The CNFC celebrates 25 years of operation

Silver Jubilee

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It was an occasion to kick up one's heels and that's exactly what happened last Saturday night as the Canadian native Friendship Centre (CNFC) commemorated its Silver Anniversary at the Montgomery Legion in Edmonton.

Approximately 200 guest attended the gala event to pay tribute to the individuals and organizations who have been involved over the years in seeing the centre bridge the

gap for urban and rural Native people. The gathering provided an opportunity for many longtime friends to renew their acquaintances and reminisce about the years gone by.

Ably chaired by Larry Desmeules, the evening began with a banquet at which the head table guests included Vic L'Hirondelle, CNFC president; Alderman Ron Hayter;

MP Stan Schellenberger and Bill Lesick; Delia Gray; Eddie Bellerose; Phil Thompson and Viola Thomas.

L'Hirondelle paid tribute to those instrumental in spear-heading the centre while recognizing that "there are too many individuals to name who deserve acknowledgment."

Obstacles were overcome he said due to the commitment and support of so many. "Our record of achievements reinforce our own theory that, given an opportunity, Native people can operate and develop initiatives that invest in human resources," he said.

Hayter addressed the confidence that has been demonstrated over the years. It is a confidence, he said, "that has kept this centre alive over the years."

"Twenty-five years of encouraging and contributing to greater understanding of Native culture, 25 years of strengthening the bonds between Native and the rest of the community and what a tremendous job has been done," he exclaimed Hayter particularly praised the efforts of Gordon Russell's boxing club which, "has become one of the best amateur boxing clubs anywhere."

Delia Gray, one of the original people involved with the centre 25 years ago and also on the board of the Canadian Native Society which provided the thrust for the centre to become a reality, recollected the early history and thanked everyone who helped through the years.

"Since the growth of the friendship centres, many of us from all across Alberta and mostly all of the reserves have benefitted," said Eddie Bellerose who, along with Mrs. J.D. Sturrock, had been one of the initiators in seeing the centre become a physical reality. "There are so many to pay tribute to," said Bellerose as he mentioned the names of Col. Eric Cormack, Bob Gray, Malcolm Norris, Senator Gladstone, Ralph Steinhauer and numerous others.

Bellerose expressed the need for people to love and care about one another and challenged the young people who had said that when they get their education, they would put it to work for their people. "I'd like to see that help now," he stated.

Phil Thompson and Chester Cunningham provided still more history of the early days of the CNFC. There was such a "tremendous need" in those days said Thompson who was the first director from the centre and responsible for many of its initial programs.

Cunningham had a lot to say about those times as well. As he dropped names during his speech it was like a "who's who" in Native country. He specifically pointed out that Stan Shank's work in the area of alcohol and drug abuse was particularly commend-able and that the program which he developed was identifed to one later adopted by the province. Cunningham was insistent that, "Stan had designed (it) but nobody had ever given Stan credit for that." He further qualified the fact that the centre "can take credit for (the beginnings of) most of the Native organizations."

The final speaker for the evening was the president of the National Association of Friendship Centres, Viola Thomas, who had travelled in from Penticton. She extended special greetings and congratulations on behalf of the 109 centres across the country. The many diverse programs offered from Edmonton is something to be truly proud of and they, "have become experts in crisis intervention," she aded.

Thomas had a message for government people as well saying that, while they preach budget restraint, the centres practice and live that. She also stated that the

centres are practising self-government and, "I believe it is the responsibility of all levels

of government to acknowledge and contribute adequately to ensure that we can provide continued programs for our Aboriginal people."

Another presentation came from Eugene Arcand, the director for the Prince Albert centre, who brought greetings from the Saskatchewan Association of Friendship Centres which will be sending a plaque of the CNFC. Arcand presented another original oil painting from the Prince Albert centre.

Other gifts to the CNFC included a rug from the Bonnyville Centre and wall rug from the provincial association. However, one of the most significant presentations was made by Ralph Bouvette, chairman of the CNFC Board of Trustees which has, for all these years, held the actual title to the centre's deeds and assets. Bouvette symbolically presented the Transfer of Title in accordance with a February 2, 1987 board decision. Accepting in behalf of the centre was Vic L'Hirondelle.

Special tribute was paid to Georgina Donald and Gordon Russell for their many years of service to the centre. Each was given an engraved plaque. Donald, the director, has been with the CNFC for 20 years and Russell, for 15 years.

After a lengthy period to accommodate the speeches and gift giving, the evening entertainment got underway. A slide production about the history of the centre was shown, the CNFC Junior Dancers performed and the white Braid Society drummers and dancers rounded off the performances.

The balance of the evening was enjoyed by the many who stayed behind for the dance with music provided by Gilbert Anderson's band which included Beatrice Callious who was one of the original band members at the centre back in the early 1960s.

For the guests at the evening function, the centre gave out new CNFC lapl pins and a commemorate book done by Kim McLean and yours truly. Additional copies of the book can be purchased through the centre.

Also on display was a photographic history of the centre which filled five panels, front and back. Overall, a time to remember and a time to look forward to the next 25 years.