To help re-set the relationship between the Crown and First Nations people within Canada, leaders of the Anishinabek Nation offered up a symbolic gesture. Just before the opening ceremonies of the Crown First Nations Gathering on Jan. 24, a wampum belt was set on the stage, backwards, then righted immediately following the smudging, prayers and gift exchange.

We’d like to take some time here to acknowledge some terrible losses our communities have suffered since the last time we published, including, and perhaps most notably, the community of Burns Lake where fire destroyed a sawmill, killing two men and leaving many in this village injured and out of work indefinitely. The pain of that situation will be acutely felt as people mourn both the personal and professional devastation of the fire. Our thoughts and prayers are with these families.

Walpole Island First Nation said goodbye to beloved Elder Harold “Skeezix” Peters on Jan. 19. Skeezix had long been an advocate for Walpole Island, often standing up to protect the sensitive ecosystem that surrounded the island or standing up against Elder abuse.

Iskatewizaagegan Independent First Nation in Ontario is working to protect it inherent and treaty rights in the Shoal Lake watershed area of their territory.

Chief Eli Mandamin sent letters to two companies conducting business within the watershed that have significant impacts on the Nation’s inherent and treaty rights, as well as long-term implication for the environmental health of the area, he said.

Grandmother inspired and encouraged young people with her teachings

By late afternoon it might normally be difficult to engage 32 brains in a Grade 5 classroom, but when the now late Alma Kytwayhat was invited to share Indigenous ways of knowing with students, minds remained alert and the questions came fast and furious.

Sylvia Smith, who created Project of Heart, an educational toolkit that helps students understand the history of residential schools, received a 2011 Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching. She is one of seven teachers across the country to be honoured. Smith grew up in Allen, Sask., and currently teaches at Elizabeth Wyn Wood Alternative High School in Ottawa. Since it was created in 2007, Project of Heart has been used by schools and community groups across Canada.

Darcy Joseph Tootoosis and Angela Janzen are among 24 Aboriginal people from across the country to receive Canada Post’s 2011 Aboriginal Education Incentive Awards. The $1,000 award recognizes those who have resumed studies after a minimum of 12 months out of school and have completed one or more years in an educational program. “The hard work and determination of these recipients have made a tremendous impact on their own lives and we are proud to recognize them today,” said Bonnie Boretsky, vice-president, general counsel, corporate secretary and compliance, in a news release.

Roy Challis,with the Living Sky School Division board, was presented with the 2011 Saskatchewan School Boards Association Award of Distinction. He was also presented with a Star Blanket in recognition of his commitment to improving outcomes for First Nations and Métis students in Saskatchewan. “Roy’s time as president saw a major change in direction as the association worked towards putting direction, ownership and authority back into the hands of the membership,” said SSBA president Sandi Urban-Hall.

Darcy Bear, Chief of the Whitecap Dakota First Nation, was one of nine people to be bestowed with the province’s highest honour, the Saskatchewan Order of Merit. Bear’s goal is to free the community from a cycle of dependence on the federal government and has been working toward creating a strong economic environment for the First Nation. One result of this action has been the development of the Dakota Dunes Resort, Golf Links and Casino. Bear has also taken dramatic steps to improve the accountability, transparency and fiscal responsibility of his administration.

Initial plans in early January to cull stray dogs who were forming packs and becoming aggressive on the Lac La Ronge Indian Band were called off. Chief Tammy Cook-Searson issued a statement saying the band would work with the La Ronge-based group Northern Animal Rescue to bring the situation under control. A plan is being worked out where an animal control officer will pick up the dogs and turn them over to the rescue group.