Calgary News Briefs - April 2014

Gladstone inducted as honourary witness for TRC

Jim Gladstone (centre) with Truth and Reconciliation Commission members Dr. Marie Wilson and Chief Wilton Littlechild was inducted as an honourary witness at the seventh and final national event in Edmonton. Gladstone, from the Blood reserve, is world champion in calf roping and a lawyer, with expertise in the oil and gas sector.

Gemini award-winning actress Michelle Thrush of Blackstone, and Big Brother Canada star Suzette Amaya were two of the role models at Buffalo Symposium, a two-day conference for Aboriginal youth held in Calgary March 28 and 29. The conference, co-hosted by the Calgary Aboriginal Friendship Centre and Métis Family Services, was aimed at helping the youth participants achieve their goals and overcome obstacles.

Officials in Calgary aiming to end Aboriginal homelessness are working on a controversial program that would give chronic alcoholics measured doses of alcohol to help them move towards a healthier lifestyle. The officials are reviewing the results of similar programs in other areas of Canada that have led to fewer arrests and hospital stays. In the Calgary proposal, homeless Aboriginals chronically addicted to alcohol, including products such as mouthwash and hand sanitizer, would be administered measured doses of alcohol while under supervision. Although it is unlikely the clients would overcome their addiction, proponents believe they would move towards attaining healthier lifestyles. Results of managed alcohol programs such as these show residents cutting back on alcohol consumption by 35 to 50 per cent in a two-year period. The officials who work independently from the Calgary Homeless Foundation hope to have a proposal ready by the end of the year. Programs such as these are offered in Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Hamilton and British Columbia. Discussions to implement a similar program at the Calgary Drop-In Centre are underway. Although controversial, the programs not only control alcohol consumption, but also offer money management and nutritional advice.

Following consultation with Treaty 7 Aboriginal Elders, the Calgary Board of Education has decided to change the name and logo of Western Canada High School’s sports teams, the Redmen. The board believes the name is offensive to Aboriginals. While there is strong support by some to change the name, including parents, students and staff of the school, there is also support to keep the name by numerous alumni of Western. Brett Farrell, a 2012 graduate, initiated a Facebook page advocating that the name be kept. The team logo portrays an Aboriginal man with long black hair and feathers. Those in favour of keeping the team name and logo argue that it is not intended to be disrespectful and embodies a school tradition.

On March 30, a group of Aboriginal youth, aged 18-24, screened their animated films at the Globe Cinema. Over the course of 18 weeks, the youth participated in the Aboriginal Youth Animation Project learning life skills, professional development and animation techniques. In the three weeks leading up to the screening, the youth worked intensely to complete their films for screening night. The group worked with a number of organizations, including the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth, the City of Calgary Youth Employment Centre, and the University of Calgary to learn skills in seminars and hear guest speakers share their knowledge. Overall, the Aboriginal Youth Animation Program introduces youth to workforce expectations while inspiring them to achieve their artistic dreams.

Compiled by Darlene Chrapko