Page 5

Editorial

We read with great interest the leaked eight-page executive summary of the final report of the Assembly of First Nation (AFN) Renewal Commission, in which profound changes to the way the AFN functions are proposed. (see page 8.)

The idea of who represents whom is identified in the report as a most pressing issue and rightly so. Given that the First Ministers' Meeting on Aboriginal issues, arguably one of the most important moments in the history of Crown-Indigenous relations, is fast approaching, the timing of that conclusion really makes us think.

Page 5

Editorial

We read with great interest the leaked eight-page executive summary of the final report of the Assembly of First Nation (AFN) Renewal Commission, in which profound changes to the way the AFN functions are proposed. (see page 8.)

The idea of who represents whom is identified in the report as a most pressing issue and rightly so. Given that the First Ministers' Meeting on Aboriginal issues, arguably one of the most important moments in the history of Crown-Indigenous relations, is fast approaching, the timing of that conclusion really makes us think.

Page 26

The world has lost one of its great storytellers. On Sept. 10, Bernelda Wheeler passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer.

She began her life on April 8, 1937 on Muskopetung First Nation in southeastern Saskatchewan, one of six children of Cree, Assiniboine and Saulteaux heritage born to Colin and Clara Pratt of George Gordon First Nation.

Page 23

Southern Alberta's newest tourism attraction, the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, hosted its official launch on the 128th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 7, Sept. 22.

The facility, located south of Cluny, Alta. on the Siksika Nation, is built on 2,000 acres of prairie grassland overlooking the Bow River. The site is where Treaty 7 was signed in 1877.

The celebration marked the completion of the vast majority of the construction elements. The facility will be open to the public in early spring 2006.

Page 23

Southern Alberta's newest tourism attraction, the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, hosted its official launch on the 128th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 7, Sept. 22.

The facility, located south of Cluny, Alta. on the Siksika Nation, is built on 2,000 acres of prairie grassland overlooking the Bow River. The site is where Treaty 7 was signed in 1877.

The celebration marked the completion of the vast majority of the construction elements. The facility will be open to the public in early spring 2006.

Page 22

Something that started out as a hobby has turned into a "viable" business for Michaelee Lazore, a Mohawk from the Akwesasne reserve near Montreal. Sequoia is the name of her bath and body boutique that opened in March 2004 at the Tewatohnhi'saktha business complex in Kahnawake.

The name Sequoia comes from the giant sequoia trees that live to be 2,000 to 3,000 years old. Lazore said she wanted to pick a name that was related to nature, just like her products, because like the Natives, these trees were here before Columbus.

Page 22

Something that started out as a hobby has turned into a "viable" business for Michaelee Lazore, a Mohawk from the Akwesasne reserve near Montreal. Sequoia is the name of her bath and body boutique that opened in March 2004 at the Tewatohnhi'saktha business complex in Kahnawake.

The name Sequoia comes from the giant sequoia trees that live to be 2,000 to 3,000 years old. Lazore said she wanted to pick a name that was related to nature, just like her products, because like the Natives, these trees were here before Columbus.

Page 21

Cheryl Sorell is happy to receive a little help to pay her tuition this year.

Sorell, who is in her third year of studies towards a bachelor's degree in child and youth care, is just one of 78 Aboriginal students from across Alberta who will be receiving money from the provincial government to help cover their education expenses.

The province is providing a total of $338,000 in bursaries to the students, all of whom are enrolled in health care related programs.

Page 21

Cheryl Sorell is happy to receive a little help to pay her tuition this year.

Sorell, who is in her third year of studies towards a bachelor's degree in child and youth care, is just one of 78 Aboriginal students from across Alberta who will be receiving money from the provincial government to help cover their education expenses.

The province is providing a total of $338,000 in bursaries to the students, all of whom are enrolled in health care related programs.

Page 20

If you think taking part in a literacy program just means sitting in a classroom, practicing your reading and writing, think again.

Right across Manitoba there are Aboriginal communities and organizations offering literacy programs that not only help students improve their reading and writing abilities, but teach them how to use computers, help them learn their traditional languages, or give them the tools to instill a love of learning in their children.