Page 9

Historic Fort Carlton sits in a picturesque valley of unbroken green - a carpet of unsullied grass stretches away from its high log walls to the stands of majestic trees that encircle the vast clearing. Basking in the lush surroundings, feeling the blazing sun beating down from the crystal clear sky, and breathing the purifying air, it is easy to let one's mind drift back into a past that now exists only in memory and imagination.

Page 9

Historic Fort Carlton sits in a picturesque valley of unbroken green - a carpet of unsullied grass stretches away from its high log walls to the stands of majestic trees that encircle the vast clearing. Basking in the lush surroundings, feeling the blazing sun beating down from the crystal clear sky, and breathing the purifying air, it is easy to let one's mind drift back into a past that now exists only in memory and imagination.

Page 7

Blessed with a quick wit and engaging personality, Lee Mason makes no bones about how he knows about the dark side of society.

When he's asked for a mug shot for a newspaper article, he quipped, "you can find better mug shots of me at the police station."

But the First Nations man from Welland, Ont. renounced a life of crime three decades ago. He now spends ten months of the year educating young Aboriginal people about the best way to stay out of detox, out of the courts, out of jail, out of trouble.

Page 7

Blessed with a quick wit and engaging personality, Lee Mason makes no bones about how he knows about the dark side of society.

When he's asked for a mug shot for a newspaper article, he quipped, "you can find better mug shots of me at the police station."

But the First Nations man from Welland, Ont. renounced a life of crime three decades ago. He now spends ten months of the year educating young Aboriginal people about the best way to stay out of detox, out of the courts, out of jail, out of trouble.

Page 6

There's another chief on the Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation. But Chief Mel Isnana doesn't mind at all.

Isnana and about 50 band members spent a Friday afternoon watching seven other band members - Tim Yuzicappi, Dione Yuzicappi, Greg Yuzicappi, Aaron Yuzicappi, Trevelen Yuzicappi, Nadine Deegan and Nelson Goodwill- fight a structure fire on an abandoned house on the reserve.

This was their final exercise before graduating from a 160-hour course to become level one firefighters.

Page 6

There's another chief on the Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation. But Chief Mel Isnana doesn't mind at all.

Isnana and about 50 band members spent a Friday afternoon watching seven other band members - Tim Yuzicappi, Dione Yuzicappi, Greg Yuzicappi, Aaron Yuzicappi, Trevelen Yuzicappi, Nadine Deegan and Nelson Goodwill- fight a structure fire on an abandoned house on the reserve.

This was their final exercise before graduating from a 160-hour course to become level one firefighters.

Page 5

Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation Chief Mel Isnana and Keeseekoose First Nation Chief Ted Quewezance have a message for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC): See you in court.

At a press conference in Regina at the end of August, Isnana announced that his First Nation would launch court action against INAC, saying the government department won't provide adequate funding for its Lakeview Lodge personal care home.

Page 5

Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation Chief Mel Isnana and Keeseekoose First Nation Chief Ted Quewezance have a message for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC): See you in court.

At a press conference in Regina at the end of August, Isnana announced that his First Nation would launch court action against INAC, saying the government department won't provide adequate funding for its Lakeview Lodge personal care home.

Page 4

There is a brand new sense of vitality, energy and enthusiasm in the air at the Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre (LNFC), due in no small part to new staff members Lawrence Gervais, Kelly Zacharias and Rhonda Smith, and their innovative programming for Aboriginal youth in the Border City.

Record numbers of teens are finding their way to the LNFC, from the city, surrounding towns and nearby reserves.

Page 4

There is a brand new sense of vitality, energy and enthusiasm in the air at the Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre (LNFC), due in no small part to new staff members Lawrence Gervais, Kelly Zacharias and Rhonda Smith, and their innovative programming for Aboriginal youth in the Border City.

Record numbers of teens are finding their way to the LNFC, from the city, surrounding towns and nearby reserves.