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Chief Simon Lucas, Klah-kisht-ke-is, best known for his instrumental role in restoring the Hesquiaht band after a devastating tidal wave in 1963, was awarded an honorary degree at the University of British Columbia spring convocation for his continued contribution to both the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.

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First Nations Creations Co-operative Art Gallery in Vancouver opened June 5 with an exhibition titled the Spirit of Traditions, which will run through August 3, 2002. The exhibition is based on the traditions of mask carving and totem poles. Feature artists include co-op members Gerry Sheena and Curtis Miller, and Mike Dangeli from the House of Culture.

The gallery's mandate is to support emerging First Nations artists and their work in a venue that showcases for the public the artists' role in the creative process.

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The Gilda's Box of Treasures theatre is open this month for another exciting season of award-winning performances. The Weiwaikum Cultural Society, which operates the small Native dance theatre, recently was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year, at the annual Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards.

"This season we look forward to building on last year's successes-I'm really excited at what we have to offer the travelling public, as well as the residents of the Campbell River area," said administrator and marketing director Jason Wilson.

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The second annual Talking Stick Festival presented by Full Circle: First Nations Performances will be held at the Fire Hall Arts Centre and the Vancouver Art Gallery June 17 to 23.

Talking sticks, eagle feathers and stones have always been an integral part of Aboriginal gatherings. Anyone who wished to speak can be heard without interruption and with respect. This is the creative thinking that Margo Kane, Full Circle's artistic director, had in mind when she developed the Talking Stick, along with Kevin Loring and Lisa Ravensburgen.

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The Federal government is withholding nearly $5 million in funding that was destined for Aboriginal homeless shelters, causing the closure of many essential services and programs utilized by Aboriginal people.

This comes at a time when Claudette Bradshaw, federal Minister of Multiculturalism and Status of Women announced the opening of a new homeless shelter in Vancouver in May. The new Covenant House funding was provided through a non-Aboriginal federal funding program.

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What is it like for a mother and daughter to participate in the largest Aboriginal sports event in Canadian history? Ask Kathy Jones, a Chippewa of Nawash First Nations athlete, fundraiser and organizer.

Kathy, a volleyball player and daycare centre supervisor, and 11 other Nawash athletes, including Kathy's teenaged daughter Brittany, will be competing in the 2002 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) in Winnipeg from July 25 to August 4.

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Tony Belcourt, president of the Metis Nation of Ontario, has pledged to send one fully funded staff member to work with the United Nations. The pledge is equal to $100,000 per year going towards the United Nations permanent forum on Indigenous issues.

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The sole owner and operator of the newly minted Rez Bluez Productions, Elaine Bomberry, said that 10 years ago she would never have envisioned herself owning her own multimedia production company.

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Featured on the CD cover of the album, Skintight Blues: First Peoples' Blues Compilation, is a beefy-faced, barrel-chested guy blowing on a saxophone, with a string of colorful beads flowing from him like musical notes.

It's an apt cover, representing how the harmony between the Native experience and the blues musical tradition draws many talented Native musicians into playing rhythm and blues.

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There was a special moment in the audience's exuberant applause for world championship hoop dancer Lisa Odjig's performance-a moment when an incredible bond of respect and admiration for Lisa and the other Native female performing artists united both audience and performers.

The audience, an eclectic mix of Native and non-Native people, were gathered to watch Lisa and the others showcase their talents at the Red Spring Sisters' concert in the Glenn Gould studio in Toronto May 24.