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Every so often you hear of an upbeat story that should be passed on. Derrick Houle, from Saddle Lake, is an example for anybody who thinks it is tough to stay in school. The post-graduate student battles major health problems and is looking forward to his holiday break.

Few with the health Houle has contended with would have stuck school out. But through perseverence the 29-year-old man sees the light at the end of the tunnel, and hopes soon he will be able to put his knowledge to work for his community.

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Every so often you hear of an upbeat story that should be passed on. Derrick Houle, from Saddle Lake, is an example for anybody who thinks it is tough to stay in school. The post-graduate student battles major health problems and is looking forward to his holiday break.

Few with the health Houle has contended with would have stuck school out. But through perseverence the 29-year-old man sees the light at the end of the tunnel, and hopes soon he will be able to put his knowledge to work for his community.

Page 8

Whenever the name Kenton Randle is mentioned at any rodeo, contestants as well as spectators tend to sit up and take notice.

Randle, you see, is one of professional rodeo's top bareback bronc riders.

He proved that again this year at the 27th Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) at Edmonton's Skyreach Centre.

The Nov. 8 to 11 gathering of Canada's top 10 cowboys in each event drew thousands on every one of the five days (six performances) with a new single-day record set on Nov. 11 of 16,931.

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Metis Week, Nov. 12 to18, proved a beehive of activity as Metis organizations, services and individuals hosted open houses and activities that demonstrated Metis culture is alive and well.

The week started off with a mass at St. Margaret?s Church, east of Sherwood Park along Range Road 203. Father Laboucane announced that the church and cemetery have been purchased by the Metis Nation of Alberta.

The second day began with a formal declaration of Metis Week by the Mayor of Edmonton, Bill Smith, and the raising of the Metis flag at City Hall.

Page 5

Tansi!

Season's greetings to each and every one of you!

Group visits Labrador

Marcel Peltier, director of the Whitestone Project based out of Sacred Heart Rectory in Edmonton, left in late November with four students and a youth facilitator for Sheshiatshiu, Labrador. They went to lend support to the Innu community having problems with solvent abuse. The group will stay one to two weeks.

Band elections

There've been a few recent band elections in southern Alberta.

Page 5

Tansi!

Season's greetings to each and every one of you!

Group visits Labrador

Marcel Peltier, director of the Whitestone Project based out of Sacred Heart Rectory in Edmonton, left in late November with four students and a youth facilitator for Sheshiatshiu, Labrador. They went to lend support to the Innu community having problems with solvent abuse. The group will stay one to two weeks.

Band elections

There've been a few recent band elections in southern Alberta.

Page 4

Communities across the country came together Dec. 1 to mark the fourth annual Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Day.

The theme of this year'?s awareness day was "Uniting Our Communities." It was chosen "to embody the direction that CAAN [Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network Incorporated] is moving in, strengthening its community ties and working together with its membership and partners in Aboriginal communities across Canada."

Page 4

Communities across the country came together Dec. 1 to mark the fourth annual Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Day.

The theme of this year'?s awareness day was "Uniting Our Communities." It was chosen "to embody the direction that CAAN [Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network Incorporated] is moving in, strengthening its community ties and working together with its membership and partners in Aboriginal communities across Canada."

Page 3

More than 200 youth from all across the province attended the last of seven youth forums in Alberta that was hosted by Children?s Services. Few adults attended the "Your Choice, Your Voice" conference held at the Shaw Conference Centre on Nov. 30.

"The young people ran the show. Teens led the working groups and teens developed the action plans," said Tracy Balash, communications officer with Children's Services.

Page 3

More than 200 youth from all across the province attended the last of seven youth forums in Alberta that was hosted by Children?s Services. Few adults attended the "Your Choice, Your Voice" conference held at the Shaw Conference Centre on Nov. 30.

"The young people ran the show. Teens led the working groups and teens developed the action plans," said Tracy Balash, communications officer with Children's Services.