First Nations leaders across Saskatchewan and Manitoba are dismayed over the federal government's recent offer to buy out the treaty rights of Dakota Sioux in those provinces.
"Canada stated that Dakotas have no rights in Canada. We have no rights. OK, then why are they offering us $60 million to give up our Aboriginal rights? They're saying one thing, but they're doing another thing," said Frank Brown, chief of the Canupawakpa Dakota First Nation, located 30 kilometers south of Virden, Manitoba.

Aboriginal children, especially those living in rural and northern Canada, are the most in need in the country when it comes to accessing the basic elements of quality of life, according to a study released in June by the Institute for Research on Public Policy.
Jessica Ball, a professor at the University of Victoria's School of Child and Youth Care, authored the report, entitled "Promoting Equity and Dignity for Aboriginal Children in Canada."
Ball also calls more broad, community-led programs to deal with the issue.

The AFN's annual assembly, presided over by National Chief Phil Fontaine is underway in Quebec City, but that is not the only prominent event in Canada's 400-year-old city. The Council of the Federation, which took place from July 16 to 18 is also weighing in on heavy topics, and Fontaine has a keen eye on a couple topics in particular. The Council of the Federation is an annual affair, attended by all of Canada's Premiers with intentions to discuss prevalent issues facing Canada.

What started as a small industry initiative has resulted in a $9.3 million program to train Aboriginal workers for jobs in Yukon mines.
Dubbed "Partnership, People, Production: Get Into It", the project provides skills development, support and training, and aims to provide employment for approximately 500 Aboriginal people leading to at least 296 long-term employment opportunities in the Yukon. Total funding could reach above $19 million over five years leading to lasting benefits for communities, families and individuals.

Faced with escalating environmental and economic concerns, Inuit leaders say their people are relying more than ever on seal products in the pursuit of their basic livelihood, while an uninformed European market rejects the import.

Though Phil Fontaine has not confirmed seeking an unprecedented fourth term as Assembly of First Nations (AFN) leader, he is already being challenged for the job.
Former AFN vice-chief for Saskatchewan Perry Bellegarde, 45, has stepped forward and is already making waves for openly promoting himself well before the 2009 election. He said he "will be taking a lot of chiefs for coffee" in Quebec City as the 600-member meets for its three-day annual meeting starting July 15.

Bill S-234 proposes to establish an Assembly for Aboriginal peoples and an executive council. The Assembly would consist of: the Assembly of First Nation peoples, an Assembly of Inuit people and an Assembly of Métis peoples.
The seat of the assembly would be in Ottawa.
The mandate of the proposed Assembly of Aboriginal Peoples according to the bill is to meet to deliberate on the affairs of Aboriginal peoples in Canada, to investigate into matters of concern to Aboriginal peoples to carry out such other functions as are assigned to it by this Act.

Dear Editor:
After reading Marie Burke's "More awareness needed about Gladue decision" in your April issue, I wondered why legal experts were solely focusing on the application of the Gladue principle to Aboriginal offender's court sentencing but not to their security classification and penitentiary placement? Given that Aboriginal rates of incarceration are increasing, it would make sense for our leaders to ensure the Gladue principle is equally applied by Correctional Service Canada when it decides where Aboriginal offenders are to serve their sentence.

Dear Editor:
I sat with my friend in silence. He is a victim of the residential school system. He has overcome a lot, has always worked, never collected welfare and made his own way. But the scars inside are very deep.
As we watched the government officials say they're sorry, all but Jack Layton had a very hollow sound. I hope that they will follow-up with their promises. Unfortunately, money helps but doesn't repair the damage.
I wrote this for my friend who wept through the speeches in silence and I sat with him in silence too.
This poem I wrote is for him and others;

Open letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper:
Mr. Minister,
Please accept my office's thanks and gratitude for your government and parliament's recognition of the past injustices of the residential school policies and subsequent apologies.
I have consulted with my Elders and community members. They have requested that my office submit their views for your consideration.