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Aboriginal literacy programs and practitioners across the province have a new tool to help them in their efforts, thanks to creation of the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Network (SALN).

The network, incorporated in March, will work to promote and support Aboriginal literacy efforts in Saskatchewan, acting as a link between existing literacy initiatives, and as a resource for both newly forming and existing programs.

While the word literacy is usually associated with being able to read and write, SALN takes a broader more holistic viewof literacy.

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The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) is putting together an active living calendar for 2004, and wants to hear from Aboriginal communities across the country that are planning health-related events for the new year.

The goal of the calendar is to promote the importance of an active lifestyle to Aboriginal people, provide them with health information, and let them know about upcoming events tied to active living and living healthy lives.

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It's an amazing thing when a young girl of 10 can take a personal tragedy, turn it around, and change it into something that benefits others. It's even more amazing when six years later, that same young girl is still dedicating herself to that very same cause.

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The province's agricultural producers have gone through more than their share of lean years lately. For many, the various government support programs have meant the difference between farm survival and bankruptcy. Although these programs are available for all producers, First Nations farmers have been less likely to take advantage of them, in large part because they've lacked the awareness and expertise to do so.

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Staff from the Saskatoon Public Library grabbed some books and headed for the playground over the summer as part of the library's efforts to reach out to the Aboriginal community.

The library launched the Stories in the Park program in early July as the first component of its new Something for everyone Aboriginal Library Services Project, aimed at making the library a more welcoming place for Aboriginal patrons, and working to ensure the programs and services offered are meeting their specific needs.

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Plumber or computer programmer, geologist or welder-all of these are viable careers for Aboriginal girls, said the head of a group dedicated to helping young First Nations and Metis women learn about non-traditional job opportunities.

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The First Nations University of Canada (FNUC), the University of Regina and the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) are joining together to offer a joint degree program in resource and environmental studies.

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A conference and career fair are being planned for this fall to deal specifically with issues affecting and opportunities available to Metis women and youth.

The Investing in Our Future: Improving the Economic, Social and Cultural Status of Metis Women and Youth conference will take place Oct. 30 to Nov. 1 at the Centre of the Arts in Regina. Leading up to the conference, a job and career fair are planned for Oct. 29.

Regina Metis Women are organizing the conference and career fair.

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The efforts of Treaty Four Urban Services (Regina) Inc. to provide educational opportunities to First Nations people living in the city were recognized recently when the Treaty Four Education Centre received a Training For Excellence Award.

The awards are handed out each year by the Saskatchewan Labour Force Development Board (SLFDB) to recognize organizations that contribute to the province's economic and social prosperity.

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"Youth gang involvement is an epidemic among First Nations. It is ruining the lives, health and well-being of our children across the province."

These strong words, spoken by Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) Vice-Chief Lawrence Joseph, demonstrate how seriously the organization is taking the issue of youth gang activity.