New research centre focuses on urban Aboriginal issues

trevor.kenney — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 21:37:54 +0000

Researchers at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and several partner organizations are establishing a unique collaborative centre to research issues relating to urban aboriginal communities in Alberta and Canada.

The Centre for Urban Aboriginal Research (CUAR) will assist with developing policy-relevant research as it relates to urban Aboriginal issues.

Members of the research group will join with regional First Nations and Aboriginal community members and advocates city and regional government officials, on Thursday, Oct. 20 (9 a.m., AH100) at a one-day symposium at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

The group will hear from Bev Jacobs, the past president of the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) and Heather King-Andrews, the Research Officer for the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) and the Urban Aboriginal Knowledge Network (UAKN). Representation from Aboriginal Affairs in Edmonton has also been confirmed, as well as the attendance of local and regional First Nations and Aboriginal leaders.

The intent of the Centre for Urban Aboriginal Research is, through relevant research, to help better inform policymakers and residents about the dynamics of the urban aboriginal community -- a population with political, economic and social force but that is under-represented in many forms of government, community advocacy or research.

"Alberta's urban Aboriginal population is the fastest growing in Canada and this trend is reflected in Lethbridge, a city of more than 87,000 people," says Dr. Yale Belanger, a researcher in the U of L's Faculty of Health Sciences and Native American Studies.

"There are an estimated 3,500 permanent Aboriginal residents in Lethbridge. This is approximately 4.1 per cent of the city's population," Belanger said.

"The number of people 'couch surfing' and temporarily living in the city is not reflected in this number, but grows significantly each year with the introduction of new students to the college and university. We conservatively estimate that on any given day in Lethbridge, the local Aboriginal population numbers in the neighbourhood of 10,000 because the city is a service centre for the surrounding areas."

Belanger says networking with the local First Nations and Aboriginal communities has been ongoing in an effort to establish working relationships. In 2010, an initial symposium incorporated the views of several local First Nations and Aboriginal leaders, agency representatives and community-based advocates.

"Participants and potential partners, especially our representatives from various First Nations communities, indicated that such a Centre was important, and of great value," says Belanger. "As well, we believe that it is extremely important to create a non-politicized location where we can improve our research capacity."

Belanger adds that the group wants to grow a body of literature through research reports, case studies, and ultimately scholarly publications to help inform other communities of our local progress.

"We are also planning to draw from a growing literature base being created by partnering agencies in the larger Urban Aboriginal Knowledge Network to improve our understanding of how similar issues are being engaged nationally."

Initial funding for the project was obtained through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), which provided more than $62,000 to help the group start the process of establishing the centre in 2010.

There is no cost to attend the Oct. 20 symposium. Students and interested members of the general public are welcome, but seating is limited. Phone 403-382-7101 to register.

The U of L inside government

trevor.kenney — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:43:31 +0000

A look at several ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ alumni who now contribute to the inner workings of our government

Melvin Wong

Inspired by the experiences, travels and success stories of several ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumni working in Ottawa, as well as the guidance of several ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ faculty and staff, Melvin Wong (BA '78), assistant deputy minister of Alberta Advanced Education and Technology, embarked on a lifelong career in civil service.

"Originally, I thought of becoming a chartered accountant, then I had an 'a-ha' moment when I spoke with a counselor. She helped me find out what career opportunities I would have with an economics degree. That's when I decided to go into public service," explains Wong.

Wong's first experience with government began in his third year with the economics club.

"I went to a club meeting and someone nominated me for president. It drew me into the administration of the economics department. I learned about the administration and culture of academia, and how universities run. That helps me in my current job because I deal with the universities and colleges throughout Alberta."

Wong has been working in government since his graduation in 1978. He worked in Ottawa initially, as well as at the departments of tourism and small business, economic development, innovation and science and advanced education and technology in Alberta. He travels extensively and has years of senior management and business development experience. He taught economics, international business and marketing, and multinational finance at several post-secondary institutions.

"I chose a life in government because you can work in so many areas and be exposed to so many things," says Wong. "It keeps life really interesting. I am pretty happy right now."

Greg Weadick

Graduating from high school, Greg Weadick (BASc '76), Lethbridge West MLA and parliamentary assistant to the minister of advanced education and technology (PA), spent a year working construction before realizing that he wanted to get an education.

