Edmonton News Briefs - March 2013

Third-year science student Kayla Lavallee is the first recipient of the Métis Elder Marge Friedel Award.

Métis Elder honoured with award
The University of Alberta has honoured long time Métis Elder and stalwart Aboriginal Student Services Centre contributor Marg Friedel by naming an award after her. Friedel died suddenly, just as classes were starting in September of 2011 at the University of Alberta. “Marge gave so much to the centre,” said centre director Shana Dion. “She was here every Wednesday, rain or shine, she never missed a day, she would come in with warm bannock she had made. She was focused on education and on the students’ academic journey. She cared deeply about their success as students.” In honour of Friedel’s contributions as a U of A community member, the Métis Elder Marge Friedel Award for students was established through donations. The first recipient is third-year science student Kayla Lavallee. Lavallee, 21, who is a captain on the U of A Pandas hockey team, plans to study dentistry. She will put the $500 cash award toward tuition fees.

Funding to renovate building for non-profit organization
The Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area have received federal funding through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund. Funding of $250,000 will support several upgrades to the Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters McCauley Building. Structural and mechanical improvements will be made throughout the facility, as well as renovations to the kitchen and community area. These enhancements will ensure the McCauley Building can continue to support after-school and out-of-school programs for Edmonton youth for years to come. “This funding will allow us to complete the planned renovations on what is an integral hub for our organization and for the children and families we are honoured to serve,” said Liz O’Neill, executive director for the society, in a news release.

Edmonton recognized globally for inclusive urban development
Mayor Stephen Mandel received an award of recognition for Edmonton’s efforts in promoting sustainable and inclusive urban development. Mandel and the city were recognized by the World Alliance of Cities Against Poverty, which is a network of more than 900 cities working together to confront development challenges collectively. It was started by the United Nations Development Program in 1996 following the Second United Nations Conference on Human Settlements. The Dublin Forum is the eighth summit of city leaders. The alliance supports its member cities to mobilize individuals, governments, and all sectors of society to confront the challenges of urban poverty and to share successes - and failures - with other cities. Senior municipal authorities from more than 100 cities were in Dublin, Ireland, at the end of February to discuss, debate and deliberate solutions to growing urban poverty challenges made more severe by the current economic crisis.

National forum on ending violence
From April 9-10 Edmonton will be the site of the Assembly of First Nations and Native Women’s Association of Canada’s National Forum on Ending Violence and Community Safety. This facilitated working session will build an inclusive National Action Plan to End Violence, with concrete and tangible actions for all levels of government. The forum will also include dialogue on a National Public Commission of Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, which both organizations have been lobbying the federal government to undertake.

Cardinal speaks at alma mater
Actor Lorne Cardinal, the first Aboriginal student to obtain a BFA from the University of Alberta, accomplishing that feat in 1993, returned to his alma mater for a recently hosted Q & A with his nephew, Hunter Cardinal, in March. Cardinal, from the Sucker Creek First Nation, has enjoyed a successful stage, television and movie career, acting in such television hits as North of 60 and Corner Gas. When asked how he chooses his roles, Cardinal said, “My criteria is to get as much diversity as possible.” He did say, however, that he has turned down work because he found them offensive or inaccurate.