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Executives from some of the country's top forestry companies joined Aboriginal leaders and students from across Canada in Saskatoon Jan. 22 to 24, when the First Nations Forestry Program (FNFP) held its fifth annual Aboriginal Forestry Conference.

The annual conference has a different theme each year, with this year's theme focusing on capacity building, creating partnerships, and creating opportunities for Aboriginal youth.

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Brendan Cross, leader of Saskatchewan's First Nations Party (FNP), said he was surprised by his recent showing in a byelection held to fill a vacant seat in the Regina Elphinstone riding.

The FNP received only 49 votes out of 7,334 ballots cast, for 1.49 per cent of the total vote. Cross represented the party in the byelection, which marked the party's first attempt at running for a provincial seat.

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Brendan Cross, leader of Saskatchewan's First Nations Party (FNP), said he was surprised by his recent showing in a byelection held to fill a vacant seat in the Regina Elphinstone riding.

The FNP received only 49 votes out of 7,334 ballots cast, for 1.49 per cent of the total vote. Cross represented the party in the byelection, which marked the party's first attempt at running for a provincial seat.

Page 5

In 1993, we were approached by my sister to assume custody of her youngest daughter if child welfare officials in Alberta were successful in gaining custody of her. They were, and we have now been foster parents for eight years. Since then, we have had many children in our home (both through official and unofficial apprehensions). I must admit that it has been a struggle. But it is through struggle that we learn things, and I want to share with you my reflections on what I have learned by being a foster parent.

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In 1993, we were approached by my sister to assume custody of her youngest daughter if child welfare officials in Alberta were successful in gaining custody of her. They were, and we have now been foster parents for eight years. Since then, we have had many children in our home (both through official and unofficial apprehensions). I must admit that it has been a struggle. But it is through struggle that we learn things, and I want to share with you my reflections on what I have learned by being a foster parent.

Page 4

Executives from some of the country's top forestry companies joined Aboriginal leaders and students from across Canada in Saskatoon Jan. 22 to 24, when the First Nations Forestry Program (FNFP) held its fifth annual Aboriginal Forestry Conference.

The annual conference has a different theme each year, with this year's theme focusing on capacity building, creating partnerships, and creating opportunities for Aboriginal youth.

Page 4

Executives from some of the country's top forestry companies joined Aboriginal leaders and students from across Canada in Saskatoon Jan. 22 to 24, when the First Nations Forestry Program (FNFP) held its fifth annual Aboriginal Forestry Conference.

The annual conference has a different theme each year, with this year's theme focusing on capacity building, creating partnerships, and creating opportunities for Aboriginal youth.

Page 3

The 10-member First Nations rapper/break dance group, Red Power Squad, hit the floors in Lloydminster mid-February, with a performance and workshop that took the border town by storm.

Brought in as positive First Nations youth role models by the Catholic school division, their mandate is to bridge the gap between contemporary and traditional culture through music, dance and upbeat lyrics.

Page 3

The 10-member First Nations rapper/break dance group, Red Power Squad, hit the floors in Lloydminster mid-February, with a performance and workshop that took the border town by storm.

Brought in as positive First Nations youth role models by the Catholic school division, their mandate is to bridge the gap between contemporary and traditional culture through music, dance and upbeat lyrics.

Page 2

A day-long workshop hosted by the Stardale Women's Group helped aid women with self-determination and healing, and provided them with information on how to start similar groups in their own communities.

Participants for the workshop came in from various parts of the province, with a vast majority of them hailing from Saskatoon and Regina.