The University of Saskatchewan's College of Commerce is hoping to encourage more Aboriginal people to consider enrolling in its MBA program, thanks to a newly announced bridging program being funded through a donation from Scotiabank.

Plans for creation of the Scotiabank Master of Business Administration Bridging Program were officially announced on Feb. 22, made possible by a donation of $250,000 from the financial institution. In addition to the bridging program, the money will also fund creation of a scholarship program for Aboriginal students in the university's MBA program.

A number of talented performers got a chance to shine at Exhibition Place in Prince Albert from Feb. 16 to 18 as part of the 14th annual Voices of the North show.

Youngsters like 11-year-old Samantha McKay, 12-year-old Darrelynne Bickel and 15- old Cote Roulette were among those featured during the annual showcase of Aboriginal musical talent that has grown in popularity since it was first added to the line-up of the Prince Albert Winter Festival in 1992.

Another wildly successful Circus Arts Project camp ended with a big show for family and friends on Feb. 17. More than 70 children, ages eight to 14, had loads of fun as they showcased two of the six skills they learned during the weeklong camp. Camp co-ordinator Cass Cozens said the circus skills are naturally exciting for the children. "Everyone tries so hard, and the level of accomplishment in such a short period of time astonishes me every year."

With each new case of Avian Influenza reported in the media, the idea that the virus responsible, H5N1, could be the cause of the next global pandemic seems more grounded in reality.

The Commission on Improving Work Opportunities for Saskatchewan Residents released its final report on Feb. 16, outlining 25 recommendations aimed at making it easier for part-time and vulnerable workers in the province to access training and employment. Six of those 25 recommendations deal specifically with ways to improve the work situation for Aboriginal people.

The 2006 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships will be held in Kahnawake Mohawk Territory in Quebec from April 30 to May 6. The fifth annual tournament will attract participation from First Nations, Inuit and Metis Bantam/Midget hockey players from across the country.
The process of putting together Saskatchewan's entries for the tournament is well underway. Tryouts have been held on Montreal Lake Cree Nation and Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation and in Lebret. Now, it's just a matter of shortening down the roster for Team Saskatchewan's boys and girls teams.

The Queen City will once again play host to an Aboriginal hockey tournament when the inaugural Oskana Cup is held March 3 to 5 in Regina.

This is believed to be the first Aboriginal tournament held in the city for five years.

Tournament chairman Milt Tootoosis is pleased Native hockey is returning to Regina.

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Tootoosis was an organizer of the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College Cup, which ran for six years.

Others have staged Aboriginal tournaments in Regina since then, but those events did not continue on.

The Queen City will once again play host to an Aboriginal hockey tournament when the inaugural Oskana Cup is held March 3 to 5 in Regina.

This is believed to be the first Aboriginal tournament held in the city for five years.

Tournament chairman Milt Tootoosis is pleased Native hockey is returning to Regina.

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Tootoosis was an organizer of the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College Cup, which ran for six years.

Others have staged Aboriginal tournaments in Regina since then, but those events did not continue on.

The medicine wheel and the strengths of Aboriginal culture can help scientists as they interpret data and pursue scientific study.

That was the point of Dr. Lillian Dyck's presentation on the medicine wheel and science at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) on Jan. 12.

The Canadian Forces offers three programs for Aboriginal youth that are intended to encourage consideration of the forces as a part-time or full-time career option.

The two part-time programs, Bold Eagle and RAVEN, are designed to allow youth to enroll in the Primary Reserve and complete basic training during July and August. Not only do participants gain valuable skills and training within the Canadian Forces, they also experience working alongside Aboriginal youth from across Western Canada. (RAVEN is currently only available for residents of British Columbia.)