The Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission is inviting Alberta artists to submit original works of art to an annual competition. The winning work will be presented to the recipient of the annual Alberta Human Rights Award. This award is given to an Albertan who makes an outstanding contribution in the field of human rights and will be presented at a ceremony commemorating International Human Rights Day on Dec. 10 in Edmonton. All artists resident of Alberta are eligible to enter the competition. Submissions of original art should be suitable for display in a home or office. The commission will accept existing work for consideration. The winning artist receives $500. The deadline is Oct. 30. Do not send the actual work or photographs. Only slide submissions will be accepted. Submissions should be made to: Art Competition, Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission, 160 Standard Life Centre, 10405 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alta. T5J 4R7
The Tsuu T'ina Nation wants to be involved in discussions about extending Sarcee Trail south through its territory. A lobby group has promoted the trail extension as an alternative to any expansion of 14th Street S.W. and Glenmore Trail in Calgary. There is also a plan that would see another route into the southwest go through Tsuu T'ina lands rather than through Weaselhead, an environmentally sensitive area. Jim Big Plume, Tsuu T'ina lands and treaty research director, said the reserve would like to be involved in discussions to firm up a route. A big consideration is not to disturb burial sites that may be on the proposed route.
A major travel association has named Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump's Buffalo Days as one of the top 100 events in North America. The New York-based American Bus Association, representing 3,000 motorcoach and tour companies, and travel and tourism organizations in the United States, Canada and Mexico, made the announcement on August 29. "It is truly an honor to be named to the prestigious Top 100 list, given the number of events held annually on the continent," said Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump's supervisor Ken Carson. "The Aboriginal people who devote so many hours to planning and implementing Buffalo Days deserve much of the credit for this recognition." Buffalo Days takes place the third weekend in July. Aboriginal people from throughout North America participate in the powwow which takes place on a site adjacent to the interpretative centre.
The Alberta Indian Investment Corporation announced the winners of the Senator James Gladstone Memorial Scholarship on Oct. 3. Walter Callingbull of Enoch won the $750 college scholarship for his academic achievement in a management studies program through Yellowhead Tribal Council and Grant MacEwan College. Callingbull is currently continuing his education in the field of accounting through the University of Lethbridge. His long term aspirations are to utilize the skills he acquires to improve his community and build a sound foundation for future generations. Laurie Calahoo of Spruce Grove won the $1,000 university scholarship for her academic achievement in a Bachelor of Commerce program at the University of Alberta. Calahoo is currently articling as a chartered accountant with KPMG Peat Marwick in Edmonton. Calahoo's long term goal is to attain her chartered accountant designation and subsequently work in a band office or in a reserve community. The Alberta Indian Investment Corporations awards the Senator James Gladstone Memorial Scholarship annually to a university student and college student enrolled in full-time business related programs. For information contact Charlene Haryett at 470-3600.
By Debbie Faulkner
Sweetgrass Writer
CALGARY
Police top brass in formal black dress hosted the Crowfoot family and their friends at the naming ceremony of the city's new police learning centre.
The Chief Crowfoot Learning Centre was officially unveiled in downtown Calgary on Sept. 22 - the same date that the great Siksika chief signed Treaty 7, 119 years ago.
"I am thankful for the outstanding relationship established long ago by Chief Crowfoot and the [North West Mounted] police," said Christine Silverberg, Calgary's chief of police. She was addressing about 40 invited guests and police representatives.
"Crowfoot was a natural statesman and, like a true statesman, first he kept his people at peace."
Silverberg said she hoped the Siksika chief's spirit - his wisdom, fairness and courage in the face of adversity - would be imbued in the new centre's students.
"I pray it will be full with the wisdom of the chief."
The $350,000 new facility, occupying two floors in a downtown police building, replaces the 10-year-old Chief Crowfoot Training Academy, located in a former elementary school in northwest Calgary.
Strater Crowfoot, the great-great-grandson of Crowfoot, attended the ceremony with his brother Deb and their father Cecil.
