On Sept. 26, 1912 the Canadian Elks were established with a lodge being built in Vancouver, B.C. It grew quickly and has become "the largest, all-Canadian, fraternal organization in Canada," according to their website. There are Elks members in the United States, but the Canadian organization is not affiliated with them though the Canadian Elks were based on them.
Since its inception in Canada 100 years ago the Elks have now established more than 250 lodges with approximately 12,000 members. In 1998 it was determined that women were also able to join this once fraternal group. Their overall mandate is to help the community and support the needs of people across Canada.
The Elks lodges found in Saskatchewan support three provincial programs directed at this initiative including SPARC (Saskatchewan Pediatric Auditory Rehabilitation Centre), Seniors' Homes, and DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Program. Together the Canadian Elks contribute to their national program, The Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children.
Though involved nationally and provincially each Elk chapter is very much an integral part of their community. Locally they help with building projects, sports groups, and youth initiatives. Making a difference in their community, province, and country the Canadian Elks have worked hard to establish themselves in this way.
Locally, Moose Mountain Elks Lodge No. 483, has been in existence for 49 years. It was established in 1963 and has been making a difference in the area ever since. The Moose Mountain Elks currently have 24 members and take an active role in their community. They support various charities and projects locally. The Moose Mountain Elks members are very much involved in their community with some even serving on the village council.
Members from Moose Mountain Elks have been involved at both the national and the provincial level. John Houston became the Provincial President in 1985 followed by Donald (Bert) Hale in 2004. Currently Kalvin Nankivell has been with the Provincial Executive for 2012.
On Wednesday, Oct. 24, the National Leader of the Elks of Canada, Robert Larsen of Grand Prairie, was present in Kisbey at the Moose Mountain Elks meeting. It was a very special night for the Moose Mountain chapter who welcomed Larsen with approximately 30 people attending.
Joining the Moose Mountain Elks were members of other lodges in the area including Moosomin, Estevan, and Whitewood. This included the Provincial Representative Mel Durant, Kalvin Nankivell of the Provincial Inner Guard, Ron Potter of the Grand Inner Guard, Exalted Ruler John Voutour, and the guest of honour the Grand Exalted Ruler, Larsen. Also, present was John Houston of Kisbey past Provincial President and Cliff Nankivell both a member of the Elks and the mayor of Kisbey.
"About a third of the people here I've met before at functions and conferences. You meet people all over the place," Larsen stated.
Throughout the evening the various lodges presented cheques to Larsen for the Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children. A cause that is close to Larsen's heart. This year he is promoting the inclusion of this fund when conducting estate planning.
"I always say think of the children, those are the people we help," Larsen exclaimed.
In regards to becoming the Grand Exalted Ruler this year Larsen was extremely grateful.
"I'm fortunate, really fortunate, to serve this year in this position. It is an honour and a privilege," Larsen said.
For the 100th anniversary of the Elks he has chosen the motto, "The Future is Now." He decided to use this particular motto because he feels everything has changed since the Elks inception. Everyone now uses technology and information is made readily available at the click of a button. Therefore, the Elks have developed a user friendly webpage for all to use.
"We are a positive force in our communities and I'm proud of our accomplishments. We must move forward to survive. We can't live in the past," Larsen explained while speaking to all present.
Larsen had explained that through the downswing of members in recent years they have begun to gain ground once again and are happy to welcome anyone into the order.
This year the Elks celebrate 100 years nationally, while next year the Moose Mountain Elks will celebrate their 50th anniversary.
