A panel of judges had a tough time picking just one winner in each category from an impressive array of worthy nominees in the annual ROOPH - Recognizing Outstanding Organizations and People in Housing – awards.

The Outstanding Service for the Aboriginal Community awards is an important part of the ROOPH Awards and Homeward Trust Edmonton has integrated Aboriginal partnerships in all aspects of the organization from the board of directors, through programs like the ROOPH awards, says Terry Jordan, manager of events and fund development for Homeward Trust.

By September, Siksika First Nation members could be returning to the polls to vote on a second referendum dealing with the land designation for the Hidden Valley Golf Resort.

This time around, though, council will be asking for a two to three year extension on the present designation and not the original revocation and designation that would have seen the land maintain designation for recreational, residential and commercial purposes under a 50-year lease.

That referendum was defeated in December by a vote of 551 to 241.

The province has signed an agreement with the Métis settlements committing to $85 million over the next 10 years.

“The cornerstone of the whole accord … is to ensure that the eight Métis settlements are economically viable, self-sustaining communities,” said Randy Hardy, president of the Métis Settlements General Council. “What we’re looking for is having our lands and traditional areas to realize what potential they have and maximizing on it and help to offset the cost to run fully functional local governments that can fit into the mosaic of this province.”

One First Nation is not signing its annual funding contribution agreement with the federal government and another is signing under duress.

And both Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief Allan Adam and Onion Lake Cree Nation Chief Wallace Fox are calling the federal government’s actions “extortion.”

At the heart of the issue is the government’s decision to roll the laws included in a variety of omnibus bills pushed through the House as part of the funding contribution agreement.

A breach in March at Suncor Energy in northern Alberta underscores the message Chiefs from Canada and the United States are delivering.  It also underscores that patience is running out.

“It’s going to be a long, hot summer meaning the people are restless and the people are tired of being dictated to and I think you’re going to see a lot of demonstrations this summer as the time unfolds,” said Athabasca Chipewyan First Nations Chief Allan Adam.

And peaceful demonstrations may not be the only form of protest on the agenda.

FNUniv Powwow Postponed Due to Brandt Centre Labour Disruption

Media statement

First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) is required to postpone its 35th Annual Spring Celebration Powwow, scheduled for the weekend of April 6-7, due to the possibility of a labor disruption as well as the concern Evraz Place has to deliver a quality event for their client.

The event has been rescheduled for the weekend of May 11-12, 2013.

April 9, 2013

BREAKING NEWS: Grand Elder Raymond ENDED HIS FAST at midnight [April 8, 2013], after 5 days and 15 hours without food or water. He is in good health and is extremely thankful for the incredible outpouring of support through his fast. Grand Elder Raymond will be releasing a statement at 11:30 [April 9, 2013] and will have media availability in the afternoon.

Media Statement from Elder Raymond Robinson

April 3, 2013

Embattled and suspended Senator patrick Brazeau cannot avoid the limelight, it would seem. On April 1, 2013 long after the accepted noon time limit for pulling April Fool's pranks the Senator tweeted:

Sen Patrick Brazeau
@TheBrazman
10:47 PM - 01 Apr 13

I will step down from my position!

Sen Patrick Brazeau
@TheBrazman
11:45 PM - 01 Apr 13

Official annoucement tomorrow at 10am.

Judy Desmoulin, Health and Social Director of Long Lake #58 First Nation located 330 km east of Thunder Bay, Ont., became aware of the prescription drug abuse problem in her community when she was a Grade 4 teacher. She spoke about Long Lake’s experience at the Chiefs of Ontario Health Forum in Toronto in February, and in a follow-up interview with Windspeaker.