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If Indian and Northern Affairs Canada wants better value for the money spent on First Nations people's education, they will have to work much more closely with First Nations peoples.

That's the opinion of Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation Chief Mel Isnana. He made his comments after the federal auditor general released a report in mid-April that was critical of the department's ways of working with bands to ensure quality education for First Nations school children.

Page 20

The Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation played host in August to a summit of Sioux nations from across Canada and the United States.

Cultural and trade matters dominated the five-day convention, said Standing Buffalo Chief Mel Isnana.

The different Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota nations want to find out ways to increase trade amongst Native peoples across North America, he said. "We want to do some international partnerships with peoples in the United States and Mexico. We'll be going to be meeting this October in Mexico."

Page 20

The Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation played host in August to a summit of Sioux nations from across Canada and the United States.

Cultural and trade matters dominated the five-day convention, said Standing Buffalo Chief Mel Isnana.

The different Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota nations want to find out ways to increase trade amongst Native peoples across North America, he said. "We want to do some international partnerships with peoples in the United States and Mexico. We'll be going to be meeting this October in Mexico."

Page 19

It was a good way to commemorate the opening of a new century.

With more than 5,000 in attendance at the 35th Thunderchild powwow, reserve members had reason to celebrate.

This year's powwow theme 'Promoting Healthy Lifestyles' packed a punch and a sent out powerful message.

The Thunderchild health and powwow committees set out to promote traditional culture in healthy, positive setting.

An impressive, well-organized powwow was the result.

Page 19

It was a good way to commemorate the opening of a new century.

With more than 5,000 in attendance at the 35th Thunderchild powwow, reserve members had reason to celebrate.

This year's powwow theme 'Promoting Healthy Lifestyles' packed a punch and a sent out powerful message.

The Thunderchild health and powwow committees set out to promote traditional culture in healthy, positive setting.

An impressive, well-organized powwow was the result.

Page 17

It's about a six-and-a-half hour drive from Siksika First Nation near Calgary to Regina. Sixteen-year-old Robin Big Snake made the drive with his dad, Carlin, in mid August for his second Western Hockey League training camp with the Regina Pats. Now, it looks like Regina will be Big Snake's home for the rest of the hockey season.

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It's about a six-and-a-half hour drive from Siksika First Nation near Calgary to Regina. Sixteen-year-old Robin Big Snake made the drive with his dad, Carlin, in mid August for his second Western Hockey League training camp with the Regina Pats. Now, it looks like Regina will be Big Snake's home for the rest of the hockey season.

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Aboriginal youth from across Saskatchewan were entertained, but, most importantly, were educated at the Kanaweyimik First Nations Youth Awareness 2000 conference.

The conference catered to youth aged 12 to 17 years in North Battleford Sept. 27 to 29.

"The purpose of the conference was to bring together a large number of Aboriginal students to listen to speakers discuss issues relevant to Aboriginal youth," said Eleanore Sunchild, conference co-ordinator.

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Aboriginal youth from across Saskatchewan were entertained, but, most importantly, were educated at the Kanaweyimik First Nations Youth Awareness 2000 conference.

The conference catered to youth aged 12 to 17 years in North Battleford Sept. 27 to 29.

"The purpose of the conference was to bring together a large number of Aboriginal students to listen to speakers discuss issues relevant to Aboriginal youth," said Eleanore Sunchild, conference co-ordinator.

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Saskatchewan First Nations are working diligently to provide foster families on reserve to allow children in need of care the chance to remain on their home reserves.

Since 1995, Saskatchewan First Nations have been working with Saskatchewan Social Services in a contract arrangement as First Nations Child and Family Service agencies (FNCFS).