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Ben Cardinal: Putting truth behind the stereotype

Page 9

Ben Cardinal, a Metis originally from Lac la Biche, first began acting when he was only 10 years-old.

As a child he had this restless energy and a "big mouth" which sometimes got him into trouble, he recalls. His teacher thought drama was the way to harness that energy and he told young Ben about a school play and the role of Tom Sawyer.

"I think I was the first Native Tom Sawyer in Canada," he chuckles.

It was that first role which made Cardinal decide he wanted to make a living as an actor.

Ben Cardinal: Putting truth behind the stereotype

Page 9

Ben Cardinal, a Metis originally from Lac la Biche, first began acting when he was only 10 years-old.

As a child he had this restless energy and a "big mouth" which sometimes got him into trouble, he recalls. His teacher thought drama was the way to harness that energy and he told young Ben about a school play and the role of Tom Sawyer.

"I think I was the first Native Tom Sawyer in Canada," he chuckles.

It was that first role which made Cardinal decide he wanted to make a living as an actor.

Ben Cardinal: Putting truth behind the stereotype

Page 9

Ben Cardinal, a Metis originally from Lac la Biche, first began acting when he was only 10 years-old.

As a child he had this restless energy and a "big mouth" which sometimes got him into trouble, he recalls. His teacher thought drama was the way to harness that energy and he told young Ben about a school play and the role of Tom Sawyer.

"I think I was the first Native Tom Sawyer in Canada," he chuckles.

It was that first role which made Cardinal decide he wanted to make a living as an actor.

Ben Cardinal: Putting truth behind the stereotype

Page 9

Ben Cardinal, a Metis originally from Lac la Biche, first began acting when he was only 10 years-old.

As a child he had this restless energy and a "big mouth" which sometimes got him into trouble, he recalls. His teacher thought drama was the way to harness that energy and he told young Ben about a school play and the role of Tom Sawyer.

"I think I was the first Native Tom Sawyer in Canada," he chuckles.

It was that first role which made Cardinal decide he wanted to make a living as an actor.

Laura Vinson named female artist of the year

Page 9

Metis country-pop singer Laura Vinson received a standing ovation from her peers Jan. 28 at the Alberta Recording Industry Association Awards (ARIA) ceremonies when she was named Female Recording Artist of the Year.

She also won Music Score of the Year for 'Paint Me A Story', which she wrote for an ACCESS Network TV film. The ceremonies were broadcast live from Edmonton by Shaw Cable.

A visibly-surprised Vinson beat out last year's winner -- female recording artist of the year Mary Lou Somnor -- and promising young singer Kerri Anderson.

Laura Vinson named female artist of the year

Page 9

Metis country-pop singer Laura Vinson received a standing ovation from her peers Jan. 28 at the Alberta Recording Industry Association Awards (ARIA) ceremonies when she was named Female Recording Artist of the Year.

She also won Music Score of the Year for 'Paint Me A Story', which she wrote for an ACCESS Network TV film. The ceremonies were broadcast live from Edmonton by Shaw Cable.

A visibly-surprised Vinson beat out last year's winner -- female recording artist of the year Mary Lou Somnor -- and promising young singer Kerri Anderson.

Laura Vinson named female artist of the year

Page 9

Metis country-pop singer Laura Vinson received a standing ovation from her peers Jan. 28 at the Alberta Recording Industry Association Awards (ARIA) ceremonies when she was named Female Recording Artist of the Year.

She also won Music Score of the Year for 'Paint Me A Story', which she wrote for an ACCESS Network TV film. The ceremonies were broadcast live from Edmonton by Shaw Cable.

A visibly-surprised Vinson beat out last year's winner -- female recording artist of the year Mary Lou Somnor -- and promising young singer Kerri Anderson.

Laura Vinson named female artist of the year

Page 9

Metis country-pop singer Laura Vinson received a standing ovation from her peers Jan. 28 at the Alberta Recording Industry Association Awards (ARIA) ceremonies when she was named Female Recording Artist of the Year.

She also won Music Score of the Year for 'Paint Me A Story', which she wrote for an ACCESS Network TV film. The ceremonies were broadcast live from Edmonton by Shaw Cable.

A visibly-surprised Vinson beat out last year's winner -- female recording artist of the year Mary Lou Somnor -- and promising young singer Kerri Anderson.

Tunnel vision hurts backers of flawed Meech Lake accord

Page 6

While Canada's First Nations are left in the wings, the courtship of Quebec continues.

Politicians are panicking at the prospect the Meech Lake Accord won't be ratified by the June 23 deadline.

They suffer from incurable tunnel vision and are refusing to accept the accord is fatally flawed and should be trashed.

The Meech Lake accord would recognize Quebec as a distinct society, paving the way for Quebec to sign the 1982 Constitution Act.