Napi champions human rights

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The Napi Friendship Association in this southwestern Alberta community has been singled out by the provincial government for championing human rights all year round.

Gene Zwozdesky, Minister of Community Development and the minister responsible for human rights in Alberta, acknowledged the work done by the association in a statement given to mark International Human Rights Day on Dec. 10, 2002.

"To be recognized by the Human Rights Commission is an honor," said Napi Friendship Association executive director Carol Specht, who's been with the organization since 1989.

Zwozdesky said that it was because of the combined efforts of individual Albertans, community agencies and all levels of government that individual rights of Albertans were protected.

He noted a number of projects being carried out throughout Alberta, including Community Friendship Week in January, spearheaded by the Napi Friendship Association, that promoted multi-cultural understanding.

Zwozdesky said the Napi Friendship Association "works with community leaders to strengthen partnerships and build friendships between Aboriginal people and people of other cultures."

"(Being recognized) made me feel as if something was starting to happen, something was starting to work," said Specht.

The mission statement of the association is "to create a cultural balance, appreciation, understanding and a sense of pride and identity amongst the residents of Pincher Creek and the Peigan Nation".

After nearly 15 years with the organization, Specht said she has noticed a change in people's attitudes.

"It's a slow process, but people are starting to become aware," she said.

The Napi Friendship Association offers cultural, recreation, social, education, health and youth and childcare services.

The Napi Friendship Association was formed in 1968. It was incorporated as a non-profit society in 1975.