"[Crowfoot's] life was one of dedication to his people, like your lives are dedicated to the citizens of Calgary," Strater told police officials.
"Crowfoot couldn't do anything about the whiskey traders so he went to Father Lacombe. They [the federal government] sent the NWMP," said Elder Cecil Crowfoot, recalling stories from his childhood. "These people are here to help us."
Chief Silverberg then presented Hudson's Bay Co. blankets to Siksika holy woman Beatrice Pooreagle, her son Walter Pooreagle and Marg Waterchief of Gleichen, and Cecil Crowfoot of Edmonton.
"[A gift] has always been an expression of friendship and a confirmation that the ceremony has been taken seriously," explained Hugh Dempsey, chief curator emeritus of the Glenbow Museum in Calgary. Dempsey is the author of several Native biographies, including that of Crowfoot's.
Silverberg presented Strater Crowfoot with a plaque.
Two classes of recruits, each with 24 students, will be in training at the new centre by mid-December. Silverberg couldn't say how many more recruits will be hired next year to replace at least 60 retiring officers.
Deputy Chief Rick Hanson said the police are looking at ways to recruit more officers from Aboriginal and the ethnic communities. Possible strategies include mentoring programs, pre-employment programs and internal support programs.
According to Native police commissioner George Calliou, Aboriginal recruitment is improving, although not fast enough.
"Certainly the ceremony we went through today is a testimony to the kind of relationship we need to develop further."
Queen of bingo enjoys tour of northern communities
CFWE, The Native Perspective is preparing for a radio bingo. I have been chosen as the bingo queen of the Aboriginal Multi-Media Society of Alberta.
Two weeks ago, one of my subjects and I headed north, west, then east and finally back home. Truth be known, I have never been north. I thought the drive up to High Level would be bush, bush and more bush! To my surprise, it didn't look like that to me.
The first stop I made was in Paddle Prairie. Kind of a wild goose chase trying to find Wilma of the Paddle Prairie Store. Oh yeah, one person I never thought I would see up there was Dakota House (Tee Vee). He was pretty far south of North of 60.
The next stop was at Assumption. Talk about friendly people! Everyone had their hands out to give. I have to tell you that one point I set my eyes upon was at the top of this hill just outside of Assumption. You can see for miles and during autumn, that's a bonus. We headed back to High Level and, to my friend's surprise, he saw a good friend there. His name is Clarence, a champion bronc rider in his time.
From there, we headed towards Fort Vermilion. The strangest thing happened. I couldn't find Boyer River First Nation for awhile. I stopped at a house and, thanks to them, it took us only 10 minutes to find the place.
Trekking onto North Tall Cree to see Donna Roberts. Her mother Celine reminded me so much of my own grandmother. On our way back toward Peace River, I rode a ferry for the first time in my life!
Before I go on, you must know that I do sleep between places. Can you imagine going on a trip to various northern communities and not sleeping?
After Peace River, we headed east toward Trout Lake, past Cadotte Lake, then Peerless Lake. In Trout Lake, we had the pleasure to meet with Leonard Bellerose, a guy who is set in his ways.
Making our way down to High Prairie, stopping at Whitefish Lake First Nation, then Gift Lake, I had the chance to watch a part of a baseball game at their annual slo pitch tournament. You have to remember that this is my first time in this area.
I totally missed Peavine. Where is your sign?
Bright and early Monday morning, we went to Sucker Creek, Driftpile and Kinuso and then Slave Lake. Lesser Slave Lake is so beautiful with all the autumn leaves surrounding the lake.
To top the list off, the most friendliest people are the people of Wabasca/Desmarais. I'm glad they love the radio station.
I visited the settlements around Lac La Biche, Buffalo Lake and Kikino. The magnets that usually are attached to the van were lost somewhere in Goodfish Lake. To anyone from that area, if you find CFWE magnets, please call. Magnets can slide off because of rain and mud, right? (This is what I told one of my bosses and I'm going to stick by my story).
