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Niagara Falls added another first to its history June 26 and 27, as the site for the Aboriginal Women in Business conference. Sponsored by Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres, Grand River Employment and Training Initiative, and O-GI, with support from the Native Affairs Secretariat, Staples Business Depot, and Spirit 91.7 FM, the conference aimed to unite and encourage women in business.

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Participants in an annual two-spirit gathering at Geneva Park, near Orillia, had an opportunity "to teach, to learn and to share together," according to organizing committee member Art Zoccole. The theme of the week-long event, held on the traditional territory of the Chippewas of Mnjikaning First Nation, was "Transforming Generations."

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After 28 years, the Canadian Native Fastball Championships were held for the first time at Garden River First Nation this year. Organizers spent two years preparing to host the 29th annual tournament in Ontario, after the games' long history in the West. Last year the tournament was held in Brandon, Man.

More than 30 teams from across Canada competed Aug. 1 to 3: 10 in the men's A division, eight in the men's B division and 10 in the lone women's division.

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The Bonnyville Shooting Sports Association held its first Indigenous Rifle Shooting Provincials on June 20 and 21.

Poor weather limited participation, as did the general lack of awareness of shooting competitions, said organizers.

The event began with a practice and information session on June 20, with newcomers introduced to the sport where .22 calibre rifles were shot at targets 50 metres away.

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The Amiskwaciy Academy, located at 101 Airport Road in Edmonton, is expanding. It will now be offering junior high classes, as well as grades 10, 11 and 12.

Principal Dr. Phyllis Cardinal said the idea that the school should offer the extra grades came from the Edmonton Public School board in 2002. The academy then took it from there.

The move will give the Aboriginal community an opportunity to choose a school that is both unique and specific to their needs. She estimates that about 400 students will be attending this year.

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Aboriginal youth from across North American will be descending on Edmonton this fall, as Grant MacEwan College hosts it annual Dreamcatcher Aboriginal Youth Conference.

Now in its 11th year, the Dreamcatcher conference provides youth with a forum to get together, celebrate their culture, and discover how best to prepare themselves for the future.

This year's conference will be held at the college's City Centre campus, and will run from Friday, Oct. 17 to Sunday, Oct. 19.

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When a person admits to having HIV or AIDS, that person is taking a difficult, life-altering step. It can mean the loss of a job, family or friends, even the support of his community.

Thomas Janvier went public despite that risk of loss. AIDS is a fact of his life and he will talk openly about the disease and his imminent death to anyone who cares to listen.

The 42-year-old rode his bike through Lac La Biche on July 14 on his way from Janvier in northeastern Alberta to the healing waters of Lac Ste. Anne.

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The opening performance of this year's Heritage Festival in William Hawrelak Park on Aug. 2 featured Metis singer Laura Vinson and her group Free Spirit.

The audience of about 200 people, who came to sample the culture and traditions of more than 50 ethnic groups that make up the Edmonton community, sang along or danced throughout Vinson's concert.

Free Spirit includes Vinson and four other members: Vinson's husband David Martineau, his brother Paul, Maria Dunn and Dale Ladouceur.

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The 14th annual Kikino Celebration Days and Silver Birch Rodeo, held Aug. 7 to 10 at Kikino Metis Settlement, drew overflow crowds throughout the three main days of the event.

More than a thousand people a day went through the gates, combining with another thousand camped on-site to pack the stands to watch cowboys and cowgirls from the Lakeland and Foothills rodeo associations compete for $17,500 in prize money, and to take in numerous other events on the grounds.

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It's summer in Indian Country and I've spent much of it visiting with the most wonderful, friendly and respectful people in Alberta, enjoying tea made beside a campfire, and listening to their stories.