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Eric Crow Shoe has an incredible story to tell. It's one about detours, anger, hatred and about losing himself. And it's about discovering tools, finding the Creator and recovery.

Crow Shoe shared his story with about 300 recovering alcoholics and drug addicts at the Gathering of Societies sobriety camp held at Buffalo Plains campground June 25 to 29.

"It's a healing process for me, to be able to share, talk, and laugh. It's positive energy I get from these people, the fellowship, to be able to hold out that hand to each other to say, 'I'm here for you'."

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Wondering what to do and see while you're in Edmonton? Of course, there's always the mall, but if you're looking for something else, here's a list of events and attractions that you might want to consider.

The Edmonton Queen

If you'd like to see the city from a different vantage point, you might want to make your way down to Rafter's Landing in the river valley, and book passage on the Edmonton Queen riverboat, owned by the Lesser Slave Lake Indian Regional Council.

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Gordon Benoit's startling Federal Court victory last year that saw the court rule that Treaty 8 members were promised tax immunity by the Crown at the time the treaty was signed, was overturned by the Federal Court of Appeal on June 11.

Treaty 8 sources say they intend to appeal that decision to the Supreme Court of Canada.

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The Archie Gladue Memorial Fastball Tournament in Lac La Biche was held June 28 to 29. The tournament included men's and ladies divisions with cash prizes for first, second and third place in both.

A karaoke system was hooked up for the brave souls who wanted to belt out a tune or two on the ball grounds, and a free steak dinner was served up at the local tavern, all a part of the commemoration of an important man who contributed to the community.

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When the House of Commons rose for the summer break on June 13, a week earlier than expected, Bill C-7, the First Nations governance legislation, died on the order paper. But it's not over till it's over. The First Nations governance act could be resurrected in the fall.

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"This project has re-defined the word partnership," said Melodie Wilton, project manager of the Elders' Caring Shelter which was built by Metis Local 1990 in Grande Prairie. Wilton spoke to a crowd of about 50 dignitaries and invited guests on June 28 at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new shelter.

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From the opening prayer on Saturday, July 19 until the closing prayers on Thursday, July 24, thousands of people, primarily Aboriginal from across the country, will take part in the annual pilgrimage to Lac Ste. Anne, located 75 kilometres west of Edmonton.

This year the Stoney, Dene, Blackfoot, Cree and Metis nations will host hour-long prayer vigils for their communities and the people.

Thousands will once again proclaim their Christian faith, meet new friends, walk into and gather water believed to hold special healing powers, and pray for loved ones.

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The sky was overcast and the rain fell off and on as 150 people took part in the first ever National Aboriginal Day celebration in Elk Island National Park on June 21.

The White Buffalo dance group performed and Keith Lapatac of Saddle Lake emceed. Buffalo burgers, coffee and other refreshments kept the people going as they watched the dancers perform.

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Once again this month, I was on the road with the view of Edmonton behind me. I was on my way to Saddle Lake, St. Paul and Lac La Biche. I attended a dinner and the annual powwow in Saddle Lake, stopped in at the friendship centre in St. Paul and I toured Beaver Lake First Nation.

Incidentally, almost no one in any of the communities I visited knew I was going to drop in, which is the way I like to visit. I like to follow our traditional values as much as I can.

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On June 26, more than 800 people gathered at the Manitou Kihew Arena in Saddle Lake for 'Dinner with Patch Adams', a community initiative to raise money to build the youth facility in the community.

Many of the people in the audience were curious to see the actual Dr. Patch Adams. In 1998, Universal Studios released a film about the life of Hunter D. 'Patch' Adams, which starred Robin Williams. The film told of the beginnings of Gesundheit, a clinic founded by Adams, that employs laughter as a form of medicine.