The next day, I was so excited because home was near. I met Elma Desjarlais of Elizabeth Settlement We were stuck in the mud for a time in Frog Lake - not funny! Finally our last stop wasSaddle Lake. Yippee! I had been on the road for eight days and trekked almost 4,000 km and was aching to go home. I had a smile painted on so wide, people looked at me as if I were crazy.
It was a wonderful trip. I've seen places I thought I would never see in my life. I have to say one thing to the people I visited: don't take for granted what Mother Earth has given you.
A biker joke for you.
This mountain biker was on a long journey, had been on the road for a long time when he arrived at this great hill. Wondering should he quit or go on up? While he was thinking about what he should do, a camaro came along side of him. The Camaro stopped and asked him if he needed a lift. Without another thought he said 'sure!.' The driver gave him a rope to tie to his bike and up they went. At the top of the hill, they came to some traffic lights which were on red to them. As soon as they stopped, a mustang cruised up beside them. Of course they started revving up their motor. When the lights turned green, they went speeding away. Even with the biker still attached!
A police car who happened to see the cars, called into dispatch, "This is Car 24 reporting two vehicles going 80 miles in a 50 miles zone, I'm not worried about the cars, but I'm worried about the biker trying to pass them!"
Ah, ho! See you next time!
Tansi! I hope this finds all of you in good health and preparing your homes and vehicles for the coming winter.
Say, are you feeling you've had all the conferences you can handle? It has been quite a month for conferences. October can do that to you.
Edmonton's Mayfield Hotel was the scene for the Honoring The Family Wellness Conference held on Oct. 3 to 5. Organizers didn't spare the dollars to bring its delegates some fine entertainment that includes performances from Buffy Sainte-Marie, Winston Wuttunee, Don Burnstick, Laura Vinson, Chester Knight, Mishi Donovan and more.
Speaking of Buffy, I could swear the lady has been darned-near adopted by Alberta. Sure seems like she's putting in a lot of mileage here. Aside from her recent appearances in Edmonton, including performances at this year's Heritage Days and Tribal Days at Kananaskis, she was also penciled in for three workshops (unrelated to music by the way) at the annual Treaty 7 Indian Education Conference held Oct. 9 to 11 in Calgary hosted by Tsuu T'ina. (I'm always impressed with her ability as a speaker and presenter.)
Without meaning to flog the conference thing to death, the week beginning Oct. 13 is filled with goodies, including the meeting of the Indigenous Sport Council (Alberta) to be held in Red Deer from Oct. 16 to 19. The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business in Calgary will hold its meeting onOct. 18. The Dreamcatcher Aboriginal Youth Conference in Edmonton will be held Oct. 18 to 20. Just try to hit every one of those!
There have been a couple of new school openings. Last year Tsuu T'ina unveiled it's new and magnificent Chula High School. Now the Siksika and Stoney First Nations have done likewise and opened their new schools. An $11 million new structure graces the Siksika Reserve and almost 300 students have registered for classes. Principal Audrey Breaker says the school can accommodate about 450, or so, students.
Further north and west, rather than continue busing it the 40 to 60 minutes it takes to get to school in Rocky Mountain House every day, students are now able to zip over to their own local school. The O'Chiese Band pumped $4 million into some vastly improved schooling in their area. The official ribbon cutting at both schools were attended by Indian Affairs Minister Ron Irwin.
While on the topic of schools, two reserves recently hosted anniversaries. To the south, the Blood Reserve's Red Crow Community College celebrated 10 years of operation with an open house. Under the guidance of Marie Smallface, the institution has been slowly digging its way out from under a large deficit that was close to $1 million.
Further north, the Blue Quills College at St. Paul paid tribute to 25 years of operation on Oct. 11. Also at St. Paul, there was a grand opening for the Mannawanis Native Friendship Centre.
Meanwhile, over at Grande Prairie, the friendship centre there is happy to announce an Aboriginal Head Start Program for children three to five years of age. The program is offered four half-days each week and focuses on traditional culture, the development of self-esteem, social skills and education. All this at no cost to the clients the program serves.
