Dear Editor:
There has been a lot of talk from Native Leaders about expanding the economic base for Native people, both on and off reserve. Wise, profitable business acquisitions are the keys to more prosperity for all. But , let us not forget that such acquisitions should meet the needs of all communities, which should provide jobs and serve the common good, as First Nations head into self-sufficiency.

Dear Editor:
I understand the frustration that Native governments are experiencing, with a new group representing and conversing for the federal government on issues affecting all Natives across Canada.
I am convinced that, with groups vying for federal attention regarding controlling interests of Indians, the only outcome that could arise is just a lot of political turmoil across all regions of the major Indian tribes (with a lot of casualties). This could be utterly devastating to the structure of a whole wide range of governing groups.

As any good statistician will tell you, numbers can be interpreted in a variety of ways, depending on just what point you want to use them to make. Take, for instance, the report released on Jan. 15 that provides a statistical snapshot of Canada's Aboriginal people based on the results of the 2006 census.

Norval Morrisseau has been known by many names. Some have called him the father or grandfather of Native Canadian art. Others dubbed him the Picasso of the North. He was also known as Miskwaabik Animiiki, or Copper Thunderbird, the name he was given when he was 19 and gravely ill and which he credited with saving his life.

For the first time ever, a Canadian has been recognized by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Superintendent Shirley Cuillierrier, an Aboriginal employee with more than 25 years of distinguished service in the RCMP, was named Indian Country Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for 2007.

It's taken a lot of hard work and determination, but Deanna Perrault is realizing her dream of making a better life for herself and her family.

When Tantoo Cardinal made her film debut in the early 1970s, acting was not a viable career for Aboriginal people. Today, working in film and television, both in front of and behind the camera, is a rewarding career choice for Aboriginal people and Cardinal, a Métis woman who was raised by her Cree grandmother in northeastern Alberta, thinks it's important for youngsters to know that.

The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation has annouced the names of its latest batch of National Aboriginal Achievement Award recipients. The foundation hands out the awards each year to recognize the contributions of exceptional Aboriginal people.

Goalie cut by national team
Leland Irving will not have an opportunity to win a second consecutive world championship.
A year ago Irving was the backup goaltender for the Canadian hockey squad that captured the gold medal at the world junior championships in Sweden. Canada went with an all-Aboriginal duo between the pipes for that tournament. Starting goalie Carey Price, who is now a member of the NHL's Montreal Canadiens, was one of the stars of the world tournament. Price's solid play in Sweden kept Irving from seeing any action.

The 2008 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) set for Cowichan, B.C. are still eight months away, but organizers are confident all preparations are running smoothly at this point.
"Over the last two years we have been operating as a host society," said Rick Brant, chief executive officer for the games. "Everything is in place."