Calgary Chamber of Commerce Native Awareness Days Successful

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CALGARY - The Calgary Chamber of Commerce Native Awareness Days was one of the most successful, says George Calliou, a Cree member of the chamber and member of its Native Advisory Board.

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce holds the week-long event every year to promote and support Native people in the business world.

This year the guest speaker was Bob Blair, president of Nova, an Alberta Corporation. Nova has one of the best track records for employing and training Native people. During the week, several events were organized including a Native foods luncheon which spotlighted traditional Native foods such as bannock, fresh rabbit and salmon. A crafts fair showcasing tractional beadwork and other crafts took place at the Calgary Native Friendship Centre, and Indian Association of Alberta President Gregg Smith attended a breakfast session at the Chamber of Commerce club.

In his speech, Smith attempted to explain what Indian self-government means.

He also added that non-Native people need a lot of education on the difficulties faced by Native people both on and off reserves.

However, the highlight of the week was probably the banquet where Gerry Manyfingers, a Blood band member who designs and makes unique Native fashions gave a fashion show.

All the models were Native and the clothes were designed and produced on the Blood Reserve.

Manyfingers specializes in unique Hudson Bay blanket coats and jackets which range in price from $350 to $500, depending on the trim. At the moment, Manyfingers just employs one person to sew seams, but she is hoping to invest in sewing machines so she can start her own cottage industry on the reserve.

"Right now I have a retail outlet in Aspen, Colorado but I'd really like to tap into the Olympic market coming up in Calgary in 1988," said Manyfingers.