Shake up of land claim negotiators looks like patronage, say critics
An Aboriginal solution to news Brunswick’s imminent skills shortage
Centre shares the distictly Canadian story of the RCMP with the world
Ontario invests in Toronto-area Aboriginal centres
Conference focuses on building relations
Rare Canadian Indian Cree coat sells for US$510,000 at Sotheby’s auction
Sharing successful economic development experiences
A message from the Honourable Guy Boutilier
Stolen Sisters Awareness March
Shake up of land claim negotiators looks like patronage, say critics
By Sue Bailey
Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice replaced some of the country's most seasoned federal land-claim negotiators with hand-picked choices who have comparatively less experience – including his former law partner.
Critics say the unusual political handling of the lucrative contracts is further proof that Conservative vows to shun patronage were hollow at best. It will also slow down complex land claim talks as new negotiators climb steep learning curves, they say.
As Native frustration builds, Prentice has said he’ll move this spring to revamp a woefully backlogged land-claims system.
His spokesman, Bill Rodgers, says the minister directly intervened in naming new federal negotiators because pricey talks were taking too long with no end in sight.
Qualified ex-diplomats and other merit-based candidates of various political stripes were offered contracts that typically pay between $150 and $250 an hour, he said.
“It’s not a partisan thing.”
Still, the changes fly in the face of positive departmental reviews indicating no need to punt negotiators who were making progress, critics point out.
Sources say at least two negotiators stripped of their files were about a year or less away from settlement offers. It’s unclear whether those moves will stall momentum in talks involving the 'Namgis First Nation and the Winalagalis Treaty Group in B.C., or the Innu of Labrador.
“When you have ministers hand-picking people to take care of these important files, then it’s a patronage system,” says Duff Conacher of Democracy Watch. The group lobbies for democratic reform and government accountability.
“And patronage often leads to cronyism and unethical waste.
“We still have not seen the promised Public Appointments Commission that was supposed to ensure all cabinet appointments are merit-based and not aimed at sending government law enforcement or policy-making in a specific direction.”
Among the changes that have raised eyebrows: Gavin Fitch, an environmental law specialist who was Prentice’s former law partner in Calgary, replaces Tim Koepke, a longtime federal negotiator, at a table to re-start treaty talks with the Kaska Nation in B.C.
Lawyer and arbitrator Stewart McInnes, a former Tory cabinet minister under Brian Mulroney, replaces Tom Molloy in Mi’kmaq treaty talks on the East Coast. Molloy is the legendary negotiator who sealed the historic Nunavut and Nisga’a land deals.
Molloy will stay on as federal negotiator for three sets of talks in B.C. and one in Quebec. A request for an interview with Molloy was passed on to the Department of Indian Affairs, where a spokeswoman declined on his behalf.
“It would be an awkward position for him,” she said.
Rodgers says Prentice was troubled by the number of geographically far-flung files being handled by relatively few negotiators. There were also no women on contract.
Other changes made waves among departmental staff who typically recommend negotiators to the minister – not the other way around.
Eric Maldoff, a Montreal-based lawyer and federal negotiator since 1995, was not renewed to continue talks with the Innu of Labrador or the Northwest Territory Metis Nation.
“We gave him the worst files we had and he made them work,” said a source who previously worked for Indian Affairs.
Maldoff, an adviser and member of the Liberal Party, supported Bob Rae’s leadership bid.
And in B.C., Jim Doswell says he recently quit as a federal negotiator when he was offered renewal of just one of seven files. This, despite receiving positive annual reviews from Indian Affairs officials, he said.
“It's just purely politics,” said Doswell, a consultant with more than 20 years experience working with First Nations on various issues. He unsuccessfully ran for the federal Liberals in 2000.
Despite notorious federal foot-dragging, he said he was close to making offers in talks with the 'Namgis First Nation and the Winalagalis Treaty Group in B.C.
Rodgers denied the replacements were politically motivated. He noted that other negotiators with strong Liberal ties are still on the payroll. They include strategist Warren Kinsella and Raymond Chretien, former Canadian ambassador to the U.S. and nephew of ex-prime minister Jean Chretien.
The appointment of Fitch, Prentice’s former law partner, hasn’t fazed the chief negotiator for the Kaska Dena Council in B.C.
“He’s done work in the oil and gas industry and has a good understanding of Aboriginal law,” said Dave Porter.
“We look forward to working with him.”
Then again, the Kaska people look forward to working with anyone from Ottawa.
