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They might be recognized by a tattoo or by a distinct sign made by the hand, but most people won't be easily recognized as a member of one or another of the Native gangs that are operating in the Edmonton area.

"I heard and seen a lot of what these guys are doing out there, cause they have a lot of parties. They are good guys. It's just the things they do," said Joe, who is a young Aboriginal man.

Joe agreed to speak to Sweetgrass on the condition his real name would not be used.

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"The arts community came through like you wouldn't believe," said Sarah Pocklington, art co-ordinator for the University of Alberta Native Studies department silent auction.

Pocklington is describing the response of dozens of artists who donated art pieces to the University of Alberta's Native Studies Department.

Their work was all part of a silent auction featured at Edmonton's downtown Latitude 53 Gallery on Feb. 28.

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Does prostitution exist in the Aboriginal community? What opportunities can be identified to help police develop innovative new strategies to address prostitution? How can Edmonton-area agencies collaborate in this process? These were just some of the questions asked at the Edmonton Police Commission Task Force on Prostitution meeting held on Feb. 22 at the Baker Centre Building.

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A group of environmentalists were back in court on March 1, trying to get a review of the decision to approve the Cheviot coal mine, to be located near Jasper National Park, a World Heritage Site.

"We [environmental coalition] were happy to finally have all of our arguments heard," said Dianne Pachal of the Alberta Wilderness Association.

The Alberta Wilderness Association, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Canadian Nature Federation, Jasper Environmental Association, and Pembina Institute initially launched their suit almost two years ago.

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Six First Nation band members calling themselves the Action Committee locked out band office staff and the chief and council of the Little Red River Cree Nation during a week-long takeover of the band office.

Members of the Action Committee spoke with Sweetgrass on Feb. 22 while they were in the band office.

"We know what rights we have. Our leaders have to be answering to us," said Rodney Cardinal, one of the spokesmen for the group.

At the time of the interview, Cardinal said they had not eaten or slept for two days.

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"March 21st is an important day around the world. It is a day to meditate on the negative impact of racial discrimination, and to imagine a world without it," said Edmonton Mayor Bill Smith,

As part of the launch of a month-long commemoration of the day devoted to the elimination of racial discrimination, Edmonton City Hall played host to a ceremony titled Break the Cycle of Racism. Guest speakers, college students, and other members of the community were present.

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The grand opening of the Aboriginal Disabilities Information Centre at Canada Place on May 25 will bring services together in a one-stop information centre in Canada Place.

"There was a need to get this off the ground," said Oliver Cardinal, president of the Aboriginal Disabilities Society of Alberta.

The Aboriginal disabilities society of Alberta was formed a year ago with the support of the Yellowhead Tribal Council, said Cardinal. It is a coordinated effort to get information for disabled people into one place, said Cardinal.

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The entertainers came from near and far to help Lac La Biche's Portage College officially unveil it's name and logo to the community on May 26.

Sponsored by the college's Native Awareness Committee, dancing, singing, music and fashion kept the audience in the college's McGrane Theatre entertained.

College student and world hoop dance competitor, Anthony Whiskeyjack opened up the show. The Saddle Lake resident warmed up the crowd with his hoop patterns and designs.

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A 19 year old Metis woman recalls her life, approximately one year ago, as much different than the life she leads today. Lori Purcell's life changed when a different perspective on life presented itself to her at a movie camp last year.

"I lived off and on the streets on 107 avenue, and in a safe house. While on 107 avenue, I met some people, got into bad drugs and bad stuff. 2 weeks into it I knew it was wrong, but I drank a lot and smoked a lot," states Purcell.

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Pressure, pressure, pressure and lots of it.

That was the scene on the Tsuu T'ina First Nations Reserve, near Calgary where more than 200 pool players gathered to stick handle and shoot it out for prize money, jackets, caps and more.

The Byron Dodginghorse Memorial 8-Ball Tournament attracted Aboriginal competitors from as far south as Kainai and Peigan Reserves, north to Slave Lake and east into Saskatchewan. The tournament was dedicated to the late Byron Dodginghorse who passed away in the fall of 1997.