ANWA in 'crisis' Prez missing, funds withheld

Page 3

The Alberta Native Women's Association is in a "crisis situation" after efforts by both the government and association executives to locate the president, Donna Weaselchild have failed.

Association vice-president, Doris Calliou however stressed that "everything possible will be done to bring the organization back together."

Calliou says she and her organization have made "repeated" attempts to contact Weaselchild in her Calgary home but have been unsuccessful.

"She (Weaselchild) doesn't answer the phone, but she has an answering machine and we've left messages on it asking her to call," said Calliou.

Secretary of State's regional director, Marc Arnal says his department has also attempted to contact Weaselchild but have also been unsuccessful. Arnal adds that his "hands are tied" because he has not received an indication from the president that the association requires any funding.

One funding proposal has been received for a national assembly, but it was forwarded to Ottawa as it was out of his jurisdiction said Arnal.

Calliou and other members of the executive are seeking funds to conduct a provincial annual assembly, which according to association bylaws should have been held in June. However, Arnal says he cannot supply funds without the input of the president.

Arnal says he is aware of the association's difficulties and suggests they organize a telephone conference call with the board in order to decide the future of the organization which was formed more than 20 years ago.

Calliou says she and other executive members will be meeting within two weeks to decide the future of the association.

Weaselchild, a Blackfoot band member was elected president of the Alberta association in June 1986. Recently she was elected president of the Native Women's Association of Canada. However, she was removed from office last month after failing to gain the support of her Alberta association.

Windspeaker also tried to contact Weaselchild but at press time were unable to obtain comment.