Girl Guides celebrate 90 years in Treaty 4

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On July 8 to 16, the town of Fort Qu' Appelle east of Regina will be bustling with activity when more than 800 Girl Guides ranging in ages from 11 to 16 and their chaperones celebrate 90 years of guiding. The Girl Guides of Canada will be holding an interprovincial event on Fort Qu'Appelle's Treaty 4 campground.

In 1874, First Nations people met with a representative of the Queen of England and signed Treaty 4 in that exact location. Tapestry 2000: Visit the Past - Discover the Future will involve guides from all across Canada, Germany, United States, New Zealand, Australia, Guatemala, Belgium, England and Mexico.

"Treaty 4 was signed there and it holds a significant historical event, that is why we are using that particular campsite. Another factor was the size of the area," said Brenda Sapergia, executive administrator. "

We've named the event Tapestry 2000 because it is a weaving of all the international guests, our local guests, with our First Nations people, and with everyone that is coming, weaving everyone from all over the world. We are trying to mix the international people with our Native people so that we will have a whole multi-cultural integration. We have over 500 registrants right now," she said.

The nine-day event will be divided into three themes: a First Nation Day theme; a Settlers Day theme; and a Metis Day theme. All participants will take part in these three two-day events.

"There will be tipis set up on the grounds, a sweat and First Nations Elders," said Sapergia. "The guides will be traveling through time, from past until the present, to celebrate the 90 years of Girl Guide history," she said.

During the event, guides will have a number of sessions to take part in. There will be a program called Beadwork of the First Nations. Powwow dancing will be taught by Elders. Aboriginal games will be played and stories will be told.

"The adult leaders will be participating as well. We have an entire water group that is going to be partaking in canoeing. For those who want to get into other things, there will be heritage crafts and cultural activities," said Sapergia. "Everyone is getting excited about it. We are actually going to make a video of the whole event."

The Girl Guides of Canada began in the city of Moose Jaw in 1910, one year after being founded in England. The goal that the Girl Guides of Canada strives to achieve is to challenge all girls to reach their potential in leadership and service and to become responsible citizens.