An agreement signed between the province, representing Northland School Division, and the Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council provides services to schools in the tribal area but no additional dollars.

“The money is another part of the work that we need to do, to bring the two governments together and see where we can get the extra funding and resources that we’re going to need,” said Peerless-Trout Chief James Alook. On reserve schooling is paid for by the federal government.

The Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench says a First Nation has the right to challenge the federal and provincial governments in court to ensure their treaty rights are protected into the future.

In her 19-page ruling handed down March 28, Madame Justice B. A. Browne rejected arguments presented by the federal and provincial governments to strike down the court action initiated by Beaver Lake Cree Nation.

Treaty 6 Grand Chief Cameron Alexis isn’t holding out hope that much will change for Aboriginal people following the provincial election on April 23.

Recent polls indicate that the ruling Progressive Conservatives, led by Premier Alison Redford, and Danielle Smith’s Wildrose Party are neck-and-neck.
“Both parties are also right wing, so which one is going to do the right thing? That is my question to both parties,” said Alexis.

Dr. Jane Simington has a simple message for all victims of sexual abuse.

“Healing is possible,” said Simington, an Edmonton-based grief and trauma specialist, who has worked extensively inside Aboriginal communities.

The extent of sexual abuse and the impacts it can have on victims and their families was thrust into the spotlight recently with the high profile sentencing of hockey coach Graham James. He received a two-year jail term for sexually abusing a pair of his former players.

First Nations and Métis in northwestern Alberta are resigned to the belief that the provincial government will give the nod to Enbridge’s Northern Gateway Pipeline.

An innovative approach to economic development promises to generate self-sufficiency for four partner First Nations.

Last month, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Onion Lake Energy, owned and operated by Onion Lake Cree Nation which straddles the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, and Driftpile, Sucker Creek, and Ermineskin First Nations. The agreement to create the Wanska Energy Alliance will see the four First Nations work together as strategic partners over the next year to explore economic opportunities, including joint gas and oil ventures.

The Industry Council for Aboriginal Business (ICAB)

K’omoks Nation on Vancouver Island has reached the agreement-in-principle phase of treaty negotiations, signing the document on March 24. The deal could see $17.5 million in cash and more than 2,000 hectares of land transferred to the nation if the final hurdles in the treaty process are jumped. While an important milestone, the agreement in principle is still a long way from a treaty being a done deal.

After a review and consultation process,

The Vancouver Island Health Authority has developed a new DVD educational tool that it hopes will increase cultural safety for Aboriginal people in the health care system.