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Sara Beaudry-Pitawanakwat has served as a positive role model for First Nations youth for the past dozen years. She has often performed as a trail-blazer, but never before has the significance of her role struck so close to home.

In her recent bid for medals at the fifth North American Indigenous Games, her son Alwyn was in the stands cheering her on. At the impressionable age of 11 he was thrilled to witness the opening ceremonies and watch his mother compete against runners and jumpers from all over the continent.

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From the opening ceremonies at the North American Indigenous Games in Winnipeg July 28, to the closing ceremonies on August 4, thousands of athletes, volunteers, and spectators shared in the excitement, exuberance and team spirit that was evident throughout the 11-day sporting event. At any time of day, hundreds of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit youth on Winnipeg streets and at the sporting events were visible by their colorful tracksuits, representing their traditional territories, cultures and sport.

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When Lisa Odjig was a teenager in Wikwemikong, Manitoulin Island, she wasn't sure what she wanted to do with her life, but she knew it wouldn't involve hoop dancing.

The 27-year-old, who went on to win the World Championship Hoop Dance Competition in 2000 in Phoenix Ariz., reluctantly began hoop dancing at 16 when an uncle urged her to take up the art.

"I kept telling him I didn't want to do it, but as soon as I tried it I was hooked," laughs the tall, lithe Odawa/Ojibway woman.

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Wellness is not just a buzz word for health promotion specialists in the Manitoulin Island district. They have issued a serious challenge to sedentary employees or fitness procrastinators.

The Manitoulin First Nation Triathlon is scheduled for Sept. 21, according to Peggy McGregor of the Noojmowin Teg Health Centre. The event will include canoeing, running and cycling on one of the most beautiful courses in the country.

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The Wikwemikong competiton powwow on Manitoulin Island continues to draw visitors from throughout Turtle Island because it consistently includes culture.

According to Peggy Pitawanakwat, one of three masters of ceremonies presiding over the 2002 event, "Traditional aspects are included in the planning for both the participants and the audience. This powwow is by far the largest cultural event in our community. It allows family and friends to get together and it also lets visitors share the beauty in our culture."

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"Honouring Our Children" was the theme for Whitefish Lake First Nation's fourteenth annual traditional powwow held July 27 and 28. Whitefish Lake is just west of Sudbury.

Even with humidex temperatures soaring into the thirties, the turnout was excellent. At least seven drums and 100 dancers braved the high heat and hot sun on Saturday to dance.

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Between 400 and 500 people, mostly Elders, attended what was at least the tenth and possibly the fifteenth annual Elders Picnic, which was hosted this year by the Dokis First Nation on the shores of the French River July 25. The picnic was sponsored by the Dokis Health Centre.

"Christmas in July" was the theme for this year's picnic.

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The residents of Bear Island, Temagami First Nation and the nearby town of Temagami launched the Temagami Community Foundation on Bear Island on July 28.

The Temagami Community Foundation has been in the works since February of 1999.

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The appointment of Ontario's first Aboriginal lieutenant governor is a morale boost for First Nations communities throughout the province. James K. Bartleman included Manitoulin Island on his recent goodwill tour of Northern Ontario.

"I have never had the pleasure of visiting Manitoulin before," he said. "I am very happy to visit the largest fresh water island in the world, this island named after the Great Spirit."

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Deadline for nominations for the third Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships award is Sept. 16.

David Young, attorney general and minister responsible for Native affairs, will decide this year's award recipients based on recommendations from the province's Working Partnerships Advisory Committee. The committee is made up of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal corporate sector individuals.