City Lights News
Highlights and Events Dec. 1995/Jan. 1996

||| OUR SPONSORS ||| City Lights News Back Issues |||

||| Back Page ||| Service Clubs and Associations ||| Events |||

||| Exhibitions ||| Hockey ||| Shaw Cable - Channel 10 |||

Deadlines event publication: Printed Edition before the 15th of every month and Electronic Edition before the 20th of every month. Information & publication of events: Stephen Serenelli tel./fax (306) 922-1831 or E-mail to City Lights BBS (306) 763-1777 or Internet E-mail or write to: 978-2nd Street East, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan S6V 0G4 Canada

||| Churches in Prince Albert ||| Link To The Future - SCN |||

||| Sounds of the North - MBC ||| Prince Albert Grand Council |||

index - Back Page:

Churches in Prince Albert

Our community is made up of many different cultural and ethnic groups. Our heritage is expressed in different languages, traditions and religions. Prince Albert has always welcomed different religions and encouraged tolerance and understanding between faiths. Christmas is the time when we express our love to our family and friends and share our good fortune with those in need. During the season and all through the coming year, we can best practice our faith by treating everyone with kindness, dignity and respect.

See CITY LIGHTS NEWS Directory of Clubs & Associations for addresses of Prince Albert churches.

If the church you belong to is not included in the directory, please accept our apologies and contact the editors with the information.

Link To The Future

The Saskatchewan Communications Network (SCN) was created in 1987 to provide Saskatchewan residents with access to informative and educational television. SCN fulfils this role of information giver and educator through its two network system, using the latest technology to distribute Training and Broadcast Network signals throughout the Province. The SCN Training Network provides distance education opportunities, delivers post-secondary, career oriented and high school classes to more than 146 Saskatchewan classrooms, and provides satellite conferencing for business, industry and organizations.

SCN's Training Network programs originate from seven provincial studios. Signals travel by microwave radio and fibre optic systems to one of the two satellite uplinks available to SCN. The primary uplink is operated by the University of Saskatchewan Division of Audio Visual Services and if necessary, the SaskTel Regina satellite uplink is used. The signals are then transmitted to Telesat Canada's Anik E1 satellite for distribution to receiving sites.

Regional colleges in 50 communities, 40 high schools, 4 SIAST sites and 22 other institutions are equipped to receive one-way and two-way audio live interactive programming by satellite.

SCN Training Network has developed partnerships with Saskatchewan industry, educational institutions and other organizations, allowing many residents to acquire skills, professional upgrading and the foundations for a university degree in their home communities. Members of Industry have used the Training Network to hold Satellite Conferences, seminars and training programs complete with discussions and question periods.

SCN's Broadcast Network is available, through cable system or satellite dish decoder units, to more than 600,000 Saskatchewan residents.

SCN's goal is to foster the development and delivery of educational, informational and cultural programs. A large portion of its program content is Saskatchewan based to reflect our culture and to help support and develop the local film and video industry. If specific needs are not met by existing programs, SCN will participate in the development of new resources to fill these needs. Overall SCN programming content is from 50% to 60% Canadian and its target is to stimulate learning in a multicultural audience ranging from preschoolers to seniors.

Together, SCN's Broadcast and Training Networks provide access to formal and informal education opportunities with an inventory offering curriculum support, social awareness, agriculture, health, arts & humanities, drama, environment, science & technology, children/family programs that is continually expanded and enhanced according to viewer preference.

SCN is more than public television, it is Saskatchewan's link to the future. In the remote Northern regions or the isolated homesteads, in small towns and in urban centres, SCN is present. SCN supplies the tools which teach us about the universe, the world, and ourselves, giving each of us the opportunity to follow our hopes and our dreams without leaving the comfort of our homes.

SCN's broadcast day begins at 10:30am.

INDIGENOUS CIRCLE - 1/2 hour news magazine on Aboriginal affairs in Sask. Produced by BBS P.A. Every second Tuesday at 6:00pm.

NUNAVUT - Fictional stories of Igloolik families. Weds at 9:00pm starting Dec. 27.

HEARTBEAT - This series begins a whole new season. Fridays at 9:00pm.

