Learning resource centre dedicated to Big Bear

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History was made on Oct. 10 when the Lloydminster Public School Division dedicated the library at Jack Kemp community school to the memory of Plains Cree Chief Big Bear.

The new Chief Big Bear Learning Resource Centre is the first building in Lloydminster to be named after a person of Aboriginal descent.

More than 200 people gathered in the school gym for the dedication of the new library, including dignitaries from several First Nations.

One of those in attendance was Chief Alexander Little Bear of the Big Bear Nation, the great-great grandson of Big Bear. Also in attendance were Chief Henry Lewis of Onion Lake, Chief Delbert Wapass of Thunderchild, the Big Bear Singers from Thunderchild, Elder Margaret Wapass, representatives from the local and provincial governments, members of the Lloydminster School Board, and historians Keith Davison and Robert W. Hendriks.

A portrait of Big Bear, painted by local artist Norman Moyah Cardinal, was unveiled during the opening, along with a permanent collection of cultural artifacts created by local artisans Moyah Cardinal, Darwin Atchenynym, Richard and Evangeline Thunderchild and Lawrence Meetoos.

"I feel very proud that my great-great grandfather is being recognized as a role model and that his picture will be seen and enjoyed by many students, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal," Little Bear said during the dedication ceremonies. "We of the Big Bear Nation hope that this cultural display will help in bringing about greater understanding and respect between two nations, and that it will be seen and enjoyed for many years to come."

"We were really pleased to see so much community involvement from living, positive role models at the Chief Big Bear Library grand opening ceremonies, " said librarian Helen Dillon. "It is very important since the school has just received funding from the Saskatchewan government to operate community status services such as school breakfast, early childhood intervention, pre-schooling, evening classes for parenting, reading, sewing and cooking, that the Native culture is recognized, honored and understood."

"It was gratifying to see the representation that we had from community and several First Nations bands, including Thunderchild, Onion Lake, Frog Lake and the Big Bear Nation," said Dr. Don Duncan, director of education with the Lloydminster Public School Division. "It certainly spoke to the great esteem that Chief Big Bear is held and endorses the decision of our board in honoring him.