Alberta Sweetgrass - June 2014 WHAT'S INSIDE:
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Renaissance Tower sets news standard for affordable living Page 4 Friendship Accord strengthens relationship between jurisdictions Page 5
THE ABORIGINAL NEWSPAPER OF ALBERTA
JUNE 2014 VOLUME 21 • NUMBER 7
$5.00
+ GST where applicable
PHOTO: PAULA KIRMAN
Remembering those lost in government care
The Blanket of Remembrance round dance was held at Churchill Square, in Edmonton, on May 18, and a banner signed to mark the children who died in care and the residential school system. The event, an annual commemoration hosted by the Creating Hope Society of Alberta, included a pipe ceremony.
Work underway to bring home Crowfoot regalia By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor SIKSIKA FIRST NATION
The Siksika First Nation is one step closer to bringing Chief Crowfoot’s regalia home from England. On May 28, representatives from the First Nation and the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park museum met with Alberta Culture and received support for the work needed to repatriate, among the items, regalia worn by Crowfoot when he signed Treaty 7 in 1877. “We were given the go ahead. They said, ‘We’re backing you up,’” said Herman Yellow Old Woman, cultural curator at the Blackfoot Crossing museum. Yellow Old Woman says the government has committed to covering the transportation costs of bringing home the articles, approximately 30 pieces, as well as the renovation work needed in the museum to display Crowfoot’s regalia. Yellow Old Woman puts the price tag at $50,000-$70,000 for the transportation and another $30,000 for the renovations. He says Siksika First Nation cannot afford to cover any of the costs. The regalia, which includes Crowfoot’s pipe bag, bear knife and moccasins, as well as
Crowfoot’s wife’s headdress, is presently at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter, England. That the museum had the regalia was discovered by accident. In 2007 or 2008, says Yellow Old Woman, a delegation from the Pit River Museum, in Oxford, England, came to Alberta to learn more about an extensive collection of Blackfoot shirts Pit River had. The shirts came from a Blackfoot camp in Edmonton from the 1870s to early 1880s and had been gifted by the Chiefs to members of the Hudson Bay Company. In 2010, Pit River Museum returned with five shirts on-loan to the Glenbow Museum, in Calgary, and the Galt Museum, in Lethbridge, for short-term exhibit. As Pit River Museum still had grant money available, it invited representatives from Alberta to England. Yellow Old Woman was among the delegates to make the trip to London and to meet with representatives from a number of museums throughout Europe. It was at a meeting after the formal session that Yellow Old Woman was approached by the Royal Albert museum about a collection the museum wasn’t sure what to do with.
“A year later we went back. We paid them a two-day visit and went through their collection and realized the importance of this regalia,” said Yellow Old Woman. An open panel discussion with Royal Albert museum officials and Exeter town officials led to the decision to return the regalia to its rightful owners. “After 130 years of the regalia sitting there, (they decided) it should actually come home,” said Yellow Old Woman. “I was excited. I was very moved simply because that morning when they unveiled the regalia to us we sang sacred songs, chief songs that were composed at the time of the treaty to honour Chief Crowfoot and leaders after him. We still sing those songs today to honour our leaders.” Yellow Old Woman was not surprised by Exeter’s decision because he “had been talking to the spirits and asking them to help in their way.” He was also not surprised by the decision because the attitude toward repatriation has changed in the 25 years that Yellow Old Woman has been working in the field. “When we first started, even local museums such as Glenbow
didn’t open their doors to the First Nations people,” he said. “Whereas today, any story that is told in a museum, is almost all told by First Nations people.” In the early ‘90s attitudes started changing, he says, with “a new generation of traditional people (who) started coming forward and of course there were new people on boards with the museums.” That was followed in 2000 with the province’s First Nations Sacred Ceremonial Object Repatriation Act. Yellow Old Woman expects Crowfoot’s regalia to be back in Alberta sometime in late 2015 or early 2016. He notes that last November, Royal Albert museum curator Tony Eccles said the repatriation should take place within two years. Delegates from the Royal Albert museum will be coming to the Siksika First Nation in July to discuss the process further. Yellow Old Woman says when the transfer is made, technicians from the Royal Albert museum will make the trip to ensure safe passage and safe installation at the Blackfoot Crossing museum. None of Crowfoot’s regalia was on display at the Royal Albert museum. However the headdress of Crowfoot’s wife, who was a member of the sacred
society the Buffalo Women, was on display. After the headdress was identified by the Siksika delegation, the Exeter museum immediately removed it. Yellow Old Woman says the Crowfoot regalia will be displayed permanently in what is now the travelling exhibit area of the Blackfoot Crossing museum. Renovations are required to ensure the area is aircontrolled environmentally.
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ALBERTA NEWS followed a human health risk assessment conducted by Alberta Health in November 2013. The assessment was as the result of research undertaken by the Joint Oil Sand Monitoring program in 2012, which expressed concern regarding mercury levels. In a Q & A published with the warning, the government states, “The study does not indicate whether or not the mercury is coming from the oils sands related sources.” The findings were published in 2013. Low levels of mercury are a concern particularly to pregnant women and small children, however, all consumers of gull and tern eggs from those two lakes need to restrict their intake. Nunee Health Board Society and First Nations and Métis associations near the lakes have been notified of the risks by Alberta Health.
Three men to seek PC leadership Thomas Lukaszuk and Ric McIver have joined Jim Prentice in seeking to become the next leader of the Alberta Progressive Conservatives. Both Lukaszuk and McIver held positions as cabinet ministers under former Premier Alison Redford. Lukaszuk was also Deputy Premier. Redford resigned her position as premier on March 23 amidst controversy of reckless spending. She remained as the MLA for Calgary-Elbow. Redford became the province’s first female premier in October 2011 after winning the leadership of the Progressive Conservative party and then led her party to a majority victory in April 2012. She was elected to the legislature in 2008. Prentice, who officially became the first candidate to seek Redford’s position, served as the federal minister for Indian and Northern Affairs. Most recently, Prentice led a partnership-building with First Nations on behalf of Enbridge’s Northern Gateway partners. PHOTO: DENIS CARNOCHAN
Federal Liberal leader Justin Trudeau (third from right) with Fort McMurray-Athabasca candidate Kyle Harrietha (second from right) and members of the Sucker Creek First Nation.
