News in Brief

Page 16

Education advisor passes away

A long-time adult education advisor and Native liaison officer from Saddle Lake, Samuel Peter Erasmus, passed away from a heart attack on Feb. 18 at the age of 65. Erasmus, who was born in Goodfish Lake in 1931 and lived in nearby McRae, was a liaison officer with the Alberta Vocational College at Lac La Biche for many years, as well as being a member of the Northern Alberta Development Council for two terms and an advisor to Alberta Education. Erasmus loved music and to watch his children and grandchildren play sports. "His wisdom was sought after by many," said his son Thomas. "He knew many chiefs and settlement council people who sought his advice and support." He is survived by his wife Jocelyn, six children, numerous grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. (RJH)

Bill C-79 protest

Approximately 1,200 people in Edmonton, on Feb. 25, heeded Ovide Mercredi's call for a "National Day of Action" to protest amendments to the Indian Act. Despite the cold, the large and peaceful crowd gathered on the northern steps of the Legislature building and then marched through downtown Edmonton to Canada Place.

"The implementation of Bill C-79 would not only serve to further repress and regulate the Treaty Six First Nations, but would make the First Nations struggle for recognition seemingly impossible," said Gil McGillvary, a spokesman for the Confederacy of Treaty Six, on the steps of the Legislature. "For over 120 years, the First Nations People have been making just demands to the federal government to respect our treaty rights, only to have them ignored. We the First Nations People are especially aware of this. For not only have our rights been ignored, but our very existence has been denied." (KW)

Moving on up

The Metis Regional Council - Zone IV office will have moved to a new location by March 14. There will be no change to the phone numbers, but you can look for the office at 13140 St. Albert Trail, Edmonton AB T5L 4R8. (RJH)

Museum to host art show

The High Prairie & District Museum will be teaming up with the High Prairie Friendship Centre on March 15 to present a show of regional Aboriginal art work. From 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the museum will feature art from Roger Capot, Fred Ashley and Elise Auguer, all from Grouard. The focus of the one-day show is to highlight and promote regional talent in both traditional and contemporary Native art forms, including carvings, dream catchers, moose-hair tufting and fish scale work. (RJH)

Bull named justice award winner

In recognition of Sam Bull's contribution to First Nations causes and, in particular, his background in Native law relating to treaties and the Crown, the University of Alberta's Aboriginal law students will name him their Aboriginal Justice Award winner on March 12. Bull was studying for his masters of law at the U of A when he died in December. Sharon Venne will be the keynote speaker at the annual awards banquet to be held at the Faculty Club on campus. For information on tickets, call Merle Metke at 492-4784. (RJH)

Early Dreamcatcher news

The fifth annual Aboriginal Youth Conference hosted by the Child and Youth Care Program of Grant MacEwan Community College will go ahead from Oct. 24 to 26 this year. If you need ideas to raise funds to attend, or if you have fund-raising ideas, contact Linda Stelte at the college by fax at 497-5150 or on the net at . (RJH)

Celebrating role models

Calgary's Glenbow Museum will be the site of a new exhibit on the heroes and role models in the Native community. "Circle of Honour: Our Heroes Give Us Hope" was researched by students from the Plains Indians Cultural Survival School through discussion with Elders, family and community representatives. The exhibit, which opens on April 12 and runs through to June 29, offers the students' personal perspectives on the challenges faced by urban Native youth today, and the importance of history and tradiion to their future. The Glenbow also offers "Native Voices: Old and New," a series of programs in which Native speakers share their memories and discuss Native life. Traditional dancer Irvine Scalplock will speak at 1:00 p.m. on April 5 and Cliff Crane Bear will speak at 1:00 p.m. on May 3 about Siksika war clubs. (RJH)

March into gardening

The Devonian Botanic Garden south of the Enoch Cree Nation will host a couple of dozen one-day courses to get gardeners up and running for the new year. Courses will be offered in the areas of commercial horticulture, horticulture and crafts, and nature arts and crafts. For information, call 987-2064. (RJH)