Games participants personify pride

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Congratulations to the many Native participants who took a part in making the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria the spectacular event it was.

The success of the games, and the dignity and poise with which you performed your duties there, certainly advanced the cause of First Nations people in Canada and

won the hearts of the people of the British Empire. For this the Nation is proud and grateful.

Special commendation should go to Canada's flag bearer, Angela Chalmers, the Sioux Indian who more than lived up to Canada's expectations of her talent. Her 3,000-metre run was a marvel. Her new Commonwealth Game record was not only enough to capture the gold in the grueling event, but capture the admiration of all who witnessed it. Through it all she was gracious and refined. Chalmers is and always will be a role model for her people.

Many times the people of Canada only get to see the controversial side of the struggle of Aboriginal people. In August they got a special glimpse into the Native soul. It is the very substance of this soul they struggle so tirelessly to protect.