Citizenship Court:'Chief' Crombie makes history

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According to Judge David Frunchuk, history was made at the Canadian Native Friendship Centre January 25 during the citizenship Court which he presided over.

Judge Frunchuk, in his opening speech, said that the court was pleased to be honored by the presence of Honourary Indian Chief Soaring Eagle, "the Honourable David Crombie, Secretary of State for Citizenship and Multiculture of Canada.

"The people of the CNFC of Edmonton, Alberta, will remember this day, and

more important is that you have made history for Canada and the CNFC, as to my understanding, never before has an Indian Chief presided at a court of Canadian citizenship. Most important is that you are chief of Canadian Citizenship for all of Canada," said Frunchuk.

In an address to Elder Alfred Bonias and CNFC President Vic L'Hirondelle, Frunchuk said that the Court of Canadian Citizenship is extremely pleased that Canadian history is being made in this sort or setting with Canadians of Canadian origin, Canadians of Aboriginal origin and Canadians of Multicultural origin.

"Together as brothers and sisters, Canadian history is being made here today."

Elder Bonias offered sweetgrass and prayers at the ceremony where a jam-packed crowd of government officials, media people and friends filled the dining room area of the centre to witness the acceptance of the new arrivals as Canadians.

Frunchuk went on to say that the Canadian Citizenship Court belongs to the people of Canada and that it is a very special day for those present that will be joining the Canadian family.

"To our new Canadians, this is a historical day for you as you will be taking your oath of allegiance to the Queen and to Canada," commented Frunchuk, while saying he realized the road to this day was not easy for the new Canadians and, "I am pleased with the achievements you have made."

Families and individuals who arrived from 17 different countries such as Hong Kong, People's Republic of China, India, Jamaica, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the Ukraine and England were sworn in by Judge Frunchuk.

"Welcome to Canada," Frunchuk said after Canada's new citizens took the oath, and then a huge applause broke out.

In attendance for the ceremony was Metis Association of Alberta President Sam Sinclair; Bill Lysick, Member of Parliament for Edmonton East; William Roberts, MLA, Alderman Ron Hayter, Judge MacNiven from Calgary and, of course, the Honourable David Crombie.

Walking up to the microphone, Crombie added a touch of his humour when he said while lowering the microphone that "there is a place for short people in this country."

Crombie said he was happy to be at the citizenship court to congratulate "all of you who have became citizens today with much feeling and sense of welcome as I can on behalf of not only the federal government, but all the people of Canada."

Later, the White Braid Society Traditional Dancers and the Friendship Centre's young square dancers performed for everyone's enjoyment.