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On a visit to Nanaimo on April 15 Environment Minister David Anderson expressed no enthusiasm for offshore oil and gas exploration, but said he was not averse to drilling for coalbed methane gas on Vancouver Island.

The Nanaimo Daily News reported Anderson as saying, "Onshore drilling for methane would be a very interesting proposition." He added that he had no concerns for drilling on land for coalbed methane because the technology is proven and the environmental effects are minimal.

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Parents now can help their children learn their ABCs before they start preschool with the assistance of a pilot program called the Aboriginal Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY).

HIPPY is an international literacy program providing learning tools and support for parents who want to give their children a head start. Originally developed in Israel, the program now operates internationally.

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Moricetown Place Society (MPS), a youth outreach centre in providing peer counselling and health education, is run by youth. The centre also offers training in public speaking and Web design.

Executive Director Andrew Tom is a 19-year-old Grade 12 student from Wetsuweten First Nation who devotes much of his time to raising awareness on issues such as youth suicide.

"Suicide is definitely a big concern to not only Moricetown Place Society, but to the whole community. There isn't enough being done to prevent or even treat those who are suicidal," said Tom.

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With a growing international reputation, Prince George is considered one of Canada's top forest industry areas in the country. Its biggest resource is softwood lumber, a type of lumber that is produced by conifer trees such as spruce. Hundreds of sawmills in the area produce this type of lumber, so it is no surprise the city of 85,000 would host the largest forestry exposition in the country from June 3 to 5 this year. The twelfth biannual forest expo will offer thousands of people a chance to connect with hundreds of forestry related exhibitors from around the world.

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Since Kahkakew Larocque became chief of the Yawassanay band four years ago, he has been working to have his band recognized by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). A year after becoming hereditary chief, Larocque filed his application under the newly constituted bands provisions contained in section 17 of the Indian Act.

The 43-year-old Larocque owns land outside of Kamloops, which he intends to provide for band use. His home on the property will be converted into a band office.

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Buffalo, New York may still host the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG), but it won't be next summer. The games have been delayed a year after the games' governing council ended its relationship with the group that had earned the rights to host the games in 2005.

The NAIG council was expected to re-open the bidding to potential hosts after a scheduled three-day meeting in Denver May 13 to 15.

Another group in Buffalo may be awarded the games or it could go to another city.

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British Columbia's entries were unable to capitalize on their home-ice advantage at this year's National Aboriginal Hockey Championships.

Both the girls' and boys' teams had disappointing results at the tournament, held April 18 to 24 in Prince George.

The girls' club ended up winning just one of the seven games it played. The squad posted a round-robin record of 1-5-0. It was then defeated 5-2 by Alberta in the match, which decided fifth and sixth place.

A total of seven girls' clubs participated in the tournament.

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From salmon to Saskatoon berries, Aboriginal exhibitors showcased traditional cuisine with a modern influence at the second annual EAT! Vancouver show. The show, held at BC Place from April 23 to 25, gave food lovers a chance to check out new products and services, see celebrity chefs in action, and eat.

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Nuu-chah-nulth-owned Ma-Mook Development Corporation and Cowichan-owned Khowutzun Mustimuhw Contractors have signed a memorandum of understanding with Terasen Utility Services Inc. that heralds greater co-operation on numerous development opportunities on central Vancouver Island.

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With six simple words on April 29, the Supreme Court of Canada ended a 12-year battle over the off-reserve, tax-exempt status of Treaty 8 people.

"Dismissed with costs to respondent" was the only direction from the Supreme Court to those seeking leave to argue Benoit versus the Crown before Canada's highest court.