Behind every YEG cultural institution is a philanthropic donation
The 1960s and ’70s saw Edmonton in a state of frenzied construction and growth, fuelled by an oil boom. With that prosperity came a wave of philanthropic donations and fundraising campaigns, which helped create many of the city’s cultural institutions that we rely on today.
These cultural institutions include the Edmonton Opera (1963), the Heritage Festival (1976), and Fort Edmonton Park (1974). Another example is the Citadel Theatre, which was housed in a two-storey brick building on 102 Avenue when it first opened in 1965.
The Citadel’s first season was such a huge success that it quickly became apparent the theatre would outgrow its original venue. With the help of private donations, such as one made by Margaret Zeidler for $100,000, the new Citadel opened in 1976 with a production of Romeo and Juliet.
That same year, another Edmonton icon arrived — the Muttart Conservatory. Construction began in 1974, sparked by a $1-million donation from the Muttart Foundation in memory of Gladys and Merrill Muttart. Gladys and Merrill were business leaders who established the charity in the 1950s. https://edmonton.taproot.news/briefs/2025/05/23/a-moment-in-history-may-23-1975
Ladybugs an ode to Virgin Mary, her seven joys and seven sorrows
Arthrozoo photo
Coccinella septempunctata, the seven-spot ladybird (or, in North America, seven-spotted ladybug), is the most common ladybird in Europe. The rounded beetle has bright red wing cases with 7 black spots, although some individuals may have more or fewer spots.
The common name of this group of beetles, 'ladybird', was originally given to the seven-spot in honour of the Virgin Mary. The insect’s red wing case symbolizes the Virgin's red cloak, and the seven spots represent her seven joys and seven sorrows.
The bug is carnivorous. Both the adult and larval stages feed on insects harmful to plants, such as aphids and scale insects. Adults can be known to eat up to 100 aphids a day. Rather than using any complicated methods for eating its catch, the ladybug kills its prey outright and then devours it.
Since ladybugs are voracious predators of aphids, they have been repeatedly introduced to North America as a biological control agent. They are now established here and outcompete many native species, including other Coccinella. https://www.inaturalist.org/guide_taxa/334578
Sedna, sea mermaid and mother of all sea creatures
Anthony Galbraith art
Below is the origin story of Sedna, a sea mermaid of the Inuit, shared by Edna Elias in her own words. Edna’s Inuk name is Ekhivalak, and she comes from the Inuinnait, known as the Copper Inuit of Western Nunavut. Her hometown is Kugluktuk.
A young Inu girl, who turned out to be Sedna, was being taken away by a suitor. There was promise of abundance, of harvesting. There would be many furs and skins for her to make garments and items with and he took her to an island. There's nobody else living there. Why in isolation?
The man, her suitor, was disguised. He was actually a bird. So upon learning that, Sedna's father tried to rescue her and he got her and they were trying to get back to his own village and a storm came up. Birds were chasing them through the storm, and Sedna was thrown overboard in the storm.
She clings to the side of the boat and the father couldn't do anything to get her in, and keep the boat going to save himself either. He cuts off her fingertips as she clings to the side of the boat and those fingertips transformed into animals when they fell into the water.
So this first joint, they became seals. The second joint, when he cut them off there, became walruses, and this final joint to the hand, they became whales, and Sedna sinks into the ocean because she can't cling anymore. She herself becomes a sea mammal with human-like features.
She becomes the mother of all sea creatures. Goddess of the sea, living on the benevolent spirit of the sea. To Inuit, Sedna represents great power as she controlled all sea mammals. If we over hunt, she would withhold animals, teaching that you only take what you need, don't be greedy, share what you get, and so on. https://www.edmontoncommonwealthwalkway.com/water/sedna
CCR, Springsteen and more find endless inspiration in rivers
Songs about rivers have long captivated audiences with their ability to evoke vivid imagery and emotions. From the late 1960s onward, these songs have woven their way into the fabric of popular music, resonating with listeners through their timeless themes.
A prime example is "Proud Mary" by Creedence Clearwater Revival, released in 1969. This song captures the spirit of relaxation and the flow of life, symbolized by the iconic Mississippi River. Such songs often reflect broader cultural narratives, offering a sense of escape and simplicity that remains appealing decades later.
River imagery in music often also serves as a powerful metaphor for nostalgia, personal journeys, and emotional reflection. Take, for instance, "Green River" by Creedence Clearwater Revival, another 1969 classic. Inspired by John Fogerty’s childhood experiences, this song paints a picture of youthful summers and carefree days spent by the water.
Similarly, "The River" by Bruce Springsteen, released in 1980, uses river imagery to explore themes of lost innocence and the passage of time. These songs resonate with listeners by connecting personal memories to the universal experience of change and growth.
Do yourself a favour and flow to one of these tunes today! https://www.musicaldictionary.com/songs-about-rivers/
NSRVCS welcomes a new communications coordinator
Rod shares “Thank you Harvey Voogd for your many years of informing and inspiring Edmontonians'. You have definitely expanded my awareness and appreciation for the gift that is the North Saskatchewan River Valley, let alone Edmonton related natural and cultural history.”
The people have spoken, and they chose the magpie!
Ron says ““more respect” for the magpie? Excellent choice of words. I love magpies but I think, for many Edmontonians, respect is as good as it's going to get for that species. P.S., I learned three things about magpies while watching them build a nest in our backyard: Their nests have roofs; their nests have two entries; and if they drop a twig during construction (and they often do), they never will retrieve it.”
Patrick writes “Ex-Edmontonian. Born-raised, left at age 27. Moved to live in mountains for all decades since. Now 80. This morning, I’ve been wrestling with pressing health issues, and looming financial challenges. Just read River Valley News. Edmonton voters' choice of the magpie brought a laugh. A bit like a squawk-laugh. When I was a kid, we had a cabin at Big Lake. I fondly remember it as Big Slough. Climbed aspens. Thrust big broken branches into patches of quick-sand. Nature-based kid fun. Thanks for the regular newsletter. It’s my basic link to the ‘chuk.”
9 Figures in Motion with a Puck by Al Henderson, Rogers Place Community Rink https://www.edmontonarts.ca/public-art/9-figures-in-motion-with-a-puck
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