Welcome to AMMSA.COM, the news archive website for our family of Indigenous news publications.

Lead shot banned across the country

Page 11

Effective Sept. 1, the use of lead shot for the purpose of hunting all migratory game birds will be prohibited throughout Canada. This ban is carried out under a federal law called the Migratory Birds Convention Act.

The use of lead ammunition is one of the most significant sources of lead deposit in the environment.

This ban is designed to help to control the problem of lead poisoning of migratory waterfowl by cutting down the amount of lead entering the environment.

Laughter cuts through pain

Page 10

Everett Soop's body is frail and weak, but his heart and soul are as strong as the Rocky Mountains that watch over him and the land that he loves.

He's lived with the muscular dystrophy that has confined him to a wheelchair for 40 years, with diabetes further ravaging his body.

Despite all the physical adversity he's faced in life, his great spiritual strength has allowed him to look back with few regrets and little bitterness.

Alberta targets greatest HIV risks

Page 9

Alberta Health and Wellness Minister Halvar Jonson announced a new, three-year government strategy this summer to prevent HIV infection and help those who already live with HIV.

Jonson's press release says the strategy addresses "new population groups" in which HIV infection is occurring, identified as "women, youth, Aboriginals and non-prescription needle users."

Sisters deal with life through auntie's death

Page 7

Love's Kitchen is the name of a 45-minute, one-act musical that was performed seven times at the Edmonton Fringe Festival in August.

Sisters and co-creators Cathy and Anna Marie Sewell, wrote, produced and sang a slice of life reminiscent of Native sharing, caring and familial complaining around an oilcloth-covered kitchen table about the things that never seem to change - for those of us who come up the hard way, anyhow.

Music awards to be held

Page 6

The Skydome in Toronto will be the scene of the first Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards presented by Casino Rama on Dec. 2 to 5. The event will run in conjunction with the 6th annual Canadian Aboriginal Festival and Powwow. The awards will showcase and acknowledge the diverse talents of Canadian Aboriginal musicians.

"The casino hopes to provide professional opportunities for Aboriginal musicians in all aspects of the industry," said Casino Rama's vice president,Ted Williams.

Accident claims life of dancer

Page 5

On Friday, Sept. 3, one of the dancers of the Edmonton Metis Cultural Dance group died in a motor vehicle accident. The group was on its way to a dance competition in Prince Albert, Sask. when the vehicle that 18-year-old Joey Gladue from the Alexander Reserve was a passenger in ran into a tanker truck. The mishap occurred close to Hafford, Sask., a small community just outside of North Battleford.

Avoid court challenges over hunting, Metis leader cautions

Page 3

The Metis Nation of Alberta Provincial Vice-President Ken Bourque asks that members give the issue of hunting and wildlife co-management more time and study before finalizing any agreement with the province. He said the process has been underway for about a year and a half.

"If we rush the process, there's a danger it will not reflect the wishes of the Metis people," Bourque said.

Metis assembly turns 71 in style

Page 3

A colorful sea of Metis sashes, people shaking hands and talking excitedly was the scene in the hallways of the Grande Prairie Inn from Aug. 19 to 21, as the Metis Nation of Alberta celebrated its annual assembly.

"Attendance for the 71st Metis Nation Association's assembly surpassed organizer's expectations, peaking at 800 people for some events," said Metis Local 1990, vice president, Bonnie Bell.

A barbecue, ball game, talent show, fiddling and jigging contests, a fashion show, banquet and dance were all part of the entertainment at the assembly.