Provincial Supporters' Dinners

SACSC 2005 Provincial Supporters' Dinner and Centennial Celebration

The Society for Safe and Caring Schools and Communities held its 2005 Provincial Supporters' Dinner on Monday, November 28, 2005, at the NAIT Dining Room in Edmonton, to thank SACSC supporters and celebrate Alberta’s Centennial.

Musical Performance by Eli and Mathew Cardinal, Wabasca, Alberta

The event started at 5:00 pm with non-alcoholic cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment by Eli and Mathew Cardinal in Ernest’s at NAIT. Welcoming and opening comments, dinner and a special after dinner program followed. The event was jointly funded by the Alberta Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development’s Centennial Initiative and Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada’s National Crime Prevention Centre.

The Honourable Ralph Klein, Premier of Alberta, providing opening remarks.

Premier Klein opened the event on behalf of the Government of Alberta, Mayor Mandel brought greetings from the City of Edmonton.

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His Worship Stephen Mandel, Mayor of Edmonton

Colleen Klein, the Society’s Honorary Patron, provided the keynote remarks. She recognized the progress the Society is making towards building safe, caring and inclusive schools and communities, and noted how proud she is to be part of such important work.

Above: Colleen Klein, Honourary Patron.
Below: Colleen Klein receiving flowers from MJ Yellowknee and Myndi Gullion.

The Honourable Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada, and the Honourable Liza Frulla, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for the status of women, sent personal messages to be read in their absence.

This Provincial Supporters’ Dinner was both a celebration and fundraiser. A departure from the usual official speeches by key supporters, it included a spirited and lively program that honoured key supporters, celebrated achievements within Alberta, and launched the next 100 years of safe and caring schools and communities in Alberta. MJ Yellowknee and Myndi Gullion, from Mistassiniy School in Wabasca, served as the masters of ceremonies, and 6 students from across Alberta presented their winning compositions and visual art from our annual Niska writing and art competitions.

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Myndi Gullion and MJ Yellowknee, Student Emcees from Mistassiniy School, Wabasca, AB

Niska Student Winners

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The program also featured performances by six amazing Safe and Caring Idols—people who have made an outstanding contribution to children and youth in Alberta and who bravely shared their talents with the audience. For his ‘idol’ contribution, Alberta Education Minister Gene Zwozdesky composed an original song which he performed at the event. The talented musician and auctioneer sold a copy of the original manuscript which is to be signed by both himself and Premier Ralph Klein and framed for the high bidder. His spontaneous auction raised $400 for the Society. Other idol performances included a Safe and Caring rap by Christine Gullion and Gladys Cardinal, Kevin Buffalo playing an Aboriginal flute, a beautiful song by Blanche Steinhauer, and a unique presentation by CTV’s Graham Neil. Instead of performing live, Graham Neil played a DVD recording of a special song that he wrote for the evening that featured a guest appearance by the 2005 Canadian Idol, Melissa O’Neil.

2005 Safe and Caring Idols

Instead of relying on a panel of judges to critique the performances, the dinner guests were called on to vote for their Idol of Choice with one dollar per vote. Advocates for each of the Safe and Caring Idols collected “pledges” prior to the dinner that were counted in addition to the votes collected at the event. Team Wabasca became the 2005 Idol of Choice, although the true winners are, of course, the children and youth served by the Society’s programs. Each of the performers received a framed certificate identifying them as a 2005 Safe and Caring Idol and recognizing their contributions to their respective communities.

Approximately 220 guests attended the sold out event. Many dignitaries and SACSC school and community members were present, as well as representation from the SACSC Board of Directors, Advisory Council, and Project Steering Committees. Supporters from the public, corporate, education and non-profit sectors helped celebrate and donated over $7000 to contribute towards SACSC programming.

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Provincial Supporters' Meeting 2004

On November 30, 2004, the Society for Safe and Caring Schools and Communities held their first provincial Supporters’ Meeting at Barnett House. It was a celebration of the students who are working to end bullying and harassment in their schools by taking a stand and by sharing their ideas and opinions with adults and students alike.

The event showcased the talents of students from across Alberta. Beginning with a 15 minute dance performance from a group of Métis Jiggers age 6 to 11 years who have been dancing together out of Métis Child and Family Services in Edmonton for the last year. The dancers were followed by a musical performance from two students from SACSC implementation schools in Wabasca, who played both original compositions and meaningful songs written by other musicians.

The two student Masters of Ceremonies amused the audience with their antics, and presented awards to 10 of the 11 winners of the Niska Student Newsletter Competition. The winners recited their heart filled poetry, short stories and essays, which illustrated their ideas about what a safe and caring school should be.

Though the students stole the show, the Society for SACSC was also able to share their goals, projects, and resources with over 150 industrial oil and gas executives, First Nations band councillors, deans, government officials, teachers, bank executives, school superintendents, school board chairs, directors of charitable agencies, and mayors. The Society was pleased to present the Honourable Gene Zwozdesky as the special guest speaker for the evening. The newly appointed Minister of Education enjoyed listening to the students present, and conveyed his commitment to the well being of Alberta children and youth. Representatives from Alberta Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Children’s Services and the Solicitor General brought greetings, and Minister Gary Mar of Alberta Community Development sent a message for the SACSC executive director to read to the audience.

The Society for SACSC applauds the dedication of school staff, parents and community members who are working hard to build safe and caring schools for their children. Their commitment was evident at this event—demonstrated through the students who made moving presentations and performances in support of safe and caring schools.

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