River Valley News

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Anirniq ward honours those who never made it home
Between 1950 and 1960 when a tuberculosis epidemic ravaged the Inuit after it was brought to the Artic, many were flown to Edmonton for treatment at medical facilities built specifically for Indigenous peoples.

It was in those hospitals that many faced prejudiced medical attention, including shock treatments, experiments, and sterilization. Adults, children, and babies were separated from their families and on average spent 2½ years living in these hospitals.

Many people died and were never reunited with their families. Even in death, many were buried in unmarked graves and their families were never notified. Tuberculosis took the breath and spirit of many who were brought to the Charles Camsell Indian hospital which is in the ward.

Anirniq is Inuktut for breath of life or spirit. The name was given to honour those who never made it home. Watch a video on the naming of Dene ward https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EPyVhA_uaQ

Female bird attracted to the ability of the male to learn
A rich, russet-and-gray bird with bold streaks down its white chest, the Song Sparrow is found throughout most of North America, but birds of different areas can look surprisingly different. Despite the large differences in size and coloration across its range, genetic divergence is low.

Song Sparrows seem to have a clear idea of what makes a good nest. Field researchers working for many years on the same parcels of land have noticed that some choice spots, the base of a rose bush, or a particular hollow under a hummock of grass, get used repeatedly, even when entirely new birds take over the territory.

The Song Sparrow, like most other North American breeding birds, uses increasing day length as a cue for when to come into breeding condition. Other cues can be important too, such as local temperature and food abundance.

Like many other songbirds, the male Song Sparrow uses its song to attract mates as well as defend its territory. Laboratory studies have shown that the female Song Sparrow is attracted not just to the song itself, but to how well it reflects the ability of the male to learn. Learn more at https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Song_Sparrow/overview

Muttart Conservatory a horticultural wonder
The Muttart Conservatory has reopened after being closed to the public in July 2019 for a $13.3 million rehabilitation to replace aging facility systems, followed by closure in response to pandemic public health orders. Built in 1976, it has attracted visitors for over 42 years

Muttart Conservatory describes itself as Edmonton's premier horticultural attraction. Its pyramids are nestled in the river valley and features more than 700 species of plants in 3 climate regulated biomes; arid, temperate, and tropical and a feature biome located within its pyramids. More information at https://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_events/muttart-conservatory

Frieda says thank you for sending me the newsletter. I find the stories about the river valley very interesting.

Photo by Justin Wondga.

River valley concern or contribution
If you have a river valley concern or question, contact us at nsrivervalley@gmail.com
Your friends and neighbours can sign up for this newsletter on our web site.
If you have a photo, information, or event about Edmonton’s river valley and think it should be in this newsletter, email it to us.

Sincerely yours,
Harvey Voogd
North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society
780.691.1712

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