BANANAS IN PYJAMAS - Program dedicated to children. Weekends at 11:00am.

SEE WHAT'S NEW - To receive your free copy of the program guide please phone 1-800-667-5055 or E-mail: scn@uregina.ca

Director Public Affairs: Iain MacDonald

President & CEO: James Benning

Sounds of the North

In the northern regions, for centuries, the howl of the wolves, the call of the birds and all the other creatures, was carried on the wind and heard only by the people living there. They lived in bands and villages and spoke their languages to each other - Cree, Dene and Mechif. Sometimes strangers would come and the people would speak another language so they could learn about a world they did not know. A world of highways, bridges, cities, industry and technology.

When the remote Northern areas became valued for their harvest of fish, game, furs, forests and minerals, modern technology invaded even the remotest regions. New towns and villages sprang up and grew. Radios were common, but they did not play the sounds the people knew. The first radio communications heard were the fire tower calls and messages from the government radio service picked up on AM receivers. Later, sporadic reception of Country music, commercials and information programs in English, was all the radio could provide. When the CBC began broadcasting Keewatin Radio from Southern Saskatchewan in the late 1970s, only one hour a day, five days per week, was dedicated to Aboriginal language and culture.

In the summer of 1983, the creation of the Northern Native Broadcast Access Program (NNBAP) dramatically changed northern radio. At last, indigenous people could preserve their language and culture by controlling their own communications.

In 1984, a committee was formed and a full time co-ordinator was hired. A survey of the residents in Northern Saskatchewan gave the native broadcasting organizers an accurate picture of what the people wanted from their radio network. Saskatchewan's first aboriginal broadcasting corporation, Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) was formed, the first Board of Directors elected, headquarters established in La Ronge and a training program implemented in record time. Many of the initial broadcasts were in English due to a lack of skilled Native broadcast professionals. Dedicated staff soon acquired these skills and managed to tune the radio back to its objective of becoming an aboriginal language station. In time, Aboriginal leaders and their people recognized the goals of MBC and were happy to share in their efforts.

For more than a decade, Missinipi Broadcasting has been moving toward the development of aboriginal controlled communications across the province. In 1990, an independent distribution system via satellite was set up to provide widespread access to MBC programming. On cable and FM 88.1, for 18 hours each day, MBC transmits local, regional and national Aboriginal news, information and entertainment. MBC brings the sounds of the North to anyone who will listen.

Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation

CREE Programming 1:00-3:00pm

DENE Programming 3:00-4:00pm

For more information on programming phone 425-4003 or fax 425-3123.

Cree: Clarence Iron - Dene: Willie Billette - News: Pat Jones - Executive Assistant: Deborah Charles - Special Projects: Alana Quibell. Crew: Steve Kimbal, Harry Opikokew, Joe Black, Wanda Fietz, Joe Tomkins, Matt Collier, Jason Bradley, Cliff Horton, Charmaine Bergman, Brenda Chute & Robert McInnes.

General Manager: Nap Gardiner

Prince Albert Grand Council

In 1960, a political alliance was formalized under the Charter of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indians (FSIN). Chiefs of twelve First Nations pledged to work together for the good of their people. Meetings of the Council were held in conjunction with FSIN meetings and an elected representative from this group sat on the FSIN Executive Council.

In 1982, a Convention Act established the policy and direction of the Council. In 1984, the Prince Albert Development Corporation (PADC) was formed and delegated the authority to provide administrative services to the First Nations members. PADC's first mission was negotiating the transfer of services in the area of education. In 1985, the management of the P.A. Student Residence was handed over to the PADC and negotiations implemented for the transfer of other services to the Council.

In 1989, the alliance officially adopted the name Prince Albert Tribal Council (PATC), which remained until 1993. Then a new Convention Act was passed and the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) came into being. The Convention set out the national, cultural and political principles of the PAGC while recognizing the independence of each First Nations Member. The new Convention aims for the decentralization of services away from PAGC, transferring them to the individual First Nations, and from there, they would be channeled to the local Tribal Councils.

