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Invitation to a celebration

Page 10

Gordon Russell, founder and mainstay of the Crystal Kids drop-in centre for youth, is inviting all the people he coached in years past to join with him in celebrating his recent appointment to the Order of Canada.

An evening with friends is planned for April 20 at Crystal Kids at 87th St. and 118 Ave. in Edmonton. Guests should plan to arrive at 5 p.m.; supper will be at 6 p.m.

Metis definition needs work

Page 10

In almost every case, a dictionary is the tool you need to define a term. This, however, is one of those rare exceptions.

Webster's Dictionary defines "Metis" as "one of mixed blood" or a "half-breed," but it's become a lot more complicated and political than that. At a recent town hall meeting in Stony Plain, the definition of "Metis" was under the microscope.

We're here too: Metis Nation

Page 9

The federal Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development got a language lesson recently.

Robert Nault was in Calgary on Feb. 28, to release his Aboriginal Progress Report.

The Metis Nation of Alberta was there, too, hoping to make a point about its inclusion.

After all, by using the word Aboriginal in his report, Nault implied that the Metis and the Inuit were affected by it.

They weren't.

"It was mainly First Nations-focused," said the vice president of Zone 1.

"(Nault) only mentioned Metis once."

Hard work leads to great result

Page 8

Tom King, a Calgary entrepreneur, is rightly proud of a labor-saving machine he has built.

He has a history of building things: King has founded three companies. Manitou in Motion is his latest.

Under the Manitou logo, King has designed and produced a robotic machine that removes fecal material from the carcasses of cattle. The invention is intended to decrease difficult manual labor in the meat packing industry.

Southern Alberta nabs top prize

Page 8

St. Mary's Construction Co. Ltd. is the 2002 recipient of the Eagle Feather Business Award of Distinction.

The Alberta Chambers of Commerce award in the category of First Nations-owned Business was presented at a banquet Feb. 28 in Calgary. The honor recognizes the company, which was sponsored by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, for successfully incorporating Native culture into its business plan and management operations.

Metis mothers demand recognition for children

Page 7

The goal is simple: Obtain 1,000 signatures on a petition and send it straight to the government of Alberta.

The Metis mothers' petition is being circulated throughout Alberta and has been receiving strong support. The group circulating the petition is calling for the identification of Metis children at birth as well as of Metis children who have been separated from their families.

North recognizes high achievers

Page 7

More than 450 people attended the 14th Annual Regional Aboriginal Recognition Awards 2002, held at the McKenzie Park Inn March 2.

Trapper, Elder, Culture, Male Youth, Female Youth, Junior Achievement, Leadership, Outstanding Athlete, Outstanding Adult Student, Art Award, Volunteer, Female Citizen, Male Citizen, and Lifetime Achievement award winners came from Anzac, Janvier, Fort McKay, Fort Chipewyan, Conklin, Gregoire Lake, and Fort McMurray.

Town comes out for carnival

Page 7

The Fort Chipewyan Winter Carnival, which was held Feb. 21 to 24, offered plenty to take part in.

From the crowning of the king and queen, to the prince and princess pageant on Thursday evening, to the jigging, moose calling, trap setting, traditional dress competitions on Friday night, the community was kept entertained throughout the four-day event.