Page 5

Tansi, ahnee and hello.

There is a warm wind this morning. Outside my window there is much to see and feel. Old Man Winter has retreated and the racket of the birds against the deep blue of the morning sky is in itself a relief from the recent cold. Springtime teases from the shadows.

Christmas has come and gone. For me it was a quiet time spent in the comfort of my small apartment pondering the meaning of this time of year.

Page 4

Statistics don't lie.

The death rate among Canada's Indian population is three times the national average for Indian people under the age of 35.

Statistics Canada reports, however, that during an eight-year period from 1978to 1986, the annual death rate among Indians in Canada fell from 11.8 deaths per 1,000 people in 1978 to nine deaths per 1,000 in 1986.

But as the report indicates, that's still 1.5 times higher than the average Canadian.

Page 4

Statistics don't lie.

The death rate among Canada's Indian population is three times the national average for Indian people under the age of 35.

Statistics Canada reports, however, that during an eight-year period from 1978to 1986, the annual death rate among Indians in Canada fell from 11.8 deaths per 1,000 people in 1978 to nine deaths per 1,000 in 1986.

But as the report indicates, that's still 1.5 times higher than the average Canadian.

Page 4

Statistics don't lie.

The death rate among Canada's Indian population is three times the national average for Indian people under the age of 35.

Statistics Canada reports, however, that during an eight-year period from 1978to 1986, the annual death rate among Indians in Canada fell from 11.8 deaths per 1,000 people in 1978 to nine deaths per 1,000 in 1986.

But as the report indicates, that's still 1.5 times higher than the average Canadian.

Page 4

Statistics don't lie.

The death rate among Canada's Indian population is three times the national average for Indian people under the age of 35.

Statistics Canada reports, however, that during an eight-year period from 1978to 1986, the annual death rate among Indians in Canada fell from 11.8 deaths per 1,000 people in 1978 to nine deaths per 1,000 in 1986.

But as the report indicates, that's still 1.5 times higher than the average Canadian.

Page 3

A Sturgeon Lake land claim settlement only needs the signature of Indian Affairs Minister Pierre Cadieux and his provincial counterpart.

The pact, which was approved in principle by both governments over a year ago, was given final approval just before Christmas.

The nearby Whitefish Lake Band has received a similar land claim settlement worth $19.9 million and more than 5,500 acres with the Canada Treasury Board expected to be ratified on January 8.

Page 3

A Sturgeon Lake land claim settlement only needs the signature of Indian Affairs Minister Pierre Cadieux and his provincial counterpart.

The pact, which was approved in principle by both governments over a year ago, was given final approval just before Christmas.

The nearby Whitefish Lake Band has received a similar land claim settlement worth $19.9 million and more than 5,500 acres with the Canada Treasury Board expected to be ratified on January 8.

Page 3

A Sturgeon Lake land claim settlement only needs the signature of Indian Affairs Minister Pierre Cadieux and his provincial counterpart.

The pact, which was approved in principle by both governments over a year ago, was given final approval just before Christmas.

The nearby Whitefish Lake Band has received a similar land claim settlement worth $19.9 million and more than 5,500 acres with the Canada Treasury Board expected to be ratified on January 8.

Page 3

A Sturgeon Lake land claim settlement only needs the signature of Indian Affairs Minister Pierre Cadieux and his provincial counterpart.

The pact, which was approved in principle by both governments over a year ago, was given final approval just before Christmas.

The nearby Whitefish Lake Band has received a similar land claim settlement worth $19.9 million and more than 5,500 acres with the Canada Treasury Board expected to be ratified on January 8.

Page 3

Edmonton Police Services won't be laying any charges in connection with a possible theft of money from the Zone 4 Regional Office of the Metis Association of Alberta.

"There's not enough evidence to lay charges," said Det. Jim Westergard, who headed the investigation.

The police were asked in November by the MAA to look into the situation after some money went missing.

"I don't know if it's unaccounted for or sloppy bookkeeping," said Westergard, who concluded his investigation and reported his findings to the association just before Christmas.