Page 3

The Native Outreach Association of Alberta has closed its Fort McMurray regional office, effective March 31, 1987. The decision to terminate career and employment services in Fort McMurray is due to the latest financial cutback of $67,569. This cutback has forced the Association's Board of Directors to act promptly alleviating some uncertainties within the organization.

Page 3

Weaselchild bitter about government 'tactics'

"The government is deliberately trying to break the Alberta Native Womens' Association by using its "old tactics of divide and conquer," said an angry President Donna Weaselchild speaking before more than 30 delegates at the Region 5 annual general meeting April 5.

Page 4

Leory Soosay, a child welfare worker for the Samson Band and a cousin of suicide victim Pamela Soosay, has an interesting theory about how and why children are becoming lost souls. Their situation he says is precipitated due to the influence of a materialistic society in which bingo has become an obsession.

Soosay says, "I'd like to tell the world that we're having a big problem. I know it." He claims that the incidence of alcohol abuse has diminished but that other evils have taken its place.

Page 6

Guest Editorial

Over the years some major Native organizations have devoted little other than lip service towards tow vital needs ? culture and education ? of its clientele.

While space does not allow this writer to address both subjects, I would like to at least address the one of culture.

Page 7

The third annual convention of the Native American Press Association (NAPA) held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, saw "Windspeaker" walk away with eight first place excellence in journalism categories out of 13 offered in the competitions, April 8-11.

Windspeaker's brightest moment shone when it captured first place for Overall Excellence, as a weekly newspaper. This prestigious award was won by the newspaper twice, doing it once before in 1985, and now for 1987.

In 1986, Windspeaker failed to meet the deadline for entries to the NAPA competitions.

Page 7

Dear Editor:

What is the criteria for membership in the Metis Association of Alberta? I had the opportunity to attend the Annual Assembly of the Metis Association of Alberta on the weekend of March 14 and 15, 1987. This specific issue was brought to light on the first day of the assembly.

Page 33

Windspeaker is proud to announce the input of a new columnist, Boye Ladd. Ladd will be sending us copy every week while he travels the Powwow Trails across North America.

Boye Ladd is an American Indian and has his family ties in the state of Wisconsin. His traditional roots stem from the Winnebago (Hochungra being the tribal name).

Boye Ladd is a dancer and a qualified historian on Indian dances of North America.

Page 33

Scholarship fund named after Goodstriker

A University of Lethbridge Blood Indian graduate, Joyce Goodstriker, had the establishment of a scholarship fund named after her, at the Native Awareness Powwow held here, March 28.

The powwow was held in recognition of past U of L Native graduates who were given certificates of merit for their academic achievements by NASA ? the Native American Students' Association at the U of L.

Page 32

Another Native art exhibition of approximately 150 separate works is being displayed until April 11 at the Manulife Building in downtown Edmonton. Opened on March 26, the exhibit is sponsored by the Strathcona Rotary Club which encourages independent business.

While the display features a predominance of art by Ojibway Roy Thomas and Metis Morris Cardinal, it does provide a good cross section of artwork by 11 others including artist-sculptor Brian Clark,

Page 18

One of the first missionaries to the Indian and Metis people of northern Alberta was himself, an Indian.

Henry Bird Steinhauer's life, both before and after he became a missionary, makes an interesting story. It is a story that his descendants love to tell, including great-great grandson Ralph Steinhauer, the former lieutenant-governor of Alberta.

In an interview with "Windspeaker", the 82 year old former Queen's representative, shared some facts and stories about his illustrious ancestor.