Calgary takes steps to bridge cultural gap

Page 13

Bridging the gap between cultures was the focus of activities and entertainment during Calgary's fourth annual Native Awareness Week, held May 25 - 30.

The increase in public participation and sponsorship has snowballed since its

first recognition in 1983, said Diane Pomerleau, a representative from the Chamber of Commerce and a director of the Calgary Aboriginal Awareness Society, co-hosts of

the event.

Although 1983 heralded the first celebration of Native Awareness Week, it was originally conceived in 1975 by Harry Millican, Mike Robinson and George Calliov at the University of Calgary. At that time only two or three events were scheduled throughout the year.

"Native Awareness Week has been a real grassroots project. Real people in the city have pulled together to make it happen," explained Pomerleau. This year marks a record of more than 40 sponsors contributing to the event.

In 1988, Native Awareness Week was recognized as a city-wide event. To date, Calgary is the first city in Canada to host such an occasion in celebration of Canada's First Nations.

The Aboriginal Awareness Society's mandate was to get the event recognized

as city-wide. Exhibitions have reflected and enhanced the theme of Bridging the Gap

by providing information, education and entertainment at selected downtown and surrounding locations.

The Glenbow Museum hosted the Singing Eagle Dance Troupe from the Peigan Nation in Brocket. This elementatry-school-age drum and dance group were part of the Growing in Spirit Conference held Tuesday at the museum.

Elders gathered at the Calgary Indian Friendship Centre to host a Time for Dialogue gathering. This was an opportunity for the public to ask questions about traditional values and customs and to talk with elders.

In addition to the variety of events scheduled during the week, a day was dedicated to Chief David Crowchild, Life Chief of the Sarcee and Head Chief between 1946 and 1951.

Displays were exhibited in Crowchild's honor at city hall. His daughter, Victoria Crowchild Aberdeen, hosted groups of school children and adults at his tipi, erected in the atrium, and talked about his personal contributions to society.

He spent much of his life travelling more than 42,000 miles throughout the world and sharing his personal vision for bridging the gap between cultures. As he put it: "Find the answer to ultimate peace in peoples' minds, through honesty, purity, unselfishness and love."

During the evening ceremony held in memory of Chief Crowchild, Maureen Spence was the recipient of the Chief David Crowchild Memorial Award for her personal contributions to awareness and growth within the Native community.