Trudeau campaigns in north for federal by-election sustainable economic development. Participants had Liberal leader Justin Trudeau joined Fort McMurrayAthabasca candidate Kyle Harrietha, who kicked off his campaign mid-May. Harrietha is a resident of Fort McMurray and serves as the general manager of Fort McMurray Métis 1935. Also seeking the seat, which was vacated when Brian Jean retired, are David Yurdiga for the Conservatives, who is a councillor in the County of Athabasca, and Lori McDaniel, a Suncor employee, for the NDP. “This is an important campaign, and we are reaching out to Canadians and asking for their ideas, their hope, and their hard work in the days ahead,” said Trudeau in a prepared statement. Trudeau was in Lac La Biche, Wabasca, and Fort McMurray. Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that four byelections would be held June 30, including two in Alberta. The other Alberta by-election will be held in the riding of Macleod in the south.
Tutu special guest at ACFN conference Archbishop Desmond Tutu was the keynote speaker at the As Long as the Rivers Flow: Coming Back to the Treaty Relationship in Our Time conference held in Fort McMurray, May 31-June 1. The event was sponsored by the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and the law firm of Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP. “We are proud to host a moral leader like Archbishop Tutu, who has done such important work for his people in his own country. We hope he can guide us to open a conversation with Canadians about the current state of Treaty relationships, and how we can move forward together, understanding our respective obligations,” said Adam. “Our ancestors signed the treaties to make sure our rights and our lands would always be protected. We have tried to get the government to listen and to honour the treaty obligations, but instead our rights are slowly being stripped away. We must do whatever it takes to ensure our rights are protected now and into the future.” The conference included topics such as re-envisioning the treaties and the power they can hold for First Nations, using strategic litigation to advance rights and best practices for fostering
the opportunity to hear from leaders in various fields, network and learn new skills in the advancement of Treaty rights and approach the promise of reconciliation in Canada.
Lack of service coordination, information sharing key causes in death An investigative review released by the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate in early May indicated that lack of information sharing led to the death of a 14day old Aboriginal baby, who, at the time, was receiving services from the provincial government. “The circumstances around this infant’s death are both tragic and troubling,” said Advocate Del Graff, in a news release. “What is particularly disconcerting is that despite an abundance of good information, the system appeared unable to come together for the benefit of this child.” Graff said more information from different sources were required in order for the baby to be properly cared for. Recommendations about improvements in service co-ordination and information sharing are a significant theme in this report. In addition, the report recommends improvements related to risk assessments for newborns, ensuring balance in delivering child intervention services, meeting the needs of infants exposed to drugs in utero, and enhancing parenting assessments. “Baby Annie,” as the child was called in the report, was found unresponsive and not breathing by her mother. The baby was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead. The cause of death was “undetermined.” Annie’s four older siblings were the subjects of Temporary Guardianship Orders and were in care at the time of her birth. Annie’s family was involved with Alberta’s child intervention system. Annie was in her parents’ care when she passed away.
Gull, tern egg consumption advisory issued Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health has issued a food consumption advisory for gull and tern eggs for Lake Athabasca and Mamawi Lake. The advisory
CLARIFICATION Federal health minister not open about pending changes, May 2014. The Non Insured Health Benefits Program is not scheduled to sunset in 2015. What is scheduled to sunset – and are up for renewal come 2015 – are programs under the Upstream Investments that includes: Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (ADI), Aboriginal Health Human Resource Initiative (AHHRI), Aboriginal Head Start Program, Health Services Integration Fund (HSIF), Maternal Child Health/Children’s Oral Health and National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy (NAYSPS).
Last First Nation withdraws from JOSM The last First Nation band involved in the CanadaAlberta Joint Oil Sands Monitoring program has officially pulled out. Fort McMurray First Nation Chief Ron Kreutzer says it was a difficult decision, but that the First Nation felt excluded and frustrated. Past members include the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation, the Fort McKay First Nation, and the Chipewyan Prairie Dene First Nation. The monitoring program was originally composed of First Nations, environmental monitoring groups, industry, and the top two levels of government. In an email from Jesse Cardinal, member of the Keepers of the Athabasca, she stated, “The ‘world class monoriting system’ is turning out to be another breakdown in government to government relations...The First Nations must be heard and included. The baselines they know and have, really are about sustainability.”
New environmental monitoring agency On May 22, the Alberta government unveiled the Alberta Environmental Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Agency, which is responsible for monitoring provincial air and water quality and ambient monitoring of biodiversity, previously managed by Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development. It is also leading the province’s involvement in the Joint Oil Sands Monitoring project with the federal government. Over six months, aemera.org will expand to include additional environmental indicators for air, water, land and biodiversity in all regions of the province, and over the next year will evolve further to fulfill its mandate to provide open and transparent access to scientific data and information on the condition of Alberta’s environment, including specific indicators as well as cumulative effects, both provincially and in specific locations.
Funding to enhance Aboriginal experience at U of L The University of Lethbridge has received a $400,000 gift in support of First Nations’ initiatives. The money, given by TD Bank Group, will be used to enhance educational experiences for Blackfoot and other First Nations, Métis and Inuit students. The funding will support the already established First Nations’ Transition Program and the creation of a First Nations’ Gathering Centre on the U of L campus. President Mike Mahon says the university places tremendous emphasis on the success of Blackfoot and other FNMI students and an inclusive campus is critical in achieving that goal.
