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In 1956, it took Zachary Powder of Fort McKay more than four hours by dog team to get to Fort McMurray where he picked up a marriage license that cost him $2. Fifty years later, on Jan. 20, his daughters and grandchildren surprised Powder and his wife Mary by arranging a golden anniversary celebration, which included dinner, speeches, and a dance at the Dorothy McDonald Centre.

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The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) and the Metis Settlements General Council (MSGC) have entered into a partnership agreement to work together to strengthen Aboriginal communities.

These two organizations signed the agreement on Jan. 13, which sets out arrangements to develop and deliver programs and services for Metis people in the areas of justice, children and family services, labour needs, health and economic development.

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Former gang member and now president of Spirit Keeper Youth Society (SKYS), Len Untereiner, talked to the Ben Calf Robe school students to shatter the images that glamorize the gang lifestyle.

"You need to talk to these kids when they're young and let them know that this is an illusion," said Untereiner. "I hate that word, gang, because it glamorizes, it glamorizes the lifestyle that is criminal."

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Twenty-three-year old Leslie Gauthier will be competing along with 51 other delegates for the title of Miss Universe Canada 2006 in Montreal on March 18.

Gauthier said she always had a passion for modeling and fashion, so competing in this pageant "just seems like a perfect fit."

When she is not practicing her runway walk or deciding what gown to wear for the pageant, Gauthier is studying for exams and completing assignments to obtain a business management degree.

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The National Aboriginal Achievement Awards gala was held in Vancouver on Jan. 27 and three performers in the stage show are very familiar to Alberta's Native community.

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[ footprints ] Francis Flett

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There are now 1,126 Aboriginal apprentices working in Alberta. This is an increase of 888 apprentices in less than four years, and a cause to celebrate.

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PRO BONO

Dear Tuma:

My band records the minutes of the band council meetings and then the secretary transfers them to paper, but they are summarized. (eg. Band will consult the lawyer on this issue.) There must have been a discussion on the matter. Could I ask for the recorded minutes or do I have to settle for the summary, even if it concerns me? Could I stay in the band council meeting to hear them discuss the matter and vote on the issue? They tell me I have to leave. Is this true?

Rumors

Dear Rumors:

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NASIVVIK

Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney has taken up the cause of opposing the hunt of harp seals on Canada's Atlantic coast. Wearing bright orange floatation suits, he and his wife staged a photo opportunity with a harp seal pup on the ice. They didn't seem quite sure how to pose near the live pup, which was serving as their prop. But there they were, props themselves, publicizing the message that harvesting a sustainable resource is a terrible thing.

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THE URBANE INDIAN

It was in China of all places that I found out something quite disturbing. Believe it or not, I found myself being in the unique position of disagreeing with the views of our beloved federal government. Shocking ... Yes I know. A Native person differing in opinion from that of the Canadian government ... I almost alerted the media. And, equally surprising, it had nothing to do with land claims, residential schools, public inquiries or money. It had to do with history in this country and publicity on the other side of the world.