Chiefs past and present honored for their service

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Friends and family gathered at the Samson middle school gymnasium in Hobbema on Nov. 27 to honor six past chiefs and the present chief of the Samson Cree Nation.

A sense of pride and well being filled the air as guests were treated to a dinner, an honor song by drum group Perfect Storm, and a variety of entertainment. Organizers went above and beyond to decorate the gym to set the mood for the celebration.

The chiefs honored were Norman Yellowbird, who was chief in the community from 1971 to 1973, Arthur Potts who served from 1973 to 1975, Jim Omeasoo who served from 1979 to 1981 and 1983 to 1989, Terry Buffalo who served from 1993 to 1996, Florence Buffalo who served from 1996 to 1999, Lena Cutknife who served from 1999 to 2002, and Victor Buffalo who served from1981 to 1983, 1989 to 1993 and 2002 to at least 2005.

Special guest speaker was Dr. Harold Cardinal who gave a speech on what the community of Hobbema meant to him and how he's always felt that the community had adopted him.

He recalled his days as a university student at the University of Alberta in the 1970s and how he would often visit the community on weekends just to be close to other Aboriginal people. Since then, he's felt a close kinship to the community and said he was honored to be asked to attend.

"I would like to say to the present chief and the past chiefs that I appreciate what you've done for your people and it is nice that we are able to appreciate what you've done for your community," he said.

Organizer Shelli Yellowbird said the evening was successful and the community was able to convey the purpose of the celebration, which was to honor the chiefs while they were still living.

She addressed the chiefs with respect and pride as she thanked them for their contributions to the community. She told them their hard work did not go unnoticed.

Yellowbird called their service to the community pioneering, historical and influential, and she said she is grateful that she was able to hold the celebration of them for them.

"As we looked into the past and honored our forefathers, the audience was able to see who these chiefs were, with a brief glimpse into their personal lives as well. Dr. Harold Cardinal was so mesmerizing and he was able to provide us with the political side of things that our leaders experienced," she said.