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As the battle lines are drawn over resource extraction from traditional Native lands, it appears the unity that First Nation people in the province of British Columbia have been searching for has become a reality.

In a region where Native politics have traditionally been split, frequently with great animosity, along the line of those who support the idea of treaty-making with the province and those who don't, all the factions have been united behind the actions of one Interior band.

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Convictions against Donald Marshall, Jr. for illegal fishing were erased when the Supreme Court of Canada rendered its decision on his appeal on Sept. 17.

Since that decision was handed down, East Coast Aboriginal fishermen have taken to the waters to take advantage of their newly-recognized treaty rights, causing a certain amount of consternation in the fishing industry in the region. Native leaders are now meeting with government officials and industry leaders to reassure them that Native fishermen will respect conservation measures.

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When the 2001 National Aboriginal Achievement Awards are handed out in Edmonton on March 16, Dr. Freda Ahenakew will be among those being honored.

Ahenakew was selected as this year's recipient in the education category, in recognition of her work in Native language curriculum development.

Ahenakew adds her award to a long list of honors, including Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Citizen of the Year in 1992, an honorary doctor of Laws degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1997, and the Order of Canada in 1999.

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When the 2001 National Aboriginal Achievement Awards are handed out in Edmonton on March 16, Dr. Freda Ahenakew will be among those being honored.

Ahenakew was selected as this year's recipient in the education category, in recognition of her work in Native language curriculum development.

Ahenakew adds her award to a long list of honors, including Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Citizen of the Year in 1992, an honorary doctor of Laws degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1997, and the Order of Canada in 1999.

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When a group of students from Cumberland House travelled to Barrie, Ont. last month, they were going to meet strangers. When their week long visit ended, they were saying goodbye to friends.

Twenty students from Nisto Awasisak Memorial School made the trip, visiting students from Andrew Hunter Elementary School from Feb. 17 to 24. The trip was the first part of an exchange sponsored through SEVEC (Society for Educational Visits and Exchanges) which will see students from Andrew Hunter visiting Cumberland House at the end of May.

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When a group of students from Cumberland House travelled to Barrie, Ont. last month, they were going to meet strangers. When their week long visit ended, they were saying goodbye to friends.

Twenty students from Nisto Awasisak Memorial School made the trip, visiting students from Andrew Hunter Elementary School from Feb. 17 to 24. The trip was the first part of an exchange sponsored through SEVEC (Society for Educational Visits and Exchanges) which will see students from Andrew Hunter visiting Cumberland House at the end of May.

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As April 16 approaches, activities are increasing in Prince Albert in preparation for the 21st annual First Nations Winter Games.

"It's like I'm doing 60 things at the same time," says Prince Albert Grand Council sports and recreation coordinator John Fitzgerald.

"It's a good thing that I've got [assistant director] Mel [Mercredi] here to help me out."

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As April 16 approaches, activities are increasing in Prince Albert in preparation for the 21st annual First Nations Winter Games.

"It's like I'm doing 60 things at the same time," says Prince Albert Grand Council sports and recreation coordinator John Fitzgerald.

"It's a good thing that I've got [assistant director] Mel [Mercredi] here to help me out."

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Seniors from Cowessess First Nation now have access to housing on reserve designed to meet their specific needs, thanks to the construction of a new senior's lodge fourplex.

The official opening of the fourplex was held Feb. 1, with Chief Terrence R. Pelletier and housing and infrastructure portfolio counsellors Gary W. Pelletier and Grady Lerat taking part in opening celebrations.

Henry S. Delorme gave the opening prayer to start the celebrations, and cut the ribbon to officially open the lodge.

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Seniors from Cowessess First Nation now have access to housing on reserve designed to meet their specific needs, thanks to the construction of a new senior's lodge fourplex.

The official opening of the fourplex was held Feb. 1, with Chief Terrence R. Pelletier and housing and infrastructure portfolio counsellors Gary W. Pelletier and Grady Lerat taking part in opening celebrations.

Henry S. Delorme gave the opening prayer to start the celebrations, and cut the ribbon to officially open the lodge.