Alberta Sweetgrass

An exciting new exhibit at the University of Alberta Museums highlights the Inuit dolls created by the women of Taloyoak, a tiny hamlet in Nunavut Territory. Each doll wears an amauti, a parka common to the north where a child fits snugly in a pouch.

In Mother’s Hood: Inuit Packing Dolls of Taloyoak is an example of carrying on a culture that’s 4,000 years old, said Frannie Blondheim,…

Not only is the knowledge of parents and grandparents misunderstood by the younger generation, but often underminded by official health authorities.

“That is the key oversight in health services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people here in this country right now. We’re not honouring that (message),” said Dr. Janet Smylie, family physician and public health researcher, out of…

A wealth of diverse business opportunities in a number of different economic sectors is providing revenue and training for Treaty 7 members.

Economic development officers and business administrators from the Piikani, Siksika, Kainai, and Stoney Nakoda Nations (Wesley, Bearspaw and Chiniki), profiled their business ventures at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 15. The event was the…

Janvier presented with provincial Order of Excellence

First Nations artist Alex Janvier accepted his Order of Excellence from Lt. Gov. Donald Ethell at the ceremony held at Government House on Oct. 20. He was among eight Albertans to be presented with the province’s top honour. Also receiving the award was former Premier Ralph Klein. Janvier, of Cold Lake First…

Jean Lafrance, former Children’s Advocate for Alberta’s Children’s Services, had strong words for the provincial government: put the resources where they’re needed.
The government’s response to the year-long review carried out by an expert panel looking at Alberta’s child intervention system “as far as (the government’s recommendations) go are probably okay, but I don’t think they go far…

The Cold Lake Native Friendship Centre continues to focus on youth, getting them back into the classroom and on to further education or into job placements.

“Even though these students didn’t enjoy or function well in a standardized school system and dropped out, there is still plenty of opportunity for them to be successful,” said Gerry Zelinski, principal at the Youth Learning…

Life in remote Fort Vermilion, a mostly Métis community about nine hours north of Edmonton, helped a former resident become a successful software designer.

 “When building software you constantly need to communicate what’s in your head to others. If you’re not an effective communicator, you’re not an effective entrepreneur, manager, or software developer. I can trace my ability to…

Resolution health support workers are taking their services to the streets in the province’s capital.

With Edmonton having the second largest urban Aboriginal population in the country, it only makes sense that an organization like the Boyle Street Co-Operative is host site for Jane Slessor and Maggie Mercredi.

Two years ago, when Slessor began working as an outreach worker with…

The newly hired chair of Aboriginal Health at the University of Alberta has some big plans and big challenges ahead of her.

Sangita Sharma has a wealth of experience in working with Indigenous people’s health and nutrition around the world.

“I think it’s really important to have an understanding, to immerse yourself in the culture,” she explained.
Her first priority is to…

An agreement in principle has formalized the delivery of health services between the North Peace Tribal Council and the federal and provincial governments.

The new agreement, signed Sept. 15 between NPTC four-member First Nations, Dene Tha, Tallcree, Little Red River and Beaver First Nations and Health Canada will be repeated in October with Alberta Health.

The agreement marks…

Fear and mistrust of the system are two reasons why less Aboriginal families step up to the plate to open their homes to foster children.

“It’s scary to become a part of the system. I mean, Child Welfare doesn’t have a great reputation with Aboriginal communities. There’s a lot of fear in becoming that closely connected to the child protection system or to the legal system,” said Emelyn…

In the 22 years Peter Strikes With A Gun and Jeannie Provost have been opening their door on the Piikani First Nation to foster children from the community, they have given a home to over 60 children.

“We very much need more Aboriginal foster homes. That is my concern,” said Strikes With A Gun, former chief of the Piikani First Nation. “I’ve never seen the interest from Treaty 6 and…

Shaun Emes credits his Kohkom for instilling in him the importance of getting an education.

The Métis from Lac St. Anne saw his hard work, dedication and grandfather’s advice all come to fruition when he was called to the bar in August.

“I thought to myself, ‘Is this really happening?’” said Emes.

At a young age Emes knew he wanted to acquire a formal education and the…

Nonprofit organizations that operated long-term supportive housing for Aboriginals in Edmonton and have some of the same directors could be facing more than receivership.

Amisk Housing Association is now the subject of an RCMP investigation while Umisk Housing Association could soon find itself following in Amisk’s footsteps – again.

Homeward Trust is in the process of completing…

Agreements allowing two oil and gas companies access to land on the Blood First Nation have netted the southern band at least $50 million.

“It’s money up front when the final lease is executed,” said David Shade, general manager with Kainaiwa Resources, responsible for negotiating leases for the band. The money will be placed into the band’s capital account in Ottawa by Indian and…