Keeping centres hopping

Page 5

Tansi! Here's hoping all's well with our readers and friends.

First powwow

EDMONTON-Me and my trusty Canons (cameras) were out in full force on April 1 and, yeah, we got some wonderful photos thanks to all you fine dancers. That's when the Edmonton area witnessed it's first powwow of the season, which was hosted by the University of Alberta Aboriginal Student Club. It was their fourth annual traditional powwow at the Butterdome and, due to the date, you can bet there were a number of April Fool's jokes flying around.

Most of the "usual" powwow crowd were a bit inconspicuous and that can be attributed to the fact that the date coincided with the big annual powwow happening over at Regina.

At any rate, the Edmonton one attracted no fewer than 18 drums, people appeared to enjoy themselves immensely, and there was lots of food and good company. You really can't ask for more.

New leadership

ALBERTA-Since last fall, four of Alberta's Native friendship centres selected new executive directors. Edmonton hired Alice Peters who moved over from Rocky Mountain House, Bonnie Bell picked up the reins at Grande Prairie and Mike Aikens assumed duties at High Prairie where Trent Kenyon had been acting. Jim Short has taken over from Rubin Flying Eagle at the Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Center at Lethbridge. At Lac La Biche, the board is seeking a replacement for Elaine Boucher.

Bingo venue

HIGH PRAIRIE-Director Mike Aikens informs us that they are holding sit-down bingos since taking over the Eagles Nest Bingo Hall In High Prairie.

Last fall, they started up a hot lunch program with four of the local schools and plan to conduct cultural camps and day camps throughout the summer. They have arranged for summer students to staff the programs. The board is also doing strategic planning to expand its existing programs and facilities, says Aikens. It also intends to partner with the Rural Education Development Association for a summer camp at Nordegg. The centre, adds Aikens, is not solely for Aboriginals. It is open to any and all people who wish to join the membership and participate in programs. The centre's annual general meeting is May 24.

New ventures

LAC LA BICHE-Friendship centre chairman Wally Sinclair informed us that the Lac La Biche frienship centre is developing a business plan and is partnering with the Metis Nation for sports programming. The centre is looking for a new director but not rushing into it.

"We're starting slow, taking small steps," explains Sinclair. A bit of a hold-up is the wait for new core funding. In the interim, the food bank is doing great and the infusion of program dollars for youth initiatives has helped a lot.

Property sold

CALGARY-The big news is that the Calgary Native Friendship Centre has sold it's property and is scheduled to relocate in the fall. Executive director Peter Paige says their new location, near 32 Ave. and 33 St. N.E., is only a block-and-a-half from the rapid transit.

Summer camps and day programs will use students for staff. However, one of their latest-breaking and exciting stories is a powwow they are organizing. It will be at Spruce Meadows July 21 to 23 and they hope it will become an annual event, says Paige.