Ringing in the New Year

Page 5

Terrying About

Tansi!

As the New Years festivities usher in 1997 and bring us one step closer to the 21st century, it would appear that Alberta's First Nations communities really are on a collision course with progress. More and more transfer agreements, land claim settlements and self-government processes loom on the horizon.

December, as always, was filled with all sorts of Christmas happenings. Early in the month, Ft. McMurray, Edmonton and Calgary were treated to another round of Tom Jackson's production of The Huron Carole, a fund raiser for food banks all across the country. This year's special guest was Canadian country super-star and recording artist, Charlie Major. Question Tom. Is there any truth to the rumor that this successful event may spread its wings across the 49th, into the U.S.A.?

Although there is still no official word on the dollars generated at the silent auction to raise money for Edmonton's Crystal Kids Youth Drop-In Centre, that event, reports centre director Gordon Russell, appeared to be quite successful with numerous donations contributed to the worthy cause. Russell extends his thanks to all the donors.

As is customary at this time of year, Native organizations far and wide host Christmas dinners and parties for the children, the elderly and the less fortunate. These are, of course, wonderful gestures for which you are all to be commended. Hey, give yourselves a pat on the back. The spirit of Christmas is alive.

The Treaty 7 area has experienced a few recent elections with Tsuu T'ina Chief Roy Whitney retaining his position with three new councilors - Kevin Littlelight, Tony Starlight and Paul Whitney.

Further south, Chris Shade was elected chief of the Bloods, John Snow Sr. heads up the Wesley Band, Henry Holloway leads the Chiniki Band, and Philomene Stevens the Bearspaw First Nation. The Peigan Nation went to the polls on Jan. 7.

Despite severe sub-zero temperatures hovering around -30?, the Tsuu T'ina went ahead with their Christmas Powwow on Dec. 27. Hundreds turned out for it, including 10 drum groups. Just goes to show one that even the elements can't stop cultural advancement.

And, on the Metis Settlements, the New Year was saluted with the traditional firing of rifles, the din created by banging on pots and pans, and loud choruses of whoops and hollers.

Speaking of New Years, how many of you made AND fulfilled your 1996 New Years promise(s)? Can anyone remember the promise I made in last January's issue of this paper? I said I'd keep writing . . . so, here I am. Still at it and thanking all those who have helped make my task easier. Thanks again and do have a super New Year!

The Kainai Braves overcame the Peigan Cowboys to wring out a win in the Norman Grier Memorial Hockey Tournament this past month at the Peigan Reserve.

The Sundance Film Festival at Park City, Utah, Jan. 16 to 26 will feature the 48-minute flick, Forgotten Warriors, directed by the award-winning Aboriginal film maker, Loretta Todd. It was produced through the now-defunct Studio One at Edmonton's National Film Board and won for Best Short Documentary in November at the Native American Film Festival in San Francisco. The film features Canada's Aboriginal war veterans.

Did you Know? Canada's premiere Aboriginal songbird, Susan Aglukark (Arctic Rose) won a SOCAN Award for Most Popular Song of 1995 for her rendition of "O Siem," which was written by herself and Chad Irschick. The awards recognize songs that are aired over the radio waves more than 100,000 times during the year.

Edmonton resident Ecka Janus, an Aboriginal woman formerly from Yukon and her band Twang Bango, was the opening act for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band New Years bash at the city's downtown Convention Centre. The gala was sponsored by Radio CFCW with proceeds going to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.