The 2003 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in Toronto and the growing number of human deaths linked to Avian Influenza worldwide have helped to drive home the importance of being prepared for a pandemic.

While initial fears that the strain of Avian Influenza that's claimed 143 lives in Asia and Africa since 2003 would soon begin to take its toll on this side of the ocean have all but dissipated, medical experts worldwide agree that the coming of a pandemic is inevitable, and that the time to prepare is now.

Renowned Native artist Arnold Isbister has written his first short fiction book, called Stories Moshum and Kokum Told Me.
The book contains seven short, easy-to-read stories meant for any age. The stories may be fiction but they draw their inspiration from tales Isbister's parents told him when he was young, and they are rooted in fact and history.
"Some of these stories are based on true things that actually happened," said Isbister. "These are stories that I heard around the kitchen table with the kerosene lamp lit, which gave off a soft glow."

Terrilyn Dallyn of Meadow Lake and Chelsie Scragg of Saskatoon will be receiving some financial assistance when they begin their post-secondary educations this fall, thanks to the Canadian Millennium Scholarship Foundation.
Each year the foundation distributes $340 million in scholarships and bursaries as a way to recognize outstanding high school students and encourage them to pursue post-secondary studies.

On Aug. 13 the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations midget boys softball team became the first First Nations team to claim a national softball title when they defeated the Port Alberni Blazers 2-1 in the final game of the championships in Prince Albert. This was the third major win for the team this season, coming on the heels of last month's gold medal win at the North American Indigenous Games in Denver, Colorado and their clinching of the provincial title.

Since it first opened its doors two years ago, Morning Star Technologies has been making a name for itself by helping businesses and organizations identify their technology needs and providing them with the services and equipment to meet those needs. But while they've been working to grow their business, the company's partners have also been working to ensure that First Nation individuals and communities are also sharing in their success.

A committee has been created to help pave the way for a new election for the Metis Nation-Saskatchewan (MNS) and, for what may be the first time since the provincial organization's last election in May 2004, all the players involved seem to support what's being proposed.
The creation of the Independent Oversight Committee was announced jointly by the federal and provincial governments on June 30. The committee will oversee all aspects of the next MNS election to ensure the process is fair and democratic.

People from across the Metis Nation gathered in northern Saskatchewan at the beginning of July to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first granting of scrip to Metis people in the area.
Beginning in 1906, scrip certificates were issued by the Crown to the Metis people of northwestern Saskatchewan, entitling each bearer to 240 acres of Crown land or $240 to be used to purchase land. The certificates were designed to provide a land base for Metis people, who didn't fall under the treaties being negotiated with First Nations in the area.

June 27 was a special day for Ashton Cody Kay. After a six-month wait the 14-year-old got his first glimpse of his family's van, completely overhauled courtesy of the Children's Wish Foundation.
Kay, who is from Kawacatoose First Nation, has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, an inherited disorder that causes progressive loss of muscle function, beginning in the legs and pelvis and eventually affecting the rest of the body. The disorder, which affects about one out of every 3,500 worldwide, is already making it difficult for Kay to walk and he will eventually need to use a wheelchair.

June 27 was a special day for Ashton Cody Kay. After a six-month wait the 14-year-old got his first glimpse of his family's van, completely overhauled courtesy of the Children's Wish Foundation.
Kay, who is from Kawacatoose First Nation, has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, an inherited disorder that causes progressive loss of muscle function, beginning in the legs and pelvis and eventually affecting the rest of the body. The disorder, which affects about one out of every 3,500 worldwide, is already making it difficult for Kay to walk and he will eventually need to use a wheelchair.

Lyle Daniels wasn't surprised by Team Saskatchewan's first place finish at the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) held in Denver, Colorado in July. That's because Saskatchewan athletes have a history of dominating the games, placing on top of the standings at every NAIG competition ever held with the exception of the games hosted by Winnipeg in 2002 when they placed second behind Team Manitoba.