As violence against women dominates discussions among Aboriginal and human rights groups in Canada, south of the border the long-sought Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was passed by the U.S. Senate on Feb. 12.

Canada’s national police force insists it is taking seriously allegations of widespread police misconduct and abuse against Native women, including several rapes, death threats and violence, brought forward by the U.S.-based Human Rights Watch (HRW).

In its Feb. 13 report entitled “Those Who Take Us Away,” the group documented dozens of allegations from more than 50 interviews in 10 northern B.C. communities.

On Minister John Duncan's Resignation...

It’s been a few years of increasingly disturbing news and, from all that we’ve learned during this time, we can safely conclude that many of the police services in this country have lost their moral bearings; they have lost their humanity; and lost perspective on what is right and good, which is, at its core, the most important thing of all.

Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo will make an opening statement at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal Monday, further advocating and supporting the need for equity and fairness for First Nation children, as the Tribunal begins its hearings on First Nation child welfare.

The Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge along with the Aboriginal Opportunities Employment Centre hosted the 3rd Annual Career and Resource Fair “Creating Opportunities” on Feb. 5. AOEC, which opened its doors in May 2010, has provided employment services to over 800 urban Aboriginal people living in Lethbridge. “Based on the feedback of the people who attended our Job Fair in 2012, many are transitioning into the urban environment and wanted to learn of the various services and programs in Lethbridge to support their move from rural areas, or other cities into Lethbridge.

CBC veteran Carolyn Warren will begin her new position as vice president, arts, with The Banff Centre in mid-March. Warren will oversee The Banff Centre’s multidisciplinary arts programming areas, including Indigenous arts, music, theatre arts, film and media, and literary and visual arts.

Andrea Amelinckx, Dr. Michelle Hogue and Dr. Blythe Shepard were approved as academic staff members by the General Faculty Council body to serve on the Aboriginal Education Committee that represents important stakeholders from the University of Lethbridge and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities. The three new members join ex officio members Dr. Judith Lapadat (chair), Dr.

The Coastal First Nations will not be participating in the Joint Review Panel on the proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline in Prince Rupert citing financial restraints. “It seems the only party that can afford this long and extended hearing process is Enbridge and, perhaps, the federal government. The average citizen can’t afford to be here and the Coastal First Nations cannot afford to be here,” said Art Sterritt, the executive director of the Coastal First Nations.