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The funding received from the provincial government by Metis settlements so that they can ready themselves to take control of their communities will end in 2007, but a small determined group of Metis people believe that the settlements are far from ready for self-government.

The group gathered on Dec. 10 at the provincial legislature to meet with David Hancock, minister of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs, and to protest living conditions in their communities.

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What's being called an 'overwhelming' public response to pleas from Slave Lake's food bank had shelves overflowing at the Slave Lake Native Friendship Centre, according to program director Bernard Menary.

The "food room is full and two more rooms half full" with the generous donations from Slave Lake and area residents made just before Christmas, he said. "And all those items which were donated were exactly what we need" to help families bridge the gap between pay cheques.

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Celebrations for the 25th anniversary of the Nechi Training, Research and Health Promotions Institute began with a round dance held on Jan. 16. It was the first of four events that will be held during the year to commemorate Nechi's service to the Aboriginal community.

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Ooskipikwa is a program geared for university students wanting to work with Aboriginal agencies based on reserves or in Aboriginal communities. The name is derived from a Cree word meaning new bud or growth and is used metaphorically to describe a student consultant who brings new ideas and change to an Alberta Native community. The program was formally known as the Indian Management Assistance Program.

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In Alberta there are very few communities not affected by NOVA Gas Transmission lines. Northeastern Alberta is no exception.

For more than 25 years, NOVA has been working with Aboriginal communities and business, and to commemorate this milestone the transmission company presented paintings to three Aboriginal contractors in the Lac La Biche area.

Archie Gladue, Ken McDonald and Eugene Rizzoli were each presented with a print entitled Autumn Colors at the Falls, a landscape by Aboriginal artist Al Demerais, who is also a long time NOVA employee.

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'I do my best work under pressure.'

This is a phrase most people have heard, but when it comes from a vibrant Metis woman sitting in a wheelchair, the phrase means just what it implies.

Brenda Belhomme-Giesbrecht is planning on giving it her all in the volunteer management sector with her new company. The Aboriginal Development Network Enhancement Recruitment Business, or ADNERB, is her dream job come true.

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"We are here to talk about choice," said Matthew Gladue, a Caslan School Grade 9 student, during an anti-smoking presentation to the school's Grade 5 and 6 class on Jan. 20.

"We hope that you will make the right choice for you, and not what others believe to be right," said Gladue.

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The Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society wants to focus on the successes, rather than the pain of Aboriginal people. To that end it is planning a health conference called Up Where We Belong that will promote the success of Aboriginal people, their communities and agencies. The conference will be held at the Ramada Inn and Conference Centre on March 19 and 20. The conference is sponsored by the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society and the Edmonton Public School Board.

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Jennifer Vivier was in trouble, big trouble.

It all started about four years ago when the then 13-year-old Metis from Edmonton was living in Calgary and having difficulties with her mobility.

She couldn't walk. She fell out of bed and couldn't get up by herself. She couldn't dress herself or eat without someone else's assistance. Her sense of balance was gone, because her nervous system was impaired, said her mother, Barbara.

The deterioration was rapid, "like a matter of days, one week at the most," said Barbara.

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The award that celebrates the memory of an accomplished Aboriginal runner will be held on May 14 at the Jasper Place Legion.

The Rita Houle award recognizes one male and one female athlete who not only display athletic ability, but who also help in the community.

The nominees from across Canada must demonstrate accomplishment in education, and the willingness to volunteer with non-profit organizations.