“We haven’t been able to negotiate for almost five years now because we upset the (Liberal) government of the day,” Porter said. “We upset the minister, we upset the negotiators in our demands at the table.”
Federal officials simply packed up and left, he recalled.
“We rely on them to borrow millions of dollars to negotiate these agreements. And then on a whim, when somebody’s got a bee in their bonnet, they can walk away from the process and kill it. That is fundamentally wrong.”
An Aboriginal solution to news Brunswick’s imminent skills shortage
New Brunswick Workforce Connex, an innovative and results-driven forum to address the province’s pending skills shortage, was held May 9th at the Delta Brunswick in Saint John. For the first time, many employers learned about their ability to develop and access Aboriginal talent through Aboriginal employment centres. This knowledge will help human resource professionals develop strategies to effectively recruit, retain and advance New Brunswick’s untapped Aboriginal workforce.
New Brunswick is experiencing the lowest unemployment rate the province has seen in 30 years. The issue of a skills shortage will continue to increase as the projected growth in several sectors of the economy begins to take shape within the next few years. Workforce Connex will provide employers, the Aboriginal community, training institutions and government with the ability to do the preliminary work that is necessary to ensure a skilled workforce is available to meet upcoming demands in the trades and apprenticeship sector.
“Canada is experiencing an Aboriginal baby boom,” said Kelly Lendsay, President and CEO of the Aboriginal Human Resource Development Council of Canada. “Aboriginal people are the nation’s youngest and fastest growing human resource. This young upwardly mobile labour force wants and needs workplace opportunities for training, skills development and employment.”
Across Canada employers are searching for innovative solutions to the skilled worker shortage. Many are taking aggressive action to recruit workers from beyond provincial and national borders. Others are awakening to the competitive advantage of workplace diversity, inclusive of Aboriginal people.
“On a national scale, a disconnect exists between the potential skills contribution made by the Aboriginal workforce and the view held by some business and labour leaders on this contribution,” said Lendsay. “Employers participating in New Brunswick Workforce Connex are innovative thinkers motivated to develop an Aboriginal presence in their workforce and become an ‘employer-of-choice’ for top Aboriginal talent.”
Through keynote presentations and interactive break-out discussion among delegates, New Brunswick Workforce Connex hopes to create opportunities and partnership understandings between the private sector and Aboriginal community. The forum showed employers a local labour solution that will help narrow the growing gap between labour demand and supply.
Workforce Connex is a national forum series hosted by the Aboriginal Human Resource Development Council of Canada in cooperation with the New Brunswick regional planning committee (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Mawiw Council, Enterprise Network, First Nation Human Resource Development Council, New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples' Council, Ulnooweg Development Group, New Brunswick Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training & Learning, New Brunswick Department of Aboriginal Affairs, North Shore Micmac District Council, New Brunswick Construction Association, New Brunswick Community Colleges, Institute of Trade & Technology Training, JEDI-Joint Economic Development Initiative, Service Canada, Human Resources and Social Development Canada).
New Brunswick Workforce Connex is the seventh forum held in the series, with more scheduled for 2007. The outcomes of the forum will be integrated into a national private sector/Aboriginal partnership strategy. Funding for the series is provided through the Sector Council Program, Human Resources and Social Development Canada.
The Aboriginal Human Resource Development Council of Canada is a national not-for-profit, private/public sector partnership mandated to build connections, partnerships and solutions that advance opportunities for Aboriginal people in the nation's labour market. The council is Canada's leading innovator in Aboriginal recruitement, retention and advancement.
Centre shares the distictly Canadian story of the RCMP with the world
The RCMP Heritage Centre opened May 23rd to share the distinctly Canadian story of the RCMP with the world. Saskatchewan Premier Lorne Calvert, together with the Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue, RCMP Commissioner Bev Busson, and other dignitaries, officiated the opening of the state-of-the-art Heritage Centre in Regina.
“Saskatchewan is proud to continue its long tradition with the RCMP in training new officers and now being host to a Centre that will explain that tradition from the past, present and future,” said Premier Calvert. “The RCMP Heritage Centre is an added attraction to tourism in our Province and valuable education for our students and visitors.” The Government of Saskatchewan has shown their support of the RCMP Heritage Centre through a $3.5 million investment to the project.
“Canada’s New Government is dedicated to working in partnership with other orders of government to benefit not only Regina, but also Canadians and international visitors,” said Minister Carol Skelton, on behalf of the federal government. “Our investment of $23.5 million means the facility stands as a permanent legacy of the role the RCMP has played in shaping our uniquely Canadian identity and how it supports our government's commitment to create prosperous and secure communities.”
