Plans for costly centre raises some questions

By Letter to the Editor on March 24, 2020.

With regard to the Lethbridge Herald article Feb. 12 on an Indigenous Cultural Centre in the City of Lethbridge. Perry Stein, the Indigenous Relations Adviser for the City of Lethbridge, advises that we need such a centre and the cost could be as high as $20 million – and that we need this cultural centre to serve as a bridge between local Indigenous peoples and the broader Lethbridge community.

This brings to mind a few questions:

1. Why would one of the three major Blackfoot centres (Standoff, Brocket and Gleichen) not want to put in place a centre like this to promote reconciliation and tourism?

2. Would a centre in Brocket promote the buffalo jump cultural centre and the new centre in Brocket and draw people who wish to visit both?

3. Would we in Lethbridge be better off culturally and financially providing outdoor space and seating in one of our current parks (Peenaquim, Alexander Wilderness, Popson, Indian Battle, Cottonwood) for year-round events?

4. Is Lethbridge not the go-to place for goods and services for two Blackfoot reserve residents? Do we need one more reason for money to be spent here in Lethbridge rather than in Standoff or Brocket?

5. And lastly – do we even need an Indigenous Relations Adviser? We have a mayor and council who are up to speed with all issues concerning all residents of Lethbridge – Indigenous, immigrant, senior, youth, middle aged, LGBTQ2SA, Metis, handicapped, addicted, and the stupefied.

Grant R. Harrington

Lethbridge