Congratulations and Christmas too!

Page 5

Terrying About

Tansi!

Christmas really is a time for children. On that note, I wanted at least one Christmas-like visual for my column, and so included a picture of Santa Claus at the Canadian Native Friendship Centre where he handed out presents to a number of youngsters.

So, from Terrying About With Terry Lusty, here's wishing all you children and all you people who have made headlines in our paper over the last year, the most Merry Christmas you have ever known!

Say, there's a couple of special congrats in order.

Congratulations Red Thunder Rock, otherwise known as Willard Lewis. Quite the fighter is this young man and a true inspiration to so many Aboriginal youth in, not just Alberta, but Canada. On Dec. 7 he became a permanent fixture at Edmonton's city hall where his name is inscribed on a plaque. Lewis was named the 1998 Barney O'Connor Boxer of the Year by the Alberta Boxing and Wrestling Commission. I, personally, could not conceive of a more suitable recipient than this Canadian Cruiser-weight champion.

Congratulations are also in order for Muriel Stanley-Venne who has been an ardent supporter and fighter in the realm of human rights over the past, I don't know how many, years. Anyway, Edmonton Mayor Bill Smith and Alberta Human Rights Commissioner Charlach Mackintosh presented the 1998 Alberta Human Rights Award to our friend, Muriel.

There have been a few First Nation elections around Alberta and we look forward to seeing future developments from the communities under their new or continuing leadership.

Driftpile First Nation elected Jimmy Girioux as its new chief for a two-year term. Girioux won by a comfortable margin. He takes over from Clifford Freeman who chose not to seek re-election.

Over at Cadotte Lake, the Woodland Cree Band installed former council member Joe Whitehead Jr. as its chief for the next three years. Danny Bradshaw is the new chief for the O'Chiese Band by Rocky Mountain House. The chief won by a comfortable margin (150-62). The term is for two years.

Further north, the Sucker Creek Band voted in Ray Willier as its chief. The owner of Ray's Gas Bar is in for two years.

Put this one on your new 1999 calendars people: There will be a international Criminal Justice Conference in Edmonton come Sept. 23 to 25, 1999. It is being co-ordinated by former Edmonton police chief Doug McNally.

If you, like I, managed to survive 1998, we have a lot to be thankful for at this time of year. Do enjoy your holidays, your children, parents, relatives and friends.

Merry Christmas everybody.