Compiled by Shari Narine
NEWS
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Day of Action results in a cancelled wedding By Paula E. Kirman
Sweetgrass Contributor EDMONTON
Wedding ceremonies on the Alberta Legislature grounds are not an unusual occurrence – except for one held on May 10. In a mock marriage ceremony organized by Greenpeace, the government and fossil fuel industry were to be joined in wedded bliss. Complete with a red carpet, flower girls, bouquets, and presiding official, vows were exchanged, tears were shed, and an “oil and water” ceremony became rather messy. Why the theatrics? May 10 was a National Day of Action called Defend Our Climate, Defend Our Communities. Marches and mock weddings were held throughout the country to send a message to the government about the need for a safe climate, safe communities, and the detrimental environmental effects that the tar sands and pipelines can cause. In the fantasy role playing at the Legislature, the wedding was eventually called off by the government when “guests” raised objections to the union. “I object on behalf of the climate and the cost to our future generations. We have
PHOTO: PAULA KIRMAN
A mock wedding between Foss L. Fuels (the fossil fuel industry) played by Mike Hudema, with Greenpeace, and Govern Mint (the government), represented by Terry Noel, with Occupy Edmonton was held with Chris-Ann Lake, who is Climate and Energy Campaigner with Greenpeace as minister and bridesmaid dressed in black Katrina Armstrong .
seen the stern warnings from the international community that we have to address climate change now. We have to keep two thirds of the fossil fuels in the ground,” said Eriel Tchekwie Deranger, with the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, pointing to the background “photo booth” photo from the flooding last
year in Calgary and southern Alberta. “On behalf of the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada, we have to protect the offspring of this union, for the youth of this country to be able to grow up in a society free of chronic disease and illness. The cost to the Canadian people across the country is $190 billion a year.
Each family member with a chronic illness will cost $10,000. Forty five people in Alberta will be diagnosed with cancer every day and those numbers will grow to an alarming rate if this union is allowed to continue,” said Lisa Bourque-Bearskin. While the fossil fuel industry continued to run after the
government, even after being left at the altar, activists at the “wedding” expressed hopes that the government will follow suit in real life, and call off the local affair with the fossil fuel industry. Another National Day of Action was held in November with the same name and similar goals.
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NEWS
Renaissance Tower sets news standard for affordable living
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Mike Holmes addresses the crowd at the official opening of Renaissance Tower. On stage are (from left) Mayor Don Iveson; David Quest, Alberta associate minister for seniors; MP Scott Armstrong; and Darlene Lennie, CEO for Métis Capital Housing Corporation.
By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor EDMONTON
Renaissance Tower is about more than its leading-edge energy saving and environmentally friendly technology. The senior and handicapped complex that celebrated its grand opening April 29 is about providing safe, comfortable living at an affordable rate in a community that is being revitalized. The $22 million residential 90-unit complex, developed by the Métis Capital Housing Corporation, provides housing for Métis, Aboriginals and people with disabilities over the age of 55. It is the second phase of the Boyle Renaissance project, a community revitalization plan led by the City of Edmonton in The Quarters, which is on the eastern edge of the city’s downtown area. “This part of the city is starting to feel safer. We see more people, (it’s) more stable, more housing needs are being met, lives are being turned around and a community is being constructed,” said
Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson. The city contributed $5.6 million toward the project, with the province and the federal governments each kicking in $4.1 million, and MCHC providing $6 million. “(This is) the combined efforts of seven years of hard work to realize our vision, to provide our seniors and persons with disabilities with a residence they could be proud to call home,” said Darlene Lennie, executive director of MCHC, which is the largest Aboriginal housing developer in the province. Mike Holmes, TV host for a variety of home renovation shows, and his organization the Holmes Group, was engaged by MCHC to provide expert consultation and project management on the Renaissance Tower. Holmes ensured the project met sustainable and energy-saving targets, while serving as a model for future affordable housing development. “When you build for the right reasons you always have a great result,” said Holmes. “This building wasn’t just built for the environment, which I care
about, or energy consumption, which I care about. It was really all about the people who were going to live here.” Renaissance Tower has been accepting residents since last December. One-third of the units are outfitted with features designed for the disabled, including walk-in showers, fivefoot turnaround free space in each room and adjustable counter tops for people with mobility issues. The building contains an innovative combined heat and power system which, mounted on the roof of Renaissance Tower, will also provide heat and hot water to the neighbouring 150-unit Melcor YMCA Village. There are also solar panels on the roof top of the seven-story building along with a green space. The ground floor provides approximately 10,000 square feet of commercial space. “Renaissance Tower is a model for delivering quality, affordable housing designed to meet the unique needs of seniors and people with disabilities, while leading the way in energy efficiency and sustainability,” said Lennie. (See Renaissance on page 12.)
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NEWS
Alberta Sweetgrass - June 2014
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Friendship Accord strengthens relationship between jurisdictions By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor SAWRIDGE FIRST NATION
Sawridge Chief Roland Twinn is confident that a friendship accord struck between his First Nation and two neighbouring municipalities is the direction relations need to go for shared success. The accord, signed in May between Sawridge First Nation, the town of Slave Lake and Municipal District of Lesser Slave River, is a continuation of work undertaken in the past three years since the devastating fire in the region in May 2011. While Sawridge First Nation suffered no structural damages or deaths, about one-third of Slave Lake was wiped out. “That was the first time a First Nation has been so directly involved in such a huge endeavour … and we actually had a say in that as a First Nation,” said Twinn. “I think that’s where we should all be looking to go in the future.” Sawridge, Slave Lake and the MD received $10 million to dig themselves out of fire devastation. They signed an agreement in 2011 which formed the Lesser Slave Lake Regional Tri-Council. With funding for
PHOTO: SUPPLIED SLAVE LAKE REGIONAL TRI-COUNCIL
Sawridge Chief Roland Twinn and MD of Slave River Reeve Murray Kerik watch as Slave Lake Mayor Tyler Warman signs the friendship accord.
the tri-council coming to an end in March of 2014, Sawridge and the two municipalities examined other options for funding in order to continue the work and the partnership that had begun. “We thought this was working so good we thought we’d like to go beyond the recovery phase,” said Twinn. They received funding through the Community Economic Development Initiative led by Cando and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
By working together in partnership, Twinn says Sawridge First Nation gets an understanding of the town’s and MD’s needs and the two municipalities “get in touch with our struggles.” Among those struggles, he notes, is having to juggle funding and approval from both the federal and provincial governments. He adds that with the federal government downloading services to the provinces and the provinces in turn downloading to
municipalities, it only makes sense that First Nations forge strong relationships with their neighbouring municipalities. “The best way to work together is through good relations. This just reaffirms that we decided as the three councils to work together and we will continue working with the consensus model, which kind of breaks that ‘this side-that side’ kind of an issue,” said Twinn. “This solidifies the relationship that was already
going on with the three jurisdictions. They really wanted to showcase that we were looking to move the region forward as one,” said Kim Dyke, regional economic development officer with Slave Lake regional tri-council. According to the document signed by the three jurisdictions during a round dance hosted by the Sawridge First Nation at the Multi-Rec Centre in Slave Lake, on May 10, the accord “provides the framework upon which The Communities, including their respective governments and residents, will collaborate with one another; and this principlebased Friendship Accord establishes commitments to make the Slave Lake Region a better place for all residents and visitors.” What is significant about the accord, says Dyke, is the decision to work together in friendship and not primarily for economic benefits. The signatories of the accord will meet at least quarterly and like the tri-council, decisions will be reached through consensus, says Dyke. Working groups could be established if needed.
