Lloyd Auger retires from Poundmaker's

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You always see him at powwows, round dances and other Aboriginal functions in and around St. Albert and Edmonton. He's always out there, working the crowds and selling 50-50 tickets to help raise funds for one worthy cause or another.

And, despite dealing with the condition of Parkinson's Disease, Lloyd Auger was still at it on New Year's Day at the Poundmaker's Lodge Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Centre round dance.

The function happened to be one at which he was the subject of attention. You see, Auger is stepping down from the Poundmaker's board of directors, a position he's held for 23 years and committed untold hours of devoted community service.

Poundmaker's director, Barbara Budesheim, presented Auger with a feather headdress. This presentation was followed with an honor song and dance.

Budeshiem, who spent 10 years as a co-board member with Auger, praised him for his sense of humor, dedication and strength and his commitment to his people.

He was not one to complain about his ill health, she said. He just asks what he can do.

Fellow board member, Wilson Bearhead, alluded to the healing journey people undertake at Poundmaker's.

"If it wasn't for people like Lloyd, we couldn't get well again," she said.

The round dance included a feast and give away.

The next round dance will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Nechi Institute, and another will likely occur for Valentine's Day, but on Feb. 13.