RCMP Commissioner Bev Busson saluted both the opening of the Heritage Centre and the work of front-line Members of the RCMP, stating that “I’m proud of the extraordinary effort that our men and women are putting forth every day across Canada and abroad to ensure safe homes and safe communities. The RCMP Heritage Centre provides, not only a window into the complex policing environment, but a link to the traditions and values that shaped the RCMP, the west, and all of Canada.”
The opening of the Arthur Erickson designed building was attended by over 1,000 guests including RCMP veterans, serving members, community donors and stakeholders and the general public. Joining in the festivities was the world famous RCMP Musical Ride, an RCMP pipe and drum group, and First Nations drummers, singers and dancers and a school choir from École Monseigneur de Laval.
Grade 5, 6 and 7 students from Wilfred Hunt School in Regina joined Premier Calvert as the first visitors to the new RCMP Heritage Centre. The students were the last official visitors of the now-closed RCMP Centennial Museum in October, 2006 and were thrilled to join in the celebrations to open the new Heritage Centre. Two of the children read speeches they had written explaining the role of the RCMP in Canada, and the importance of locating the RCMP Heritage Centre in Regina on the historic grounds of the RCMP Training Academy. One stated proudly that “I think without the RCMP Canada would not be the same”, while the other concluded her speech by inviting children from all over the world to “visit the RCMP Heritage Centre so they can understand why our national police force is so important to Canadians”.
Ontario invests in Toronto-area Aboriginal centres
The Ontario government is investing in renovation projects for nine Toronto-area Aboriginal social services organizations to promote health and prosperity among urban Aboriginal peoples, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs David Ramsay announced May 23rd.
“Today’s announcement will help Aboriginal organizations in Toronto that provide essential services such as counselling programs, employment and training support and collection of food for low income families and the homeless,” said Ramsay. “These centres provide a great deal of support and stability, especially for those who are new to the city.”
More than $435,000 is being invested through Ontario's Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program. The program funds the construction, acquisition, renovation and expansion of community, friendship and small business centres. Each of the nine organizations has received funding for much-needed renovations.
“These organizations reach out to many people in the community,” said Ramsay. “They not only provide a range of services to help urban Aboriginal people establish themselves in the city but, just as importantly, they also provide a link to their heritage, culture and traditions.”
Earlier this year, the Ontario government also announced the establishment of a new Aboriginal Education Strategy for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students in Ontario.
Conference focuses on building relations
By Terry Lusty
A two-day conference designed at bringing together professionals representative of First Nations and Métis organizations and communities as well as government, industry, the economic sector, cultural and educational services recently convened at the River Cree Resort’s new Marriott Hotel on Alberta's Enoch Reserve.
The May 16-17 gathering entitled Building Bridges to Strengthen Aboriginal Relations was sponsored by CFAR (Circle For Aboriginal Relations), a society developed in 2004 to provide support, information and networking opportunities to members. The conference afforded the opportunity for individuals to come together to share information and knowledge through presentations, workshops, discussions and networking. Of particular note were the four breakout sessions, which focussed on:
- Ghost River Rediscovery project,
- Sunchild E-learning program,
- Traditional Knowledge Mapping and
- Government of Alberta 101.
Presenting the Rediscovery session was Mike Lickers, a transplanted Mohawk whose involvement in the 40 year old movement goes back to more than 20 of those years. Although Rediscovery focusses largely on personal leadership development for any age or background using the medicine wheel concept, it tends to largely target youth programs for those 15-30, equipping them for their futures by providing cultural and educational learning as well as connecting and empowering them to be independent decision makers who can take charge of their lives and any situations that presents themselves.
Mike Lickers
It has a well-established outdoor program with a wonderful mountain backdrop that makes for an ambiance not usually available to most people. The project was initiated by Mike Lickers and Julian Norris in 1994. At present, they work tirelessly trying to raise funds to purchase property so the project can have its own land base to take on a life of its own.
Tied to this is the necessity to equip it with buildings and furnishings that include traditional Aboriginal dwellings representative of various regions of North America – lodges such as Iroquois and West Coast longhouses, a southern hogan, an earth lodge (Kekuli), and plains tipis.
Rediscovery programs are widespread with over 40 such programs around the world, the very first one being at Haida Gwaii (1978) on the Queen Charlotte Islands. Others evolved in New Zealand, Bolivia, Guyana, Dominica and elsewhere.
The one Lickers works borders Banff National Park, about 85 kilometres northwest of Calgary. It generally limits groups to a maximum of 30 people, works a lot with schools and has year round (government- approved) camps with a strong outdoor component. The centre also assists others in establishing Rediscovery programs. For example they helped build a cultural component to the centre in Labrador, did training sessions for Hobbema residents and so on.
The Sunchild E-learning Program is another recent and intersting development in the Aboriginal community. It has a new school and has helped establish programs in no less than 23 Alberta communities, the most recent being in Calgary. Founded and operated by its school principal, Martin Sacher, the program, he claimed, is sanctioned by the Assembly of First Nations and “is accountable, flexible and culturally constructed.” Any who buy into it, he added, “can be guaranteed higher course completion and graduation rates.” Just the day before the conference, he stated, a Louis Bull Reserve band member completed their Masters and praised the program as “the best” around. To maximize its credibility, “students are regularly tracked to know where they are at at all times.”
Sacher had other praise-worthy comments to offer:
- It received the Canadian National Award as the best Aborignial program in Canada in Nov. 2005,
- was featured in Time Magazine July 2005 “as an innovative program that will make a difference in First Nations Education,”
- was showcased by Canadian government in Australia, and
- nine corporations and 23 First Nation commuunity programs have been involved with Sunchild E-learning.
We are “an online learning community dedicated to excellence in education” with a mandate “to provide high school education and post-secondary entrance requirements to all marginalized citizens including First Nations, Inuit and Metis populations across Canada,” he added.
Important to their notable success, he stated matter-of-factly is, “building relationships and designing a system that is flexible in its instruction.”
Howie Miller, an Aboriginal comedian who often performs at Yuk Yuks, got the delegates laughing as he plied his trade following the evening banquet on May 16.
During the noon break of May 17, Bill Werry (Alberta Govt) and Kim McCaig (Vice-pres., Cdn. Energy Pipelines) presented their views on consultation processes which are viewed as a very essential element when dealing with the environment where it may impact Aboriginal people and/or communities. A few disenchanted delegates were dismayed when it was noted that consultation processes with the Métis was nothing but “a blank page.”
Robert Morin, on behalf of the River Cree Resort, provided an overview of the origin and development of the hotel and casino operations.
In wrapping up the conference, the final keynote speech was delivered by Ms. Beth Beloff, the director of Bridges to Sustainability, a Division of Houston-based Golder Associates. She is an author, photographer and internationally respected expert in integrating sustainable development with other business aspects and a thought leader on how to measure sustainable performance.
Beth Beloff
Beloff talked of water quality, economic development consumerism and other issues as being part and parcel of a bigger and imacting picture. She mentioned alliances and partnerships and companies looking at new opportunities and markets. In the past six months, she added, “I can’t pick up a newspaper anywhere in the world and not see something about sustainability.” Indeed, it has become quite the catch-term. “Sustainability is a mindset,” she explained. “It requires viewing the way we see problems.” Nonetheless, “we can learn from Aboriginal communities around the world,” she stated, hinting that Aboriginal views and traditions should be given more attention.
What is of particular note she concluded is one’s ability to understand the context, identify who should be at the table, listen actively, understand concerns, determine what the parties control/influence, prioritize issues, evaluate… and be inclusive, active, open-minded, etc.
On a final note she asked that people, “Remember, we’re all in this together.”
The CFAR board members consist of: Rob Barber (Pres.), Kuni Albert (Vice-Pres.), Craig Barraclough (Sec.), Barry Brisson (Tres.), Janet Janvier, Patrick Leys, Larry Veilleux, Art Cunningham and Maria Big Snake.
Rare Canadian Indian Cree coat sells for US$510,000 at Sotheby’s auction
An extremely rare Canadian Cree costume is coming home after a southern Ontario art dealer paid US$510,000 for the garment May 18th at a Sotheby’s auction.
Donald Ellis, who owns galleries in Dundas, ON, near Hamilton, and in New York City (www.donaldellisgallery.com), says he plans to donate the garment, cut in the style of an 18th-century English frock coat, to a Canadian museum.
“It will be donated to a Canadian institution but I am not at liberty to discuss any of the details of that at the moment,” Ellis, 49, said from his New York gallery.
“It’s one of a handful that exists of this type and it’s arguably the most important example extant of this type,” he said. “It has all of its accoutrements, it’s in remarkable condition and state of preservation and it has a collection history back to Canada in the early 19th century. So it’s a pretty important piece of Canadian cultural history.”