( See Friendship on page 7.)
Alberta Sweetgrass - June 2014
EDMONTON
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Memorial puts “human face” on tragic losses
PHOTO: PAULA KIRMAN
Church service focuses on “Creating Sacred Spaces” Jim Graves leads a song with children during a service at Garneau United Church on May 18. The service was entitled “Creating Sacred Space” and touched upon issues such as the effects of pipelines and the recent Truth and Reconciliation Commission event in Edmonton. Juno-award winner Bill Bourne performed an Honour Song and bannock was served at the end. Graves is a lay person with the United Church and the executive director of the Banff Men’s Conference.
Proceeds from crime to help heavy users of service Aboriginal-focused organizations are part of a new effort by the Edmonton Police Service to help vulnerable people be more independent, less likely to be victimized, and require fewer police, medical, and social interventions. The EPS-led Heavy Users of Services project will see the police use proceeds of crime funding from the province to work with community partners to identify gaps and duplications in services, as well as help target the causes of repeat minor crimes that result from substance and alcohol abuse. Benefits of using community supports more efficiently include freeing up agencies like the EPS for other calls for assistance. The Heavy Users of Services project is a partnership with more than 16 groups, including health and social service providers, first responders, justice services and government representatives. The goal is to work with up to 50 individuals identified as the city’s most frequent users of social, medical, criminal and justice services. So far nine people have agreed to participate.
Blackstock honoured for community committed University of Alberta associate professor Cindy Blackstock was honoured last month as a Community Scholar, part of the university’s Community Connections Awards. The awards recognize individuals or teams of community members, faculty, staff, students or postdoctoral fellows who embody the spirit of the University of Alberta’s promise, “Uplifting the Whole People.” The awards honour the positive impact of nominees on communities near and far, as well as their impact on the university. Award winners may be distinguished through such community service activities as public speaking, volunteer work, school visits and/or other substantial community service work. Blackstock is also executive director of the First Nations and Child and Family Caring Society of Canada, which is challenging the federal government to fund children on First Nations reserves at the same rate the government funds children off-reserve.
Crystal Kids raises funds Crystal Kids held its 15th annual Show and Shine, Street Dance, BBQ, and Silent Auction at the Sherbrooke Community League grounds on June 7. Proceeds from the event were matched by the Frank Flaman Foundation. Crystal Kids is an inner-city youth centre, operated by a not-for-profit society and formed in 1992. The centre uses strength-based principles combined with a harm-reduction model and a focus on relationships and capacity building to mentor youth. The goal is to cultivate resiliency and bolster the competencies of children so they can defeat and conquer exclusion and suffering. These children suffer from neglect, abuse and other nurturing deficits putting them at severe risk. Crystal Kids gives children a chance at an opportunity to end the cycle of poverty.
Maina highlights Dreamspeakers The annual Dreamspeakers Film Festival, which took place May 28-31, showcased the work of Indigenous filmmakers at Metro Cinema. Dreamspeakers Festival Society supports and educates the public about Aboriginal culture, art and heritage and at the same time acts as resource for Aboriginal filmmakers, directors, scriptwriters, actors, musicians, artists and others in the field. Highlighting this year’s offering was Maina, starring Roseanne Supernault, Graham Greene, Ipellie Ootoova, Natar Ungalaaq and Tantoo Cardinal, shown during the festival’s opening night. Among this year’s work were Mohawk Midnight Runners, Craters of the Moon, Hi-Ho Mistahey, Drunktown’s Finist and Shouting Secrets.
Compiled by Shari Narine
PHOTO: PAULA KIRMAN
Rev. Travis Enright leads the service held at the Homeless Memorial Statue, which commemorates lives lost on Edmonton’s streets in 2014.
By Paula E. Kirman Sweetgrass Writer EDMONTON
In 2013, 40 people died on the streets of Edmonton. Their lives were commemorated in the ninth annual Edmonton Homeless Memorial held on May 23. “We provide the people of the community with the opportunity to celebrate, grieve, and remember those people,” said John Acheson, a trustee with the Catholic School Board and MC of the event for a number of years. He is also chair of the organizing committee. The memorial is a way “to put a human face on homelessness,” said Jim Gurnett, with the Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness. “Every year we are reminded that there continues to be a major crisis around homelessness in the city.” Gurnett started the Homeless Memorial when colleagues in Toronto told him what they were doing. Last year 29 men and 11 women died, directly or indirectly as the result of not having a home. “I think all of us as citizens have to come together and understand that while we live in the midst of so much, there are people who struggle and there are people who don’t have,” said Premier David Hancock, who was one of a number of politicians to attend the memorial. “That belongs to the whole community. We all have to take responsibility for it.” Information about the number of deaths comes mostly from agencies, with lists crosschecked to ensure no one is counted twice. “We count carefully, trying to
be conservative, not alarmist,” said Gurnett. “(We) only count those with chronic homelessness as a major feature in their lives.” Gurnett says that the number of people remembered has gone up over the years. The first year 28 people were counted, while in the last few years the number has hovered around 40. While it is unclear how many of those deaths are Aboriginal, the ceremony, which took place at the Homeless Memorial Statue just north of City Hall, included Aboriginal cultural elements as Elder Jerry Wood drummed and sang as participants pinned small ribbons to a board in memory of their departed loved ones. The statue was created three years ago and includes many panels that were made by people who have experienced homelessness. Initially the memorial was held indoors during the winter at Boyle Street Community Services, but
changed to an outdoor service when the Homeless Memorial Statue was created. “I think for most people you have to take time to grieve, to say goodbye in a special way. The coalition felt that people who lost relatives on the street really did not have the opportunity to grieve and celebrate the life of the person who has died,” said Acheson. He notes that the response from the community has been positive, with dozens of people coming out each year to celebrate the lives of their loved ones. Gurnett stresses that this is the one event that involves ECOHH that is not political in nature. “We don’t talk so much about why this is happening and what we need to do about it, we just say there is something inherently unfair that people lose years of their life because as a society we don’t make sure everyone has a home.”
