National Powwow a success

Page 5

Tansi!

The resounding success-yeah, I can still hear the drums-of the inaugural Canadian National Competition Powwow May 28 to 30 at the Northlands Agricom in Edmonton almost guarantees it will become a long-awaited annual event. Were you there to be a part of that little bit of history?

The High Level Native Friendship Centre program director, Aman Mangat, reports that they have jigging and Dene language classes until mid-June. In the fall, they will be offering jigging and Cree language.

Two summer students for youth programming will be around for the centre's summer camps. And, office manager Lorraine Gordon, will manage the centre's craft sales.

The centre also held its annual general meeting and elections on May 26. The president, Jim Gardner, is in mid-term while the vice-pres Bill Wiebe was re-elected as were Secretary Rhonda Lizotte and board member Sheldon Robb. New directors include Connie Clarke, Manley Lambert and Andre Zawollich.

Bareback bronc rider Kenton Randle of Ft. Vermilion has shot into the No.1 spot in Canada with his record ride of 91 on the May 22 weekend at the Cloverdale Rodeo in B.C. He was just two points shy of equaling the world record. We look forward to seeing him at the Calgary Stampede and, hopefully, the National Finals in Edmonton.

On May 28, the T'suu T'ina Reserve held a tribute luncheon for their hockey hero, Brent Dodginghorse, who plays for the Calgary Hitmen. The Hitmen made it to the finals in this year's Memorial Cup, losing out in overtime to the Belleville Bulls, but Brent made a good showing and was spotted by NHL scouts, several of whom I understand are showing interest in him. If he gets drafted, that will make his year.

As of May 29, the Canadian Native Friendship Centre in Edmonton has a new president. Orval Belcourt got in by acclamation. Re-elected were Hazel McKennitt (secretary) and yours truly (treasurer). Other new additions are Jonathon and Brent Potskin.

Ft McKay Band councilor Mike Orr projects that anywhere from 8 to 14 new houses will be constructed on their reserve. The band is also negotiating an upgrading of their water treatment plant to meet community needs. Fellow-councilor Raymond Powder says Chief Jim Boucher is working hard on land claims while he works with the Athabasca Tribal Council on their July 30 to August 3 Treaty 8 centennial celebrations at Poplar Point, about 90 river miles north of Ft. McKay.

Talk about a good time being had by all! Folks had a great time at the first Blossom into Blues Festival in Edmonton. Ten acts, including the Downchild Blues Band, Swamp Mama Johnson and Bobby Cameron were well received. Organizer Frank Klemen assures blues fans the fest will be back next year. Proceeds go to S.I.R.E.N.S. (Support to Individuals at Risk in Everyone's Neighbourhood Society), a non-profit group dedicated to supporting youth by providing financial aid for sport and recreation, inner city youth choirs and teen dances. Native youth, especially in northeast and central Edmonton make up a good portion of their clients. Call Frank at 439-7460.

Canadian cruiserweight boxing champion Willard Lewis returned to Alberta after breaking his hand in a tough 6-round bout against Wesley Martin from Texas on May 29. The fight, at Montreal's Molson Centre, drew over 20,000 people. The hand broke in Round 2, meaning Lewis fought one-handed for more than four rounds. Still, he managed to come away with a draw and remains undefeated at 15-0-1.