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Tree of Peace wants to grow

John Curran
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Sep 03/04) - With the building almost falling apart around them, a new home tops the wish list for the Tree of Peace Friendship Centre.

Members of the non-profit organization meet Sept. 28, at 7 p.m., for the 33rd annual Tree of Peace general assembly.

"Our current building went up in about 1948 and it's really starting to deteriorate," said Joe LeMouel, executive director. "The windows are bad, siding is falling off and we're starting to feel the wind coming through the walls in winter."

Fundraising efforts have netted $400,000, but that's about $1.6 million short of the anticipated cost of building their new home.

"We've been trying to get this done for a number of years now, but we've had no success dealing with government," LeMouel said, adding there may finally be a happy ending to this saga.

"One of the downtown banks is willing to lend us the money, providing the loan is guaranteed by the territorial government."

Corporate saviour welcome

Failing that, he holds out hope one of the region's diamond mines will recognize the key role Tree of Peace plays in the community and swoop in to save the day.

"With a new hall, we could run a lot more activities like fiddle and drum dances," said Ernie Abel, youth, employment and cultural officer.

Another key part of the meeting will be the election of four officers and a single youth officer.

"We'll take nominations from the floor -- it's very laid back," LeMouel said. Those at the assembly will get an update on many Tree of Peace programs -- a potentially long list. The non-profit group now looks to embrace and empower youth through a new branch of activities begun in July.

"We've got youth classes in reeling and jigging starting Sept. 13, for example," said Abel. "This type of instruction is important so that we help young people retain their culture."

Elder senate member Tom Eagle will also host an elders-youth sharing circle every two weeks, he said.

Tree of Peace is hoping to build off the success of other cultural activities it has offered on an ongoing basis.

One of the biggest hits has been the eight-week beading and slipper making classes open to as many as 12 participants under the leadership of Alice Lafferty.

"The tradition was not passed down for whatever reason -- it's a very popular program," said LeMouel.

Abel points to similar successes with traditional drumming classes.

"With the drumming, people get a chance to learn their traditional language through the singing involved," he said.

The assembly will also review the complete audited Tree of Peace financial statements. With 12 full-time employees and an annual budget in the neighbourhood of $730,000, keeping the community apprised of how that money is spent is always important, Abel noted.

on the agenda:

When the Tree of Peace meets for its 33rd annual general assembly at 7 p.m., on Sept. 28, there will be four items on the agenda:

- Approval of minutes from 2003

- Audited financial statements

- Senate and program reports

- Election of officers.