Alberta Sweetgrass - June 2014
CALGARY
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PHOTO: CCAB
Dan Christmas (centre), senior advisor with Membertou First Nations Economic Development Corporation, receives the inaugural Economic Development Corporation of the year award from Dean Johnson (left), of Sodexo’s senior team and Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business CEO JP Gladu at the gala held in Calgary. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Collaboration opens doors for more post-secondary students With seven more post-secondary institutions joining eCampusAlberta and receiving a grant of $140,000 from the province, now all 26 publicly funded Alberta post-secondary institutions are part of eCampusAlberta. A special ceremony was held in Calgary on April 30 where all 26 signed a Commitment to Collaborate to work together to support a lifelong learning environment that increases access to high quality online learning opportunities across the province. The organization enables students from across the province to access more than 900 online courses and 70 programs, including provincially approved certificates, diplomas and applied degrees.
Easier access to information to help children brought into care By Darlene Chrapko Sweetgrass Writer CALGARY
Mark Laycock, director with Métis Calgary Family Services, believes a new partnership forged between the Calgary Police Service and Alberta Human Services is the first step in seeking better outcomes for Aboriginal kids who are overrepresented in care. “The system of care is taking steps in the right direction. It’s progress and a step forward,” he said. Last month, Alberta Human Services Minister Manmeet Bhullar announced a new agreement which opens sharing of information between front line AHS and CPS workers to protect children. With this fasttracking of information, attending staff members can call the police service for a criminal record check, background check, or address check to determine if the situation is safe. With a quick phone call to the CPS, the workers gain immediate access to critical information. The sharing of information allows for better decisionmaking and better outcomes for our children and allows our workers to be safe, says
Bhullar. Officers stepping into a serious situation in which there may be kids in the house, will be working within a system that shares information with the right people at the right time, says Calgary Police Chief Rick Hanson. The paramount consideration that grounds the new agreement between CPS and AHS is that those who are the most vulnerable are protected. The new agreement also allows children to be placed immediately into kinship care rather than in the home of a stranger. “Every hour, every minute, every day counts in these cases when a child has seen trauma, has been exposed to something very traumatic and they are being uprooted and placed in someone else’s home that adds to the trauma,” said Bhullar. With immediate access to information, placement in kinship care is accelerated. Of the 8,000 children in care in Alberta, 1,700 are in kinship care. Bhullar said 23 per cent is not sufficient and the number needs to go up. “All the science, all the research, all the data tell us that children thrive in a setting where they’re safe and they’re loved and it’s somebody that
Friendship Accord strengthens relationship (Continued from page 5.) Outlined by the friendship accord, the three jurisdictions, “commit to open, frank, honest and straightforward interaction and communication; and commit to building and maintaining strong mutual trust
and respect with one another.” “We want to be that example for First Nations and municipalities throughout Canada and say this is what’s needed. This is how we are going to be able to move the country forward,” said Dyke.
they know and connect with,” he said. Although Laycock recognizes the agreement as a positive step forward, he says more is needed. “It’s about system change as well as everything else,” he said. “Action is key. Leading action needs to involve other stakeholders, school systems, health systems, that is, a total support network.” Laycock agrees that it is critical that young urban Aboriginal children remain and be supported in their circle of care. “In the old system, the first thing they lose is culture,” he said. He also brings to light searching questions about the Aboriginal experience. “What does it mean? How does it come across in an authentic way?” Hanson views the new partnership as an extension of other partnerships forged with the CPS. “Without that leadership, without the trust that has developed between our agencies through initiatives like the Child at Risk Response Team, like AVIRT, the Alberta Vulnerable Infant Response Team, the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre, we never would have got to this point today.” In Bhullar’s view the partnership embeds a new culture. “Governments are afraid of taking steps unless you know outcomes to a tee,” he said. His approach to his ministry is “a culture of continuous improvement.” Addressing Bhullar, Hanson said, “To have another partner at the table every day to work on those issues that our officers are passionate about and that your people are passionate about is a huge step forward.”
Inaugural award celebrates economic stewardship On May 13, at the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business annual gala at Calgary’s Hyatt Regency, Membertou First Nations Economic Development Corporation was recognized as Economic Development Corporation of the year by CCAB and Sodexo Canada. The community of Membertou, located near Sydney, Nova Scotia, successfully overcame economic challenges over two decades from 1995-2014. Faced with high unemployment and low morale, Membertou has seen economic growth and a commitment to culture and heritage. By incorporating Indigenous principles of conservation and sustainability of land and waters, the community built a new economic frontier. The Membertou Development Corporation partnered with private sector companies, establishing a strong corporate office. These partnerships created education and career training programs for community members. The AECD award is a first for Canada, illuminating the role that Aboriginal corporations play in business and First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities.
“Keeping the Circle Strong” June 15-21, Calgary will be celebrating Aboriginal Awareness week. The annual celebration acknowledges the history of the Inuit, First Nations and Métis people by designating a week for all to participate in and experience Aboriginal culture. The overarching theme, “Keeping the Circle Strong,” celebrates and recognizes the traditional teachings that keep past and future generations strong and healthy. The celebration kicks off with opening ceremonies on June 16 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Olympic Plaza. Mayor Nenshi, representatives of City Council, First Nation leadership from Treaty 7 and community Elders, corporate Calgary and Aboriginal community members will all be in attendance. “Honouring Mother Earth,” an extension of last year’s theme recognizes community, unity and humanity for response to last year’s floods. Events are held at different venues throughout the city. The week-long celebration culminates with a Family Day Pow Wow Festival at Shaw Millenium Park. Festivities include a story corner, visits with Elders, traditional games and the 10th annual Aboriginal Youth Hoops tournament. The day wraps with the grand entry of the pow wow, drum groups and dancers from Tiny Tots to Buckskins.
