MEDIA RELEASE


BVC welcomes alumni to celebrate National Aboriginal Day, June 21

CALGARY, June 18, 2009 – Bow Valley College (BVC) is putting out a call to all of its First Nations, Métis, and Inuit alumni. It’s time to celebrate and honour the College’s Aboriginal connections with the first BVC-AVC Aboriginal Alumni Reunion on Saturday, June 20.

BVC’s reunion—welcoming graduates from Bow Valley and Alberta Vocational colleges—precedes National Aboriginal Day on Sunday, the highlight event of Canada’s National Aboriginal History Month.

“Our institution has a long, rich history with the surrounding Aboriginal communities and we want to honour the generations of alumni who have chosen Bow Valley College – or AVC – as the catalyst for enriching their own lives through education,” says Alumni Relations Coordinator Colleen Bangs.

“I look forward to meeting and hearing the stories that our Aboriginal alumni will bring to this reunion.”

The reunion will feature keynote speaker Roy Bear Chief, a BVC Academic Upgrading alumnus. Bear Chief, a member of the Siksika Nation Council, was a 2004 grand category winner in Distinguished Service in the Provincial Awards Celebrating Excellence and went on to attain his diploma in social work from Mount Royal College and then bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from University of Calgary.

The program will feature First Nations’ powwow dances, traditional Métis dancing by the Acuna Dancers, and the Sorrel Rider Drum Group with Frank Turning Robe. Other distinguished alumni taking part in the program include Patricia Breaker, Elder; Teresa O’Krane, Academic Foundations valedictorian of BVC’s Class of Winter 2008; and Sandra Crazy Bull.

What:	First BVC/AVC Aboriginal Alumni Reunion
Where:	Inglewood Community Association 1740 24 Avenue SE
When:	Saturday, June 20 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Media are invited to attend. A buffet lunch will be served.

Bow Valley College, with more than 11,000 full- and part-time students, is a leader in health and business career training, adult upgrading, and English as a Second Language. BVC’s Test of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES), workplace training for immigrant professionals, and employment services provide a wide-range of services for business and professionals.

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