Elders invited to visit the Island

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CAMPBELL RIVER - Elders from across the province will descend on Campbell River this summer for BC Elders Gathering 2000.

The 24th annual B.C. Elders Gathering, to be held from July 10 to 13, will be hosted by the Campbell River and District Golden Age Elders Society, and the Campbell River, Cape Mudge, Comox, Kwiakah and Homalco First Nations at the Strathcona Gardens Arena.

A part of the annual gathering since 1982, a king and queen are selected, chosen for their leadership qualities and community spirit. This year, Bill Blaney, a Homalco band Elder, has been chosen as king, while Irene Wydeness of the Cape Mudge band has been chosen as queen.

Last year's gathering attracted about 5,000 participants, and organizers are hoping this year's event will be equally as successful.

Patricia Piatocka is president of the Campbell River and District Golden Age Elders Society.

"It means a lot for Elders to get together and touch base with each other and renew old friendships and to sit down and see the differences and similarities in people's lives," Piatocka said. The event offers a great opportunity for Elders to share information about their different cultures.

The gathering will feature workshops designed to provide information about such issues as scams targeted at older people, diabetes, and wills.

The gathering will also feature performances by youth cultural groups, including Native dancers and drummers.

For more information about BC Elders Gathering 2000, contact the Campbell River and District Golden Age Elders Society at 250-287-9726, or at the event website at http://oberon.ark.com/~gather00.