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Gordon Wilson, British Columbia's Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, says Gordon Campbells' plan for a province-wide referendum is insulting, unethical, and will force First Nations to commit acts of civil disobedience.

"To suggest he's going to hold a referendum without having a clear understanding of what the question would be, but that it's going to be loosely worded around equality, presupposes that the status quo provides some level of equity or equality for First Nations which is ridiculous," said Minister Wilson.

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The British Columbia legislature - or at least the governing New Democratic Party members - has put the province's stamp of approval on the Nisga'a Final Agreement.

Nisga'a Tribal Council President Joe Gosnell and the premier signed the agreement into British Columbia law in the Terrace Arena on April 27. Full ratification will be achieved when the federal Parliament completes its legislative process, something sources in Ottawa say won't start before Parliament adjourns for the summer recess.

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Treaty commissioners are re-appointed

Wilf Adams, Debra Hanuse and Peter Lusztig were re-appointed to two-year terms on the British Columbia Treaty Commission last month.

Adams and Hanuse represent the First Nations Summit. Lusztig was re-appointed by the federal government for his third term on the commission.

The commission monitors, facilitates and reports on the 42 sets of treaty negotiations that are being conducted in the province.

BC Hydro will sponsor achievement awards

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Last month's column looked at why youth choose to drink and use drugs.

This month, I'm going to look at the profile of the chemically dependent young person to better understand why young people get trapped in the addiction cycle. It will also help parents monitor their children to see whether a child may be prone to falling into alcohol and drug abuse.

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The First Nations in the capital region have taken the first step towards full responsibility for providing support and protection services to their children and families.

A signing and blessing ceremony was held in the Lekwammen Longhouse on May 5. It was an historical event in an appropriate place. There was a sacred dance performed and it was a gift from Mary Thomas. It was appropriate because it is for the children and the agreement signed is also for the children.

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Treaty Commission issues annual report

Chief Commissioner Miles Richardson says the British Columbia Treaty Commission process is at a crossroads.

In the commission's annual report Richardson, appointed to head the commission in late 1998, singled out the need for improved funding for First Nations involved in the process and the need for improved interim measures as the biggest obstacles to the succesful completion of treaties.

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Summer in British Columbia - what a wonderful time. It feels so good to be home.

I just finished a two-year tour of duty with B.C. Hydro and it feels great to be back in Indian Country. I left the company for personal reasons and not because I didn't feel welcome there and not because I was forced out. I did my job in the face of extreme adversity and paid the price for working for a professional company.

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First Nations from across the territory gathered in Whitehorse on June 21 to celebrate their cultural heritage with pomp and style at the second annual Commissioner's Potlatch.

Dressed in the traditional black and red regalia, the Yukon's Aboriginal people shared their culture's crafts, songs, dances and stories in honor of National Aboriginal Day.

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Annie Frazier Henry has been conjuring up another special cinematic feat of magic while working with some new Aboriginal talent in the re-working of an ageless Squamish legend.

The award winning filmmaker, best known for her 1998 documentary, Singing Our Stories, recently finished shooting a half hour drama that will air on CTV this fall. Legends translates a timeless, rite-of-passage, Squamish Nation story about the origins of Vancouver's Siwash Rock into a gritty, urban coming-of-age story featuring a cast and crew of emerging Native talent.