Children's advocates appointed

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Sun Country Child and Family Services Authority announced a new co-chair and four other new members starting this month, bringing their board up to nine members. Among them are Clarence Weaselfat from Cardston, and Mary Ruth McDougall from Fort Macleod.

Weaselfat is a semi-retired small business owner, rancher and farmer. His 22 years' experience in alcohol and drug addiction counselling included serving as executive director of the St. Paul Treatment Centre in Cardston.

As a member of the Bullhorn Native Cultural Society, Weaselfat helps fulfill that organization's aim to educate youth on their spiritual heritage through their traditional dances and socials. Weaselfat himself is an accomplished dancer.

"I am excited by the broad focus of Sun Country to address some of the issues in the region," said Weaselfat. "To address the social problems faced by families and children, we need more awareness of the issues, and more community and parental involvement."

McDougall is retired from teaching with the Peigan Board of Education. In addition to holding an education degree, she took leadership courses through her former school board. She also brings her experience as a former member of the Region 1 Child and Family Services Steering Committee and nearly 20 years' service to Lethbridge Community College.

"I was glad to have input into the process in the creation of Sun Country, said McDougall. "There still needs to be communication with the Aboriginal communities, so we can help each other out. Parents provide the initial care for children, but they sometimes need our help, and youth are under so much pressure that they need even more guidance."

The agency, created in 1999, delivers Ministry of Children's Services programs and services in southwestern Alberta. These include child protection, adoption, day care licensing, foster care, handicapped children's services, prevention of family violence, and early intervention programs.