CUAI Turns 15 The Calgary Urban Aboriginal Initiative is throwing a party to celebrate 15 years in the community on June 25 at the Alexandra Centre Dance Hall. Listening circles will discuss the past, present and future of CUAI and the CUAI youth group. Coffee, snacks, lunch, a Bundle ceremony, soap stone carving, beading and many more family-oriented activities are planned. CUAI, founded in 1999, began with a multi-phase community consultation to identify barriers faced by urban Aboriginals. Multiple partners including the City of Calgary Community and Social Development, the Calgary Homeless Foundation, Treaty 7 Economic Development Corporation, the Métis Nation of Alberta, Human Resources Development Canada and Justice Canada’s National Strategy on Community Safety and Crime Prevention identified eight key issue areas in their work, “Removing Barriers: A Listening Circle.” The eight Domain Areas formed the foundation of CUAI.
Mini We Day inspires action on bullying and human rights Inspired by the Canada-wide Me to We conferences, the second annual Calgary French and International School Mini We Day conference was held on May 2, hosting speakers to encourage students to act upon bullying, human rights and oppression. This year the school expanded its event inviting neighbouring schools, Calgary Connects Charter School and École Sainte-MargueriteBourgeoys to participate. Among the speakers and guest presenters were illusionist and motivational speaker Scott Hamell, Cree singersongwriter Walter MacDonald White Bear, young actor Angelique Berry, Duff Gibson 2006 winter Olympics gold medalist in men’s skeleton, and Kaleigh Jo Kirk, musical vocalist and recording artist.
Compiled by Darlene Chrapko
Alberta Sweetgrass - June 2014
8 JUNE June 13 – 15, 2014 15th Annual Intertribal Gathering Fort Robinson State Park 3200 Highway 20 Crawford, Nebraska Contact: Joyce Mick 308–632–1311 June 13 – 15, 2014 Prairie Band Potawatomi Powwow Prairie Peoples Park Mayetta, Kansas 1–888–727–4946 ex. 7701 www.pbpindiantribe.com June 14 – 15, 2014 19th Annual Aboriginal Gathering and 11th Annual Powwow Peace River Ag Grounds East of Peace River Peace River, Alberta Contact: Dennis Whitford 780–624–6367 Email: dennis.whitford@gov.ab.ca www.peaceriveraic.com Free on site camping available. June 14 – 15, 2014 Henvey Inlet First Nation 12th Annual Inter–Tribal Powwow French River I.R.#13, Ontario Contact: Kimberly McQuabbie 705–857–0957 June 14 – 15, 2014 Wikwemikong Traditional Powwow Wikwemikong, Manitoulin Island, Ontario 705–859–2385 or toll–free 1–877–859–2385 www.wikwemikongheritage.org June 14 – 16, 2014 Twin Buttes Powwow Twin Buttes, North Dakota Contact: Clarisse 701–938–4739 June 18, 2014 Igniting the Spirit Gala 2014 A Celebration of Our Songs to the Universe Time: 5:00pm to 9:30pm Place: Hampton Inn Ottawa, 200 Coventry Road, Ottawa, Ontario To be a corporate sponsor or to purchase tickets, visit: www.wabano.com Contact: Shelagh Mills 613–612–5482 Email: smills@wabano.com June 19, 2014 16th Annual Anishinabek Veterans Memorial Golf Tournament The Mark O’Meara Course at Grandview Golf Club 245 Grandview Drive North Huntsville, Ontario Contact: Jason Restoule 1–877–702–5200 or 705–497–9127 June 19 – 21, 2014 Treaty Days Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation, and Métis Local 125 Fort Chipewyan, Alberta Contact: 1–800–668–1635 Email: info@mikisewgroup.com June 20, 2014 Aboriginal Day Celebration 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Heritage Park Pavilion 5100–41 Avenue Stony Plain, Alberta Contact: Sean Grant 780–968–3443
ABORIGINAL DAY
June 20 – 22, 2014 Rainy River First Nations Traditional Powwow Manitou Rapids, Ontario Contact: Nicole or Kiley 807–482–2479 www.rainyriverfirstnations.com June 20 – 22, 2014 10th Annual Honouring Our Ancestors Inter–Tribal Powwow Ashtabula Antique Engine Club Grounds 4026 Route 322 Williamsfield, Ohio Contact: Sandi Red Wolf 440–319–4483 or 440–997–5026 June 20 – 22, 2014 Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival Competition Powwow Vincent Massey Park Ottawa, Ontario Contact: Dale Matasawagon 613–261–3637 Email: powwow@ottawasummersoltice.ca
June 21, 2014 Celebrating Aboriginal Day Along the Humber River 4 km run/walk along the banks of the Humber River Starts at 10:00 am Beginning and finishing at St.Philip’s Parish Hall 60 Dixon Road Toronto, Ontario Contact: Stan Trudeau parkin.trudeau@gmail.com June 21 – 22, 2014 33rd Annual Plains Indian Museum Powwow Robbie Powwow Garden 720 Sheridan Avenue Cody, Wyoming Contact: Nancy McClure 307–578–4102 Email: nancym@centerofthewest.org www.centerofthewest.org June 21 – 22, 2014 Aamjiwnaang First Nation 53rd Annual Competition Powwow Bear Park, 1972 Virgil Avenue Sarnia, Ontario
Contact: Tracy Williams 519–336–8410 June 22, 2014 St. Albert Aboriginal Day Festival 12:00 p.m. Grand Entry, Lion’s Park, Sir Winston Churchill Ave & Tache St St. Albert, Alberta Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the culture of First Nations, Métis & Inuit people in your community. Contact: Gwen Crouse 780–717–6783 June 26, 2014 5th Annual National Aboriginal History Month Celebration Yonge & Dundas Square at 12pm–8pm Toronto, Ontario Come and join the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto as we celebrate National Aboriginal History Month. 416–964–9087 June 27 – 29, 2014
Badlands Celebration Powwow Fort Peck Reservation Brockton, Montana Contact: Gina Spotted Bird 406–786–7684
