Page 8

The sinking sun's red light splits the western sky as night draws around the tea dance ring at Second Prairie on the Assumption Reserve, 90 km. west of High Level.

In the darkness, young people move from the outer fence of the circle to join the ring of dancers moving around the fire. The flames light up their excited faces as they step in time to the pulsing beat of the drums.

Page 8

The sinking sun's red light splits the western sky as night draws around the tea dance ring at Second Prairie on the Assumption Reserve, 90 km. west of High Level.

In the darkness, young people move from the outer fence of the circle to join the ring of dancers moving around the fire. The flames light up their excited faces as they step in time to the pulsing beat of the drums.

Page 6

Changes for Native people and their culture began during the days of European exploration and the fur trade. As Europeans moved westward they introduced their money, alcohol, religion and residential schooled to Native people. Over the years Native people became bi-cultural.

Traditionally all elders received tobacco for their wisdom and healing. But if someone wanted to give away food, horses, buffalo robes or blankets, the gifts were accepted.

Page 5

Tansi, ahnee and hello.

In the beginning before time, there was no man. The animal people came together on the face of Mother Earth. All across the land there was a great spirit of cooperation, harmony and balance. The animal people talked with each other and shared their secrets.

Only Father Sun and Mother Earth were put above anything else in the way the animal people regarded their world. They recognized that Father Sun and Mother Earth were the great life givers.

Page 3

After rising steadily for the previous six years, the Native suicide rate dropped sharply in Alberta in 1988.

But the number of suicides recorded in Edmonton took a sudden jump to 15, more than double the seven suicides recorded in 1987. Calgary had only two Native suicides in 1988 and four in 1987.

More Native suicides have occurred in the capital city than Calgary ever since 1981. In fact in that year and again in 1985 there were no Native suicides in Calgary while Edmonton had seven and 10 respectively.

Page 3

After rising steadily for the previous six years, the Native suicide rate dropped sharply in Alberta in 1988.

But the number of suicides recorded in Edmonton took a sudden jump to 15, more than double the seven suicides recorded in 1987. Calgary had only two Native suicides in 1988 and four in 1987.

More Native suicides have occurred in the capital city than Calgary ever since 1981. In fact in that year and again in 1985 there were no Native suicides in Calgary while Edmonton had seven and 10 respectively.

Page 3

After rising steadily for the previous six years, the Native suicide rate dropped sharply in Alberta in 1988.

But the number of suicides recorded in Edmonton took a sudden jump to 15, more than double the seven suicides recorded in 1987. Calgary had only two Native suicides in 1988 and four in 1987.

More Native suicides have occurred in the capital city than Calgary ever since 1981. In fact in that year and again in 1985 there were no Native suicides in Calgary while Edmonton had seven and 10 respectively.

Page 3

After rising steadily for the previous six years, the Native suicide rate dropped sharply in Alberta in 1988.

But the number of suicides recorded in Edmonton took a sudden jump to 15, more than double the seven suicides recorded in 1987. Calgary had only two Native suicides in 1988 and four in 1987.

More Native suicides have occurred in the capital city than Calgary ever since 1981. In fact in that year and again in 1985 there were no Native suicides in Calgary while Edmonton had seven and 10 respectively.

Page 2

An upcoming health conference in Edmonton should help Treaty 6 Indians understand more fully their treaty health rights.

"We do try to open some eyes," said Jerome Yellowdirt, Treaty 6 community health liaison officer with the Alberta Indian Health Care Commission.

"Health is a treaty right and there's a lot of areas people don't understand. Hopefully at this conference they'll understand exactly what health is all about," he said.

Page 2

An upcoming health conference in Edmonton should help Treaty 6 Indians understand more fully their treaty health rights.

"We do try to open some eyes," said Jerome Yellowdirt, Treaty 6 community health liaison officer with the Alberta Indian Health Care Commission.

"Health is a treaty right and there's a lot of areas people don't understand. Hopefully at this conference they'll understand exactly what health is all about," he said.