Page 5

Dear Editor:

Re: Sweetgrass burning ban

I was interested to read in your publication that the authorities in charge of Fort Saskatchewan Correctional Institution have apparently banned sweetgrass burning in smudging ceremonies, but continue to allow incense burning during Roman Catholic ceremonies in the correctional facility's chapel.

Page 5

Dear Editor:

Re: Sweetgrass burning ban

I was interested to read in your publication that the authorities in charge of Fort Saskatchewan Correctional Institution have apparently banned sweetgrass burning in smudging ceremonies, but continue to allow incense burning during Roman Catholic ceremonies in the correctional facility's chapel.

Page 5

Dear Editor:

Re: Sweetgrass burning ban

The ban on smoking tobacco products in Alberta's jails is a commendable policy from a public health point of view. It recognizes the well-documented dangers of second-hand cigarette smoke on all concerned-inmates, correctional officers and administrators.

Second-hand cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, including carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzene and hydrogen cyanide-the same toxic soup inhaled by the smoker.

However, Sweetgrass is different.

Page 5

Dear Editor:

Re: Sweetgrass burning ban

The ban on smoking tobacco products in Alberta's jails is a commendable policy from a public health point of view. It recognizes the well-documented dangers of second-hand cigarette smoke on all concerned-inmates, correctional officers and administrators.

Second-hand cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, including carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzene and hydrogen cyanide-the same toxic soup inhaled by the smoker.

However, Sweetgrass is different.

Page 12

Some people talk about Robin Big Snake simply because of his catchy name.

The 20-year-old left winger, however, has also created quite a buzz with his play this season in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

Big Snake, whose mother Lisa is Cree and father Carlon is Blackfoot, is a big part of the Owen Sound Attack, one of the OHL's top squads this year.

The 6-foot, 220-pounder is one of the league's most punishing hitters. He's racked up 132 penalty minutes in his first 40 games with the Attack, the majority of those coming via his 20 fights.

Page 12

Some people talk about Robin Big Snake simply because of his catchy name.

The 20-year-old left winger, however, has also created quite a buzz with his play this season in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

Big Snake, whose mother Lisa is Cree and father Carlon is Blackfoot, is a big part of the Owen Sound Attack, one of the OHL's top squads this year.

The 6-foot, 220-pounder is one of the league's most punishing hitters. He's racked up 132 penalty minutes in his first 40 games with the Attack, the majority of those coming via his 20 fights.

Page 11

The Odawa Native Friendship Centre and the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board have joined forces to offer Aboriginal students a unique program that incorporates Native culture into the high school curriculum.

"This program is unlike any other alternative high school program because we base everything on the seven grandfather teachings," said Greta Neepin-Kirkness, education counsellor at the Odawa Friendship Centre.

Page 10

First Nation educators from across southern Ontario gathered in Niagara Falls from Feb. 23 to 25 to learn about ways they can help improve education attainment levels for students on reserve.

More than 100 people were in attendance for the eighth annual Partnership in Success education conference hosted by the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation and Indian Affairs and Northern Development (INAC), with teachers, administrators and others involved in the area of education joining with more than a dozen presenters to share information.

Page 10

First Nation educators from across southern Ontario gathered in Niagara Falls from Feb. 23 to 25 to learn about ways they can help improve education attainment levels for students on reserve.

More than 100 people were in attendance for the eighth annual Partnership in Success education conference hosted by the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation and Indian Affairs and Northern Development (INAC), with teachers, administrators and others involved in the area of education joining with more than a dozen presenters to share information.

Page 9

How do managers manage when the going gets tough? Gordon Peters says, "Call a friend."

Amos Key Jr. belongs to a men's singing group and hosts a blues radio show, which helps him "to be inspired by the passion that you're doing something good."

Deborah Richardson said her desire "to make sure that her children are grounded in who they are" keeps her going.