Aboriginal Day set

By Cole Parkinson
Vauxhall Advance
cparkinson@tabertimes.com

Planning for the 2018 edition of the National Aboriginal Day is starting to begin as Horizon School Division was asking for funding from the Municipal District of Taber.

During the M.D.’s regular meeting on Jan. 10 councillors had the opportunity to discuss how much they were able to give towards the celebration.

“The request is from Horizon School Division First Nations-Metis-Inuit liaison worker (Lisa Sowinski). They have approached the Town of Taber for a $2,500 grant and free use of the Cornfest Stage and park and also the auditorium depending on the weather. The town has booked the stage and park and has granted $1,500 towards the event. Their request and question was if the M.D. would match this or some other funding,” said Derrick Krizsan, CAO for the M.D. of Taber.

With the Town of Taber approving a $1,576.25 donation towards the event back in November 2017, the M.D. council had to determine how much they were willing to contribute.

Last year, council had approved a $1,500 donation to the event and this year they were asked to contribute $2,500 or match what the Town of Taber put forward.

“We did give them a little bit last year. I believe that last year was the first time that they had done it in a long time,” said Brian Brewin, reeve for the M.D. of Taber. “I think it is a good program. It certainly brought in the aboriginal community within our community, I think that’s an important process to begin.”

Planning for the event looks to be much smoother this year as last year’s was a rushed production and the bad weather didn’t help, but even with the bad weather it was a well attended event according to those who were in attendance.

“Last year’s event was actually pulled together in less than a week and it was very well attended. The weather was very poor so I think with more planning it will be a great event,” said Jennifer Crowson, councillor for Division 5.

A motion was put forward for a contribution of $2,000 from Coun. Tamara Miyanaga which was approved unanimously by the council.

National Aboriginal Day will take place on June 21, 2018.

Get More Vauxhall Advance →