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A good-sized crowd turned out when members of the Six Nations Writers gave talks and readings at the Niagara Falls Public Library. The library and the Parkway Literary Guild organized this event, called "Celebrating Aboriginal Writers."

Following closely the successful North American library conference in Toronto, this June 28 event showcased the talents of local writers, and the partnerships between the public library and community groups.

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Librarians "like to help each other" said Jane Kirby, virtual library manager for the American Indian Higher Education Consortium. One of the 17,000 librarians, publishers and writers who came to Toronto in mid-June for "Looking North to New Horizons" the joint American and Canadian Library Associations' conference, Kirby spoke about challenges facing tribal libraries in the U.S.

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A unique initiative in Thurnder Bay this summer has been in operation elsewhere since 1985, however, not everyone knows about it.

It's the Office of the Worker Adviser, an agency of the Ontario Ministry of Labour.

Its purpose is to represent non-unionized injured workers at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board and at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal.

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The story of the Naaneebweque, a Native rights advocate whose burial site mystery has stalled numerous attempts to develop a prime piece of real estate, is the stuff of myths and legends, says a well-known archaeologist.

"The story has been embellished and romanticized by historians and even by archaeologists who didn't check the facts,'' said Bill Fitzgerald, a retired archaeology professor with Wilfrid Laurier University.

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"Taking Back Responsibility, Hear Our Voices," was the theme of the Labour Day weekend powwow on M'Chigeeng First Nation.

Bright sunshine and crisp autumn air greeted visitors to the 16th annual event. The traditional gathering is a popular way to spend the last precious days of a fading summer.

M'Chigeeng Elder Ina Panamick said the opening prayer followed by a honour song by host drum Medicine Star for the assembled veterans.

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Chief Tracy Gauthier leads one of Canada's smallest First Nations. Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation has a territory of 321 hectares (one hectare equals 100 acres), which is home to around 22 members. About 100 others live off-reserve.

Located in Durham Region, Scugog Island is northeast of Toronto and close to Peterborough.

In July this year, the First Nation enacted its own labour relations code.

Gauthier said, "Because we had a charity casino, we wanted to control what other businesses were on the First Nation."

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Ontario's newest law enforcement agency is now in operation.

The Treaty Three Police Service was officially launched Aug. 5 at the Kenora harbourfront in Northwestern Ontario.

The new service, which has actually been operating since April 1 this year, is responsible for 23 First Nation communities within Treaty 3 territory. That encompasses 55, 000 square miles, which is home to about 18, 000 people.

Until now, policing of these First Nations was the responsibility of the Ontario Provincial Police.

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This month and last, Raven's Eye publisher Bert Crowfoot travelled to British Columbia to visit communities and meet our readers. He went to Vancouver Island-Tofino, Ahousaht-and he attended the 19th annual Secwepemc gathering.

Bert said he was very warmly welcomed everywhere, never more so than by the chief and council of Ahousaht who showed him around and gave him the opportunity to get some great photos.

The youth fashion show put on by the summer program participants, aged 11 to 20, at Spallumcheen Indian band was another one of the trip highlights.

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The nineteenth annual Secwepemc gathering was hosted by the T'exelc (Williams Lake) Indian band from Aug. 15 to 20. Hundreds of members of the Secwepemc nation came from all over the central interior to renew old friendships and participate in the activities organized by the local community.

Roxanne Johnson and Kristy Palmantier organized the schedule of events for the gathering. Johnson, who has attended many such gatherings, said, "Every year the events are a little different and part of the fun is seeing what type of activities will be offered."

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Several youths splash around in the waters of White Swan Lake, diving off a dock anchored not far from the shore. The water gets deep just a few metres from the bank, and it has taken a good portion of the intensely hot summers days to warm it to a comfortable swimming temperature.

In the cook tent, Hillary Vance prepares lunch, keeping one sharp eye on the swimmers. Vance is also the lifeguard for the Akisqnuk Rediscovery Camp.

"This has been a really good camp," said Vance. "Considering it is the first year, it's gone pretty smoothly."