Calgary News Briefs - March 2013

The amazing cast and producers of Making Treaty 7 after their Feb. 23 performance.

Making Treaty 7 Symposium and Workshop performance
To conclude Calgary’s year as Cultural Capital of Canada which officially ends on March 31, Calgary 2012 has initiated a legacy cultural project, promoting the city’s cultural identity by examining the relevance of Treaty 7 to its past, its present and its future. Held on Feb. 23 and 24 at Fort Calgary, the multidisciplinary performance presented topics related to arts and culture, education, social health and welfare, human rights, justice, language and tourism. The MT7 Symposium launches an annual celebration to commemorate the foundational treaty making event, signed at Blackfoot Crossing on Sept. 22, 1877. The making Treaty 7 project was endorsed by the Chiefs of Treaty 7 and Treaty 7 Elders.

Indigenous Academics’ Teach-In at the University of Calgary
On Feb. 7, University of Calgary academics presented a teach-in, offering an opportunity for both Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals to learn more about the issues that have sparked the Idle No More movement. Organized by the University’s Native Centre, the event brought together presenters from a variety of backgrounds, disciplines and perspectives. Speakers included Casey Eaglespeaker, Blackfoot, with his ever-present humour; Cree lawyer Brian Calliou; Métis historian Dr. Heather Devine; Dr. Cora Voyageur, a Dene sociologist; and others. A second teach-in, organized by Danielle Crowshoe, a Law and Society major, Alicia Clifford and Lenny Calfrobe, members of the First Nations Students Association was held on Feb. 8. Crowshoe presented an introduction to Idle No More, focusing on treaties as a means of protecting water. She said, “Treaties are the last line of defense in protecting our environment, particularly the water.” In the second half of the presentation, Heather Devine, associate professor in the department of history, spoke about the history of treaties, the Royal Proclamation, and the importance of retaining treaty rights, as well as dispelling stereotypes. On March 15, Crowshoe plans to host another teach-in as part of the U of C’s Aboriginal Awareness week. Similar teach-ins have been held in communities across the country.

Filling need for skilled energy sector workers
Calgary’s energy sector business leaders are addressing the need for skilled workers in a campaign that aims to equip students with positive personality traits to ensure their business success. Helping young people to develop traits such as leadership, cooperation and creativity will contribute to overall job performance and positive workplaces, ensuring the success of energy sector companies. The campaign, IGnitiative, chaired by energy sector leader Jim Gray, has raised $500,000, half way to its goal of $1 million. Partners in the energy sector include pipeline producers, and operating and service companies. With the funds generated, Impact Society will deliver the program to young people throughout Alberta schools, First Nations communities and will also work with programs for young offenders. “Two of the biggest issues facing our sector are the need for talent, and aging Boomers,” said Regan Davis, CEO of STEP Energy Services, and one of Business in Calgary’s Leaders of Tomorrow. “The best way to find workers with the skills every business needs – and we’re talking about emotional intelligence as well as technical skill – is to nurture those traits in young people at an early age.” Davis is also a member of Impact Society’s board. For several decades, Gray has focused on investing in education for young people and families. “Nurturing and encouraging confidence and character in our next generation of young people will help build our businesses sector and protect our quality of life,” said Gray. On April 19, 2013, Impact Society will host its eighth annual Night of Impact, to celebrate the businesses, educators and partners that are key to its success. Calgary-based Impact Society leads the way in strength-based training for teachers, students and their parents. National in scope, the organization has reached 150,000 young Canadians since 1993.