News Releases

Prairies Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WINNIPEG, MB, August 15, 2006 - The Ninth Annual Chief Big Bear Gathering will take place on Friday, August 18, 2006 on the grounds of two federal correctional facilities, medium-security Stony Mountain Institution and minimum-security Rockwood Institution. This event is a partnership between Aboriginal Community Groups, Rockwood Institution and Stony Mountain Institution. Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) staff from both institutions and the Aboriginal Community have been meeting regularly to plan this special day.

Ceremonial traditional dances, square dance groups, jiggers, contemporary entertainers, and spiritual rituals (such as a sunrise ceremony), smudging and sharing circle are all part of the planned activities of the day. The community groups will meet with Aboriginal offenders from the institutions during the gathering.

Nine years ago, this initiative was reintroduced as a means for community and family members to demonstrate support for Aboriginal men (i.e., First Nations, Métis and Inuit) incarcerated in correctional institutions and at the same time, provide an opportunity to honour Chief Big Bear. The gathering was first held in 1998 with supporters from the community, aboriginal organizations, and political leaders attending. The event has continued to grow in attendance and recognition each year.

Stony Mountain Institution is a federal correctional institution for medium-security inmates located 11 kilometers north of Winnipeg. There are currently 570 inmates in total at the facility. Rockwood Institution is a minimum-security federal facility located adjacent to Stony Mountain Institution and has a population of 101 inmates.

Media are invited to attend. Event begins at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, August 18, 2006.

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For more information, media representatives may contact:

Aimee Fortier
A/Unit Manager
204- 344-5111