Elders say young people should take control

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The younger generation has to take control over their lives to succeed in the present society, said Elder Alvena Strasbourg.

"My heart is with the children to better themselves and their lives. I tell the young people there is so much help out there than when I was young and there is no need to go through rough times like I did."

Strasbourg was among 40 Elders honored at city hall Oct. 18. About 150 guests, family members and dignitaries attended a reception that paid tribute to the individual achievements of the Aboriginal Elders, part of the commemoration of the International Year of the Older Person. The tribute was sponsored by the Edmonton Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee, which promotes the development of Aboriginal people for a positive partnership with city council and the non-Aboriginal citizens of Edmonton.

"We want to present the positive contributions of the Aboriginal people, which is what today is all about," said Val Kaufman, committee chair. "We want to focus on the important issues such as employment, because the Aboriginal community is the fastest growing population in Edmonton."

Aboriginal employment has been a hot topic in recent years and many Elders feel there needs to be a change in direction for progress in this area.

"I like to advise because I've come down a hard road and I've worked very hard so that my children could benefit through my teachings," said Strasbourg, who was chosen the 1999 Distinguished Woman of the Year for the City of Fort McMurray. "Today you have social programs, post secondary programs, and places you can go that assist you to find employment.

"I was in a very abusive relationship, but I waited until my children were old enough to take care of themselves before I left. Today there are centres young people can go to and you don't have to live in an abusive relationship."

The Elders who attended the evening festivities all expressed their appreciation, and had something to say about being honored in such a distinguished way.

"I think a lot of times we forget to have respect for the young generation. You can't demand respect if you don't respect the young people and as Elders we need to remember that," said Metis Elder Marge Friedel.

The evening's master of ceremonies was Grant MacEwan student Sean Mah of the Kehewin Cree Nation. Dignitaries included Mayor Bill Smith and three councillors. The celebration began with honor songs by the Wandering Spirit drum group. The traditional opening prayer by an Elder was followed by a beautiful Cree interpretation of the Canadian National Anthem and performed by Cree Elder Eva Ladister.

Entertainment was provided by South American musicians, Okarina, and the youthful Hui Aloha-Polynesian and Native American Dance Group.

Honored Elders were Rose Auger, Francis Bad Eagle, Eva Bereti, Herbert C. Bell, Alice and Edward Bernard, Alfred Bonaise, Margaret Burnstick, Bob Cardinal, Joe P. Cardinal, Nellie Carlson, Sarah Carr, Senator Thelma Chalifoux, Christine Daniels, Frank Daniels and Isabel Auger, Georgina Donald, Marge Friedel, Florence Giroux, Delia Gray, Elsie Kopp, Eva Ladouceur, Madge McCree, Myron Paskemin, Marceline Potts, Edna Rain, Sam and Shirley Shirt, Sam and Edna Sinclair, Alvena Strasbourg and Bluestone Yellowface. Elders Peter O'Chiese, Jean Aquash, Frank Weaselhead, Gordon Lee, Raven Makkannaw, and Margaret and Eric Cardinal were also honored but were unable to attend the event.