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Drums are highly regarded by First Nations people and they consider them to have a spirit of their own. Since early times, the drum has symbolized the circle of life and the heartbeat of Mother Earth.

"Having a drum will humble you and open your eyes," said Gerald Okanee, lead singer of Saskatchewan's Big Bear Singers. "Some people can hear one song and it will change them for the rest of their lives."

Okanee said drum songs are made to be shared in ceremonies given to the people by the Creator.

Page 28 I've got memories of way back when I was little. I mostly grew up with my grandfather... and his wife, and I have some beautiful memories. In 84 years of learning experience I can see a big difference. Today we talk about our health, what should we be doing... We have to change a big system, but how do we do this is a big question. First of all, that we have to recognize that our environment is really deteriorating, and our medicine, are getting less and less, and that's a part that I worry about. And water especially, we are running out of water.

Page 26

If Pakon Bong Rodney becomes one of the fathers of a modern Indigenous state in Vanuatu in the South Pacifc, Six Nations writer Brian Maracle may become a venerated figure in that nation's history.

Page 26

Windspeaker's Paul Barnsley was one of three journalists sent on a two-week tour of communities in the South Pacific by the Victoria-based Pacific Peoples Partnership. The non-governmental organization seeks to raise awareness of social and political issues in a part of the world that is not seen as a high-priority area in Canada for international aid. Nelson Bird, host of CTV Regina's Indigenous Circle, and Tania Williard, editor of Vancouver Native youth magazine Redwire, were the other reporters.

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More than 200 Aboriginal youth from across the country were in Halifax from May 13 to 16 taking part in this year's E-Spirit Business Plan Competition, designed to give Aboriginal high school students first-hand experience in being entrepreneurs.

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Television is a powerful medium that can challenge and empower people by telling stories they can relate to. As executive producer of the Sharing Circle, Lisa Meeches has not only educated Canadians with her half-hour show about Aboriginal people, but she has stepped up to encourage other Native people to enter the broadcasting sector.

With the increase in mentorship programs and industry upgrading courses, Meeches predicts a solid future for Aboriginal people interested in entering the field.

Page 23

Juan and Edgar Uyunkar moved slowly around the makeshift courtroom in the council chambers of the Wikwemikong First Nation getting long hugs from supporters after their sentencing April 25. They pleaded guilty the day before to administering a noxious substance and trafficking in a controlled substance, charges that stemmed from the death of a woman who was taking part in a healing ceremony they were conducting.

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Aboriginal students from Northern Ontario may soon be able to complete their medical education without moving far from home, thanks to plans for a new medical school in the area.

Page 19

Windspeaker: What one quality do you most value in a friend?

Billy: Spirituality.

W: What is it that really makes you mad?

B: I don't really get mad ... kind of twofold. When I say something, the words, you can never take them back. I wish I could. Most of the time, on a different level, what disturbs me in the United States, it would apply to Canada, it would apply globally, is the lack of understanding of the power of unity through diversity.

W: When are you at your happiest?

Page 18

It took a while to get going, but once the Ontario South entry got on track, it was impossible to derail.

And for the second straight year, the Ontario South women's side captured the gold medal at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships.

This year's tournament, which featured six entrants in the women's division, took place in Akwesasne from April 27 to May 3. The inaugural national tourney for Native players, held last year, had also been staged in Akwesasne.