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Christmas comes early to White Bear Community

Christmas came early for White Bear First Nations and the surrounding community, as the White Bear Education Complex played host to two Christmas parties for children and young people, while the Four Nations Care Home was the setting for WBFN's annua
Elder Dinner 2014 2
Santa Claus and his elves made an appearance at White Bear's annual Elders' Dinner, held Sunday, Dec. 21 at White Bear's Four Nations Care Home.

     Christmas came early for White Bear First Nations and the surrounding community, as the White Bear Education Complex played host to two Christmas parties for children and young people, while the Four Nations Care Home was the setting for WBFN's annual Elders' Dinner.

    The festivities all included a visits from Santa Claus and began on Friday, Dec. 19 at the White Bear Education Complex with a celebration for the school's staff and students. The school also hosted a party on Monday, Dec. 22 for children from the wider White Bear community. On Sunday, Dec. 21, members of all generations from White Bear and the surrounding community gathered together at the Four Nations Care Home to honour their elders with a traditional Christmas dinner and celebration.

     “The events at the school mark the beginning of holidays for the staff and students,” says WBEC school counsellor, Sarah McArthur. “All of these events bring the entire White Bear First Nations community together.”

      One of the Elders' Dinner organizers, Angela McArthur agrees, and says all of the Christmas events “are built on community spirit.”

     Speaking at the Elders' Dinner, Angela said, “These traditions would not be possible without the support of our entire community. Our Chief, Brian Standingready, and the White Bear First Nations council have the drive to get these things done. The Bear Claw Casino and the Bear Claw Community Development Corporation contribute funding and volunteers.”

      This year's dinner organizers included: Angela McArthur, Stacey Lonethunder, Brenda Standingready, Celina Shepherd, Jolie Lonechild, and Elaine and Serena Maxay.

     “Elaine and Selina (Maxay) made all of the desserts,” says McArthur. “And the Bear Claw Casino is a huge support. Volunteers from the casino also come out to help.”

     This year's casino contingent included George Butson, who is “a super-volunteer,” says McArthur. “He comes out every year and works so hard.”

     Karla Flett, who attended the dinner with her children and grandchildren says that a gathering where younger generations pay tribute to their elders is a positive thing. “It's good to have the elders come out,” she says. “I'm here with my grandchildren and it's really special.”

     Twelve-year-old Harvey Littlechief says, “Our school party was awesome. The Elders' Dinner is cool, too.” 

 

     “We have so many extra elves that come and help over the holidays,” adds McArthur. “With our hamper program, people from throughout our entire community-along with people that are just home for the holidays-all pitch in and help. None of this would be possible without friends and family all coming together.”