34 - Sunday, December 20, 1992 - North Shore News HIGH PROFILES Leonard George directs the modern hunt Burrard Band chief discusses native spirituality and the roads leading to an inter-tribal future ON THE wall of an office in the small trailer that serves as headquarters for Abbey Woods/Takaya Developments is a framed poster of an American football team — the Kansas City Chiefs. it is an appropriate choice of decor for two reasons: First, because the man who sits behind the desk in this office is a fervent sports fan, and second, he is the elected chief of the North Shore's Burrard (Tslei’waututh) Indian Band. In the language of his people, he is called Quitsame, but he is more widely known as Leonard George. He is the youngest son of the late Chief Dan George, who became one of the most celebrated native actors in Hollywood, earn- ing an Oscar nomination for his role in Little Big Man. Leonard George, though, remembers the years before fame, when his father led the family’s country and western band as it criss-crossed B.C., playing to pecked longhcuses on the pro- vince’s reserves. Although he recotlects experien- cing periods of loneliness for his friends at home, and missing life on the iniet, it was a period that would do much to shape his future, both in the entertainment field and as chief of a band of 200 ple. “I remember touring in 7°56 when I was 10 years old,” he said. “We'd camp out all summer on lakes or beside rivers, travelling from place to place. I had a tremendous amount of exposure to community life outside (the reserve system).”’ George, 46, recalls the role his mother played in forming his character. Whenever the band performed, she would urge her son to stand in front of the « crowd and say a few words. ‘‘My father said, “What does a 10-year-old boy have to talk about?,’ but my mom would an- PICK At = PRESENT Holiday Shopping Made Easy! 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Even though I was the youngest, ! got an equal share.”’ Perhaps because of the lessons learned during those early years, George developed both a love for the theatre and a philosophy of sharing that has influenced him in his position of chief. After going through the indian residential school system in St. Pzul’s on the North Shore, he graduated from Notre Dame high school in Vancouver. Later he attended Vancouver Community College, where he studied drama, and went on to work in the theatre and in movies until 1570, He was employed briefly as a laborer in the construction in- dustry before joining the Van- couver Indian Centre as a native community worker. Along the way he married Susan. They have been together for 23 years, and are the parents of four sons: Justin, Zac, Gabe and Issac. He became chief of the Burrard Band in 1989, and has served in that position for nearly two terms. He comes up for re-election in March 1993. Dec. 23rd NAME: Leonard George BORN: Vancouver RESIDENCE: North Vancouver AGE: 46 OCCUPATION: Chief. Burrard Indian Band Possibly one of the most noticeable sides to George's char- acter is his spirituality. His beliefs, which color every aspect of his behavior —- from the complex business decisions involv- ed in the day-to-day operation of Abbey Woods/Takaya Develop- ments, to his vision of the future of his people — are deeply rooted in native culture. Through methods such as fasting, meditating, swimming in the cold water of local creeks, and through an ancient pipe ceremony taught him by a Cree Indian fami- ly, he tries to bring harmony and balance into his life as represented by the Wheel of Life. The Wheel is a native symbol, a sacred circle reflecting the world itself. It signifies the four directions, the four races of man and the four ‘‘natures’’ of humanity — mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. The goal is to seek peace within yourself, only possible by showing respect for all other parts of the wheel. This is perhaps best illustrated by the pipe ceremony. The sacredness of the circle is honored See Sacredness page 3 the language of his people, and he is the tate Chief Dan George. the youngest son of the The Home of Friendly Service Canada Trust is pleased to announce that Phase One of our newly renovated premises in Park Royal North will be opening Monday, December 21, 1992. Residents of the North Shore are cordially invited to tour our redesigned office, and to enjoy a coffee or a cup of eggnog to celebrate the holiday season. Our new premises are located immediately in front of our former branch facing Marine Drive. Canada Trust is open from 8 to 8 Monday to Friday,and from 9 to 5 Saturday. 632 Park Royal North West Vancouver, BC.