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In 1996, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, the federal government and the Province of Saskatchewan established the Saskatchewan Common Table. The purpose of the Common Table was to discuss issues affecting First Nations governance, to examine existing fiscal and treaty relationships, and to work toward a new system of self governance for Saskatchewan First Nations.

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The federal government would support the notion of an independent, Native-run justice system in Saskatchewan, as long as it respects the charter rights of First Nations people. Robert Nault, the federal minister of Indian Affairs says the notion of establishing Native courts for Native people, is an idea that's been discussed by Ottawa, the province and the FSIN. Nault said such a system could become a reality if the political will exists among provincial and First Nations leaders.

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Political leaders from Ottawa, Saskatchewan and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) have renewed their commitment to the Saskatchewan Common Table process, a three-year-old initiative aimed at creating a new system of self government for the province's Aboriginal population.

Before a full house of observers and news reporters, FSIN Chief Perry Bellegarde made the announcement on Nov. 26, accompanied by federal Indian Affairs Minister Robert Nault and provincial Indian Affairs Minister Jack Hillson.

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When you're in Little Pine, you're in soccer country.

It's one of the few reserves in Saskatchewan where soccer is not only a family affair, it's also a year-round passion for the whole community. It's also the only team sport that is played both indoors and out, winter, summer, spring and fall.

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It's the end of the 1990s and what better way to end the decade (not to mention the millenium and the century) than by looking back at our favorite 'one-hit-wonders' we used and abused and then later used their CDs as great ninja shooting stars. Don't laugh too hard, just remember you used to love these guys.

10) Kris Kross: only big hit - "Jump, Jump."

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As the century comes to a close - arguments that that doesn't actually happen until the end of next year notwithstanding - it's important to look back at where we were 100 years ago so that we can appreciate the progress made by our people and, just as important, use the history to guide us into the future.

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In my dad's passing, I learned a lot. I learned a lot about being a father. When he left, I felt all alone. In confronting this feeling of aloneness, I grew stronger. It was my children who pulled me out of this feeling of aloneness and I began to realize in a different way just how much they need me, their father.

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If you read the last issue of Eagle Feather News, you'll see that Marjorie Beaucage criticized APTN (the Aboriginal People Television Network) for their poor programming and their perspective on the Prairies, by saying, "Is Saskatchewan just about dog races, graduations, weddings, and powwows, with a little Cree added in?"

Page 3

When Vern Harper isn't hanging out with his drum group, he likes to make stuff.

Really good stuff. Life-like recreations of contemporary powwow dancers, complete with miniature bells, jingles and feathers. Colorful figurines wearing tiny hand-stitched replicas of medicine bags, bustles and roaches.

As a traditional Plains Cree artist, he also likes to work very close to home, bringing his own cultural skills to bear on his art. And more importantly, he shares that art with his family and community.

Page 2

It took being locked up in prison for Ben McIvor to learn some of his Aboriginal culture.

"This is where I learned everything," said McIvor, who is currently serving nine years for manslaughter at the medium-security Saskatchewan Penitentiary, about one kilometer west of Prince Albert.

The inmate, who has four years left on his sentence, has been participating in the programs run through the federal prison's Aboriginal cultural centre, where he has discovered his First Nations identity that was lost as a child.