Funds sought for name indicator at the Dr. Anne Anderson Park

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A fundraising campaign is underway to raise money to establish a name indicator in the Dr. Anne Anderson Park

The Edmonton park located at 10515 ? 162 Street was named in honor of Anderson two years ago by Edmonton's Names Advisory Committee.

Buff Parry, who is working on a biography of Anderson, explains while he was doing archival research he discovered that there was nothing in the park to indicate that it was dedicated to the Metis Elder.

Parry who is also the administrative director of the Native Heritage and Cree Culture Centre says he approached the city to provide funds to erect a name indicator for the park, but there was "not enough money in the city coffers."

"City officials suggested that we start a fundraising drive," says Parry.

At present there are two design concepts to establish the park's name.

The first design entails the establishment of a fountain depicting the Cree legend of the great white buffalo, says Parry. The legend tells the story of a craftswoman skilled in the Native tradition who used the traditional tools of sinew and awl to make clothing. But over time women began to use more contemporary items ? needle and thread. However, the clothing she had stitched together began to fall apart.

The great white buffalo appeared to the woman in a dream. (According to legends the buffalo is a messenger of both good and bad news.) The buffalo told the woman if she did not return to the old ways of craft making then nothing in her culture would be preserved. After the dream the woman returned to using the awl and sinew.

Parry says the legend was chosen by Dr. Anderson and added, "Her idea of restoring the Cree language is a sure example of the legend put into good use."

The legend would be depicted in Cree syllabics.

The second design concept involves erecting a cairn with a plaque which would also describe the legend of the great white buffalo.

However Parry says the centre is not involved in the fundraising campaign but people wishing to make donations can make them through a third party fundraiser. Parry added that he gives "absolute assurance" that the names of all donors will be published.

Donations can be sent to: Tod Ross, 12555 ? 127 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5L 1A4.