JULY July 2 – 6, 2014 116th Annual Arlee Celebration Arlee, Montana 406–726–3762 www.arleepowwow.com July 4 – 6, 2014 20th Annual Wildhorse Resort & Casino Powwow Umatilla Indian Reservation, Pendleton, Oregon I–84, exit 216 800–654–9453 ext. 1567 Email: events@wildhorseresort.com July 11 – 13, 2014 4th Annual Calling All Drums Rocky Mountain House Powwow Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site
ABORIGINAL DAY Rocky Mountain House, AB Email: rmhpwc2014@gmail.com Contact: Travis Weber 403–845–2412 July 11 – 13, 2014 & September 19 – 21, 2014 30th Annual Great Mohican Powwow Mohican Reservation Campgrounds 23270 Wally Road South County Road 3175 Loudonville, Ohio 1–800–766–2267 www.mohicanpowwow.com July 11 – 13, 2014 27th Annual Squamish Nation Youth Powwow Capilano Reserve Park Grounds 100 Capilano Road West Vancouver, British Columbia Contact: Gloria Nahanee 778–228–6501 July 11 – 20, 2014 Great Northern Arts Festival Canada’s oldest & largest northern arts event. Midnight Sun Recreation Complex Inuvik, Northwest Territories Info: 867–777–8638 Email: gnaf@town.inuvik.nt.ca July 12 – 13, 2014 The Echoes of a Proud Nation 24th Annual Powwow Kahnawake Ceremonial Grounds 10 miles south of Montreal Kahnawake, QC 450–632–8667
Email: info@kahnawakepowwow.com July 17 – 20, 2014 Back to Batoche Festival At the Back to Batoche Site Batoche, Saskatchewan 306–343–8285 www.backtobatoche.org July 18 – 20, 2014 Carry The Kettle First Nation Powwow Carry The Kettle First Nation, Saskatchewan (near Sintaluta) 306–727–2135 July 26 – 27, 2014 35th Annual Grand River ‘Champion of Champions’ Competition Powwow Chiefswood Tent & Trailer Park Six Nations of the Grand River Highway 54 Ohsweken, Ontario Phone: 1–866–393–3001/519– 445–4061 Email: ninfo@grpowwow.com www.grpowwow.com July 29 – August 5, 2014 24th Annual Montreal First Peoples Festival Film & Video Showcase Multiple venues thoughout Montreal Montreal, Quebec INFO–FESTIVAL line: 514 814–8144 valid from July 10th to August or 514–278–4040 Email: tev@nativelynx.qc.ca www.presenceautochtone.ca/ en/home
July 31 – August 3, 2014 Festival Innu Nikamu Mani–Utenam, Québec near Sept–Iles, Aboriginal music, mostly Québec musicians, mostly singing in Innu–aimun 1–877–927–2909 or 418–927–2576 www.innunikamu.ca
AUGUST August 1 – 3, 2014 Lac La Biche 52nd Annual Powwow Days Lac La Biche Recreation Grounds Lac La Biche, Alberta 1–877–623–9696 August 1 – 3, 2014 Kamloopa Powwow Secwepemc Powwow Grounds, Kamloops, British Columbia Info: 250–828–9782 www.tkemlups.ca August 2 – 4, 2014 54th Annual Wikwemikong Cultural Festival Wikwemikong, Manitoulin Island, Ontario 705–859–2385 or toll–free 1–877–859–2385 www.wikwemikongheritage.org August 7 – 10, 2014 17th Annual John Arcand Fiddle Fest Windy Acres on Pike Lake Hwy #60 7 kms SW of Saskatoon, SK 306–382–0111 Email:
Alberta Sweetgrass - June 2014
windy.acres@sasktel.net www.johnarcandfiddlefest.com August 20 – 24, 2014 Aboriginal Music Week Winnipeg, MB www.aboriginalmusicweek.ca August 21, 22 – 24, 2014 Camping Day August 21 Northern Canadian Powwow Classic 2014 August 22–24 Behind the Frog Lake Band Office Frog Lake First Nation, Alberta Contact: Harvey Dufresne Jr. 780–943–2822 Email: harveydufresne@froglake.ca August 23 – 24, 2014 Timiskaming First Nation’s 12th Annual Powwow and Traditional Gathering Algonquin Avenue Arbor, Algonquin Avenue Notre Dame du Nord, Quebec Contact: Belinda Larabie 819–723–2255 Email: culture.coordinator@atfn.ca August 23 – 24, 2014 Three Fires Homecoming Powwow & Traditional Gathering Blue #2789 1st Line Road Mississauga Rd Hagersville, Ontario Contact: Faith Rivers 519–445–2283 or 905–768–5686 Email: info@newcreditpowwow.com
9 www.newcreditpowwow.com August 29 – Sept. 1, 2014 Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Traditional Powwow Wabigoon Lake, Dryden, Ontario Contact: Anita 807–938–8022 www.wabigoonlakeon.ca August 29 – Sept. 1, 2014 Ashland Labor Day Powwow Approximately 1/2 mile off Highway 212. Cross a bridge and to the right between Ashland and St. Labre Mission Ashland, Montana 406–784–2883 or 406–784–6149
SEPTEMBER September 5 – 7, 2014 Healing Mother Earth Intertribal Powwow Fischers Pine Lake, 3924 Maple Rd. Jefferson Ashtabula, Ohio Contact: Sandi Red Wolf 440–319–4483 or 440–997–5026 September 12, 2014 Aboriginal People’s Choice Music Awards Winnipeg, Manitoba www.aboriginalpeopleschoice.com September 13 – 14, 2014 Manito Ahbee International Competition Powwow MTS Centre Winnipeg, Manitoba 1–866–449–0251or 204–956–1849 www.manitoahbee.com
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ABORIGINAL DAY ABORIGINAL DAY EVENTS June 20, 2014 Aboriginal Day Celebration 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Heritage Park Pavilion 5100-41 Avenue Stony Plain, AB Contact: Sean Grant 780-968-3443 June 20, 2014 RBC Royal Bank & Amiskwaciy Academy Annual National Aboriginal Day BBQ 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. At the park located at 102 Street & Jasper Ave Notes: Buffalo Burger, Chips and Pop for $5. All proceeds to Amiskwaciy’s Hot Lunch Program. Entertainment, Dignitaries and fun! Contact: Syrena Courtorielle or Leslie Natyshen E-mail: syrena.courtorielle@rbc.com or leslie.natyshen@rbc.com www.royalbank.com and amiskwaciy.epsb.ca June 20, 2014 National Aboriginal Day Events Edmonton and Area Child and Family Services Region, together with community partners including, but not limited to: the Town of Stony Plain, Parkland County, Paul First Nation, Alexander First Nation, Enoch Cree Nation and Parkland School Division. 10:00 a.m. Heritage Park Pavilion, located at 5100- 41 Avenue, Stony Plain, Alberta Contact: Angela Lyttle E-mail: Aboriginal.day@gov.ab.ca www.edmontonandareacfsa.gov.ab.ca/publish/678.cfm
PHOTOS: BERT CROWFOOT
Rocky Dumais teaches his son to dance at Ben Calf Robe Powwow in Edmonton, Alta.
