Calgary News Briefs - February 2014

Tanya Tagaq’s throat singing enhanced the screening of the 1922 film Nanook of the North.

Tagaq in concert with Nanook of the North

One of Canada’s celebrated throat singers, Tanya Tagaq, performed at Festival Hall on Jan. 28. Along with percussionist Jean Martin and cellist Cris Derkesen, Tagaq’s throat singing added emotion to the backdrop of the 1922 film Nanook of the North, a silent film that portrays images of life in an early 20th century Inuit community in Northern Quebec. Through her traditional Inuit throat singing Tagaq interprets the film’s images, adding an emotional element to the mix of representations of life in the North and racial clichés. Born and raised in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, Tagaq has been performing her signature style since 2001. She has two critically acclaimed albums, Sinaa and Auk/Blood. Both albums were Juno-nominated and won awards at the Aboriginal Music Awards. Tagaq has performed with Bjˆrk and the Kronos Quarter and has appeared in award-winning films and documentaries.

The University of Calgary and the Creating Hope Society of Alberta are working on a research project on the experiences of Aboriginal fathers with the child welfare and justice systems. Research has shown that Aboriginal fathers are marginalized when seeking to be involved with their families after child welfare and the police intervene. Through understanding these experiences, the project seeks to identify needs for housing and cultural support and end discriminatory practices. Their aim is to exert positive influence on the policies and practices of the child welfare and justice system. Participants and policy workers will review the outcomes of the study and recommend policy and program changes at a feast on Feb. 20, 2014.

A crowd of over 400 gathered at St. David’s United Church on Jan. 24 for a performance by author Richard Wagamese. Using the Ojibway oral tradition and contemporary performance storytelling, Wagamese revealed the ways in which story can build community, fill gaps in understanding, destroy stereotypes and heal through humour and laughter. Sponsored by the Mennonite Central Committee, the purpose of the event was to encourage people to be active in the reconciliation process by listening, engaging and participating in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Calgary ConnecTeen, the first peer support program for Canadian youth, is leading the nation with its innovative youth programs. The recipient of an $84,000 grant from State Farm’s Youth Advisory Board, ConnecTeen launched peer support texting for Calgary and area on Nov. 19, 2013. Since 1983, the Calgary Distress Centre has provided 24-hour phone support for youth at (403) 264-TEEN (8336). Email and online chat were introduced in 2011 at Calgaryconnecteen.com. The texting service provides free confidential support for youth experiencing self-esteem issues, bullying, abuse, self-harm or any other issues.  They can text 587-333-2724 from 5-10 p.m. every day. The texting initiative was piloted at Branton Junior High School in January. With the support of State Farm’s youth Advisory Board, more youth volunteers will be recruited and trained.

On Jan. 16 Sodexo celebrated its first anniversary as a food service provider at Bow Valley College. To mark the occasion, Sodexo provided a $50,000 donation to create the Sodexo Aboriginal Emergency Funding Support Fund.  Awarded annually over the next 10 years, the fund will support Aboriginal learners facing financial barriers. “Sodexo is committed to the value of education,” said Elric Nielsen, Sodexo general manager. “It is our hope that this contribution will assist students in continuing in their studies and play a role in building many success stories over the years.”

Compiled by Darlene Chrapko