A new video explaining the triage process has been created through a partnership between Maskwacis Health Services, Maskwacis Radio, Aboriginal Health Service/Aboriginal Health (Media Services) and the Wetaskiwin Hospital ER.

“The video is a culturally appropriate teaching tool that has been developed for the Cree population to help them better understand the triage process,” said Tracy Lee, Aboriginal health lead with the Aboriginal Health Program through AHS.

David Tuccaro, from the Mikisew Cree First Nation, has been inducted into the Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame for 2012.

“Awards are not the reason for achieving success in entrepreneurialism, but rather the idea is to work hard and give back to your community,” said Tuccaro.

Growing up in Fort Chipewyan, Tuccaro started out working in the oil sands industry, which contains one of the largest oil sands in the global market. He began working as a crane operator, but it was not long before his passion for business management and entrepreneurship guided his career.

Researchers from the University of Lethbridge along with community partners are establishing a unique research opportunity to look into issues related to the urban Aboriginal population.

The Centre for Urban Aboriginal Research will assist with developing research that is relevant to issues for urban Aboriginal people.  Members of the research group will join with regional Aboriginal community members, advocates and city/regional government officials to discuss the future role of the research centre.

The 2012 National Aboriginal Achievement Awards were announced recently and two well-known Alberta names were included in the prestigious list. Dr. Leona Makokis was recognized for her contribution to education while Chief Victor Buffalo received the nod for the business and commerce category.

Scott Brass has certainly changed his life.

The turning point came in 2004. At the time Brass was a single dad with custody of his five-year-old daughter.
Brass though wasn’t making some wise lifestyle choices. Besides being a heavy drinker and smoker, Brass was also doing his share of drugs.

“I knew I had to change,” said Brass, adding he had even contemplated suicide. “I knew what I was doing was wrong.”

The timing is ideal.

With the recent extensive media coverage of the living conditions at Attiwapiskat in northern Ontario, many are only now starting to realize the scope of work that needs to be done on First Nations across the country.

As a result, a two-day First Nations Conference on Sustainable Buildings and Communities will be held at Enoch’s River Cree Resort, Feb. 29 and Mar. 1.

The event is being organized by the Sustainable Buildings Consortium, which was created in 1999 by Manasc Isaac Architects.

Aboriginal students gain insights into entrepreneurship

New housing for those in need

Edward Street opened its doors to the community on Jan. 23 with a ribbon cutting done by (from left) Homeward Trust Edmonton executive director Susan McGee, MP Laurie Hawn, vice-president of the Canadian Mental Health Association board of directors Linda Padgham, executive director of Canadian Mental Health Association Edmonton Ione Challborn’ and Mayor Stephen Mandel. The facility, which is managed by the CMHA, will house 27 mentally ill people in need. Six of the units are available for Housing First support program clients.

Kevin Littlelight expects Tsuu T’ina First Nation’s acceptance into the First Nations Land Management Regime to speed up the process for economic development.

“Our total focus is having economic development, sustainability, supporting that with what is out there and the lands regime looks to be that vehicle that is going to enable us to develop our projects further,” said Littlelight, the First Nation’s administrator. “We’re able to reinforce our jurisdiction through that regime as well.”

Sciences and maths will be receiving extra emphasis in on-reserve schools in Treaty 8.

“We’re looking at the younger grades and junior high, saying okay, this is why math and science are important,” said Joseph Jobin, CEO of Treaty 8. “We’re looking at whatever it takes to get messages to the youth to stay in school and take a look at education.”