Human interest

Douglas, New Brunswick, 19 June 2009 (CBNS) — Royal Canadian Mounted Police Officer, Merl Millier, is a well loved member of the Douglas Baha’i Community in New Brunswick. Nominated a number of times for the outstanding International Community Policing Award, Constable Millier was born Blackfoot (or Niitstapi, meaning “original” people) but is also a member of the Maliseet Community of Kingsclear First Nation, near Fredericton.

Beth McKenty (centre) at the 2008 Exhibition.Iqaluit, Nunavut, 16 April 2009 (CBNS) — Beth McKenty moved to Iqaluit in 1999 to fulfill a pledge, made 45 years earlier, to devote part of her life to reducing youth suicide.

Within two weeks of arriving she had begun a project to help children build self-esteem by exploring their creativity. The Arctic Youth Art Initiative has since grown to involve hundreds of children.

Past Maxwell students hold flags from their respective nationalities below the Maxwell eagle.Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia, 5 July 2008 (CBNS) — Maxwell International School’s emphasis on Baha'i principles of education and the transformative power of the arts have been a presence in Cowichan Valley for 20 years. With the school’s closing at the end of June, many in the Valley expressed praise for its long record of achievement and contribution to the area.

Blood Reserve, AB, 28 November 2006 (CBNS) — A champion pow-wow dancer, respected role-model for youth, and eager promoter of the Bahá’í Faith died last week. Earl Healy, a prominent member of the Blood Tribe in Alberta, passed away on 21 November 2006 at the age of 69.

Owen Sound, ON, 9 February 2007 (CBNS) — By any measure, 28-year-old Steph Smith is a sports nut.

Among the sports Smith regularly participates in are downhill skiing, ice hockey, softball, soccer, track and field, swimming, and bowling. She scooped up three silver medals in skiing events at the provincial Special Olympics in Owen Sound, Ontario, this past weekend, a tally she can add to the dozens of medals she has picked up in previous meets. And she was named provincial Athlete of the Year in 2002.