ATCO will be collaborating with local Aboriginal communities in providing facilities and operations maintenance services to five resource development sites in northern Alberta. The Chipewyan Prairie Dene-owned Northern Wolf Ltd. has been contracted to provide grounds maintenance services and certified trades contractors, which supports Aboriginal employment and local capacity building. ATCO will be responsible for the maintenance of the interior and exterior of buildings, facility systems such as HVAC, electrical and plumbing, as well as grounds keeping and signage maintenance.

The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association has translated an informational video into both Cree and Dene Native languages. The video provides stakeholders and community members with an insider’s look at WBEA’s extensive air monitoring network, and explains exactly how WBEA goes about the job of continuously monitoring and reporting air quality for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. “We thought it was important to have this resource translated to Cree and Dene in order to better reach out to our Aboriginal partners and stakeholders,” said WBEA Executive Director Dr. Kevin Percy.

To help raise awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, liquor stores, restaurants and bars now have to display FASD prevention signage. The requirement is at the direction of the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Association as a reminder about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. “The effects of FASD on children are devastating, but through common sense initiatives like this, we will bring instances of FASD down by raising needed awareness and encouraging people to step up and say ‘no’ when they see someone drink alcohol while pregnant,” said Manmeet S.

NDP Leader Brian Mason announced that he will be stepping down from his position effective Oct. 19. “I am proud of the work that we have done together, but I believe that it is time for a new leader to tackle the changing political landscape and lead us in to the next election,” he said in a written statement. “I feel confident that I’m leaving the party in a strong position and that we are ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.” Mason said a leadership race would help attract “progressively-minded Albertans” to the NDP.

Health minister sees latest technology in First Nation health facility
Federal Health Minister Rona Ambrose toured the Siksika Health Centre on April 4 and received a demonstration of the state-of-the art X-ray technology from Margaret Kargard, clinical services team leader, as Councillor Barry Yellow Fly looked on. The centre, which opened in 2007 and is a partnership between the federal and provincial governments and Siksika band, is one of the most technologically advanced health facilities on a First Nation.

Concerns are being voiced about the environmental process for the proposed Frontier Oilsands Mine project, as the federal government solicits input from the public on a draft agreement to establish a joint review panel. “While the scope of the panel’s mandate is sufficient to capture some of the key impacts of the Frontier Mine on Aboriginal communities, we believe the real issue is how Alberta and Canada address the recommendations and findings of the panel,” said Daniel Stuckless, manager, environment and regulatory with Fort McKay First Nation.

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. has resumed pumping high-pressure steam into wells on its Cold Lake lease near four sites where bitumen continues to leak to the surface uncontrolled. The Alberta Energy Regulator has yet to determine the cause of the leaks, which totalled almost 12,000 barrels in the past year. However, last month, AER approved the company’s application to resume steam injection, with lower steam pressures, to keep its Primrose wells producing.

Alberta will still be sending a rather large contingent to this year’s North American Indigenous Games, but the provincial entry will be attending without many of the athletes who qualified.

Ron Buffalo, who serves as the chef de mission for the Alberta squad, said several athletes who earned the right to represent the province at this year’s NAIG, scheduled for July 20-27 have withdrawn as they cannot afford the $460 fee to attend. The fee will cover bus expenses, accommodations and meals. NAIG is being held in Regina.

Juno Award winners A Tribe Called Red (above) will highlight this year’s Calgary Folk Music Festival. The group, which hails from Ottawa, consists of two-time Canadian DMC Champion DJ Shub, DJ NDN and DJ Bear Witness, and mixes traditional pow wow vocals and drumming with cutting-edge electronic music. The lineup will also showcase other North American Indigenous performers including Eya-Hey Nakoda, Leonard Sumner, Nick Sherman, and Martha Redbone. The festival runs from July 24-27 on Prince’s Island park.

Youth participants, volunteers, and Bridges team members during the Grand Entry, facing Elder and honoured guest Randy Bottle who opened the day with a prayer and supportive words for the youth.