King Bill Blaney enjoys role

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This is the first year Bill Blaney has been involved in the annual BC Elders Gathering, but that hasn't stopped him from getting involved in a big way.

Blaney was named as king of the Elders Gathering 2000 in Campbell River.

"It's an important role, I think, to be representing the Elders as king and queen," Blaney said.

Blaney is also a member of the fundraising committee for this year's gathering, and made a major contribution to the art auction fundraiser held in May.

"We did a totem pole, my nephew and I and some of our people from Homelco, and it did fairly well in fundraising. They sold it in the auction, and I think it got $6,200 . . . and that's going toward the Elder's gathering," he said.

When he took on the role of king, Blaney said he wasn't aware of all the duties involved in his reign.

"Well, I didn't know it was going to be that much involvement, but I enjoy it. I think it's quite a respectable position," Blaney said.

He thinks the gathering is an important event "because a lot of people learn from each other, from different nations, different Indian bands. They come together and they listen to a lot of the speakers that are going to be there."

As well as providing an opportunity to pass on knowledge, the gathering will also be a place to be entertained, Blaney explained, with music, dancing and storytelling on the agenda.

"I've got a bunch of friends that will be doing a lot of singing and entertaining the Elders while they're here . . . hopefully that will really go over well," he said.