The courage and pride within

Page 4

People and Places

Oki. How are you this fine February?

I'm going to start with a story from Indian Country, reprinted from Wotanin Wowapi in Poplar, Montana. The story is about a little girl named Charlie Jones Fourstar, 9, from the Fort Peck reservation in Montana. She was born with 'short gut syndrome,' which means her small intestine couldn't push through food or digest the nutrients from food. In 1992, she received a five organ transplant, replaceing her stomach, liver, large and small intestine and pancreas. Within two weeks of her operation, she began to eat solid food. She was the first to receive this kind of operation and is recorded as the longest surviving recipient. She had stared death in the eyes many times, until Nov. 10, 1997 when she eventually lost the battle. She managed to live her short life with strength, courage and hope.

When I read stories about people who are less fortunate, I wonder how we can take our bodies for granted while others struggle to live one day at a time.

oMy condolences to family and friends of Helen (Badger) Auger, who died on Jan. 20. She was originally from Sturgeon Lake, Alberta and 51 years ago, married Gilbert Auger of East Prairie Metis Settlement. She had 7 children, 31 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren.

oHere are the winners of the Pincher Creek Powwow, held down south from Jan. 23 to 25

Men: Grass Dance - Shaun Scabby Robe Traditional - Luke Whiteman Women: Fancy - Sarah Milward Jingle - Lillian Gadwa Traditional -Tisa Pinkham Teen Boys: Grass - John Boy Moosomin Traditional - Sterling Shouting Teen Girls: Jingle -Jessica Bird Fancy Toni Running Rabbit Traditional - Melissa Little Plume

The drumming contest had the Starblanket Jrs. of Starblanket, Sask. taking first followed by Eya-Hey Nakoda, Morley, Little Axe, Siksika, Wild Horse and Painted Horse from Calgary. Congratulations to all winners. I heard it was a great weekend. Next year I'll visit.