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Métis research skills, training to be needed
October 25, 2016. Spirit Staffing, in partnership with Rupertsland Institute, is conducting research to understand the skills and training required to have the workforce prepared and available as the economy strengthens. Métis community members, employers, and educational/non-profit agencies are invited to participate in the research study which will be conducted through a series of workshops held throughout Alberta in October and November. The first workshop takes place in Calgary on Thursday (and another is scheduled Nov. 17). Other southern workshops are scheduled for Red Deer (Nov. 2), Rocky Mountain House (Nov. 3), Lethbridge (Nov 8), Pincher Creek (Nov. 9) and Medicine Hat (Nov. 15).
Conservatives win by-election
October 25, 2016. Conservative candidate Glen Motz took 69.9 per cent (21,355) of the vote to win the Medicine Hat-Cardston-Warner by-election Tuesday. Liberal candidate Stan Sakamoto received 25.6 per cent (8,778 votes) while Rod Taylor of the Christian Heritage Party received 702 votes (2.0 per cent) doubling NDP candidate Beverly Ann Waege, who received 353 votes (1.0 per cent). The turnout of 76,911 registered voters was 44.54 per cent. The by-election was made necessary when Conservative Jim Hillyer died in March. The riding has been on the right of the political spectrum since 1972, with MPs from the Progressive Conservatives, Reform, Canadian Alliance or Conservative parties.
Child abuse prevention gets funding support
October 25, 2016. North Star – Apatski’kaktosi – Building Stronger Urban Aboriginal Families project delivered by the Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society in Lethbridge is receiving $120,323 in grant funding through the Family and Community Safety Program of Alberta Human Services. The project provides culturally relevant parenting programs for Indigenous families and has benefited more than 80 vulnerable families this past year. “Opokaa’sin… is committed to creating a different future for our Indigenous families and children, where dignity, peace and respect are the foundations on which we build our families,” said Tanya Pace-Crosschild, executive director with Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society, in a statement. The Crowsnest Pass Women’s Resource and Crisis Centre in Blairmore also received funding with $35,520 going to its Mentoring Moms program, which provides supports to single and low-income mothers by building their parenting skills and their connections to the community. The program is delivered through the Crowsnest Pass Parent Link Centre.
Man charged in stabbing incident
October 25, 2016. Trey Potts, 24, from Maskwacis, has been charged with one count of aggravated assault and one count of possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose following an incident in downtown Ponoka on Oct. 23. Ponoka RCMP arrived at the scene and were told by witnesses that a male had been stabbed and several people assaulted and contaminated with bear spray. Through investigation it was determined that the suspect had left and the victim had been taken to Ponoka Hospital. The victim, a 20 year-old male from Maskwacis, had a stab wound to his upper arm and is in stable condition. Potts was identified as the suspect and arrested shortly after the incident. He is to appear in Ponoka Provincial Court on Nov. 4. RCMP are continuing the investigation into this incident and are asking anyone that witnessed or has information to contact the Ponoka RCMP detachment at 403-783-4472 or to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
UAlberta offers new gathering space for Indigenous arts students
October 25, 2016. The Faculty of Arts at the University of Alberta now has a new place for students to meet and study. The Aboriginal Gathering Space will be primarily for Indigenous students, but is open to all arts students. An Elder will be available once per month for the sharing of traditional knowledges and consultation. “Arts strives to be a welcoming and supportive environment for Indigenous students. We are delighted to open a location specifically designated as an Indigenous student space. It marks an early step in our desire to increase the number of Indigenous students and to do everything possible to ensure their success,” said Dean Lesley Cormack in a statement. The new space is part of an ongoing series of activities designed to encourage members of the faculty to respond to the TRC’s Calls to Action through pedagogy, practice and the meaningful inclusion of Indigenous peoples as students and scholars.
Cenovus invests in NSD
October 25, 2016. Cenovus Energy Inc. is donating $250,000 to Northland School Division over the next two years, investing $125,000 in the literacy initiative, $97,500 in Career and Technology Studies, and $27,500 in the attendance improvement initiative of Every Day Counts. “We hope this initiative will have a positive impact on the students by helping them to stay in school and increase graduation rates across northern Alberta,” said Vick Reid, director of community affairs with Cenovus. NSD Superintendent Gord Atkinson said the partnership with Cenovus is instrumental in helping the division deliver professional learning for its educators and enhancing materials in the school. Since 2014, Cenovus has donated $1.15 million to support literacy, CTS and student enhancement programs at NSD.