Page 11

The Anishnaabe Bimadiziwin Cultural Learning Program, the first of its kind in southern Ontario, recently opened its doors to Native children and youth of Burleigh Falls and the surrounding area.

This unique program offers an alternative to public education for students from kindergarten to Grade 12.

The students' day begins with the boys preparing to smudge with sweetgrass, and the girls taking care of the sage before they all join in a sharing circle.

Page 10

With the forest fire season approaching, M'Tiwa-Ki Services based in Birch Island is gearing up for the battle.

Operations manager Art Jacko said his company will deploy 25 firefighting crews this spring with a total of 130 workers. The current contract with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is worth $1 million, he reported.

Page 9

While almost a century has passed since Tom Longboat began running marathons, the memory of his many victories and accomplishments has stood the test of time, making his name synonymous with outstanding athletic achievement.

Longboat, a member of the Onondaga Nation, was born on the Six Nations Reserve in 1886. He won his first marathon in 1906, and went on to win the Boston Marathon in 1907. Other highlights of his running career include representing Canada in the 1908 Olympics, and winning the world professional marathon championship in 1909.

Page 9

Once again this year, the Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) has recognized four individuals who personify what the organization is all about: developing Aboriginal athletes, coaches and community sports leaders through a holistic approach, focusing not only on developing them physically, but mentally, spiritually, and culturally as well.

The four recipients received their awards in Toronto on March 26, as part of the Canadian Sport Awards ceremonies. This is the third year the awards presentation have been part of the national event.

Page 9

The steady beat of a powwow drum filters through the gymnasium of the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto. It mingles with the sounds of kicks and punches slicing air and hitting pads.

Students gather here to learn about tradition, whether it's powwow drumming or the Korean martial art. Tae kwon do has become a familiar sight at the centre.

Page 9

Little Voice

Ruby Slipperjack

Coteau Books, $9.95

www.coteaubooks.com

Born on her father's trapline at Whitewater Lake, Ojibway writer and educator Ruby Slipperjack grew up surrounded by traditional stories and crafts.

Her office in the department of Indigenous Learning at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay has a wonderful display of the crafts she teaches her students.

Page 8

Fourteen Aboriginal people who have demonstrated remarkable achievements in their chosen fields were recognized in Winnipeg on March 10 when the ninth annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards were handed out.

This year's ceremonies saw awards given in the categories of arts and culture, business and commerce, energy, media and communications, heritage and spirituality, community development, sports, public service, and medicine. A Lifetime Achievement Award was also handed out, as well as a National Youth Award.

Page 7

On Feb. 22, the Ontario Court of Appeal lifted its year-long stay of a decision in the landmark Powley hunting rights case, and upheld the Metis right to hunt and fish for food as of Feb. 23.

"February 23rd is an historic day that all Metis will mark on their calendars," said Metis Nation of Ontario (MNO) President Tony Belcourt. "We welcome the freedom to hold our heads high as we proudly carry on our historic practice of hunting and fishing for food."

Page 7

In an effort to put an end to the annual war of words over Aboriginal fishing rights in area rivers and the Bay of Quinte, the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte have hired their first-ever Tyendinaga fishing and hunting liaison for the territory.

Brian Brant has been hired to get the fishing rights issue smoothed out, but it could be a difficult and frustrating task.

Page 7

Members of the Chippewas of Nawash and Saugeen First Nations are on the water exercising their right to a commercial fishery on Ontario's Bruce Peninsula. But a group of them has problems with the agreement they operate under. They are planning to set up their own fishing co-operative to challenge it.