Native Students hold Christmas gathering

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Once again it is that time of year when different Native groups and organizations begin hosting their annual Christmas get-togethers. Such was the case last Thursday when approximately 75 people stopped in at the Heritage Lounge of Athabasca Hall as guests of Native Student Services at the University of Alberta.

For university students, it was the end of term and time for a little breather as they begin to prepare for final papers and exams. Following that they'll enjoy a three week Christmas/New Years break before going on to the winter term.

Last week's social was marked by the appearance of representatives from various Native organizations, the provincal government, faculty members on the university staff, former students and graduates and staff from the School of Native Studies.

A few special visitors were in from the Northwest Territories; one from Yellowknife and two from the Frobisher Bay School Board who happened to be in Edmonton on business and who made contact with prospective Native graduates interested in possibly teaching school in the Frobisher area.

It was evident that the guests enjoyed the get-together as they mingled with one another amid a good deal of chatter and laughter. Unfortunately, two particular individuals were missed by the gathering for reasons beyond their control.

Bill and Reanna Erasmus were expected and had promised to attend but, on short notice, Bill had been called away to Yellowknife on business as he prepares to undertake a new position as one of the regional land claims negotiators for the Dene/Metis Negotiations Secretariat of the NWT.

The Native club had hoped to recognize Bill's departure by formally presenting him with a parting gift. His involvement on the Native scene will be missed as will those of his wife, Reanna, who was an original staff member of the Native Student Services back when it was called the Office of the Advisor on Native Affairs.