There’s a lot on the agenda for Prince Albert Grand Council’s annual assembly this week.
On Monday, hundreds of delegates at the Senator Allen Bird Memorial Centre saw opening remarks from leadership, a summary of how the year went for the PAGC, scholarship presentations, and candidate speeches for the Athabasca vice-chief.
The big event on Tuesday is election of the Athabasca vice-chief. Joseph Tsannie is running for re-election, and his competition will be former vice-chief Don Deranger and Idle No More founder Colleen Whitedeer.
The Wahpeton Dakota Juniors Drum Group ushered in the honoured guests at PAGC’s two-day annual assembly.
The assembly started off with welcoming remarks from chiefs and leaders.
Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation’s Chief Peter Beatty welcomed delegates – he also welcomes the change that just came federally. He pointed out Justin Trudeau’s Liberal win last week was the first time Beatty’s heard a prime minister mention First Nations in an election acceptance speech.
He says it will take years to repair the damage in relationships caused by the previous government with First Nations, but Beatty was the first of many to express hope for change.
Grand Chief Ron Michel says there should be a meeting, possibly as soon as this December, with the new prime minister.
Locally, Michel says we’ve seen a lot of leadership on PAGC’s 12 First Nations when it comes to drugs and alcohol.
Reserves – especially elders on reserves – have taken action to get negative influences away from youths.
But not everything in recent weeks has been strengthening.
PAGC Vice-Chief Brian Hardlotte took a moment to recognize many elders who have passed away.
There was also a moment of silence to recognize Chief Wesley Daniels – he died in May after a life of service to PAGC and Lac La Ronge Indian Band.
A year marked by wildfires and big wins for PAGC
On Monday, there was a look back at a year that was marked by wildfires.
PAGC played a huge role in relief efforts during the historic evacuations from La Ronge and northern Saskatchewan.
When the Red Cross was overwhelmed, PAGC set up an emergency operations centre.
On Monday they gave paintings to Montreal Lake and Lac La Ronge to thank their chiefs for staying in the communities and providing leadership in the crisis.
The recognition for PAGC staff was one of two special presentations. The Woodland Cree team, which took the overall title at the First Nations Summer Games on Ochapawace, received plaques and acknowledgement for the athletic wins.
Team Woodland Cree receives plaques recognizing their performance this summer. Photo by Chelsea Laskowski