NORTH BATTLEFORD - It was a time to honour an important Elder who has given so much to the community at the official opening of the new Senator Jenny Spyglass Outdoor Arena on Monday in North Battleford.
The event was first announced at North Battleford city council's meeting back in September.
This outdoor rink is situated beside the Access Communications Centre and is available for use by the community free of charge.
From Mosquito Grizzly Bear’s Head Lean Man First Nation (MGBHLM), Spyglass serves as a senator appointed to the Battlefords Agency Tribal Council (BATC) and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN).
The city noted Spyglass has enjoyed a lengthy political career and provides "thoughtful education to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members of the Battlefords about the residential schooling system, of which she is a survivor."
The city hopes to honour Spyglass's remarkable contributions to both the Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in the Battlefords.
Cheryl DeNeire,Director of Parks and Recreation, previously said Senator Jenny Spyglass has enjoyed a "distinguished career." She has previously served as chief of the Mosquito Grizzly Bear’s Head, Lean Man First Nation and is the first woman appointed as a senator to both the Battlefords Agency Tribal Council (BATC) and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN).
"A dedicated cultural advisor, she works closely with local organizations, schools, and health centres, promoting inclusion, tradition, and healing," DeNeire said.
"As a survivor of the St. Henri Residential School, Senator Spyglass frequently shares her experiences to educate Canadians on the history and devastating effects of the Canadian Residential School System," DeNeire added. "She offers support to those affected by intergenerational trauma and aids Acahkos Awasisk – Star Children Indian Residential School Survivors in their ground searches for graves and archival research endeavours."
Coun. Bill Ironstand also commended Spyglass for her many contributions to the community.
“I’m proud to say that Senator Jenny is a friend of mine," he said. "I can’t get emotional, but she’s a wonderful asset to our community, our region, our nation, and our Indigenous people. I’m so proud that when they asked me if they could move forward by asking you to accept this honour, I couldn’t think of anyone better in our community. Knowing that children for generations will pursue their goals in your rink, named for you, is a testament to how you’ve spent your life making life better for kids.”
- With files from Cleo Ding
