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A year of hard work by students at the faculty of law, University of Toronto, paid off on the evening of Nov. 25. The occasion was the launch of the Indigenous Law Journal, a student-run publication.

The dean, students, professors, and a crowd of about 100 gathered for a reception in the Rowell Room at the law school's Flavelle House. Drumming, speeches and a table of fine foods made up the celebration. Copies of the first issue of the law journal were proudly on display and a banner with the law journal's logo hung behind the speaker's podium.

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Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Vernon Roote and Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Robert Nault signed an education self-government agreement-in-principle (AIP) Nov. 29. This is the largest agreement on education ever signed, and one of only two in Ontario. It was endorsed by 27 of the 43 Anishinabek First Nations covering a large portion of the province.

The other AIP was signed by eight Fort Frances area First Nations on Nov. 12.

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Faron Johns has a tough time explaining his success.

The 49-year-old is the lead singer and songwriter for the Pappy Johns Band, which stole the spotlight by winning four trophies at the fourth annual Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards held on Nov. 28 at Toronto's SkyDome.

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OTTAWA-At the University of Ottawa Community Legal Clinic's first award dinner, Elder William Commanda accepted the Aboriginal Justice Award from Ontario's Lt.-Gov. James K. Bartleman on Nov. 14.

This year's gala was called, in English, Honouring the Work Towards Aboriginal Justice.

Commanda is the 89-year-old Algonquin Elder from Kitigan Zibi, Que. who has contributed to the advancement of Aboriginal justice.

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Dear Editor:

For someone who was not aware of the existence of Birchbark newspaper, I certainly was not prepared for its introduction! And what a pleasant one at that, to find myself on the front page of your wonderful newspaper. [November issue]

I read with interest all the articles, and found them most informative, and the paper itself, extremely professional and well put together. Kathleen Orth has really captured my special day, a day that I will carry in my heart for the rest of my life.

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CORNWALL ISLAND-The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC), formed in 1995 to promote more accessible and equitable sport and recreation opportunities for Aboriginal peoples, awaits nominees for its two awards: one for an Aboriginal athlete and one for an Aboriginal coach.

The ASC is a collective of Aboriginal sport bodies from across the country and that now bills itself as "Canada's national voice for Aboriginal sport."

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One might wonder how a shy girl from the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation (Saskatchewan) won the 2002 Lincoln M. Alexander Award. This award recognizes youths who demonstrate leadership in promoting racial harmony and eliminating discrimination in their schools or community.

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The Nikanihaw Aboriginal Leadership Aquatic Program in Edmonton is training 20 Aboriginal youth between the ages of 16 to 25 to be swimming instructors.

Held at the Grand Trunk Fitness & Leisure Centre every Wednesday evening, the program is funded by the City of Edmonton, Canadian Heritage and the Amiskwaciy Academy.

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Romeo Crow Chief's workshop at the ninth annual Knowing Our Spirits conference was a series of exercises for the participants to help them set personal goals.

At the root of the exercises was a discovery, however, of how our reaction to our past will determine our future.

In his workshop, Crow Chief discussed a variety of topics, including family planning, community or organizational planning, personal inspiration and disillusionment.

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A two-day workshop designed for Aboriginal parents seeking help in their journey to wellness was held at the Kapawe'no First Nation Band office on Nov. 29 and 30. The workshop provided community members with information about planning and strengthening their family life.

Presented by the Loussa Counselling Centre in Edmonton and Grouard Social Development, it was facilitated by Melinda-Hollis Banszky.