2 Cassiar Courier February 1978 %, Cassiar Courier The Voice of Cassiar Country! Box 100, Cassiar B.C. VOC 1E0 Phone:778-7627 Published monthly with offices in Cassiar, B.C. Staff: Vivian Cousins, Esther Lee, Dee Ellis, Roberta Hollings, Fred Cadoret, Ron Schmidt, Frank Buckley, Natalie Olson, Kerry Jones, Nada Carin, Lee Coran, Muriel Hayard, Ian Kaplickii Contributors: Fred Hewett, George Holman, Brenda Mallory, Paula Affruiditt, Mary Elhorn, Doreen Pewsey, Gertrude Martschin, Tom May, Bill Deline, Betty Cart- wright, Pat Stewart, Bev Evans, Roland W. Grimm OPEN LETTER A MOTHER TO A TEACHER RESPECT MY CHILD; HE HAS A RIGHT TO BE HIMSELF The following letter appeared as ar: article in the Northen Newsletter. It was submitted by Surrey School Trustee, Jock Smith, who is an Educational Counsellor for the Department of Indian Affairs. It is a moving docu- ment and was supplied by the mother of an Indian child, in the form of an open letter to her son’s teacher. Before you take charge of the classroom that contains my child, please ask yourself why you are going to teach ‘Indian children. What are your expectations? What rewards do you anticipate? What ego-needs will our children have to meet? ; Write down and examine all. the information and | opinions you possess about Indians, What are the stereo- types and untested assumptions that you bring with you into the classroom? How many negative attitudes towards Indians will you put before my child? ; What values, class prejudices and moral principles do you take for granted as universal? Please remember that ‘different from’ is not the same as ‘worse than’ or ‘better than’; and the yardstick you use to measure your own life satisfactorily may not be appropriate for their lives. The term ‘culturally deprived’ was invented by well- meaning middle-class whites to describe something they could not understand. Too many teachers, unfortunately, seem to see their role as rescuer, My child does not need to be rescued; he does not consider being Indian a misfortune, He has a culture, probably older than yours; he has meaningful values and a rich and varied experiential background. However strange or incomprehensible it may seem to you, you have no right to do or say anything that implies to him that it is less than satisfactory. Our children’s experiences have been different from those of the ‘typical’ white middle-class child for whom most school curriculum seems to have been designed. (I suspect that ‘typical’ child does not exist except in the minds of curriculum writers.) Nonetheless, my child’s experiences have been as intense and meaningful to him as any child’s, Like most Indian children his age, he is competent. He can dress himself, prepare a meal for himself, clean up afterwards, care for a younger child, He knows his Reserve, all of which is his home, like the back of his hand, : He is not accustomed to having to ask permission to do: ordinary things that are part of normal living. He is seldom forbidden to do anything; more usually the consequences of an action are explained to him and he is allowed to decide for himself whether or not to: act. His entire existance since he has been old enough to see and hear has been an experiential learning situation, arranged to provide him with the opportunity to develop his skills and confidence in his own capacities, Didactic teaching will be an alien experience to him, He is not self-conscious in the way many white child- - ren are, Nobody has’ ever told him his efforts towards independence are cute, He is a young human being ener- getically doing his job, which is to get on with the process of learning to function as an adult human. being. He will respect you as a person, but he will expect you do likewise to him. He has been taught, by precept, that courtesy is an essential part of human conduct and rudeness is any action that makes another person feel stupid or foolish. Do not mistake his patient courtesy for indifference or passivity. from ENS, AAS NEWS CLIPS FROM 1ONA CAMPAGNOLO The Central ment’s rural and REFLECTIONS “gay, $333,962 has been remitted to the treasury of B. C. from the proceeds of Loto Canada. This brings the total to $772,692 since the date of Loto Canada’s first draw. the Federal and provincial governments have agreed to fund a $210,000 electri- cal service project near Fraser Lake, B.C. the Voluntary Coast Guard auxiliary, which will have about 800 members in the first year, will supplement Canadian Coast: guard operators under an initial first year grant of $750,000 from the Dept. of Transport. These rescue units will be available to answer marine dis- tress calls and to. assist in boating- education programs. Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). may now make loans to homemakers in the Stikine area if they wish to upgrade their. properties using the federal govern- remote housing programs. Persons interested in this program, or seeking further informa- tion should contact the district CMHC office in Prince George, or telephone 563-9216. 1978 marks the 200th anniversary of Captain James Cook’s arrival on the west coast of Canada. Many events have been planned to celebrate this year and residents are encouraged to all Brg THE NORTHERN LIGHTS By Brenda Mallory Often many miss this spectacular sight since the Northern lights occur ‘mostly | - during those very cold clear evenings that find most residents snuggle enjoy- ing their after dinner TV show. However, since I live in a log house without facilities I often. venture out on those same cold, clear evenings. It is then that perhaps I might witness one of natures most vibrant happen- . ings. The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis appear as long ribbons of white light snapping across the sky. — Periodically they display themselves in beautiful pastel shades of violet and faded lime-green. These pastel ribbons are often tipped with a distinct pink tone. The sight is well worth stepping out- side for a moment, whatever your reason. Whe uae NEWS OTTAWA ona Campagnolo, M.P. “TAX. . EMPLOYMENT a tog catlin | _get an extra $50 in take home pay for _the months January .and. February. NATIONAL POLICY FOR AMATEUR SPORT TABLED On Monday, October 24, it was my privilege to table a Green Paper on amateur sport policy. A Green Paper, as opposed to a White Paper, is not a direct prelude to legislation; it means that its contents are essentially, an invitation for public discussion. Very shortly, hearings will begin in different centres across Canada where this discussion will take place and where we will forge new directions and goals in amateur sport for Canada. The main theme of the sport policy document is the scale of the federal role in sport. The structure of sport, its administration, technical development and its promotion are also integral parts of this discussion paper. One thing is underlined, however, and that is there can be no more public funds committed to sport than exist at present. We will be seeking and encouraging new sources of funding. Loto Canada revenues and corporate sponsors are two such sources. ath The federal government at this time, you might note, gives approxi- ‘mately $18 million to about 88 national sports organizations. It is estimated, though, that about $360 million is spent on sport in Canada every year. So, you see, that is already a great deal of private funding available for sport in Canada. We will encourage and assist greater private involvement in sport funding in future. Equality of Access The federal government will also assist in providing equality of sport access in every part of the country so that within and between provinces and territories, as far as is practical, there is a good chance for everyone to participate in sports. The federal government will be seeking greater cooperation with the provinces on this:matter. At this time Canada has no world class coaches of its own. The federal govern- ment will assist in the development of a coaching school, in conjunction with the universities. The federal government will seek new techniques in sport research and sports medicine and look toward inproved use of existing facilities across Canada. There will be thirteen seminars to hear discussion of these and other matters between now and January. | hope some of you will take the opportunity to make your views heard. If you would | like a copy of the Green Paper, or if you have any comments on this issue, please write to me care of the House of Commons, Ottawa. K1A 0X2 MEASURES ANNOUNCED Finance Minister Jean. Chretien has announced that the federal government’s Wage and price controls will be phased out over a year after Next April 14. At the same time,during the throne speech debate, Mr. Chretien announced a personal income tax cut of up to $100. for low and middle income taxpayers. A married taxpayer with two children’ — : and an income of $15,000 a year will This ‘tax cut effects about six million wage earners. EE EL "ee Another Brendan Behan story told of. a good Dublin street dealer — they often wear big black enveloping shawls- who came down the road with one breast bare. - ‘Hey, Brendan shouted “Make yourself decent.’ Her eyes popped as she swung the shawl about her and then the penny dropped: baby on the bus.’ at her. enough to hold a book and turn the pages. ‘Holy Joseph, I left the waned this event the success that it was. THE SELFMADE SNOWMAN (hook review) Fernando Krahn, Lippincott Co., N.Y.; cl974 It isn’t every Christmas that a snowball rélls down the mountain, sliding and bumping and changing shape until it turns into a gigantic snowman. As the animals watch in wonder and amazement, the huge ball gathers arms and eyes and a poked-on nose and enters town on a donkey cart just in time for the holiday festi- vities. And then, decked out in a holly wreath, he joins the startled but happy townspeople in the jolliest Christmas they eyer celebrated. The Self-made Snowman is an adventure without words - a perfect book for any child who is old Children’s Book CHOOCHHCCHCEHOHHOHCHOHHHHHOHHHSEHHHHEO® NOTICE CASSIAR PUBLIC LIBRARY e The Librarian of the Cassiar Public Library invites child- FELIX POSSAK INCONCERT ., 7 G ren ages 4 to 7 to come to ‘STORY TIME’ every Satur- © day morning beginning February 25, at 10:30 am. @ Between 10:30 and noon the children will be treated @ to story readings of their own choice. Its a wonderful way to introduce children to the world of books. If this service results in good participation, perhaps ® it will be expanded. If it is abused, it will be curtailed. @ Fe ae COMMUNITY HALL CALENDER: Day Care - Mon.-Tues.-Wed.-Thur.-Fri. 10:00 am - 11:30 ~ am Physical Fitness - Mon.-Tues.-Wed.-Thur.- 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm : Movies - Thursday - 7:00 pm — 9:00 pm Crafts - Mon.-Wed. - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Hygiene - Friday - 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm For further information on Community Hall activities contact Recreation Director. The Children’s Christmas’ Paty. The. Children’s Christmas Party held ~.on Dec. the 17th was a great success and enjoyed by all those who were -able to attend. Bim, Bam and Bom were the high- ‘light of the afternoon’s entertainment with their juggling and balancing feats. The comedy acts were delightful. Santa and Mrs. Santa had a busy time delivering hundreds of presents and were ably assisted by colourful elves. 2 A number of clowns kept the child- ren amused during the quieter moments. A great extravaganza of salads, hot dogs, hamburgers, toffee apples and gingerbread men amply filled any empty tummies. The Choir singing reminded every- one of the true meaning of Christmas. ‘Peace and goodwill to all men, Thanks are extended to all those ’who helped in any capacity to make matt tho NAST. « ‘Metrics are inching their way in Photo by Ron Setimidt The second of a series of government- sponsored concerts was held January 24, 1978 at the Recreation Hall with Felix Possak. Possak, born in Austria, has lived in Canada ten years and has a very inter- esting background. Working as an audio-technician in Austria for ‘AKG Mikrofone’ Possak always had an interest in the guitar. He was fortunate to be able to take lessons from one of Vienna’s best guitarists, Pro- fessor Otto Schindler, soloist for the Viennese Opera. After leaving ‘AKG: Mikrofone’ Felix began to play in a group which gave ‘Country and Western’ concerts in and around Vienna. (Country and Western music is not well known in - Austria). At this time he became inter- ested in different kinds of string instru- ments: the four and five string banjo, the dulcimer, the autoharp, the balalaika, the mandolin, the upright bass and the tambourrizza. Apart from learning to play these instruments, Felix also is able to sing in German, French, English, and Yiddish. iN For the last ten years in Canada, Felix has played with many different kinds of bands all over the country. He played with an Irish band which toured: the . Maritimes. In Vancouver he was featured in a Dixieland group, in Prince George he ~ played with a band featuring the banjo, | honky tonk piano and the tuba, He has METRIC ASSISTANCE NOW AVAILABLE Own business, are “metric tools. Judy Saunders, the Yukon government’s metric con- version officer, is now available to provide information seminars and talks on metric conversion. Community groups, organizations and service clubs throughout the territory can contact Mrs. Saunders by telephoning 667-5360, or by visiting her at the territorial secretary’s office in the YTG administration building at Whitehorse. She is available to provide presen and evening. Teachers interested in establishing a metric information display at their schools are encouraged to contact Mrs. Saunders. The YTG’s metric conversion 0 to assist industry in the territory concerning questions or problems with metrication. _ If she is unable to provide assistance with a metric problem she will call on Metric Commision personnel in Ottawa. Mrs. Saunders said people who are required to provide their own tools for employment are encouraged to pick up application forms from the Canada Manpower Office at Whitehorse. Those who are self employed; or those who own their not eligible for assistance in purchasing Hise 4 iy tations during the day fficer is also available Cassiar Courier February 1978 3 eo—» also played in Toronto, Ottawa and countless other places, — Presently Mr. Possak lives in Calgary and tours all over Alberta, B. C. and the Yukon. On his tours he visits schools, when he is invited, and demonstrates his instruments. His presentation at the Casssiar school was very well received and the children especially enjoyed participating by singing, clapping their hands and stamping their feet. The concert at the Recreation Hall began late because of transportation problems, but Mr. Possak soon dis- pelled any disgruntled patrons by ask- ing them to participate in his rendition of some true ‘bluegrass’ on his banjo, After a stint on the banjo Felix introduced the -autoharp and sang songs like ‘Will the ‘3 Circle be Unbroken’ and ‘Dixie Darling’ with obvious professionalism. The next.instrument to be played was the flat-top guitar. On this he performed old country-western songs by Jimmy _ Rogers, Doug Watson and others. Guitar players in the audience would certainly agree with me when I say that Felix ‘really knows how to handle that instr- ment.’ On the four-string banjo, Mr. Possak played some early twenties material ‘like ‘Ain’t She Sweet’, ‘Duelling Banjos’ ‘and the old traditional hymn ‘Amazing Grace’. The classical guitar lends itself well to European Folk: songs and Felix did a : marvelous performance of: ‘Greensleeves’ from England, ‘Und jetzt ging i ans Peters Brunnele’ from Austria, the Yiddish ‘Tum Balalaika’ and ‘Jiribim’. In French he sang, ‘Chevalliers de la table rounde’. After a short intermission, Felix intro- duced the dulcimer, on which he played a few old American folk songs like ‘Old Joe Clark’. This simple instrument, which sounds very special, gave a lot to the variety of the program. For the last part of the concert Felix again performed on the flat top or west- ern guitar with ‘San Francisco . Bay ._ Blues’ and very special rendition of ‘Ghost . Riders in the Sky’, songs from the Mari- ‘ times and some requests as well. The last . song of the very well-performed and bal-. anced program was ‘This Land of Ours’, where everybody joined in. All in all, it was a very special evening, not only because of the good music, but also because of Felix Possak’s lively personality which combined good humour and excellent performing ability. METRIC CONVERSION OF SPEEDOMETERS As many of you know, highway signs are being changed from miles per hour to kilometers per hour. Car owners who are about to change their speedometers from miles to kilometers are advised to ‘proceed with caution’. The federal department of Consumer and Corporate Affairs advises that the best and simplest conversion method -is the use of the transparent number stickers placed on the glass or plastic cover of the speedometer. It is best if the new numbers are of a contrast- ing colour to those already on the face of:the speedometer and they should be visible for night driving. As many of you know, it is an offense under the Weights and Mea- sures Act to alter or adjust the odo- meter of any car. There could be legal problems if you attempt to adjust your odometer so that it reads in kilometers, so please be very careful before purchasing a _ do-it- yourself conversion kit which involve replacement of the odometer dial. If you are not sure. of..the procedure, please consult an expert. Meartivn Wr Gieca er Dee ibaa Cy iey