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Dear Editor:

Over the past two months, the Canadian Red Cross was asked to help the residents of Conklin, Fox Lake, Peerless Lake and Trout Lake, who were evacuated to Fort McMurray, High Level and Red Earth Creek, due to the extreme forest fire conditions in northern Alberta. Red Cross assisted over 1,500 people: conducting registration of evacuees, maintaining the reception centres, and providing items such as blankets, Zeddy Bears and comfort kits to those in need.

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This resort town, nestled snugly in the heart of the mountains about an hour's drive west of Calgary, is often described as a jewel in the crown of Alberta.

One of the gem's sparkles, however, lies up a mountain road, away from the swarming of Banff's visiting population. There you'll find a quiet retreat that encourages clear thinking and creativity, self-discovery and self-expression.

It's the Banff Centre, Canada's only learning centre that is dedicated to the arts and leadership development.

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They opened for international rap artists Wu Tang Clan and Ice T. They play recreation centres in isolated northern communities. The group War Party is "Cree hip-hop straight from the reserve" and their fan base is growing across North America.

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They opened for international rap artists Wu Tang Clan and Ice T. They play recreation centres in isolated northern communities. The group War Party is "Cree hip-hop straight from the reserve" and their fan base is growing across North America.

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On July 22 more than 60 people gathered at a farm north of Hythe to witness the first firing of the Bishogama, a one-of-a-kind Japanese-style wood-fired pottery kiln.

Francis Tootoosis of Hobbema was invited to offer a traditional Aboriginal blessing for the kiln, which was designed and built by fourth generation potter Yasuo Terada of Seto, Japan.

Bibi Clement, the potter on whose farm the kiln was built, and the organizer of the International Ceramic Workshop, asked Tootoosis to do the blessing because this land once belonged to the first people.

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It's been almost two decades since Manitoba Hydro put in place its first affirmative action policy, but by no means has the corporation grown complacent about its efforts to achieve a representative workforce.

The provincial Crown corporation, which currently employs more than 4,800 people across the province, is always coming up with new ways to try to meet its employment goals for the four designated groups targeted through its employment equity practices-women, people with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and Aboriginal people.

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A decision made 25 years ago to create employment on the Peigan Nation has resulted in the First Nations' name becoming synonymous with quality craftsmanship.

"As long as I can remember, there's always been a Peigan Crafts," said Waylon Yellow Horn, who recently began his position as manager for the band-owned company.

The chief and council of the day created Peigan Crafts Ltd. as a means to combat high unemployment on the reserve and to promote craftsmanship.

"From those humble beginnings it grew to what it is now," said Yellow Horn.

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A new training video commissioned by the La Ronge Motor Hotel is not intended solely for teaching the basics of serving food and beverages in a restaurant, said hotel manager Clarence Neault. It is also intended to show these front-line service workers how they deserve to be treated-with respect.

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Growing up in northern Saskatchewan has its challenges and rewards for post-secondary students attending universities across this country. One of these students is 23-year-old Dawn Cheecham from Clearwater River Dene Nation, the daughter of Chief Roy Cheecham and Delores Cheecham.

After high school in 1997 in her community of La Loche, her dream was to enter law school. From there she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Saskatchewan and was soon accepted into the university's Native law program.

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Growing up in northern Saskatchewan has its challenges and rewards for post-secondary students attending universities across this country. One of these students is 23-year-old Dawn Cheecham from Clearwater River Dene Nation, the daughter of Chief Roy Cheecham and Delores Cheecham.

After high school in 1997 in her community of La Loche, her dream was to enter law school. From there she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Saskatchewan and was soon accepted into the university's Native law program.