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Established in 1983 to serve the needs of northern Alberta, Windspeaker became a national newspaper on its 10th anniversary in 1993.
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Thousands huddled quietly around a huge 17 metre high tipi, watching and waiting patiently for Pope John Paul II to finish talking with their Native leaders.
The tipi and the 5,000 Indian, Dene, Inuit and Metis people had anticipated the Pope after his 1984 visit was cancelled when fog prevented the Pope's aircraft from landing in Fort Simpson, N.W.T. The Pope vowed he…
Page 9
We all have been to a special gathering at least once during our lifetime ? be it anniversaries, weddings, graduations, powwows, reunions, etc. These events are usually joyful experiences which will stay in our minds forever.
My most joyful experience was having the opportunity to be with the thousands of Native people during the Pope's visit to Fort Simpson. Joyful…
Page 9
Chilly September winds carried a sigh of relief and then eventual joy as the announcement was made to 5,000 people waiting on the banks of the Mackenzie River that the plane carrying Pope John Paul II landed safely in Fort Simpson.
The moment was made more special for Jimmy Dzeylion, who was in the tiny village located 1,400 km northwest of Edmonton when fog prevented the…
Page 8
The fact that the Prime Minister has turned down the Pope's plea for the resumption of the first minister's conference, while at the same time reiterating his government's support of Aboriginal rights, does not surprise the Indian Association of Alberta.
"It's all rhetoric," says Association president, Gregg Smith. "We figured the feds (federal government) would skirt…
Page 8
In a moving speech to about 5,000 people gathered in Fort Simpson on the banks of the McKenzie River, Pope John Paul II told his Native followers they are entitled to self-government.
The Pope reconfirmed his earlier statements made in his last visit to Canada in 1984 when he fully endorsed Aboriginal rights.
"I pray with you that a new round of conferences will…
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EDITOR'S NOTEBOOK
The example of Fort Simpson a less to us all
It is midnight. The yellow and red flares that crisscross the starswept sky seem to reflect the quick sharp beat of the hand drum. Dancers pack together in the teadance ? their faces shining and lit by a fire. The dancers move as one to the beat of an ancient Dogrib song.
Just a few yards away…
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EDITORIAL
After Pope John Paul II endorsed Native self-government and fair land claim settlements, Aboriginal leaders felt they were much closer to seeing their dreams fulfilled. With the support from such an exalted source, they felt government might snap to attention and give them their rights. Divine intervention would pave the way to a better tomorrow.
Louis "…
Page 5
The city of Calgary has no jurisdiction in the Lubicon Indian's land dispute and is washing its hands of the entire issue, it was decided at the Sept. 15 council meeting.
City council heard a recommendation from another city committee, the Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee (AUAC), to hear a representation from Lubicon Chief Bernard Ominayak, his representative or…
Page 4
The Metis people may be close to achieving a permanent land settlement with the Alberta government that could form the model for future Aboriginal land agreements right across the country.
Alberta Metis may be given ownership of 1.25 million acres of land and win some form of self-government by next spring, says Premier Don Getty.
Although the deal is still in the…
Page 4
Zone 4 former vice-president and director, Ben Courtrille and Ron LaRocque were removed as members of the Metis Association of Alberta during the first board meeting after the general election Sept. 12.
According to president Larry Desmeules the unsuccessful candidates were removed from the membership list after alleged "financial" irregularities in the records of the…
Page 3
The Metis Association general election is being disputed by three candidates, one of whom is newly elected president Larry Desmeules.
Unsuccessful Zone 4 director candidate, Ron LaRocque filed his protest with the Chief Electoral Officer, John Sinclair Sept. 21 and unsuccessful presidential candidate, JoAnn Daniels says she is set to file her protest also. They are joined…
Page 3
Members of three northern Indian bands, who will be voting for their community leaders within the next few weeks, will follow different rules.
The Saddle Lake First Nation has scheduled the election of nine tribal councillors for Sept. 24, while the nearby Goodfish Lake band will hold elections for four councillors Oct. 6. The Whitefish Lake band, near High Prairie, will…
Page 2
The third annual International Child Conference will be hosted at the Convention Centre in Calgary on Oct. 7 ? 10 this year.
The conference objectives are "to present ways and means that will enable Aboriginal people to utilize their community and cultural resources in assisting the development of a positive future for our children."
Organizers from Alberta, one of…
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The Canadian Association of University Teachers ? is protesting the drastic education funding cutbacks to status Indians announced by the federal government last spring.
According to Associate executive secretary Vic Sims, a letter has been set to the appropriate ministers, including Bill McKnight of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, asking for a policy amendment.…
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The Meech Lake Accord is " a complete sham," said Kathleen Ruff, editor of the Canadian Human Rights Advocate addressing a crowd of more than 100 people at a weekend conference on the charter.
"Meech Lake was a whole bunch of premiers locked in a room deciding for Canada serious changes for the whole country. Nothing will be changed," she added.
"Where is the input…