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The fifth annual SaskTel Aboriginal Youth Awards were held at Saskatoon's Centennial Auditorium on Oct. 25, once again recognizing and rewarding the outstanding achievements of First Nations and Metis teenagers from across the province. In partnership with the Wicihitowin Foundation, and supported by dozens of corporate and community organizations, the gala event demonstrated the immense talents of Saskatchewan's young people, and their commitment to building a stronger and more prosperous future for all of Saskatchewan's Aboriginal people.

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Wherever they may live across the province, Saskatchewan residents suffering from addiction to drugs or alcohol can turn to the Metis Addictions Council of Saskatchewan Inc. (MACSI) for help to find inner peace and freedom.

"Although our services target Metis and First Nation peoples, the Council's services are open to all citizens of the province," said George McBeth, executive director of MACSI.

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The Canadian and Saskatchewan governments are each putting $10 million over five years into a fund aimed at strengthening and diversifying the northern Saskatchewan economy.

The Canada-Saskatchewan Northern Development Agreement will provide opportunities for northerners to improve infrastructure, training and education, and increase research and business investment.

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Fort Qu'Appelle residents, and many within Saskatchewan's Aboriginal community, gathered together on Oct. 29 to commemorate the life of Peter Dubois.

The long-time Aboriginal activist died Oct. 24 in a car crash at the intersection of Highway 10 and the Avonhurst grid road.

The car Dubois was in was rear-ended, and then rolled into the ditch and burst into flames.

The next day, somber staff at the Qu'Appelle Valley Friendship Centre (QVFC) remembered Dubois as a man of vision, and of action.

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If you know a Metis youth who you think should have their accomplishments recognized, then the Metis National Council (MNC) would like to hear from you.

The MNC is accepting nominations for the National Metis Youth Role Model Program 2003, but with a nomination deadline of Dec. 16, time is running out.

The program is designed both to recognize the efforts of outstanding Metis youth, and to provide role models to inspire other Metis youth across the country.

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Cumberland House is benefiting from two recent announcements made by the provincial government that will see the community receive grants for social development programs, and funding to increase the amount of affordable housing in the area.

The Cumberland House Community Reference Panel, which works to advise Social Services on social development issues in the north, has received almost $43,000 in provincial government grants to help it continue its work.

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There will be no change in the executive of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) following an election for the positions of second and fourth vice chief.

Both incumbent candidates were successful in their re-election bid, with Guy Lonechild of Whitebear First Nation retaining the office of second vice chief, and Joseph Lawrence of Big River First Nation returning as fourth vice chief.

Both incumbents won the election handily, with Lonechild capturing 77 per cent of voter support, and Lawrence getting the nod on 80 per cent of ballots cast.

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The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) annual Cultural Celebration and Powwow took place from Oct. 18 to 20 at Saskatoon's SaskPlace, drawing dancers, singers and spectators from across North America.

One of the largest events of its kind anywhere in the world, the powwow attracted hundreds of participants, and hundreds more turned out to watch the pageantry and passion of the dancers, and to learn more about the rich heritage of First Nations people.

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Fran Brown is sitting on a bench under a tent-like canopy waiting to enter the sweat lodge. She is in week four of a five-week residential program at the Tsow-Tun le lum treatment centre on Vancouver Island called Qual-aun or "moving beyond the trauma of our past." Brown, 51, has a history of verbal and sexual abuse that lasted for most of her childhood. At Tsow-Tun le lum she has started to come to grips with her pain for the first time.