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For the past quarter century, the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies and the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College have been providing post-secondary education opportunities to First Nations people. This year, both institutions are celebrating 25 years of serving the First Nations community, both within Saskatchewan and beyond the provincial borders.

Page 30

On June 1, the dream that began three years ago became a reality for Violet Franki-Martin when she started a walk that will take her 1,500 kilometres away from her home in the Northwest Territories.

Franki-Martin hopes to reach Lac Ste. Anne, Alta. for the annual pilgrimage, held this year from July 21 to 26. She'll be just one of more than 21,000 Aboriginal people that attend the spiritual event, but her journey is devoted to a particular mission.

Page 30

On June 1, the dream that began three years ago became a reality for Violet Franki-Martin when she started a walk that will take her 1,500 kilometres away from her home in the Northwest Territories.

Franki-Martin hopes to reach Lac Ste. Anne, Alta. for the annual pilgrimage, held this year from July 21 to 26. She'll be just one of more than 21,000 Aboriginal people that attend the spiritual event, but her journey is devoted to a particular mission.

Page 29

Following well-publicized cases of drinking water contamination in Walkerton, Ont. and North Battleford, Sask., concerns about water quality are growing in communities across the country. Those concerns are even greater in First Nations communities, and for good reason.

Page 29

Following well-publicized cases of drinking water contamination in Walkerton, Ont. and North Battleford, Sask., concerns about water quality are growing in communities across the country. Those concerns are even greater in First Nations communities, and for good reason.

Page 28

A joint venture between the Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band and the Greater Kamloops Motorcycle Association has culminated in the construction of a state of the art motocross track in the interior of British Columbia.

The band's Sports Recreation Centre is situated some 25 kilometers north of Kamloops on the Westsyde Road, one of the most beautiful places in the North Thompson area. Covering 200 acres, it includes a rodeo, arena, racetrack, concessions, washrooms, community hall, baseball fields and campgrounds.

Page 28

A joint venture between the Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band and the Greater Kamloops Motorcycle Association has culminated in the construction of a state of the art motocross track in the interior of British Columbia.

The band's Sports Recreation Centre is situated some 25 kilometers north of Kamloops on the Westsyde Road, one of the most beautiful places in the North Thompson area. Covering 200 acres, it includes a rodeo, arena, racetrack, concessions, washrooms, community hall, baseball fields and campgrounds.

Page 27

Young Native hockey players with aspirations to develop their skills to the fullest may find what they need in a new company called Native Hockey Development Camps (NHD).

Taylor Harnett, 26, from Carry the Kettle First Nation in Saskatchewan, started up and incorporated NHD. As the director, he makes policy and decides admissions. Now based in Edmonton, Harnett says NHD is the "only First Nation owned and operated ice hockey development organization" serving Indian and Metis communities on both sides of the international border.

Page 27

Young Native hockey players with aspirations to develop their skills to the fullest may find what they need in a new company called Native Hockey Development Camps (NHD).

Taylor Harnett, 26, from Carry the Kettle First Nation in Saskatchewan, started up and incorporated NHD. As the director, he makes policy and decides admissions. Now based in Edmonton, Harnett says NHD is the "only First Nation owned and operated ice hockey development organization" serving Indian and Metis communities on both sides of the international border.

Page 26

It doesn't quite match the excitement of winning the Stanley Cup, a feat Norm Maracle and his Detroit Red Wings' teammates accomplished in 1998, yet Maracle is still rather pleased with his latest accomplishment. The 26-year-old Native goaltender backstopped the Orlando Solar Bears to the Turner Cup, the International Hockey League's championship.

Orlando defeated the Chicago Wolves 4-1 in the best-of-seven championship series, which concluded in late May.

To top it off, Maracle, a Mohawk, was selected as the most valuable player in the IHL playoffs.