CNFC annusal general assembly coming near

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What's Happening

Edmonton - The annual general assembly is coming near for the Canadian Native Friendship Centre. It will be held May 23 at the Saxony Hotel in the west end. The assembly itself kicks off at 2 p.m. with the Spring Dance starting around 8 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m. The CNFC always has the Metis Cultural Dancers available. Just phone and ask for Georgina Donald, whose smiling son Lyle looks after the troupe. Gilbert Anderson, Metis fiddler, Indian Chief and part-time actor, will be on hand to provide his musical talents.

The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples is coming to town. They've already started to fan out from Winnipeg, which is where they had their first appearance. Commission members split up into three teams, with Team C coming to Edmonton June 22-23. Team C consists of Allen Blakeney and Paul Chartrans. For information call Sandra Dube, Information Distribution Officer at (6713) 943-1222, in Ottawa, at the Royal Commission's office.

Calihoo - In 1988, Gilbert Anderson was elected as a co-chief, along with Robert Calihoo of the Michel Calihoo Mohawk Band which once had a reserve just outside of Edmonton. Recently he was elected as chief, the sole chief that is. Their annual assembly will be coming this summer around the time of the Lac St. Anne annual Pilgrimage.

Incidentally, the band council office located at Gilbert's house in the city sent out a petition to its 500-or-so members - 350 responded. The petition asks Minister of Indian Affairs Tom Siddon to recognize and provide services to the Band, which believes they were improperly removed from their reserve land in the late 1950s.

Paddle Prairie - This little place in the northern woodlands is a bustle of activity. First of all new Rec Plex is scheduled to start this month. It will be built on the site of the old hall which burned to the ground some time ago.

The Rodeo school took place last week, teaching saddle bronc, bareback, bulls, steers and roping. Handling saddle bronc - the Cadillac of the rodeo sport was Gordie Lambert; bareback was handled by the man with a huge northern name Kenton Randle; Derek Martineau taught in the bulls; and from south-central Alberta Carter Yellowbird taught team and calf roping.

An important group for students of the Paddle Prairie settlement is the six-member Education Committee. This includes Priscilla Calliou, Tina St. Germaine Vera Duchame, Julia Auger, Lisa Weber and Les Noskey (from the Paddle Prairie Council.

By the time this paper hits your lap one of the following will start a new term as councillor: Loary Christian, Emery (Muskwa) Poitras, William (Billy) Ducharme, Remie Ducharme, Greta Ghostkeeper, incumbent Gregory Calliou, Raymond House, Glen Bellrose, and Garnet Chalifoux. That's a field of nine candidates running for the three-year term. Voting day is May 11.

Lac Ste Anne - The Pilgrimage is slated for July 19-23. First and foremost it is a gathering of people who come together to pray and be touched by the love, forgiveness and healing of God and to discover the presence of God in each other. To respect the people and the prayer, all drugs, alcohol, gambling and peddling are strictly prohibited. All vehicles can expect to be searched. Camping is free and a youth tent will be dedicated to special programs for children and teens. There will be a Drum Dance on the closing evening, July 23.