Day of remembrance

Page 20

The First Nations Veterans Association of Southern Alberta will host A Warriors Day of Remembrance in conjunction with the Museum of the Regiments in Calgary. The museum will display the exhibit titled "Aboriginals in the Service of Peace."

The date of June 6, which is also remembered as D-Day, has been selected to honor all Aboriginal veterans and Aboriginal serving members of the Canadian Forces. This will be the first time D-Day will be remembered in conjunction with an all Aboriginal day of remembrance.

The president of the First Nations Veterans Association of Southern Alberta wants Aboriginal veterans to be honored and recognized for their contributions to the fight for freedom. They are truly warriors, he said.

There will a service that will bring together traditional culture and the military under the guidance of Elders, spiritual leaders and padres. Honor songs will be offered from the Aboriginal people of Alberta. Music for the service will performed by the Pipes and Drums of the Fraser Highlanders. As part of the ceremonies, a parade will be held.

Peigan council at the table

The Peigan Nation band council has finally decided to get involved in a process aimed at improving relations with its neighbors to the west, Pincher Creek. Almost a year ago, meetings were held leading to the formation of the Peigan Nation/Pincher Creek community relations group.

The group was formed to deal with the racial tension that cropped up between the two communities. From the beginning, Pincher Creek town council endorsed the effort with its presence, but representation was not forthcoming from the band council. But on Feb. 22, a meeting took place between the respective councils of Pincher Creek and the Peigan Nation. It is a move towards working together on the political level, said sources. Another meeting will follow in April to discuss the issues in more detail and to keep the lines of communication open.