Native awareness heightened at Peigan

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Junior and senior princesses were chosen to represent Piikani School at their Native Awareness Week activities, here May 11-15.

Angie Red Young Man, an 11-year-old Grade 4 student, was crowned junior princess over three other young girls. Red Young Man spoke to her audience in both Blackfoot and English, relating her family's Blackfoot names in the community. The new princess is the daughter of Doreen Red Young Man and is best known for her fancy dancing skills.

Other contestants in the junior princess category were Jonnelle YellowHorn, first runner-up, Tricia Yellow Horn, second runner-up and Abby Gail No Chief, who received fourth place honors.

In the senior princess event, Barbara Sharp Edge, a Grade 9 student won the category. She also spoke in Blackfoot and English, telling the audience about her family. Other contestants were Rosie Holloway, first runner-up, Lana Potts, second runner-up and Albertine Plain Eagle, who received fourth place honors.

The contestants were judge on public speaking skills, traditional dance skills, a talent of their choice and Blackfoot oral competency. Judges were from the Peigan and Blood reserves.

In the mini powwow following the pageant, Molly Charlton, a kindergarten teacher, was honoured for her 16 year service at Piikani School. Peigan Elder Elsie Crow Shoe, bestowed the Blackfoot name Ootaitsikkitstakiaki (meaning women with many offerings) in a traditional name giving ceremony.

"I will always remember this day. I won't forget my new Indian name," said Charlton, who was visibly emotional about the ceremony. Past and new students participated in the honor dance following the name giving ceremony.

Students also demonstrated various traditional dancing skills such as the round and owl dance during the powwow.

The Piikani School has a student population of about 300 Peigans enrolled in nursery school to Grade 9. It administers its own schooling operations and programs with a majority of Native teachers on staff. It is governed by a four member board of directors. However, funding is still received from the Department of Indian Affairs.

Ben Kawaguchi, director of Native education, told about 300 people at the powwow, that the Piikani's Board of Education goals are to provide the "best quality education."

He said a sod turning ceremony was held in early May to commence construction and renovations to the school. The school will have more classrooms, including a library. It is expected that Grade 10 will be taught in September.

"We are satisfied in our efforts towards achieving our dream ? band control of education. More construction will be occurring in the next two years for more renovations," said Kawaguchi.

Other speeches were made by Nelbert Little Moustache, chairman of the Piikani Board of Education and Stanley Knowlton, a Peigan councillor.

They both credited parents, teachers and the Board of Directors for their interest and participation in achieving band control of education. The Peigans are the only tribe in southern Alberta who administer their own education.

Other activities during the Native awareness week was a tepee presentation to Piikani School by Peigan Elder Joe Crow Shoe Sr., an art presentation by Peigan artist Valerie McFarlane, a workshop on proper horsemanship by Peigan Pat Provost and a fashion show.