June 20, 2014 National Aboriginal Day Event Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Parkdale School, Bent Arrow Main Office 11648 85 street Notes: Free event, Pancake Breakfast from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. games, crafts, storytelling, dancers, drummers Contact: Laura or Rudy at 780-474-2400 Email: laura.linklater@bentarrow.ca or rudy.newbury@bentarrow.ca Website: www.bentarrow.ca June 20 – 22, 2014 Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival & Competition Powwow Vincent Massey Park Ottawa, Ontario Contact: Dale Matasawagon 613-261-3637 Email: powwow@ottawasummersoltice.ca June 21, 2014 National Aboriginal Day Event Sun & Moon Visionaries 2:00 p.m. Artisan Fair and Community Cultural Exhibits 5:00 p.m. Grand Entry & Ceremonial Honouring 6:00 p.m. Main Stage Concert Location: Alberta Legislature Grounds 107 Street - 97 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta south of the Legislative Building Contact: Sun & Moon Visionaries at 780-433-3097 June 21, 2014 Summer solstice celebration Creating Hope Society, Canadian Native Friendship Centre, Office of the Child and Youth Advocate, The Works Festival, Alberta Native Friendship Centre, John Humphrey for Peace and Human Rights 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Location: Churchill Square, Edmonton, Alberta Notes: A summer solstice celebration. Entertainment traditional and contemporary, Family activities and food Contact: Creating Hope Society at 780-477-7961 E-mail: pmanager@creatinghopesociety.ca Website: www.creatinghopesociety.ca June 22, 2014 St. Albert Aboriginal Day Festival 12:00 p.m. Grand Entry, Lion’s Park, Sir Winston Churchill Ave & Tache St St. Albert, Alberta Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the culture of First Nations, Métis & Inuit people in your community. Contact: Gwen Crouse 780-717-6783 June 27, 2014 National Aboriginal Day Event Nechi Training, Research and Health Promotions Institute Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Location: 1 Poundmaker Rd, St Albert, Alberta Notes: Storytelling, Bannock/Jam, Tea/Water Bring your own lawn chair event Contact: Geraldine Potts E-mail: Geraldine-Potts@nechi.com Website: nechi.com
COMMUNITY
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Bold Eagle celebrates 25 years training Aboriginal youth By Paula E. Kirman Sweetgrass Writer WAINWRIGHT
Master Cpl. Melissa Whitegrass knows all about the Bold Eagle program. A member of the Blood tribe, Whitegrass is a member of the 20th Independent Field Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery, based in Lethbridge. In 2010, Whitegrass received the Chief of Defence Staff Commendation for her actions while serving in Afghanistan that year. The convoy that she was driving was attacked by a suicide bomber, which killed six soldiers and 12 civilians. Whitegrass maneuvered her vehicle to avoid the flying engine block from the bomber’s vehicle. Despite her injuries, she maintained composure and remained in place, providing security and assistance with the evacuation of casualties. Whitegrass is just one example of someone who received training through Bold Eagle and went on to serve in the military. This summer, the Bold Eagle
PHOTO: SUPPLIED BY BOLD EAGLE PROGRAM
Bold Eagle program graduation exercises at Wainwright at the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre.
program, which offers Aboriginal youth the chance to experience life-changing training and skills from the Canadian Armed Forces is celebrating its 25th anniversary this summer. The Bold Eagle program runs during the summer months in Wainwright at the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre and is a joint venture between the Department of National Defence
/Canadian Armed Forces and Aboriginal organizations from across three Canadian divisions. “It is a program for Aboriginal youth designed to promote good character, self-confidence, discipline, respect, teamwork and physical fitness while providing Aboriginal youth with the opportunity to experience the CAF,” said Capt. Derek Bale, Bold Eagle coordinator. Bold Eagle originated in 1990
as an informal arrangement between the Northern Saskatchewan Regiment and the Prince Albert Grand Council. Over the next few years it expanded beyond Saskatchewan. By 1998 the course became open to all First Nations youth from Northwest Ontario to British Columbia. The course has grown to allow up to 92 candidates to participate and has had a total of 1,270 graduates thus far. The next graduating class convocates in mid-August. While the course used to require participants be Status Indians, in 2004 this criteria was relaxed to allow anyone who self-identifies as Aboriginal. They must be 16 or older, have completed grade 10, and must reside in western Canada or Northwest Ontario. “This course changes people. The self-discipline and leadership skills gained are immeasurable,” said Bale, who notes that the graduation rate is somewhere between 78-85 per cent. “This course gives people a sense of purpose and direction.
Bold Eagle for most will be the hardest thing they have ever attempted up to this point in their lives. To be a Bold Eagle graduate and Bold Eagle alumni is something to be proud of. Because of the difficulty of the course and because of the lifelong friendships that are made by people that attend from throughout Western Canada, Bold Eagle will be something they remember forever.” Some of the components of the program include culturally specific activities such as a “culture camp” that introduces recruits to traditional customs and teachings; a career day for those interested in continuing with a military career; attendance at a pow wow; and a graduation ceremony with a strong Aboriginal component. The program is not specifically about recruiting Aboriginal people into the Canadian Forces, but rather focuses on providing life-long skills to Aboriginal youth. Successful graduates have the option to continue in the Canadian Armed Forces either part- or full-time.
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CAREERS & TRAINING
Renaissance Tower sets new standard for affordable living ( Continued from page 4.) MHCH and Arndt Tkalcic Bengert Architects were recently recognized with a Mayor’s Award for enhancing the lives of people with disabilities through Renaissance
Tower. Thirteen individuals, organizations and businesses were awarded in four categories. The City of Edmonton Advisory Board on Services for Persons with Disabilities selected this year’s recipients from 28
nominees. The Boyle Renaissance project provides new housing, social recreation and service facilities for residents in a twoand-a-half block area in The Quarters.