"I started at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in pre-med and later decided to complete my degree in biology. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ was quite small and everybody knew each other. We often played bridge in the hallway, had coffee with professors and fellow students in the cafeteria or attended cabarets in the evenings. It was quite collegial," remembers Weadick. "I think one of the important things I got from attending the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ was that I learned to question everything and come up with answers for myself, not just accept other people's opinions. Perhaps the most important things I gained from attending the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, however, were the relationships I built, relationships with staff, professors and students because those were the people in my community."

Weadick certainly understands community. He is a local businessperson and has spent several years doing environmental work for two local engineering firms. He also served on Lethbridge City Council from 1991-2001, and was the founding president of both Fifth on Fifth Youth Services and the Dragon Boat Festival.

In 2008, Weadick was elected MLA and served as the Chair of the cabinet policy committee on the economy before being appointed to his current position as PA in January this year.

"My goal is to represent the citizens of Lethbridge in Edmonton and make sure that our people are well represented," says Weadick.

Brendan Wade

As executive assistant to the Leader of the Alberta Liberal Caucus, Brendan Wade (BA '10) is on a voyage of self-discovery – a journey he began while working towards his bachelor of arts in political science and history at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Growing up in Vulcan, Wade spent many hours helping at school and community events and developing an important sense of community. With its smaller campus and close proximity to home, the U of L felt like a perfect fit for Wade.

"I can't say enough good things about my campus experience. I got involved with several clubs. I was the founding president of the food and beverage club, which is still going strong and helping make the university experience great for other students," says Wade. "I found that my professors at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ demanded a fair amount of work and that was a good thing. I still connect with some of my profs because I welcome and value their advice and input. Working in partisan politics like I do, I really appreciate the skills I learned at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, one of those being the ability to look at issues from all sides."

Such critical thinking skills are a vital asset to him in his job as he does everything from preparing briefs and face books to chauffeuring and scheduling appointments for the opposition leader.

"This job is a great learning opportunity. It has helped me cement some of my beliefs and call others into question," says Wade. "As I continue to learn and grow I know I am developing valuable skills that will help me in the future."

Mike Simpson

Following his father's footsteps, Mike Simpson (BA '00), executive assistant for the solicitor general and minister of public security, intended to become a lawyer when he started a political science degree at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Taking a drama class in his second year changed his mind.

"I knew after that class that I did not want to go into law. I played in a band with my cousin. I acted in plays. I changed to a double major and figured I would go into fine arts after I graduated," recalls Simpson. "In my third year I got involved in student politics. I was the fine arts representative on the students' union. In 1999, I ran for students' union vice-president internal affairs and won. It was pretty interesting. ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ was great for preparing me to do work. Learning to write monologues helped me write speeches. Learning the theories and processes in political science and learning how to research have all benefited me."

In 2001, Simpson's music career was literally leaving him hungry. Simpson began volunteering for the PC Constituency Association; after all, they had food. With a full stomach, Simpson caught the political bug and soon worked his way up the political ladder from research officer to his current position as executive assistant.

"My job is to help the solicitor general do his part to keep the government moving in the right direction," says Simpson. "I am happy doing quiet change. It might be behind the scenes, where nobody else recognizes, but I know that I have made a difference."

Warren Chandler

For Warren Chandler (BA '01), executive assistant to the minister of transportation, attending the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge was more than the next step on his life's journey; it was an investment in a future he could not wait to begin.

"I always assumed I would go to university, and the U of L was always my number one choice of schools. My dad and uncle went there and I looked forward to going there," says Chandler. "I enjoyed the small classes, the academic challenges. My professors were always pushing us to think outside the box and think critically. In class one day, Dr. Paul Viminitz declared he was a feminist and I think he offended most of the women in class, but on further analysis, he was able to back up his claim. He taught me to back up what I say and to think critically."

Critical thinking and the ability to deal with stress and pressure and to write and communicate clearly are skills that Chandler honed at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ – skills that are vital to his success in the political world. He began working in an introductory research role at the legislature in the fall of 2001. Since then, Chandler has steadily moved up the ranks to his current position.

"I do anything and everything that the minister needs in order to conduct his daily duties," explains Chandler. "It can be extremely stressful, but it is very exciting and I am very happy where I am."

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New research centre focuses on urban Aboriginal issues

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