Sweetgrass and CFWE news - March 18, 2016

Skull found in possible historical funeral rites site near Gleichen

March 18, 2016. On Wednesday afternoon, Gleichen RCMP responded to a report that a local resident found a weathered skull near the Bow River, south of the Town of Gleichen. The area was part of the flood plain of the Bow River which was inundated with water during the flooding of 2013. Investigators, including members from the Calgary RCMP Major Crimes Unit and RCMP Forensic Identification Section are examining the scene Thursday. The investigation is alive to the fact that the area in which the skull was found was one in which Indigenous peoples may have practiced funeral rites, therefore, great care will be taken to determine the origins of the skull, said Cpl. Hal Turnbull, RCMP strategic communications unit, in a news release.

Indigenous fashion designer among those to raise awareness about violence

March 17, 2016. "Walking to End Violence" charity fashion show fundraiser will take place on Sunday at Concordia University Theatre in Edmonton. Indigenous fashion designer Tracey George Heese will be among a dozen designers to show their apparel in a fashion show aimed at empowering women and to raise awareness to end violence against women, men and youth. “Designing traditional Aboriginal fashions has been a journey of healing from a lifetime of turmoil,” said Heese. Under the direction of her grandmother, Heese learned to bead and design at a very young age. Having 30 years of sewing experience and knowing who she is and where she comes from are the roots for her to reflect her heritage. Heese established the apparel label Timeless Shadows in honour of family. Heese lost her mother to violence over 20 years ago. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Globe and W.I.N Foundation.

Homeward Trust awards work done in housing sector

March 17, 2016.  Among the winners of the 2016 ROOPH awards were Inner City Health and Wellness Program, at Royal Alexandra Hospital; Hilda Francis, of Boyle Street Community Services; and Youth Empowerment and Support Services. ROOPH Awards are presented annually by Homeward Trust Edmonton to recognize outstanding organizations and people in the housing sector and community. Up to five awards are presented annually.

Métis youth help raise funds for soup kitchen

March 17, 2016. The Métis Multicultural Youth Society and the Métis Local 888 are hosting the fourth Métis open house on Friday at the Drayton Valley Legion Hall. The evening will include a Métis dance for entertainment and free traditional Métis meals like bannock, said Wanda Schiller, Métis Multicultural Youth Society vice-president. The evening will also raise funds for Drayton Valley’s Warming Hearts, a soup kitchen that will begin operating March 27 lunch time at the Drayton Valley Legion.