Smoke Signals
from the Hand Hills: Richard Lucier-larson;
After several visits over the last winter and spring, it became evident that no one was looking after the Old Tail Creek Métis cemetery.
It was decided that there should be a scheduled yearly maintenance program in place, this plan came from a committee of Descendents and relatives of the Métis people buried there.
The feeling of this group was that although intentions were made to regularly maintain this site, they were only occasionally carried out.
Since the last clean up three years ago, it had become over grown, some vandalism had occurred and the Métis flag was a rag blown in the wind. In short, it was an embarrassment.
So on June 15th, 2008 a day when the heavens opened, poured rain, then hailed and at a moderately dry part, a small crew ventured forth.
Coffee, chain saws, axes, shovels and mowers were brought to the site with a small crew of enthusiastic traditional Métis workers, who did a great job cleaning up the cemetery.
Dead and fallen trees were cut and removed, grass mowed, the infinity flag replaced and the rustic Métis Cross restored.
Present and working hard was Keith Hansen (Rosselle) of Delia, Loren Borth (Whitford) of Big Valley, Barry Stanyer (Paul/Beaudry) of Botha and Richard Lucier-larson (Fraser/Brazeau/Beaudry)also of Delia.
Also present (and the designated photographer ), Carry Labonte.
Missing were; Trevor Gladue, due to his spouse building the Métis Nation and Joe Chodzicki, who was called away at the last minute.
They are two of our steady volunteers and helpers; sorry you couldn’t make it, maybe next work party.
All were unpaid volunteers but felt that it is time for the Tail Creek People to take over the maintenance and future planning for this historic cemetery.
Anyone wishing to be involved in this very important task, please call
Keith Hansen 403-364-3768
Richard 403-364-2945