The legislative power of PAGC is acquired through the unanimous consent of its First Nation Members, who in turn, are delegates from each group represented. PAGC has the power to create corporate agents to carry out the business of the Grand Council, leaving the Council free to develop and implement strategies that will lead to self-government. The challenge is to develop effective strategies for dealing with the external and internal pressures exerted on the Council. Conflict with federal, provincial and municipal governments over jurisdiction is a major barrier that must be overcome and balanced with the internal demands for direction and programs.

The formal governing structure of the Grand Council is the Annual Assembly (160 delegates), Chiefs in Council, Boards and Commissions, Women's Commission, Council of Elders, Senate and Executive Committee (Grand Chief and Vice Chiefs). The Council of Elders and Women's Commission act in an advisory capacity to the PAGC. The Executive Committee oversees the operations while the responsibility for policy and direction of services is divided into the various sectors of Health & Social Development, Education, PADC, Justice Commission, Treaty Commission, First Nations Government Commissions, Community Infrastructure & Services and Economic Development. Institutions are then created in each sector to provide services to the users. This intricate structure of interdependence ensures that administration and management at every level are always irrevocably accountable to the First Nations people.

Each voice is heard and respected, while a nation moves toward self-government.

PRINCE ALBERT GRAND COUNCIL 23 communities - population 24,000 - official languages Cree, Dene and Dakota.

DENE NATIONS: Black Lake, Hatchet Lake and Fond du Lac

WOODLANDS CREE NATIONS: Lac La Ronge, Peter Ballantyne and Montreal Lake

SWAMPY CREE NATIONS: Cumberland House, Shoal Lake & Red Earth

PLAINS CREE & DAKOTA NATIONS: James Smith, Sturgeon Lake and Wahpeton

||| Canadian Diabetes Association ||| Habitat for Humanity International |||

index Service Clubs and Associations:

Canadian Diabetes Association

This year's Christmas card is dedicated to fundraising for the P.A. Branch of the Canadian Diabetes Association. This is a national, independent, self-financing organization whose mission is to promote the health of Canadians through diabetes research, education, advocacy and service. Diabetes is the 5th leading cause of hospitalization in Canada and the 3rd cause of death by disease in our country. Canada remains the forerunner in diabetes research since the discovery of insulin in 1921 by Banting and Best, but a cure is yet to be found. This Christmas send these cards to your friends and loved ones. Inside the card there is a printed message which reads: "The True Spirit Of Christmas Is In Giving To Others". For information on the Canadian Diabetes Association or to purchase these cards contact Wanda at 763-2620 or Brenda at 763-2847.

Another successful year is past. A big thank you to all volunteers. Merry Christmas. P.A. Exhibition Association. Barry Hogeweide (President)

The Prince Albert business community wishes everyone a happy holiday season. P.A. Chamber of Commerce. Merv Schneider (President)

Wir wunchen alles ein Frohes Weichnachten und ein erfolgreiches Neues Jahr. P.A. German Canadian Club. Andy Baessler (President)

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from the P.A. & District Ukrainian Culture & Heritage Club. Wilf Savisky (President)

SRETAN BOZIC SRECNA NOVA GODINA from the Prince Albert Multicultural Council. Marge Nainaar (Gen. Manager)

Un augurio e un pensiero per amici vicini e lontani. Buone feste e Buon Anno Nuovo 1996 da Stephen & Cora Serenelli.

Habitat for Humanity International

HFH is a non profit, non governmental organization dedicated to providing affordable quality housing to people who cannot afford it. HFH is now working in nearly forty countries and has built or re-modeled 20,000 homes. HFH was founded in 1976, by the late Clarence Jordan, a Christian social activist and founder of a co-operative farm in Americus Georgia in 1942, and Millard Fuller, a self-made millionaire who sold off his business interests and gave the proceeds away. Habitat was introduced to Canada by Faith at Work, an interdenominational Christian organization. The first project was undertaken by Toronto's Northland United Church. In P.A., after a first attempt failed in 1992, a local HFH board was finally formed in 1995. HFH is now in the process of fundraising and organizing the first local project, which will begin in the spring of 1996. If you have time or money to offer or want more info, contact Frank Moore at 763-6451.

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