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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.

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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."

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Keith Duggan says that in his three decades of policing in Edmonton he has watched Aboriginal people deal with the problems in their communities, and more effectively create positive change than any other ethnic group in the city.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Things are definitely looking up for High Prairie youth looking for a place to hang out, become active in their community and have fun.

It was an evening the town's young people had long anticipated when the Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centre Grand Opening officially took place Feb. 15. The celebration took place in the High Prairie Native Friendship Centre.

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Five years of unstinting giving to the cause of youth and the sport of minor hockey has caught up with Irvin Willier. A few weeks ago, AATCO Gas presented Willier with its Volunteer Appreciation Award during the final games of Minor Hockey Week in the Agricom.

"I enjoy working with the kids," said Willier. "They show it on their faces that they're having fun, and it's all worth it after you see that look."