Calgary Briefs - October

Leigh Anderson, of the Stampede Royalty Committee, congratulates Amelia Crowshoe as the 2012  Stampede Indian Princess.

Centennial Stampede Princess crowned

Amelia Crowshoe, of the Piikani First Nation, has been chosen as Stampede Indian Princess to celebrate 2012. “Any year is amazing but this year, 2012, the centennial, it’s going to be a crazy ride. I’m just so excited and honoured,” said Crowshoe. Crowshoe, whose Blackfoot name is “Longtime Otter Woman,” was chosen for her horsemanship, her public speaking skills, her sociability, and her talent as a jingle dress dancer, said Anne Garnett of the selection committee. Crowshoe takes over the reign from Eva Meguinis, of TsuuT’ina. Throughout the year Crowshoe will make numerous public appearances, representing the Stampede and the City of Calgary. She has a degree in communications and culture and wishes to pursue law, specializing in Aboriginal issues. Her family has participated in the Stampede’s Indian Village for five generations. “Serving as the 2012 Centennial Indian Princess will afford me the opportunity to encourage young First Nations women to strive for their life goals and maintain their traditions and culture,” said Crowshoe. “This is a dream come true for me.”

Treaties 1-11 Gathering held

The seventh annual Numbered Treaty Gathering was held in Tsuu T’ina Nation in Treaty 7 in early September. The three-day gathering was aimed at creating opportunities for Numbered Treaty Nations to work with the Crown to see the full implementation of treaties in the spirit and intent originally envisioned by the ancestors. First Nation leaders gathered from across treaty territories that span many regions of the country, uniting in ceremony, protocols and teachings as a foundation to continued efforts to ensure treaty agreements and relationships are upheld by all partners.  Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo was in attendance. “Implementing treaties and treaty rights is central to the First Nations agenda” said Atleo.

Aboriginal Justice Camp

Twenty Calgary Police Service members took part in Aboriginal Justice Camp to learn about Aboriginal history, traditional values and current issues. Members of the Aboriginal community taught police officers and civilian members of the Diversity Resources Team aspects of Aboriginal culture. “It is important to build bridges with the First Nations communities and to educate our officers about the First Nations culture,” said Sgt. Bill Dodd of the DRT. Learning included spending time with Elders, participation in a sweat ceremony and other interactions with members of the Aboriginal community. The camp was hosted by the Calgary Police Service Diversity Resources Team in early September.

Mustard Seed breaks ground on affordable housing initiative

On Sept. 16, the Mustard Seed celebrated the beginning of construction of a 200 plus unit to provide housing for homeless Calgarians. “This isn’t about bricks and mortar; this is about 224 individuals who will receive a second chance and a new beginning because of the Mustard Seed’s affordable housing initiative,” said Andy Trevoy, chair of the Seed’s board. The ground-breaking celebration included messages from Deputy Mayor John Mar and Calgary Homeless Foundation president and CEO Tim Richter. Two hundred and twenty-four yellow shovels were handed out to special guests, community supporters, and staff and clients of the Mustard Seed. “The Mustard Seed has served Calgarians in need for more than 27 years, and in that time we’ve witnessed the need for affordable housing to help men and women break free from the cycle of poverty and homelessness,” Trevoy said. “We’ve dreamed about this building for many, many years, and it’s very exciting to see it become a reality.”

Former Bearspaw Chief cancels appeal

An ongoing legal battle on the Stoney Nakoda Nation has ended with former Chief David Bearspaw and his councillors discontinuing an appeal of Federal Court Justice Richard Mosley’s decision that they step down. “This essentially means that Justice Mosley’s decision stands,” said Heather Treacy, lawyer for the six band members who challenged Bearspaw’s attempt to extend his term from two to four years through a community survey. The Federal Court granted the six band members costs for the proceedings in a separate decision. Darcy Dixon, Bearspaw’s predecessor, was re-elected to the position of chief, along with four new councillors.

Compiled by Darlene Chrapko