Page 2

Deputy Grand Chief Raymond Ferris of Nishnawbe Aski Nation attended the first-ever Permanent Forum on Indigenous Peoples in New York.

Delegates from around the world met to discuss the many issues facing Indigenous peoples from all continents. The forum has been described as a historical first step in addressing future Indigenous issues.

Ferris delivered his speech to the delegation focusing on the hardships the NAN has had in relation to Aboriginal and treaty rights, resource development, consultation and government relations.

Page 2

Pikangikum First Nation Elders were in a Winnipeg court room in May, attempting to convince the federal court to return control of the band's affairs to the community.

The remote First Nation located in northwestern Ontario lost the right to manage themselves last year, when Indian and Northern affairs decided to appoint an outside administrator.

Page 19

For the past 11 years a number of the Edmonton Eskimo Football Players have taken part in a program called Stay in School. The program is designed to at use the players as role models to spread the message that being in school and staying in school is important. On May 14, more than 100 students in grades 4, 5 and 6 listened as Henry Williams, Jed Roberts and Rob Harrod of the Edmonton Eskimos spoke on the importance of education.

Page 18

People are invited to bring their drums, their songs, their voices, and their support on June 21 to a rally for all residential school survivors and their families. The rally will take place at the Alberta Legislature at 11 a.m. and will follow with a march through the downtown area to the Indian Affairs office at Canada Place.

Page 17

Joe Courterielle has an amazing story to tell. The man from Alexander First Nation shared the details of his life at the National First Nations Child and Family Services Conference held in Edmonton May 26 to 29.

The conference was hosted by Yellowhead Tribal Services Agency. Delegates came from across Canada and were presented with workshops, including those on traditional parenting, independent living, effective srategies for working with youth and groups, stress management and preventing abuse in foster care.

Page 15

Canada celebrated Seniors Week from June 2 to 8 and this year the Native Seniors Centre in northeast Edmonton took part and put on a number of activities.

Dancers, drummers, storytelling, handgames, a traditional dress contest, a barbecue with traditional food, singing, hand-drum making, a pancake breakfast, a Cree Mass and a heritage map and craft display were just some of the events and activities scheduled.

Page 15

Canada celebrated Seniors Week from June 2 to 8 and this year the Native Seniors Centre in northeast Edmonton took part and put on a number of activities.

Dancers, drummers, storytelling, handgames, a traditional dress contest, a barbecue with traditional food, singing, hand-drum making, a pancake breakfast, a Cree Mass and a heritage map and craft display were just some of the events and activities scheduled.

Page 12

Ever wonder what it would be like to bead, do quill work, or make fish scale art or moccasins? As part of the Native Clothing Design Program, the Northern Lakes College in Grouard will hold a full week of four courses that will show you how. Courses are set to run from July 28 to Aug. 2.

Page 12

The constitution of the Iroquois Confederacy-the Great Law of Peace-is widely recognized as one of the most democratic political structures ever conceived: it is based on principles of persuasion, compromise and consensus-building.

Before the arrival of Europeans, a number of Aboriginal groups had developed extensive trading and economic systems. Items traded included fur and silver. Wampum (beads made from polished shells) was commonly used as currency.

Page 14

For many years Aboriginal people have celebrated the summer solstice on June 21 and in 1996, former governor general, Romeo Leblanc, officially declared it National Aboriginal Day.

This declaration has given thousands of people a chance to showcase the cultures of Inuit, First Nations and Metis people across the country and recognize the contributions that the first inhabitants of Canada have made.