Reprinted with permission from the Anglican Journal

There's a big problem with some of today's supposed Aboriginal role models that is hidden and no one dares to talk about. It is more than a problem, it is a contradiction in their message to the youth when they say, "Don't drink, don't do drugs, stay in school, and you too can be somebody!"
In reality, the alleged role model does all of the above, but makes a living by lying about it.

This should brighten up next winter's blues around here. The International Olympic Games fever has officially come to my Rez. A couple of weeks ago my community got the word that on Dec. 16, the Olympic Torch will wind its way through our sleepy little First Nation on its journey west.

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) contends that a six-month window given to First Nations to "refresh" their specific claims for disputed reserve lands is a "fair offering," but the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) insists that the "arbitrary" timeline is not long enough.

On Jan. 8, Will Gooden, a Métis man from Manitoba, received a favorable judgment in a court case that involved an incident that has been hanging over his head for four years.When Gooden shot and killed a duck near the Turtle Mountains, he never believed it would be an issue with Manitoba Conservation on account he was carrying a Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) harvester's card.
But he was charged with unlawful possession of wildlife contrary to s.19 of the Wildlife Act that required him to have a license to hunt.

SOME WISE INVESTMENTS AND THE
prudently timed sale of said investments has netted a windfall for northern First Nations in Saskatchewan. They have sold their interest in a number of hotels and commercial properties in Prince Albert for almost $20 million.

The "Remembering The Children" gathering held at the Canadian Native Friendship Centre on Jan. 21 was intended as an opportunity to share, heal and walk together in a new phase of Canada's journey in the post-residential school system era. It brought together members of the Aboriginal community, as well as ecumenical leaders from across Canada for a time of remembering, reconciling and celebration.

While Aboriginal-specific infrastructure investments, including $200 million for First Nations schools, are a positive sign, we are disappointed the federal government did not announce significant investments in operational education expenses such as teachers' salaries, computer equipment, especial education funding... The First nations youth of today will be a significan percentage of the Canadian workforce of tomorrow.

We cannot discount the tremendous need for social housing on-reserve. In reality, the majority of our citizens are unable to afford their own homes and have difficulty finding affordable housing. As far as I'm concerned, this investment is a good start and needs further consideration in future budgets.

First Nations must be included in the recovery of the Canadian economy. We hope this brings immediate action on infrastructure improvements that will create jobs, build safer, healthier communities, and help NAN First Nations increase their access to quality education while strengthening local economies.