centre in Edmonton. As a result, Martha Campiou was returned as President by acclamation.

"I do like the work that Martha does," said Donald in his withdrawal. "When I listened to my son talk about his experience as a youth member, I decided that I'd like to step aside and put his name forward as a regular member of the Board of Directors. Martha has been a fine representative of the Friendship Centre."

In her acceptance speech Campiou acknowledged her gratitude to all those present, singling out staff and elders for particular thanks.

"I will now be here to help the friendship centre into the twenty-first century," said Campiou, "and I want you to know that the friendship centre is always number one in my heart wherever I go in the world."

The declaration of the returning president was followed by the election of three members of the Board of Directors. A Nomination Committee had recruited a slate of three candidates: Dennis Calihoo, Melanie Ameniho and Gilman Cardinal. Calihoo was running for a second term and Ameniho and Cardinal had both served in several volunteer positions over the years.

When nominations were opened to the floor, the people at the meeting nominated another five names. These candidates in the order of their nomination were Jonathon Potskin, Glen Laboucan, Peggy Roberts, Phil Mercredi and Michelle Mattson.

Nominators spoke on behalf of each candidate, and it was clear that all eight offered long and varied service to the friendship centre as well as a wide range of other experience. In the election that followed, everyone at the meeting was allowed to vote for up to three people. As a result of the vote, Dennis Calihoo, Melanie Ameniho, and Phil Mercredi were elected to the Board.

Following a brief discussion, Lyle Donald moved that Jonathon Potskin be added to the Board as a youth representative. This motion was carried.

Before the election, the friendship centre executive had made three major presentations during the Annual General Meeting. Muriel Stanley Venne and Teri House were both made Lifetime Members of the centre. Both women have been active members of the friendship centre since the 70's, serving as executive members, general members and volunteers.

Val Kaufman was presented with a painting in recognition of her work as a staff member before she moved to a job with the Aboriginal Women's Program and Muti-cultural Program at the department of Canadian Heritage. Kaufman was on the friendship centre staff for six years until her recent promotion.

"The friendship centre is where I got my start," said Kaufman. "Thanks to Mrs. Gray, Mrs. Donald and the late Doris Paul. It's my belief that as a part of the friendship centre, I can give a hand to some of the people who are suffering out there. I'm a firm believer in giving back to the community."

Kaufman thanked all those she had worked with during her time at the centre.

"I'll still be a big supporter of the friendship centre. These people are a part of my heart now." She concluded.

Stanley Venne was unprepared for her move to lifetime member.

"I am totally surprised," she said. "I didn't know they were even talking about me for this, but I'm extremely happy! The friendship centre has been a real learning experience for me and others. It has given many people a chance to get work experience and move on into other jobs - like Val just did."