Watch for new business awards

Page 5

Terrying about with Terry Lusty

Tansi!

Happy New Year everyone!

Hittin' pay dirt

The Tsuu T'ina First Nation, on the outskirts of cowtown Calgary, have all sorts of reasons to be whooping it up.

The latest from there is that the reserve has struck oil.

They hit the vein up west, in the vicinity of Bragg Creek in late November and one small line is already producing about 350 barrels a day. Could be they'll become the latest oil-rich nation.

As was their usual, the band held a Christmas feast and evening powwow at the Seven Chiefs Sports Arena on Dec. 29.

New Maskwachees on hold

A recent update on Hobbema's Maskwachees Cultural College's new facility has John Crier investigating additional possibilities of fundraising.

Now in it's 26th year of operation, the college is long overdue for new digs. At present, they offer university-level courses in early childhood development and social work.

Powwow packs 'em in

It was a packed house at this year's Montana First Nation Chief and Council Powwow at Hobbema.

The powwow drew hundreds of visitors and dancers to the Dec. 29 and 30 event. With Frances Greene serving as the emcee and the Blackstone Singers making a feature appearance, Northern Cree filled the role of host drum.

Ice fishing derby

One of two major winter activities slated for February is the Kikino Metis Settlement's annual fishing derby.

So, grab onto your hats and vests, pull out the rod and reel and head on down for the Feb. 19 derby, which features all-day competition for a number of gift certificates.

Skidoo rally

The other major activity is the Wabasca-Desmarais Lions Club's third annual poker rally rodeo and dance on Feb. 17 and 18.

Day one action is a competition for a 2001 Polaris Indy Super-Sports snowmobile. Second and third prizes are $600 and $400. The rest of the evening listen and dance to the local band, Last Call.

Day two will bring gymkhana games and a rodeo which is, of course, open to all.

Contacts are Silas Yellowknee (891-0461) and Elaine Leeuw (891-3778).

New awards announced

For the first time, the Alberta Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring two new business awards for First Nation companies and projects.

The finalists for the Aboriginal Relations Best Practice Award are Alberta Pacific Forest Industries out of Boyle, Flint Energy Services Ltd. from Sherwood Park and Syncrude Canada Ltd. from Ft. McMurray.

The second category, reserved for First Nation entries only in the category First Nation Owned Businesses, has short-listed Peace Hills Trust Co. from Edmonton, Pimee Well Servicing from Bonnyville and RKM Logging Ltd. from High Level.

The awards will be presented at a formal banquet at Edmonton's Shaw Conference Centre on Feb. 27 beginning at 6 p.m.

Handgames playoff

Playoffs for the Siksika Handgame League go on Feb. 3 at the community centre. There are 11 teams in competition with a lot of of skill and pride at stake. So get out there you people who don't care for bingo but love to gamble.

Deadline looms

People wishing to get into the picture for the next round of the Urban Multi-Purpose Aboriginal Youth Centre programs are reminded that the application deadline is the last day of this month.