Still further north, Peace River country has appointed a new person as acting chairman of the Northland School Division. Steve Noskey from Little Buffalo will hold the position. Melvin Beaver, the past chairman, was elected chief at his home reserve, Bigstone Cree Nation. Another change was that of the division superintendent. Colin Kelly has taken a sabbatical from the position and Annette Ramrattan is filling in.
For those of you who have not been tuning in, you better get tuned in. This is especially directed at bingo fans. You see, CFWE, the Native Perspective, has gone with radio bingo. No fewer than 35 Aboriginal community businesses throughout the province are marketing the bingo cards - right from Frog Lake to Horse Lake and from Saddle Lake to the High Level and Fort Chipewyan areas. Good luck, you gamblers!
A noteworthy date to keep in mind is Nov. 15 when a fund raiser for Crystal Kids in Edmonton will be held. It's the second annual Aboriginal Role Models of Alberta awards. Special mention goes to coordinator Irene Morin from Native Counseling Services. Now there's a worthwhile event.
Mid-November brings the annual Native Arts and Crafts Show and Sale to Edmonton's Convention Centre to be held Nov. 15 to 17. And, last but not least, the entries to the annual Peace Hills Trust Art Contest have been judged and we will announce the winners soon.
By R John Hayes
Sweetgrass Writer
EDMONTON
The Edmonton Historical Board recognized Chief Papastew as one of the six 1996 inductees into the city's historical hall of fame on Sept. 12. Chief of the Papastao Band, which occupied the Two Hills Reserve #136, now part of the south side of Edmonton, Papastew was honored as a "person who helped preserve, or make, history in Edmonton and district."
The award was accepted by two of Papastew's descendants - Shirley Gladue and Edmund Waskewitch - on behalf of the more than 3,000 people who are descended from the chief. Many were in the crowd that watched the ceremony at the Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre, and the evening's events were capped with a demonstration of Native dancing by others of Papastew's descendants.
"Thank you," Gladue said, "for the recognition. This is just the beginning."
The Two Hills Reserve was granted in 1885, and Papastew led his people on a path of reconciliation and accord with the white settlers entering the area. He and his people were not drawn into the Riel Rebellion that year, an action for which he was publicly commended but which gained him no favor with the local population.
Pressure from the young and growing cities of Edmonton and Strathcona was soon brought to bear on the nearby reserve. Although it was less than 125 sq. km in area, the reserve was on what is now prime real estate in Alberta's capital city: it was bounded by what is now 51 Avenue on the north and 33 Avenue SW on the south, 119 Street on the west and 17 Street on the east.
Papastew and his people were driven away to live in the Beaverhill Lake region. Some members of the band took Métis scrip - a small payment in money or goods that resulted in a loss of treaty status - in 1886. The band began to splinter and by 1888 the reserve had disappeared. It was originally thought that Papastew had taken scrip at that time.
"There is evidence that Papastew's name, which appears on Métis scrip stub number one, was a forgery," said George Milner, the member of the recognition awards committee who presented the award to honor Papastew. Descendants of band members have been working to gain recognition of the band and reparation for the loss their ancestors suffered when they were forced off their reserve.
Papastew became a wise and respected Elder, who came to be consulted by many Native people in the first two decades of this century. He was true to his culture and to his people, although he was disillusioned and disappointed by many of this dealings with the people in the Edmonton region.
It was said that he foresaw the start of the First and Second world wars, as well as many other great and small now-historical events. For example, Papastew accurately predicted the coming and the impact of the railroad on the St. Paul area, in which he was living, in spite of developers' promises that it would be built years earlier than it was. He died during the great influenza epidemic of 1918 and was buried at Elinor Lake.
There will be a permanent plaque and photograph of Papastew on display in the heritage centre, north of downtown at 10440 - 108 Ave. Other 1996 inductees were Hazel Boorse, Magrath-Holgate, Kenneth McLeod, William Tomison and Gerry Wright.
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