Calliou, Willier share Elder-of-the-Year honours

Joe Willier, the second recipient of the Elder of the Year Award, received a framed artwork and a gift bag. His daughter, Gladys Laboucan, is holding the artwork for him. Pearl Sandor, the vice-president of the High Prairie Native Friendship Centre, stands behind Willier.

Mac Olsen
South Peace News

Elders have a huge responsibility to their people, and as citizens of their communities, to pass along their culture, traditions and values. It is also important for them to help individuals live in the right way, says S/Sgt. Steven Daley of the High Prairie RCMP Detachment. He made a speech during the 27th Annual Elders Christmas banquet at the Eagle’s Nest Complex Dec. 1. It was a festive occasion, with over 450 people attending, according to Sally Hamelin, the executive director of the High Prairie Native Friendship Centre that held the banquet. Before dinner, the Driftpile drum group of James, Vital, Gabe and George Isadore performed, and dozens of people joined hands for a round dance. The dinner consisted of turkey (provided by MLA Pearl Calahasen), mashed potato, mixed vegetables, gravy, dinner rolls, salad and dessert. Following dinner, President Marcel Auger and Vice-President Pearl Sandor introduced the Friendship Centre’s staff, board members and other dignitaries. Then Hamelin read greeting messages from MLA Pearl Calahasen and MP Brian Jean. S/Sgt. Daley spoke next, and he commented that there are many definitions of an elder. For instance, the Algonquin First Nation defines an elder as somebody who possesses spiritual leadership that is given by one’s culture and traditional knowledge. “The specific definition of an elder may vary from place to place, but the function of an elder is basically the same,” says Daley. “To ensure that traditional values, principles and other teachings are passed along; and to provide instruction to live in the right way.” Thereafter, the High Prairie Native Friendship Centre presented several awards. Cori Burgar, owner of Pegasus Stationers, received the Business of the Year Award. Burgar thanked the Friendship centre for the award. She commented that retail is difficult because the business has to please all of the people all of the time. She also noted that Pegasus Stationers has been in business since 1984. “With global competition via the Internet, and big box stores an hour away, it is nice to see that we as a small business can fill a need,” says Burgar. “By receiving this award, it shows that our customers have spoken.” Then the Elder of the Year Award was presented to 85-year-old Victoria Calliou of High Prairie, and 98-year-old Joe Willier of Sucker Creek. Hamelin explains that the criterion for this award includes the elder’s teachings, lifetime achievements and leadership qualities. Calliou could not attend the banquet, but her daughter, Pauline Ominayak, read a statement on her behalf. Ominayak explained that her mother attended the residential school in Joussard for several years, and later, she worked with nuns in the kitchen there. Calliou bore great maternal responsibilities. She raised her five children on her own, and opened her home to children waiting for placement in foster homes. “She is a very warm, caring woman. She always tried to help her grandchildren in any way she could. You just see the pride and joy in seeing her great grandchildren growing up now,” says Ominayak. Calliou has been involved with her community church, which included organizing holiday celebrations, baptisms, weddings and funerals. Her passions include cooking, moose meat cutting, making dry meat, gardening, baking, knitting and maintaining her yard. It is these and many other qualities that make Ominayak proud of her mother. “I thank the Creator for giving us our mother for this many years, and each day we count our blessings,” says Ominayak. Next to speak was Gladys Laboucan, the daughter of Joe Willier. She, too, read a statement on his behalf. Laboucan explained that her father was born in Sucker Creek, and he has lived there all his life. He and his wife, Jean, had 11 children. Joe Willier provided for his family by using the hunting, trapping and fishing techniques that his father, Micheal Willier, taught him. In addition, Joe Willier emphasized the importance of education, and he is proud that his descendants have it. Joe Willier has also been an advocate for treaty rights. “One of his great beliefs is in our treaty rights. He fights for (them) to this day,” says Laboucan. “As an active member of the Elders Council of Treaty 8, he still brings up the topic of our rights that were promised by the Queen, but (which) the government doesn’t want to recognize.” She adds that his health is not the best, but he is still strong. His motto is, “speak the truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others.” He tells everyone to enjoy their life’s achievements, and to love and care for their children because they are their future. “Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. Keep peace in your soul. This is what Joe, our father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather taught his family. Joe is our mentor and teacher, and we love him very much.” Calliou and Willier received framed artworks depicting wildlife. Willier also received a gift bag. Hamelin comments that both elders are still active and contributing to their communities. The rest of the evening was devoted to entertainment. The eight children of the Grouard Métis Dancers performed several dances, including a Red River jig and a waltz. During the waltz, they went into the audience and got their adult relatives to dance with them. Then Russell Cardinal Jr., one of their teachers, performed a couple of solos. This included dancing over and around Métis sashes put together in the form of a cross. The Rocky Top Band – the main entertainment consisting of Rocky Walker, Don Cunningham, Dorian Shaw, Harry Andrews and Tony Laboucan – played for the Grouard Métis Dancers. Later, Wayne Jackson joined the band for a few songs. “He is an all-around entertainer,” says Hamelin. Walker is singer/songwriter, and was a 2006 Canadian Aboriginal Music Nominee, and the 2005 Canadian Aboriginal Icon. He is a member of the Goodfish Lake First Nation in North Eastern Alberta. Hamelin notes that many attendees wanted to buy his CDs, but he ran out. However, the Friendship Centre will be receiving a shipment of them after the New Year. One of his CDs is entitled “Give Me a Sign.” Later in the evening, the Rocky Top Band performed for the informal jigging contest. Hamelin considers this year’s banquet to very successful. She thanks all who attended, as well as the volunteers and sponsors for their support.

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