Organization seems to be the key for this year's National Aboriginal Day activities planned from coast to coast in mid-June.

This year's events are expected to draw more people, feature more culture and be better organized than previous attempts at celebrating this new, federal government-endorsed day of recognition.

While small communities, First Nations, Inuit communities and Metis settlements across the country may be planning their own events, the larger centres are planning large-scale activities for those who can't make it out to the rural areas.

Organization seems to be the key for this year's National Aboriginal Day activities planned from coast to coast in mid-June.

This year's events are expected to draw more people, feature more culture and be better organized than previous attempts at celebrating this new, federal government-endorsed day of recognition.

While small communities, First Nations, Inuit communities and Metis settlements across the country may be planning their own events, the larger centres are planning large-scale activities for those who can't make it out to the rural areas.

Spring run-off has created a temporary waterfall on a rock cut. White water spray touches black asphalt.

Turn left off of the Trans-Canada about 45 km west of Kenora, and a winding dirt road - water welling up at its sides - leads you to a sign announcing the community of Iskatewizaagegan (Shoal Lake) #39 First Nation.

#In the first home past the sign, Kathleen Greene walks past her grand-daughter and her daughter, who is making a star blanket, into the kitchen.

Her husband Robin joins her at the table.

There's a nice little story going around Native campfires these days about two very wise men, a venerable Elder and a famous Canadian scientist, each with his own way of looking at the nature of things.

There's a nice little story going around Native campfires these days about two very wise men, a venerable Elder and a famous Canadian scientist, each with his own way of looking at the nature of things.

There's a nice little story going around Native campfires these days about two very wise men, a venerable Elder and a famous Canadian scientist, each with his own way of looking at the nature of things.

The burning of various medicine plants to make a smudge or cleansing smoke is used by the majority of Native North American peoples. It is a ritual cleansing.

As the smoke rises, our prayers rise to the Spirit World where the Grandfathers and our Creator reside. Negative energy, feelings, and emotions are lifted away. It is also used for healing of mind, body and spirit, as well as balancing energies.

The burning of various medicine plants to make a smudge or cleansing smoke is used by the majority of Native North American peoples. It is a ritual cleansing.

As the smoke rises, our prayers rise to the Spirit World where the Grandfathers and our Creator reside. Negative energy, feelings, and emotions are lifted away. It is also used for healing of mind, body and spirit, as well as balancing energies.

The burning of various medicine plants to make a smudge or cleansing smoke is used by the majority of Native North American peoples. It is a ritual cleansing.

As the smoke rises, our prayers rise to the Spirit World where the Grandfathers and our Creator reside. Negative energy, feelings, and emotions are lifted away. It is also used for healing of mind, body and spirit, as well as balancing energies.

Currently on an exhibition tour across the country is Joane Cardinal Schubert: Two Decades. In what is being titled as a "retrospective" work spanning a 30-year period the show is really more of a glimpse into one of Canada's most prolific artists.