Calgary Newsletter (November 4th)

Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

Welcome to The Calgary Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Upcoming Wranglers home games

  • AI art of the week

  • A deep dive into the life of John Laurie

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

“Every relationship offers one of two things: a lesson or a blessing. In many instances, the lesson is the ultimate blessing.”

—Anquanette Gaspard,

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which historic fort in Calgary is a re-creation of an 1875 trading post and offers a glimpse into the city's past?

 A) Heritage Park

B) Fort Calgary

C) The Military Museums

D) Lougheed House

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The name of the world-renowned annual rodeo festival held in Calgary is A) The Calgary Stampede.

News

💼Business

Alberta restaurant owners seeking clearer rules on transparency around tipping.(link)

WestJet Cargo launch ‘Priority’ product for time-sensitive shipments.(link)

🏒Sports

Calgary hockey community mourning loss of former Flames equipment manager.(link)

Calgary's Drew Fischer named Major League Soccer referee of the year.(link)

🏦Finance

Canaccord Genuity Calgary welcomes new advisory team.(link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏒 Calgary Hitmen vs. Red Deer Rebels
Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary, AB
Monday November 04 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🏒 Calgary Wranglers vs. Bakersfield Condors
Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary, AB
Tuesday November 05 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🏒 Calgary Wranglers vs. Bakersfield Condors
Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary, AB
Wednesday November 06 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Alyssa Reid
Commonwealth Bar Calgary, AB
Tuesday November 05 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🧪 KidzLabs Crystal Mining at Staples Calgary South Store 62
Staples Calgary South Store 62 321 61 Avenue Southwest Calgary,
Wednesday November 6 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM MST | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Calgary with architecture inspired by different planets.” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Calgary Historical Events

The Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium opens in 1955.

In 1955, the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, a landmark cultural and community center, opened its doors in Calgary, Alberta. Designed to commemorate Alberta's 50th anniversary, the venue was part of a twin-facility project, with its counterpart in Edmonton. The auditorium was conceived as a space for diverse cultural events, providing a stage for performances ranging from ballet and opera to theater and orchestral concerts. Its opening marked a significant moment in Alberta's cultural history, symbolizing the province's commitment to the arts and its emergence as a cultural hub in Western Canada.

The architecture of the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium reflects a blend of modern and classical design elements, creating an iconic presence in Calgary. The exterior, with its elegant lines and expansive windows, became a visual testament to the optimism and forward-thinking attitude of the mid-20th century. Inside, the auditorium boasted state-of-the-art acoustics and seating for over 2,500 guests, making it one of the largest and most technically advanced theaters in Canada at the time. The interior design, characterized by its spacious lobby and intricate decorations, provided a grand setting for a variety of events, further cementing its status as a premier venue for the performing arts.

Over the years, the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium has hosted an array of distinguished performers and events, contributing significantly to the cultural fabric of Calgary. It has become a beloved institution, playing a pivotal role in fostering the arts community in Southern Alberta. The auditorium has also been a site for important civic events, including graduations and conferences, making it a versatile and integral part of Calgary's social and cultural landscape. The Jubilee, as it is affectionately known, continues to be a symbol of Calgary's dedication to cultural excellence and community engagement, remaining a cherished landmark for both residents and visitors.

Famous Calgarians

John Laurie (1899-1959) - Advocate for the rights of Indigenous people.

Early Life and Education (1899-1917)

John Laurie was born in 1899, in a small town in Canada. From an early age, he showed an affinity for the cultures and histories of the Indigenous peoples of Canada. His childhood was marked by an eagerness to learn and an empathy towards marginalized communities. Laurie pursued his early education in local schools where he first encountered the rich traditions and struggles of Indigenous communities.

Awakening to Indigenous Issues (1918-1924)

After completing his primary education, Laurie's interaction with Indigenous communities deepened. During this period, he traveled extensively across Canada, immersing himself in the cultures and issues facing Indigenous peoples. His experiences during these travels profoundly shaped his understanding and commitment to Indigenous rights.

Academic Pursuits and Advocacy Beginnings (1925-1932)

John Laurie furthered his education in the field of anthropology, focusing on Indigenous studies. He attended a prestigious university where he excelled academically. It was during his university years that he began to actively advocate for Indigenous rights, using his academic platform to bring attention to the injustices faced by these communities.

The Calgary Connection (1933-1939)

Laurie's connection to Calgary became a significant chapter in his life. He moved to Calgary and became deeply involved with the local Indigenous community. His work in Calgary included organizing events, advocating for Indigenous rights, and fostering a deeper understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures within the broader community.

Wartime Efforts and Advocacy (1940-1945)

During World War II, John Laurie's focus shifted towards supporting Indigenous veterans. He worked tirelessly to ensure that Indigenous soldiers received fair treatment and recognition for their contributions. His efforts during this time highlighted the disparities faced by Indigenous veterans compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts.

Post-War Advocacy and Recognition (1946-1952)

After the war, Laurie continued his advocacy work with renewed vigor. He played a pivotal role in several high-profile campaigns and legal battles aimed at securing rights and recognition for Indigenous peoples. His efforts during this period gained him national recognition and respect.

Establishing Key Organizations (1953-1956)

In the latter part of his career, Laurie focused on establishing organizations dedicated to Indigenous rights. He believed that structured organizations were crucial for sustained advocacy and support for Indigenous communities. He was instrumental in founding several key groups that played a vital role in advancing the cause of Indigenous peoples.

Final Years and Legacy (1957-1959)

In his final years, John Laurie continued to be an active voice for Indigenous rights. Despite facing health challenges, he remained dedicated to his cause. His passing in 1959 was mourned by many across Canada, particularly in the Indigenous communities he had worked so tirelessly to support.

Key Achievements

  • Advocated for the rights and recognition of Indigenous peoples throughout Canada.

  • Played a crucial role in supporting Indigenous veterans during and after World War II.

  • Established several key organizations dedicated to the advancement of Indigenous rights.

  • Fostered a deeper understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures, particularly in Calgary.

John Laurie's life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to the rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada. From his early travels to his academic pursuits and advocacy, he dedicated his life to this cause. His legacy continues to inspire advocates for Indigenous rights, reflecting the profound impact he had in advancing the rights and recognition of Indigenous communities across Canada.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Yannick Lyons

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