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The prayers of the Elders must have been very strong.

Visitors, dancers and singers on their way to the grand opening of the 2003 Poundmaker Cree Nation powwow not only drove through pouring rain coming down from every direction, they also watched huge thunderstorms roll across the prairie skies throughout the weekend, threatening to drench everything in their path. But the dark storm clouds kept their distance from the arbour and campgrounds throughout the powwow, which ran from June 20 to 22.

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A year ago, when Ray McKay, the head of Kitsaki Management, was talking about the company's expansion into mushroom wholesaling, he remarked that some day wild mushrooms may be a larger industry than wild rice is today. Now, it looks like some day is nearer than he thought.

As of May 30, the mushroom plant in La Ronge's industrial park had accepted nearly 5,000 pounds of morel mushrooms, and the season was only five days old. When morel season came to a close at the end of June, the total harvest tallied 26,000 pounds.

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The public has a chance to see a little piece of history, thanks to a public exhibition of a letter to the editor of the Ottawa Citizen, written by Louis Riel days before his execution.

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An overcast sky heavy with rain-filled clouds hung over Fort Battleford as hundreds of people gathered to mark Treaty Day on June 6.

The large blue and white tent set up on the grass of one of Saskatchewan's most historic sites was filled with people gathered together to talk about Treaty 6, signed between First Nations and the federal government in 1876.

Politicians, educators and Elders gathered to mark the anniversary of the treaty signing spoke about the importance of Treaty Day in the past and the future.

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After spending more than 1,200 hours pursuing individual accomplishments and performing community service, the reward for Blaine Beaven was a hearty handshake from a member of the royal family.

The Metis youth from Air Ronge received the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award of Achievement at a ceremony in Regina on June 21. His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, handed out the framed certificates to all of the 49 recipients from throughout the Prairies.

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On June 4, the most talented, accomplished and innovative Aboriginal individuals and groups in the province shared the spotlight at the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nation (FSIN) 2003 Saskatchewan First Nations Circle of Honour Awards ceremony. Hundreds of attendees packed the second floor of the Saskatoon Inn to witness the presentations, dine on the tantalizing gourmet meal, and enjoy the outstanding entertainment from some of the province's best Aboriginal performers.

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Visitors to the newly opened First Nations University of Canada campus in Regina should be prepared for an awe-inspiring experience.

The new $33 million building, a four storey, 14,000 square metre architectural marvel designed by renowned architect Douglas Cardinal, sits on 32 acres of land on the northeast edge of the University of Regina campus in Wascana Park.

Noticeable from the air across the landscape of the Prairies, the structure's facade at ground level is striking with its green glass and stone design.

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More than 2,000 people gathered together on June 21 to help the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (SIFC) celebrate its new campus and identity.

The SIFC, which has been providing post-secondary education to both First Nations and non-First Nations students for the past 27 years, is now the First Nations University of Canada. The name change was timed to coincide with the official opening of the school's new Regina campus, and makes the First Nations-run institute the only one of its kind in North America.

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For more than 105 students from St. Albert's Nechi Training Research and Health Promotions Institute, a sense of pride, accomplishment and anticipation filled the air during their graduation ceremony held on June 14 at Hawrelak Park. Nechi provides training to addictions counselors, both Native and non-Native, in order for them to go out to the communities to promote addictions-free lifestyles. The courses are available to people who've had and overcome addiction or people who just would like to help their community.

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More than 150 people gathered June 13 for the Ben Calf Robe Society's Pieces in the Sky, a silent and live auction benefit concert designed to raise funds for the Ben Calf Robe school's breakfast and lunch programs.

The concert brought together entertainers Laura Vinson & Free Spirit, Maria Dunn, Dale Ladouceur and Amanda Woodward.