The Drumheller Health Centre, and the Alberta Cancer Board along with the Drumheller Area Health Foundation continued a tradition with its annual Christmas dinner for many of those affected by cancer in the area.

Each year they invite those who have, or are being treated at the Drumheller Cancer Clinic, along with their families to dinner at the Drumheller Health Centre cafeteria.

        “It’s a celebration, it’s a get-together, it's an opportunity for those who have been through the difficulties of cancer and have time to be with each other,” said Drumheller Health Centre site manager Sterling Martin. “For some people here this the only Christmas event they get.  So we just want to try to make it a fun event where they can just get together and be with people who know the cancer story.”

Cancer touches the lives of most everyone in the community. For those who in attendance on Thursday night, December 10, Martin says there is a strong sense of camaraderie.

        “They share good stories, bad stories, the difficulties, but here, they share the fun of another Christmas and a great time being together with friends that understand their story.”

There was a jubilant atmosphere at the Cafeteria.  Folk outfit Me, Myself and Her performed, as did Shelley and JayDee Bixby. Earlier this is year, the community was saddened by the loss of Bud Bixby, who battled with cancer.

Martin says the Area Health Foundation support for the event comes through donations from residents in the community.

        “Right now, especially in our current economic situation, health systems desperately need the support of the communities. And it is through the support of the community we have done this,” said Martin. “There has been thousands of dollars spending on things for cancer patients, equipment for Continuing Care Unit, the O.R.  and that is all done through Foundation. They do amazing work.”

Cathy Morse, secretary-treasurer of the Drumheller Area Health Foundation is proud to be a part of the celebration.

“To the see the work that you do over the year and the community support, and see survivors and family members of survivors, it is a nice support network we have in the community,” she said. “You can see the work that is put into the community, and you see the benefits.”

    The feature film The Northlander has been globetrotting, and along the way receiving critical applause. This Monday, it’s coming home.
    Last fall, Benjamin Ross Hayden, armed with a small crew, a small grant and great vision was in the Valley shooting The Northlander, a science fiction adventure.
    Since then, the film has been on the festival circuit in North America, Europe and Mexico, and has received great reviews. This Monday, Drumheller residents will get the chance to review it, as it will receive its Drumheller premiere.
    “We have sold out in Calgary, Toronto and Edmonton, and Vice Magazine called The Northlander one of eight of indigenous cinema’s most important films.” said Hayden. “It’s been out there, but it’s also nice to bring it back home to the Valley.”
    “We thought it is a nice time to go back to Drumheller mostly because it seems like a real home coming.”
    The Drumheller landscape is featured prominently in the film, and for Hayden it is important to get reaction from the people who are most connected to the land.
    “This very place that people live in, it is important for us to know what they think of the movie too, because it so strongly has to do with the land that they know it best.”
    The showing this Monday will be an authentic red carpet event.
    It will include the opportunity to meet some of the actors and  get photos with them. Julian Black Antelope who has appeared in Hell on Wheels, Penny Dreadful and Arctic Air, will be at the premiere, as will Stephane Legault, who appeared in the Revenant. It is also a chance to meet the filmmaker himself and participate in a live question and answer session.
    The red carpet action kicks off at 6:15 p.m., with the screening at 7 p.m. After the movie, a reception will be hosted at Neighbours Corner Pub, featuring a live acoustic set by singer-songwriter Joey Pringle.
    Following the Drumheller premiere, there are big things planned for the film. Spotlight Pictures is the international agent for the film and the next step is getting it into theatre houses. The film will be at the famous Capitol Theatre in New York City for one week, and they are working on more showings.
    The Northlander is also confirmed in development with Canada Media Fund, as a six-part television miniseries.  Hayden says they hope to be in production in 2017, and there will be episodes shot in Drumheller.
    See page 4 for more details.