CNFC host major events

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It's a busy time at the Canadian Native Friendship Center as staff get ready to host two of the center's major events of the year.

The 28th annual All Native Festival, will be held Oct. 12 at the Saxony Motor Inn beginning at 7:30 p.m. Vocals competitions will be featured and on Oct. 13, square dance competitions will take place at the Continental Inn (west Edmonton) beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Cultural co-ordinator, Georgina Donald says this year's talent show will offer contestants something never done before in the festivals 28 year history.

"It's a new experience for us because for the first time we are going to offer prize money in each of the categories," smiled Donald. She says times are changing and contestants are expecting more.

"We had to go this route because no one wants to compete just for trophies anymore," she added.

Coming up this fall is the Rita Houle Memorial Banquet. The banquet is named after athlete Rita Houle who had a dream to compete someday in the Olympic games. She died of cancer before her dream could be fulfilled..

The Rita Houle Memorial honors Aboriginal athletes for their abilities in sports, education, sportsmanship and volunteer work in the community.

Friendship Center Public relations officer, Anne Cardinal says they are now looking for nominations for this year's awards."

Nominations must come from a Native organization, an Indian Band, or school that feels that their nominee fit in all the above categories.

The deadline for the competition is Oct. 19th. For further information call the Edmonton Friendship Center at 452-7811.