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Inquest ordered in Ironchild case

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Chris Axworthy, Saskatchewan's Justice minister has ordered a public inquest into the events that led to the death of Darcy Dean Ironchild earlier this year.

The decision was announced after the provincial public prosecutions office decided there was no basis for the laying of criminal charges in relation to the matter. Ironchild, 33, was found dead of a drug overdose in his apartment Feb. 19, hours after being released from police custody.

Census says . . .

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The 1996 Canadian census has revealed persistent patterns of disadvantage for Aboriginal peoples; however, the situation has improved somewhat since the 1991 census. This article compares the results of the 1996 census with the 1991 census to illustrate the economic situation experienced by Aboriginal peoples and show where disadvantage has increased and improvements realized. We were able to examine four different lgeographic areas: Canada, Ontario, Toronto and Vancouver. In addition, male and female differences will be highlighted.

Family value system differs

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Dear Editor:

Re: Two days pay deducted because I went to see immediate family member in a serious condition.

Seven months ago there was an accident in Saskatoon involving my niece's baby. I notified the school administration, and I made all the necessary plans, and I did everything that was required. I felt it was my duty to go see my niece's baby and I considered this baby as my immediate family.

Author's views appreciated

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Dear Editor:

This letter is in regard to the article by Taiaiake Alfred entitled "Who you calling Canadian" published in the September issue.

I found that article very interesting, honest and also heart-touching. I find that everything that the author writes is all about the true meaning of the Aboriginal identity. We do have our own identity, separate from the Canadian identity. I feel that the article gave me a good understanding of the true meaning of Native identities.

Chippewas support Burnt Church struggle

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Dear Editor:

Images of Department of Fisheries patrol boats ramming and swamping the smaller Mi'kmaq fishermen's boats sear the hearts of every Native person in Canada. We all feel great sympathy for the Native peoples of the East Coast in their struggle and we stand in support because we have experienced the same kind of hate ourselves. For once it was shown for all to see on national TV.

Ski resort in limbo despite some community support

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The First Nations of the Interior Alliance and Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs are offering differing opinions than some of their community members regarding the proposed $500 million Cayoosh ski resort to be built on unceded Native territory. Some members are wondering why the leaders would oppose a development that could benefit the community directly.

Coming home

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On the morning of Sept. 23, the first day of autumn was greeted with a sunrise ceremony on the banks of the Fraser River. Following the ceremony, a totem pole was unveiled for the new millennium.

Coast Salish carver George Price carved the pole entitled, "Coming Home." It was carved to honor, not only his father and mother, but all Aboriginal women, the non-Native men they married and their children that suffered discrimination through the loss of treaty rights and status.