Seniors celebrate their retirement all week long
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Jun 06/01) - Senior Citizens' Week is here and the since the heart of social activity for Yellowknife's seniors is at the Baker Centre, it's not surprising the centre is pulsing with activity.
One man who knows all about what it is like to be a Northern senior is Michel Sikyea who turned 100 yesterday.
"When I was a boy there was nothing out here but bush. I miss the old days when people lived off the land. Instead of cars and the corner store, there were caribou as far as you could see," Sikyea said, shortly before his birthday celebration Tuesday.
Sikyea, like many senior interested in spending their retirement years North of 60, lives at Aven Manor, a popular senior's home across the street from the Baker Centre.
Weekly activities and events at the centre range from trips to the local bowling alley, and weekend tai chi classes, to seminars on adult literacy, and elder abuse.
The centre ensures the 200 city seniors have a place to relax, have fun, and increase their vast stores of knowledge.
"Our seniors are surprisingly full of energy," says Jan Stirling, president of the Yellowknife Senior's society.
"The Baker Centre gives our seniors a place to socialize, enjoy their favourite activities, and keep up to date and informed, especially about issues that concern seniors in the North."
On Sunday June 3, Senior Citizens' Week kicked off with a barbecue sponsored by the Yellowknife Seniors' society and the Department of Health and Social Services.
On Monday, seniors enjoyed a tour of Aven Manor by director Darrell Bower, followed by refreshments.
On Tuesday, Esther Braden, the director of the seniors' society, was awarded the first Respected Elder of the Year Award. Braden and the other nominees from across the NWT were honoured at a luncheon at the Great Hall of the legislative assembly on Tuesday.
"There are so many elders deserving of this honour," says Braden.
"It is a little overwhelming to receive such a significant recognition."
The anticipated Seniors' Health and Wellness Fair is to be held on Thursday.
Along with displays and information booths, volunteers from the Yellowknife fire department will be serving up free hotdogs.
On Friday, all interested seniors are invited to come and join the discussion regarding housing issues.
The week wraps up on Saturday with the annual seniors walk. This is a three-kilometre walk from the Baker Centre around the Ceremonial Circle, and then back for food and prizes. Family and friends are invited to participate.