Ellis and his gallery director, Mary Ann Bastien, are widely considered the foremost dealers in the field of antique native American art. Ellis has been a regularly featured appraiser of native American art on the PBS show “Antiques Roadshow” and has also appeared on the BBC and CBC versions of the show.
The Cree costume had been priced at between US$250,000 to $350,000. It includes leggings and mittens and is believed to be one of only 14 known to exist in the world.
David Roche, Sotheby’s specialist in American Indian art, called the costume a “fascinating fusion of culture.”
The coat is made of hide, probably elk skin, and is painted down the back and along the hemline with traditional designs and circular medallions that represent the sun.
Roche said Sotheby’s received a lot of interest from private potential buyers from Canada and the U.S. before the auction. The garment belonged to a collector from Cincinnati, Ohio, and Ellis said he’s been aware of the existence of the costume since the early 1990s.
Sharing successful economic development experiences
By Dene Skylar
The Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation (OIBDC) has opened a School of Enterprise. “This is born out of years of our OIB Development Corporation being approached by First Nations, government groups and corporations from across Canada and around the world wanting to come and go to school on the OIB economic development experience,” stated OIB Chief Clarence Louie.
OIB's economic development experience is an amazing story. It is a story of rejuvenating traditional Aboriginal values built on hard work, business planning, dealing with "rez" politics and an unrelenting leadership commitment.
Before colonialism, all First Nations were independent and self-reliant and had an economy from which to work. Canadian colonial policies that sought to extinguish land rights, dislocate Aboriginal communities and purge cultural identities have created massive dependency and left many Aboriginal people socially, economically and spiritually drained. But there is hope and there are examples like OIB who are leading the way back to self-reliance.
Chief Clarence Louie has consistently stated OIB’s message to interested groups that want to hear OIB’s experience across Canada and internationally.
“Socio-economic development is the foundation of First Nation self-reliance, our communities need to become business-minded and begin to create their own jobs and revenue sources, not just administer government programs that are often under funded. Each of our First Nations must take back their inherent and rightful place in the economy of their territory.”
It is this commitment along with leadership that has earned OIB a reputation for being among the most enterprising of Aboriginal groups in Canada. The 450 member Band is involved in 10 businesses, em-ploys over 500 people full-time making it one of the largest employers in the Southern Okanagan region of BC.
In the past few years they have generated over $100 million dollars in projects and more people are beginning to take notice.
OIB’s success is generating more interest and people can now participate in their School of Enterprise Learning Centre to see first hand and learn from some of the most experienced resource people on how to achieve socio-economic development success. According to OIB, “The focus of the new centre is to help break the cycle of dependency through a real-world, street smart focus on leadership-driven community business and sustainable economic development, based on the Osoyoos Indian Band experience.”
“There is no real rez-world learning centre of this type anywhere in North America. What sets this program apart is its focus on linking business development to First Nation community development and economic self-sufficiency,” said Chief Louie. “Most First Nations currently exist with double-digit unemployment and Aboriginal poverty is Canada’s hidden shame. That’s why the OIB approach focuses on creating jobs and making its own money to support all of its community needs.”
On May 17 and 18, 2007 over 80 First Nation chiefs, business and government leaders from across Canada participated in the Osoyoos Indian Band’s School of Enterprise.
Sessions were facilitated by leading First Nation and business leaders, including Chief Ovide Mercredi, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations; Stephen Cornell, Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government/University of Arizona and founder of the Harvard University Project on American Indian Economic Development; Clint Davis, National Director of Aboriginal Banking for BMO Bank of Montreal; and Chief Clarence Louie, CEO of the Osoyoos Indian Band Economic Development Corporation and the OIB Development Corporation’s management team.
“There is a positive change in economic nation building going on in Canada, but not many people have noticed it because it is taking place on First Nation reserves. It is happening and we want to encourage its success,” said Chief Louie.
Native Journal asked Chief Clarence Louie the following questions:
NJ: Today, First Nations are looking for answers to achieve socio-economic self-reliance. What are some key things that will they learn from the Osoyoos experience?
Chief Louie: Leadership have to make creating jobs and making money a priority - from spending money To making money. All Aboriginal organizations know how to spend money – usually under funded grants – I want to know how many know how to make money? Also the Band office or Aboriginal governance should not be the biggest employer – the biggest employer should be business. That economic development is the key to protecting and advancing treaty or Aboriginal title and rights. That economic development is the new battle ground. The sessions are held right on the Osoyoos Indian Reserve, so participants will see First Nation economic development in action, and will stay in one of the very best accommodations and experience our cultural centre and other Band-owned operations. We have gone beyond the talk to actually doing and proving that First Nation businesses can be done at a very high standard.
