Elder celebrates eightieth birthday

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Not too many people attain the age of eighty by that is what Emma Minde did on April 4. It was her day, a day on which friends and relatives turned out in force to praise, thank and honor this great-grandmother.

The occasion was marked by a church service, banquet and dance which was attended by a number of well-wishers, many of whom marvelled at the youth and vitality demonstrated by Mrs. Minde who remains very active in her community at Hobbema.

The day's events began with a mass conducted in her honor at Our Lady of Seven Arrows Church on the Ermineskin Reserve. The service was presided over by Father Garry Laboucane and Father Maurice McMahon.

A supper at the Jim Rattlesnake Arena followed the church service with a head table that included relatives and friends. One particular friend was long time acquaintance Mrs. Annie Saulteaux who will turn 90 years of age this June.

The prayer before the meal was offered by Father McMahon who paid special homage to Minde, "In spite of age and handicaps," he said, "she's worked with great courage, with great fortitude. She's been a wonderful example of all of us in the community."

Additional compliments were extended by others present some of whom reminisced about their childhood years on their grandparents' farm.

A brief history of Mrs. Minde was given by one of her daughers, Theresa Wildcat.

One of seven children of Joe and Anne Memnook, Minde was a member of the Saddle Lake Indian Band. She and Joe Mine were married in 1927 and raised three natural children ? Theresa, Kathleen and Clara whop passed away in 1951. They also raised three other children from other families. Joe and Emma were hard working farmers.

Mr. and Mrs. Minde were firm believers in education and always encouraged their children to value it. Mrs. Minde always kept her time occupied in community work. She was a 4-H Club leader at Ermineskin, a member of the Church Homemakers Club and the Band's first social worker.

Along with Nancy Samson, Emma Old Pan, Maggie Buffalo, Helen Lightning and Bella Potts, Mrs. Minde also worked with the Fourth Band Homemakers Club. This group of women were also the founding members of the Bear Hills Native Voice newspaper.

It is because of their parents said Theresa Wildcat that they learned respect and love for fellow humans, the Elders, the poor and the weak. The consideration that her mother demonstrated in the past has obviously rubbed off on her.

Wildcat acknowledged a few people in attendance as she presented thank you gifts to Willie Littlechild and Maurice Wolfe for their community efforts and leadership. Often, she said, "we have people in the community we don't appreciate and it's very unfortunate." She mentioned how they and others from outside of the Hobbema community work unselfishly for the good of others.

In addressing her guests, Mrs. Minde extended her appreciation for the flowers, special mass and prayers. Her concern for other was extolled as she remembered those less fortunate. "I sympathize with the weak, the sick, and the hungry," she said.

She told of the love she has for her people whom, she said, she prays for every day. "Love and forgiveness is great; without it we would not exist," she remarked.

Once the meal had been concluded, a huge birthday cake was cut and distributed and dozens of gifts were opened. A dance finalized the day's events.

Mrs. Minde who belies her 80 yeas of age has 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.