If the worth of a father is reflected in the health and success of his family, then northern Alberta's Cree Elder Don Cardinal has every reason to walk the holy road to the spirit world with a tranquil soul.
He has two famous sons: Lorne Cardinal, well-loved actor of television comedy Corner Gas, and Lewis Cardinal, an Aboriginal Relations consultant who recently ran for Edmonton city council. His late brother Harold was a consummate promoter of Indigenous rights who published numerous writings on the subject and gained political ground for his people.

With an eye to giving Aboriginal students the edge when it comes to shaping social policy in their communities, the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology is offering a bachelor of social work degree program this fall.
Delivered jointly with the Thompson Rivers University, this is the first degree program approved for the Aboriginal-governed institute.

A unique federal-provincial government partnership has resulted in the creation of the Indigenous Police Preparation Program which will prepare Aboriginal youth to enter training to become police officers.

Theo Fleury, one of the best Aboriginal hockey players ever, is expected to return to the professional ranks. But in a different sport than he is known for. And possibly for just one game.
Fleury, who averaged more than a point per game during his 15-season National Hockey League career, created quite a buzz earlier this spring when it was announced he would be suiting up for the Calgary Vipers, a minor professional baseball team.

A pair of Aboriginal sisters are doing their best to put their tiny community of Mallard, Man. on the map.
Brigette and Tara Lacquette, aged 15 and 17 respectively, have both been identified as two of the country's best young female hockey players.
Both Brigette, who plays defence, and Tara, a goaltender, are hoping to be named to the Canadian girls' under-18 squad this year.
If you haven't heard of Mallard, there's a good reason for it. The Lacquettes' father Terrence said Mallard's adult population is only about 80.

An innovative First Nations educational institute on Manitoulin Island is poised to fulfill a long standing dream. After seventeen years of struggle and setbacks, Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute (KTEI) has officially launched a $2.8 million capital building campaign that will see a modern new facility built by the fall of 2009.
KTEI is an Anishnaabe controlled and directed organization formed to provide a cultural and holistic approach to First Nations based education and training.

An Awards Ceremony was held June 17th at the Glenbow Museum in Calgary to celebrate the winners of the 4th Annual Canadian Aboriginal Writing Challenge.
The short story contest is open to young Aboriginal youth in two age groups, 14 to 18 and 19 to 29. The short story must be based on a defining moment in Aboriginal history.

Killing, skinning, and feasting on a deer with your teacher and classmates doesn't sound like something students would do in a typical school. But the Keewatinook Internet High School (KIHS) is anything but typical.
Based in northern Ontario, the high school helps to provide a healthy alternative to students who are faced with leaving their reserve to continue their education beyond grade eight.
"Students leave for grade nine-they're a little young to be taken off (reserve) so the school gives them an opportunity to stay at home," school principal Darrin Potter explains.

Holguin, Cuba ­ A formerly unadorned wall in the thriving town of Holguin, Cuba now displays the distinctive outline of Manitoulin Island surrounded by First Nations clan symbols and floral motifs. The 27 by 15 foot mural stands as a vibrant testimony to the artistic revolution taking place on this once isolated island nation.

During the hot days of summer, band members of the Red Pheasant and Mosquito First Nations plan to trek across the Saskatchewan plains on horse and wagon to bring awareness to addictions and promote cultural teachings and healthy lifestyles in their communities.
"It's going to take five days of riding wagons to reach the destination point and we're hoping to get not only youth involved but people themselves who are struggling with addictions," said organizer Ryan Bugler, who is an addictions counselor at the Red Pheasant First Nation.