Page 13

The top entertainment story to come out of Cape Breton lately is the quick rise of the Mi'kmaq rock band Forever. The rock band has been together for only a year-and-a-half, but within this group of musicians there are decades of combined experience, strong song writing capability, great musicianship, and vast road experience.

Page 12

The federal budget saw $35 million set aside for First Nations education over the next two years and the minister's working group's report will have a lot of influence on how it's spent, the Indian Affairs minister said.

Page 10

Ric Dolphin is no longer an employee of the Calgary Herald, confirmed the paper's editor-in-chief Peter Menzies.

Dolphin was censured by the Alberta Press Council (APC) on Feb. 4 for two columns about Native society published in the Herald that were found to lack balance, credibility and crossed the boundaries of fair comment.

Menzies would not comment on whether Dolphin was fired or left of his own volition, but did report that the columnist was gone within days of the APC decision.

Dolphin could not be reached for comment.

Page 10

The Calgary Herald erred in publishing two Ric Dolphin columns containing negative comments about Native people, the Alberta Press Council (APC) ruled on Feb. 7.

Dolphin wrote that reserves were "nests of hopelessness . . . the road to hell . . . and a society in shambles." There were many other statements in the columns that the complainants found offensive.

Complaints to the 16-member APC were filed by Mitzi Brown of Toronto and Sue Keedwell of Kitchener, Ont.

Page 9

Ron Phillips has been told he owes the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) almost $90,000 in taxes for training he provided to on-reserve First Nations people who are tax exempt.

R.S. Phillips & Associates provides training in the area of First Nation education and health. The company organizes two large conferences called Effective Strategies every year in Winnipeg. They also provide training/workshops on reserve.

Page 8

John Melenchuk said his complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission about Saskatoon Member of Parliament Jim Pankiw is going to mediation.

Pankiw outraged many people-Native and non-Native alike-in December when he dipped into his MPs communication fund to produce and mail out a pamphlet to his constituents entitled Stop Indian Crime.

Page 7

Dear Editor:

At this time, the Nicotine and Moosomin families would like to thank the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards for recognizing the late Art Moosomin for his drum song album, One More Time, and for honoring him with the best album award.

We would like thank Ted Whitecalf, manager of Sweetgrass Records, for his support in making his past albums. Also we would like to acknowledge all the singers that sang with him on the powwow trail and on the round dance circuit, both in Canada and the United States.

Page 7

Dear Editor:

What has happened to our checks and balances in our nation? Elected people that are supposed to fight for our rights seem to go into hiding when the people they profess to represent challenge them for answers.

When on the campaign trail last year, I heard everyone that ran for the Metis Nation of Alberta say that they would run an open and honest government and would be accountable to the people they represent. Gee, where have I heard that before?

Page 7

Dear Editor:

(An open letter to Minister Robert Nault-Re: Mohawk's of Akwesasne don't want a "One Man Rule" by grand chief.)

Mr. Minister: In 1763, the British government assumed responsibility to be the trustees of Indian lands and the protectors of Indian rights. The Constitution Act of 1982 has reaffirmed that the Royal Proclamation is part of Canadian constitutional law. You as minister remain responsible for the rights of the people of Akwesasne, whether you like it or not.

Page 7

Dear Editor:

I am of the First Nation Dogrib Rae Band of which you have referred to in your article ('Certainty' model causes concern, October 2002). I read with great interest with what you had to say about the agreement. You say: