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The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) and the Saskatchewan government have signed a protocol formalizing the relationship between the two bodies, and paving the way for better communications on issues affecting both parties.

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The federal government has renewed its commitment to urban Aboriginal youth by extending the Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centres (UMAYC) Initiative for an additional two years.

The program, which funds projects and activities that benefit Aboriginal youth living in urban centres, has been operating since 1998, and was scheduled to end this year. The goal of the project is creation of a network of urban multipurpose centres across the country, providing community based, culturally relevant and supportive projects for Aboriginal youth.

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Competitors of all ages and skill levels had a chance to show off their trapper's skills, during the annual La Ronge Trapper's Festival, held March 12 to 15 on Far Reserve south of La Ronge. The festival, held at the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre, (JRMCC) kicked off on March 12 with a "fun night" with contests to test your skill in lying, crying, laughing, whistling, pie eating, egg rolling, mummy wrapping, spouse finding (you had to already BE a couple!) and egg racing. A family dance followed.

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If all goes according to plan, Onion Lake First Nation will soon substantially increase its reserve size and, with the expansion, gain access to potentially tens of millions of dollars in annual revenue.

The First Nation is in the process of purchasing 108,000 acres of land, which will almost triple Onion Lake's reserve land base once the new lands are converted to reserve status.

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An emphasis on workplace training and literacy has helped a First Nation-owned hotel win two high profile honors.

On March 14, the La Ronge Motor Hotel, which is fully owned by the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, was named Business of the Year by Tourism Saskatchewan. And, on April 15, the Conference Board of Canada will present the hotel with the 2003 Small Business Award for Excellence in Workplace Literacy.

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Nearly 50 First Nations people from across Canada spent a rainy night on March 20 outside of Toronto's Union Station. All night they stood beside a sacred fire singing traditional songs.

In the morning they would be 2,000 strong from First Nations communities in southern Ontario, and march through the downtown streets to protest the federal government's proposed First Nation governance act.

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A special event of this year's university powwow featured a local artist, Justin Wesley, who is a student in the arts program. He painted the powwow during the two days of celebration. The painting was then given away in a raffle.

Lakehead University's Native student association and Confederation College's Oshki Anishnawbeg student association held their fourth annual partnership spring powwow March 21 to 23.

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For those counting on a Canada/U.S. final at the inaugural world box lacrosse championships, Rusty Doxtdator has some advice: Don't bet on it.

That's because Doxtdator is confident another club, the Iroquois Nationals, will advance and possibly even win the tournament. It should be noted, there's a very good reason why Doxtdator has this thinking; he's the general manager of the Native club that will compete at the global tournament.

The six-nation event will be held in various southern Ontario locations from May 14 to 24.

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Though some might find the transformation a bit difficult to believe, yes, that still is the same Cody McCormick that has been starring for the Belleville Bulls this season.

Yes, the same McCormick who was primarily utilized as a third-line or fourth-line checker during his first three seasons with the Bulls, members of the Ontario Hockey League.

In his first three years in Belleville, McCormick, a Chippewa, played in 174 games and earned 57 points (20 goals, 37 assists).

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Mohawk motivational speaker Quincy Mack teaches young people to set challenging goals for themselves. The Brantford man recently delivered his "dare to be different" message to a student assembly at Wasse Abin High School on Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve.

A self-described "motivational entertainer," QMack, as he is known, has toured more than 200 schools to amuse and educate youngsters. His stated mission is to "empower" youth to build personal confidence and to withstand bullying.