Alberta Indian Arts and Crafts Olympic proposal dropped

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Plans to participate in the 1988 Olympics have been dropped by the Alberta Indian Arts and Crafts Society.

"This difficult decision was made after reviewing all options for a successful project, considering the short time frame remaining before the Olympics," the society said in a recent press release.

The decision comes after more than 19 months of "hard work and negotiations" to secure funding.

The society notes that the original concept had been altered and the proposal revised to a great degree in an attempt to please the funders, OCO '88, the Native Economic Development Program (NEDP), and the Alberta Municipal Affairs Native Services Unit.

"We had not received a firm financial commitment from NEDP nor from the Alberta Municipal Affairs Native Services Unit, and NEDP had made an unexpected about turn in its view of the proposal. The society was not prepared to make further changes or concessions in its proposal, especially at such a late date."

IAACS said OCO had previously committed $60,000 to this project in March 1986, but had suddenly issued a new stipulation eight months later for release of these funds. "The society was not prepared to become entangled in political issues which are the concern of OCO and must remain so."

According to the society, OCO's Native representative, Sykes Powederface, has said there will be lots of Native participation at the Olympics. "Unfortunately, OCO cannot provide concrete information in this regard but it appears as though no provisions are being made for the inclusion of residents of areas outside the Treaty 7 boundaries. The society is worried that residents of the other treaty areas in Alberta will be overlooked. "The funders appear very ready to commit to the high profile Olympic activities, but not inclined to commit to a project involving long-term economic benefits for the Native community. This is a direct contradiction to earlier statements made by all three funders.

The society says it will not "provide the window dressing for Native involvement at the Olympics unless some long-lasting economic rewards are realized by Alberta's Native population. The major benefits must go back to the grassroots level, to the small producer who cannot afford to participate individually but who could benefit from a collective process organized by one key co-ordinator."

The society says it also believes that to create a demand for Native arts and crafts but be unable to continue to supply products through an established source will hurt the industry much more than help it.

"The society is hoping that there will be concrete opportunities available for its 1,778 member at the Olympics with lasting economic benefits, but as time progresses

the possibility diminishes.

"This situation could prove most unfortunate and embarrassing in a city where 'cowboys and Indians' are the main attraction and where the heavy international tourist trade and media at the Olympics will be seeking authentic Indian products."