Human rights activist recognized

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A Cree nurse from east central Alberta has been awarded the 1993 provincial Human Rights Award.

Doreen Spence originally from the Goodfish Lake Reserve, and spent countless hours volunteering in the field of human rights.

She has been a nurse for over 35 years and has dedicated her time to volunteer for numerous boards and agencies associated with the Aboriginal community in the Calgary area.

The award was presented by Gary Mar, Minister for Alberta Human Rights Commission at an awards ceremony at Calgary City Hall, Dec. 10, 1993.

"It is a future in which individual responsibility and community values reinforce each other to protect and respect the rights and dignity of us all," said Mar.

Since 1983, Spence has been the president of the Plains Indians Cultural Survival School Society.

"We have 450 young people in our school. They are people that have no hope, are dependent upon welfare, have no self-esteem, and lack direction," said Spence. "Many years ago, one of the Elders approached me and said Doreen, (I want you to take over this little school, it's a vision, it's a dream. I want you to help me make it come true.'

"I spent 20 years with that Elder. She's now watching over us. She was my mentor for many, many years. I took those teachings seriously....

"She said 'honesty, truthful, respect, integrity, kindness, all these teachings were the teachings the Ancestors left before.' And in strengthening the four corners of the world as we learn from each other and look to the future, heal our own communities and look to breaking down barriers and walking in the paths of the Ancestors."

"It's wonderful she won, she's deserving," said Jerry Arshinoff, principal of the Plains Indians Cultural Survival School Society.

"I worked with her for many years....She believes in equality and she works and fights for it. She's been doing that quite awhile. She speaks to many groups regarding Native issues, bridging the gap in non-Native and Native communities, trying to get both worlds to co-exist."

Spence has been actively involved in various organizations including Alberta Civil Liberties Association, Citizens Against Racism, Native Employment Services Association, Rotary Club, University of Calgary and Mount Royal College.