Page 26

Hiring of Aboriginal employees within the federal public service should see an increase in the future, with the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) keeping a watchful eye on the government's employment equity initiatives.

Page 25

It took a hunger strike, a road blockade, a province-wide solidarity caravan, plus the direct intervention of the Treaty 9 grand chief, but two First Nations in northeastern Ontario finally may see the end of a logging dispute that has been escalating for weeks.

As a result of their very public stance on treaty rights, Wahgoshig and New Post First Nations got a mediator this month to help settle logging concerns.

Page 24

Aboriginal women are at higher risk of contracting HIV and AIDS than Aboriginal men because of gender discrimination, compounded by sexual violence against women, and the lack of gender-specific research into appropriate drugs and treatment.

Page 22

To walk 25 to 30 km a day can be a daunting task for anyone. For Delores Naponse, 50, who was diagnosed with diabetes in 1997, it will become a way of life from May 1 to July 18.

Naponse, of the (Whitefish Lake) Atikmegosheng nation near Sudbury, Ont., began the Walking for Life, Walking for the Future diabetes walk 2000 at the Manitoba border and plans to end the walk at the Quebec border in Hull.

Page 21

For 14-year-old Rose Brass she wasn't always the championship swimmer that she is today.

"She tried hockey first of all, then soccer, gymnastics, dancing, and finally swimming," said Giff Brass of his daughter's athletic endeavors. "Swimming seems to be her thing."

Her mother Jean agreed with her husband, adding, "When she first started swimming, her dad would take her to the pool, get her in the water and stuff. She was two when she started.

Page 20

"After the four days they will be all tuckered out and happy to leave us and go back home," said Bill Williams, head of the Mission powwow organizing commitee.

Visitors and participants will leave satisfied as the 25th annual Mission powwow in British Columbia's Fraser Valley has been extended to a four-day function. From July 4 to 9, visitors will enjoy the event amidst the view of the mountains and the mighty Fraser River on the historical grounds of the Fraser Regional Heritage Park.

Page 19

A powerful new book by first-time author Kim Anderson will help Native women resolve identity issues and renew their connection with their personal power.

Although Anderson, 35, is a Cree/Metis academic with a social and health policy development background, she hopes her book, A Recognition of Being: Reconstructing Native Womanhood will be accessible to women outside of universities. She also sees it as "a gift to Native men, women and children," in her quest to help "decolonize" Native womanhood and promote a "healthier future for all Native peoples."

Page 18

Perhaps we would not have heard of Aboriginal poet Molly Starlight (Morin) if it hadn't been for the Reform party's resident Canada Council basher, Inky Mark.

"Reform takes aim at grants for 'wacky' arts projects" was the Vancouver Sun headline that changed Molly's life. She had been included on a list of $100 million in grants that Mark cited as evidence the Liberal government was throwing away the hard-earned money of taxpayers, although her share of the take came to a mere $1,500.

Page 17

She's taking her ballet slippers, tap shoes, and oxfords to Disneyland and she plans to proudly represent her people.

Randi Lightning, 14, from the Ermineskin First Nation, will be performing in Disneyland from July 3 to 8 with her dance group from Andy and Tina's Dance FX studio in Wetaskiwin.

The group will represent the studio and Canada during their trip. But for Lightning, being the only Native dancer out of the 16-member group means representing her Aboriginal heritage.

"I'm proud of it and excited to represent my Native people," said Lightning.

Page 15

Metis tradition and culture will be celebrated in grand style this summer during "Back to Batoche 2000, A National Festival in Celebration of Metis Culture" being held in Batoche July 24 to 30.

This year's event will feature an arts and cultural festival, sports and recreational games and children's and youth programming.

The event will showcase Metis arts and artists working in a variety of media, including writing, theatre, visual arts, film and video, music and dance.