Moving Forward in Eden Valley

(Page 3)

By Travis Jimmy John

Hau!! Umba wathta no!  Good Day! Hi, my name is Travis Jimmy John. I am 31 years old, born in High River, Alberta and grew up on the Eden Valley Reserve. April 4th, 2011 was Moving Forward Day, a day of pride for me and our community for two reasons:
Number One:  Eden Valley is finally on the map, with it's own postal code!
Number Two: Eden Valley is being presented and talked about in a positive light.

It feels good, and gives us positive hope to know that Chief David Bearspaw Jr. is taking an active and optimistic interest in our Eden Valley community.

I am the kind of person that likes to see results because I am a strong believer in the old native proverb that states “It is better to have less thunder in the mouth and more lighting in the hands” and that “a true chief leads by example”. Judging by the events that took place here in Eden Valley on Moving Forward Day, I can safely say that Chief Bearspaw is doing just that. He has taken on the task of bringing positive change to Eden Valley, giving us the opportunity to be the community that we can be. This is not an easy task - some will resist change, some will be fearful to take a chance - but I believe we can all succeed together by learning from each other how to keep our culture and “Move Forward” to see what Eden Valley is actually capable of achieving as a community. We must work together for our future generations that have yet to occupy this beautiful “Eden Valley” we call home. Our youth is our future! We want them to feel the strength in our language and power of our culture and move forward in every way.

The words that Bearspaw spoke during his speech, which was given in the Nakoda language, gave hope and inspiration to his people. More action is needed to create dynamic results for the people. Eden Valley has been off the radar for so long, many of our people have become numb. This, combined with the lack of skills training, addictions and transportation challenges has created many barriers. The speech made it easier for those of us who still speak in our language to better understand what our capabilities are as a nation, giving much needed strength and inspiration to a community that needs hope.

Moving Forward events included the grand opening of the new Eden Valley post office, Eden Valley Band office interior renovations, a sod turning for the new Eden Valley gas bar, ribbon cutting of the Eden Valley Employment Training Program - Shed Project (Graduation of the first graduates on April 28th!!! Next program fall of 2011), a tour of the Eden Valley compound to see the newly acquired water truck, a tour of the newly renovated Eden Valley Recreation Arena and the resigning of the contract between the Bow Valley College and the Bearspaw Band of Eden Valley!

I personally believe that this is a step in the right direction and I also believe that it took someone with a Nakoda worldview to start this great change happening for the people of Eden Valley.

Aho!! pina mha bhi no ! Thank you for your time!