A small storage, run-of-river hydro facility that will create economic opportunities and help a coastal First Nation get off diesel is one of 11 new projects supported by B.C.’s First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund. More than $610,000 will go to 11 First Nations communities across B.C.

On April 20, a new agreement was signed between BC and the Kwantlen First Nation that will bring forestry revenue back into the community. The Forest Consultation and Revenue Sharing Agreement (FCRSA) reflects ‘on the ground’ forestry activity in Kwantlen’s traditional territory, located in areas along the Fraser River and Stave River around Fort Langley, Maple Ridge and Mission. The agreement flows a percentage of the forestry revenue directly back into the community and allows the First Nation to decide where the dollars are needed most.

On April 18, an open letter was sent to Premier Christy Clark and Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robinson from the Musqueam making it abundantly clear their position on a condo development that is going forward on an ancient village and midden site, which the Musqueam say has been continuously occupied since the time the first pyramids were built in Egypt. It is known today as the Marpole Midden, a Canadian Heritage Site since 1938. The Musqueam state that the site contains intact remains.

Beat Nation is an exhibit at the Vancouver Art Gallery that features a variety of artists who juxtapose different visions of Aboriginal culture with urban youth and hip hop aesthetics.

The exhibit, which features more than 20 artists from different Aboriginal communities across North America, showcases a variety of artistic mediums including video, photography, audio, painting and installation.

Canada has officially recognized and honoured the Cowichan sweater and the knitters that make them, as well as Interior Salish basket making, designating them Aboriginal items of national historic significance.

Peter Kent, Canada’s minister of the Environment and minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced the commemorative designations on March 22, along with 11 other Aboriginal persons, places, and events of historic significance.

The Supreme Court of Canada has called on the British Columbia Court of Appeal to reconsider its finding that five First Nations on Vancouver Island have a right to sell fish harvested in their traditional territories.

Shoal Lake Cree Nation is among five Saskatchewan communities to receive grant dollars from the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Shoal Lake will use the funding from My Healthy Community grant program for its Foods from the Creator project. “We had an overwhelming response, with over 140 applications for grants,” said Lorie Langenfurth, HSF CEO in a news release. ”Many Saskatchewan communities face significant challenges in making healthy choices available and affordable.

Funding from the federal government will allow the Whitecap Dakota First Nation to research and plan for commemorative activities related to the War of 1812 that will recognize the important part played by the Dakota and other Aboriginal communities. “The War of 1812 was a defining moment in Canada’s history,” said Chief Darcy Bear of the Whitecap Dakota Nation in a news release.

Results from a new technical report for potash mining on the Muskowekwan First Nation home reserve and the MFN Treaty Land Entitlement lands are favourable. “We look forward to progressing this project into the first potash mine on First Nations’ land. Clearly this is another significant milestone achievement for Encanto,” said James Walchuck, president and CEO of Encanto in a news release.

The Regina Board of Police Commissioners has voted to extend the $25,000 reward for information leading to the whereabouts of Tamra Jewel Keepness. Keepness, five years old at the time, was last seen in her home on the 1800 block of Ottawa Street on July 5, 2004. The next day, she was reported missing to police. The reward was first offered a week later on July 13, and has been extended on an annual basis ever since.