In the following article, Kate Harries documents her search for information about mercury poisoning in two Ontario First Nation communities.

A portrait of Shanawdithit, painted by William Gosse in 1828, shows a stolid, mature person with a penetrating and reproachful look. And why wouldn't she look disapproving? Her people had been wiped out and she'd been made a servant in the household of the man responsible for her uncle's murder.

With exciting new developments in northern Ontario, one college will receive a boost of $8 million to accommodate their opportunities. Northern College, the revered choice of students in Ontario's far north, provides important post-secondary training, along with a special focus on Aboriginal programs.
With the newly discovered diamond mines, a resurging forestry industry, and the Five Nations Energy project, the government came to a decision to invest in the future. With $8 million to work with, the future most certainly looks bright.

A new fund has been established for First Nations students attending the University of Winnipeg called The Saul and Claribel Simkin Bursary. As well as financial support an internship completed upon graduation, in one of there own northern communities must be agreed to as part of the support.
Registering or registered students can apply for the fund, which is valued at $14,000 and the internship is worth up to $32,000.

While most schools will be entering the new school year with the same agenda, one school will be markedly different. York University students will be permitted to hand in their thesis in one of at least 50 different Aboriginal languages.
York University is located in Toronto and is Canada's third largest university. They boast a community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff. They will be celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2009. Known for their unique, interdisciplinary approach to learning, this new endeavor certainly makes York U a cut above the rest.

A new fund has been established for First Nations students attending the University of Winnipeg called, The Saul and Claribel Simkin Bursary.
As well as financial support an internship completed upon graduation, in one of there own northern communities must be agreed to as part of the financial support.
Registering or registered students can apply for the fund, which is valued at $14,000 and the internship is worth up to $32,000.

The Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service (NAPS) has brokered a deal with the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) that will see the liquor seized from bootleggers operating on the dry reserves in the Nishnawbe-Aski territory exchanged for money that will then be used to enhance the police service's annual baby formula and diaper drive.

The Iroquois Nationals had their hands full with North American rivals, however, the Aboriginal squad was still able to capture the bronze medal at the world men's under-19 lacrosse championships, which attracted 12 teams.
The Iroquois Nationals easily defeated England 19-10 in the bronze-medal game at the tournament, which wrapped up July 12 in Coquitlam, B.C. In the gold-medal match, the United States downed Canada 19-12. The U.S. has won the gold medal all six times the tournament has been contested.

Besides some bragging rights and prize money, younger players at this year's Iroquois Nations Cup Tournament will once again be out to impress for perhaps a more important reason.
This year's event, expected to attract eight teams from Ontario, Quebec and the state of New York, will be staged Sept. 18 to 21 at the A'nowara'ko:was Arena in Akwesasne, Ont.

Aboriginal entrepreneur new owner of pro team