On July 2, the B.C. Court of Appeal reaffirmed its own legal ruling that recognized the commercial fishing rights of five Nuu-chah-nulth Nations. Last fall the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) rejected Canada’s request to appeal the court’s first decision on the matter, but sent the case back to the appeals court for reconsideration under the lens of the SCC’s decision in the case known as Lax Kw’alaams vs. Canada.

Rod McCormick is B.C.’s choice to lead researchers studying early childhood development among First Nations in Kamloops. He will head teams at Thompson Rivers University. McCormick, a psychologist, has worked with the Canadian Institutes of Mental Health on such projects as Aboriginal mental health and youth suicide. Children’s Minister Stephanie Cadieux said McCormick is a national expert and will help improve culturally-appropriate programs for Aboriginal children. Support from First Nations helped attract McCormick to the facility, said Alan Shaver, president of the university.

Tribal leaders are asking for support to rebuild the economic hub of the community at Bella Bella, devastated by fire July 12. The building housed the only grocery store, liquor store, post office, community library and café, and suffered extensive damage from smoke, fire and water, including the collapse of parts of the main floor into the offices and services located below. Heiltsuk Chief Tribal Councillor Marilyn Slett said “We are so grateful that no one was hurt in the fire, but the loss of these services will be felt by our community for a very long time.

First Nations language champions were recognized in Vancouver in July for outstanding achievement in language revitalization. Reginald Dennis is a champion of the Tahltan language. He won the Youth Award, which honors individuals 18 to 30, who are learning their language and inspiring others. Bridget Dan, champion of the Secwepem||=ôctsín language, is the recipient of the Community Education Leadership Award, which honors an individual who is exemplifying excellence in language teaching and leadership in a community setting.

Windspeaker: What one quality do you most value in a friend?
D.B.: An understanding that although we can’t always hang out like we did before kids, marriage and careers, we’re still there whenever one of us needs the other.

W: What is it that really makes you mad?
D.B.: Toronto traffic, lying politicians, pollution and anyone who thinks that just because Lil Wayne makes more money, he’s a better rapper than me.

W: When are you at your happiest?
D.B.: I’m happiest when my kids are happy, which is most of the time.

Beginning in the fall of 2014, students at Queen’s University will have the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Arts general degree plan in Indigenous Studies through the Faculty of Arts and Science. The plan in Indigenous Studies will be interdisciplinary, and can be completed either as a minor in combination with any major offered in the Faculty of Arts and Science or as a stand-alone general area of study in a three-year degree.

With the increase on the demand for hydro imminent in the north due to mining development, Northern Superior Regional Grand Chief Peter Collins is supporting the proposal put forward by the City of Thunder Bay to have the Thunder Bay Generating Station converted to Natural Gas. “The demands on hydro are expected to increase significantly and this proposed conversion is the most efficient and cost effective method of meeting those needs. This development is crucial to our economy growth and sustainability,” said Collins, in a news release.