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First Nations spirituality, traditional medicines and healing practices will be explored and shared on Nekaneet First Nation this month, as the community hosts its third annual First Nations International Healing and Medicines Gathering.

The gathering, held this year from Aug. 19 to 22, is co-sponsored by the First Nation and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations.

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A recent study done by researchers at the University of Saskatchewan suggests promoting better nutrition and increased physical activity for pregnant Aboriginal women could help both the women and their babies avoid developing sType 2 diabetes.

The study, conducted at the Saskatoon Royal University Hospital between January and July 1998, looked at information from 1,612 women who gave birth at the hospital and who were tested for gestational diabetes. Of that total, 252 were Aboriginal, and 1,360 were from the general population.

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His name was whispered softly and reverently in pool halls all across the country.

"That's him . . . that's Indian Joe, the guy I was telling ya about."

Such was the respect afforded one of this country's best snooker players.

Over the course of the past 50 years, he was one of pool's most feared and revered players. He was a master, a gentleman, a champion and one of the sports greatest ambassadors.

He was "Indian Joe" (Joe Big Plume), a living legend from the Tsuu T'ina First Nation located on the outskirts of Calgary.

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The day was windy and the competition brisk at King and Queen Trappers Day held at the Bonnyville Museum on July 1.

Participants competed for money and bragging rights with loon and moose call competitions, nail pounding, trap setting, and flour pack racing, as well as races with the Swede saw. A buckskin parade and jigging competitions were also part of the agenda.

The program co-ordinator for King and Queen Trappers Day was Louise Dumais.

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Beginning and ending with a lot of fireworks, the 2002 Canadian Special Olympic Summer Games saw many athletes achieve both personal and team goals.

The games were held in Prince Albert, Sask. from July 8 to 14 with athletes from all across Canada competing in the spirit of friendship and good sportsmanship.

Among the nearly 1,000 competitors at the national competition were a number of First Nations athletes from many different communities across Canada.

Among those First Nations athletes was Prince Albert's own Rose Brass.

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One of 10 stamps promoting the diversity and beauty of Canadian tourist attractions was unveiled at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump on June 21. More than 800 people took part in the events, which featured dancers, drumming, and speeches.

Chief Peter Strikes With A Gun did an opening prayer and welcomed participants. Canada Post southern Alberta area manager Clint Schaefer spoke about the stamp, which features the famous buffalo jump cliff. It was available on June 1.

Shaefer said he was proud that the site was recognized on a stamp.

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About 40 independent Aboriginal film, video and new media producers met on June 8 and 9 to create an organization that will allow them to present a united Aboriginal front in dealings with various organizations related to the film industry in Canada.

Filmmakers from all over Western Canada paid their own way to attend the two-day meeting at the Native Education Centre in Vancouver.

Page 10

In the midst of mankind's efforts to master the frontiers of science and technology, it has become oblivious to the one unadulterated resource that could direct its ultimate survival - the world's indigenous people. This was the message of renowned scientist and environmentalist David Suzuki at the Partners in Education convention last week at the Coast Terrace Inn.

During an enlightening presentation to over 500 people March 17, Suzuki slammed civilized nations for destroying the environment and threatening the pristine existence of their Aboriginal cultures.

Page 6

Provincial

Aspiring entrepreneurs no longer need an exceptional sense for success or enormous capital assets to make it in today's competitive market place. All they need is an idea, self-confidence and support, says Gord Cunningham, spokesman for Calmeadow Charitable Foundation in Toronto.

Community-based business groups are the wave of the future and the new concept is ready to pour into Alberta's Native communities, he says.

Page 7

Youth at Cold Lake are tearing down the walls of silence that surround homes where family violence is a part of everyday life.

About 50 teens - form Cold Lake, Goodfish Lake, Hobema, Lac La Biche and Pigeon Lake - gathered at the Cold Lake band hall to discuss family violence, education and the law last weekend. The reserve hosted the first-ever youth conference, Joining Hands For Our Future.