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Planning is an important part of relapse prevention

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For the past couple of months I have been reviewing the relapse dynamic. The relapse process is very complex. In fact, a whole course is dedicated to this in specialization training. It is very important to know that the relapse process can be stopped. Relapse stems from ignorance: ignorance of past history, ignorance of the warning signs and ignorance of the techniques needed for intervening should the warning signs develop.

Chronic heart disease needs more study, experts agree

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Heart disease prevention programs aimed specifically at Native people seem scarce in British Columbia.

William Hamson-Fong, manager of cross-cultural programs for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of British Columbia and Yukon, said "the fact that we clearly have a higher incidence of heart disease among Aboriginals as a chronic disease means that it needs to be a priority."

Conference aims to make lives better for Aboriginal people

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The United Native Nations and a number of community organizations hosted a conference at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre on January 20 and 21.

The purpose of the meeting was not only to discuss problems faced by Indigenous groups and individuals in the Vancouver area, but also to propose practical steps to begin resolving them. Banners with the text "Making lives better for Aboriginal people, and their communities: Let's get beyond the talk. Let's start doing it in the Vancouver Area." decorated the walls, and set the theme for the two days.

Aboriginal people aiming for safe use of firearms

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The first Canadian Firearms Safety Course for instructors was delivered to Aboriginal people in December.

In total, 28 people from Aboriginal communities throughout the province were successful in completing the course. All of the candidates passed the training, included among them were four women. The new Aboriginal Firearms Safety Instructors are now ready to deliver firearms safety training throughout the province.

Annette Maurice, who has been a Native courtworker for the last 19 years in Prince George, was one of the recent graduates.

Respected Elder mourned

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She could drive a truck, operate a Cat, catch salmon and salt, can or dry them, garden, cook, and run both a family and a successful business.

Edna Douglas, a grand matriarch of the Sto:lo Nation, died in late January, leaving those who mourn her with memories of her militant activism and wealth of cultural knowledge.

Hundreds of people - Native and non-Native from all over British Columbia and the United States Pacific Northwest - attend her funeral at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Chilliwack.

APTN slowly taking root

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Since the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) hit the airwaves last September, the first and only Aboriginal-controlled TV network has been trying to change the way people view First Nations issues.

Abraham Tagalik, APTN chief operating officer, said that's what the network stands for.

Judge Point honored

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Judge Steven Point has been named as one of the University College of the Fraser Valley's first two honorary degree recipients.

First elected chief of the Skowkale band at the age of 23, he has worked to advance the cause of treaty rights. At the same time, he has worked to promote understanding and harmony between people of the Sto:lo Nation and the many thousands of newcomers who have settled in their traditional territory.