NJ: The Osoyoos School of Enterprise has brought in respected and experienced First Nations and Business leaders to facilitate sessions. What were some of the main success strategies that these facilitators shared?
Chief Louie: That Aboriginal groups have to create a “business climate” – based on business rules – that you cannot depend on the federal government to properly fund your community’s needs. That those First Nations that are breaking away from the cycle of dependency all have an economic development focus. That leadership must have an economic development focus.
NJ: Can you share some outcomes of the May learning session?
Chief Louie: Judging by the overwhelming sold out response to the session, more and more First Nations are beginning to realize we need to get involved in business, on and off our lands. That chasing social dollars is not the only way to deal with Aboriginal Poverty – that land claim settlements must be based on economic development – that you must replace spent money or your settlement will be all gone in one generation. That participants go back to their community with more sense of hope and accomplishment.
The OIB School of Enterprise is achieving results by bringing First Nations, industry, government and business people together to learn from the OIB economic development experience. By offering a solid program of First Nations economic development success experiences, this program will continue to provide meaningful learning opportunities for other First Nations, government, industry and business to benefit from.
“The OIB would like to acknowledge the financial and moral support of its partners who share its vision for sustainable First Nation community enterprise: BMO Bank of Montreal, Vancity, Royal Bank, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Aboriginal Business Canada, and Land Strategies,” states OIB representatives. The May program was over subscribed. Another session is planned for October 2007 at the Four Star N'kmip Resort in Osoyoos, B.C. Visit www.oib.ca for more information.
National Aboriginal Day 2007
A message from the Honourable Guy Boutilier
Minister of International, Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Relations
On the summer solstice and the first official day of summer, we shine the light of the longest day of the year on the contributions of Aboriginal Albertans to our province.
On June 21 Albertans, like all Canadians, join in the celebrations taking place right across the country – to honour and to pay respect to the significant role that First Nations, Métis and Inuit people play everyday in the life of our nation and our province.
By joining in the National Aboriginal Day festivities all of us learn more about your cultures, languages and traditions, which are such a rich part of Alberta’s heritage and character.
This year’s provincial theme for National Aboriginal Day, Celebrating our Talents respects the abundant talents of Aboriginal Métis and First Nation and Inuit artists and artisans in Alberta.
We stood tall this year, when five out of 14 National Aboriginal Achievement Award recipients were Albertans. Alberta’s Aboriginal talent has always been recognized nationally and internationally.
Aboriginal arts-activist, Joanne Cardinal-Schubert from Kainai (Blackfoot) was the recipient for arts achievement. She is one of Canada’s most renowned and beloved Aboriginal artists.
As the new Minister of International, Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Relations I am especially excited about this special day and the many activities that will take place in our province throughout the week of June 21st.
My Ministry will feature the talents of many fine Aboriginal artists during our fifth annual celebration at Commerce Place in downtown Edmonton on June 22. Please find time to drop by as I’m sure that everyone will enjoy the outstanding performances by some of Alberta’s finest Aboriginal dancers and singers.
I encourage everyone to take part in local festivities and celebrate the rich, diverse and proud heritage of Métis, First Nation and Inuit people in Alberta.
For more information on June 21st celebrations at Commerce Place in Edmonton and a calendar of events of activities taking place around the province please visit our website at www.international.gov.ab.ca.
Stolen Sisters Awareness March
By Terry Lusty
Close to 100 Natives and non-Natives participated in the first annual Stolen Sisters Awareness March in Edmonton on May 12. The march recognizes murdered and missing women in Canada where it is estimated 500 have gone missing or murdered in the past 20 years. City councillor Karen Leibovici joined the walk organized by April Eve. It was followed with a feast and entertainment by internationally renowned comedian Don Burnstick at the Cdn. Native Friendship Centre.
Native Journal photojournalist Terry Lusty (back row, centre in red ribbon shirt), was among the ten recipients of the Man of Honour Award April 24 at Edmonton’s Westin Hotel. It was the second year for the PAAFE-sponsored awards that honour “those who act in meaningful ways to foster respect, encourage healthy relationships and create positive opportunities for people.” In short, they dedicate themselves to bettering the life of individuals and communities they serve.