Several chiefs of First Nations in southern Saskatchewan are calling on the province and BHP Billiton Ltd. to consult and accommodate when it comes to potash development on traditional territory.

“There’s been a lot of resources taken from our lands and we’ve received nothing,” said Chief Glenn Pratt of George Gordon First Nation.

 At a July press conference in Saskatoon, a group of chiefs including Pratt voiced their concerns that potash development occurring near their reserve lands gives them no benefits and affects their hunting, gathering and fishing rights.

Since 2008, the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan has been without an internal conflict resolution process. That’s about to change.

“As we move forward, being a nation, as a government, which we identify ourselves as, we need to have some sort of system in place where we can go to for an appeals process,” said Louis Gardiner, minister for intergovernmental affairs for the MNS.

A time-limited cash reward for information leading to the whereabouts of now 11-year-old Tamra Keepness has expired. But the added incentive resulted in some movement.

“Some tips have come in, but I don’t know exactly what they are,” said Bob Moseley, primary investigator with Missing Children Society of Canada. Tips are going directly to Sgt. Brent Shannon, who is heading up the investigation for the Regina Police Cold Case files.

North Central neighbourhood prettied-up
Volunteers from Regina and Texas are sprucing up Regina’s North Central neighbourhood with a colourful mural. “The thing that we really wanted to promote was peace and pride. So, we have a dove and peace sign with some really bright colours,” said Rene Dufour-Contreras, who was asked to design the mural. The cost of the mural is shared by the Jolly Roger and the Go Green program—a partnership between the City of Regina, the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the North Central Community Association.

Bernie Shepherd, Executive Director of Economic Development Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) participating in the Wounded Knee Memorial Motorcycle Run.  The mission of the Run is to preserve the memory of the Lakota people who suffered and died on December 29, 1890. The ancestors are honoured through prayer and ceremony by remembering and paying our respects.

The embattled chief of the Poundmaker First Nation is succinct when it comes to discussing his legal situation.
“I can’t talk about it,” said Chief Duane Antoine.
Antoine and eight others, either present or past councilors or band trustees, are facing charges under the Criminal Code. Conviction could result in jail time as well as an order for restitution.

Tribute: Kimowan Metchewais “Kim McLain”

On July 29, 2011, Mr. Kimowan Metchewais “Kim McLain” of Cold Lake First Nations passed away at the age of 47 years.

Kim was an instrumental member of the Windspeaker/AMMSA family in the early days back in the 1980's. Kim's artistic talents were nearly limitless and his works graced the pages of Windspeaker from editorial cartoons, to illustrations, to advertising and promotional campaigns.

It’s a shady drive along a leafy road from Quadra island ferry dock to Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge, a Native owned, nature-based lodge that includes gourmet food and Native art as part of a guest experience.

Crown Prosecutors in the Frank Paul Inquiry have been absolved of bias and improper conduct for their decision to not lay charges on two Vancouver Police officers in connection to the Mi’kmaw man’s 1998 death.

The announcement, which was released by the Attorney General June 22, brought a close to the Frank Paul Inquiry headed by Commissioner William H Davies.

The news also brought disappointment to First Nations leaders that say the case was fraught with racism and ignorance.

Dancing On Our Turtle’s Back
By Leanne Simpson
Review By Christine McFarlane

Dancing On Our Turtle’s Back: Stories of Nishnaabeg Re-Creation, Resurgence And A New Emergence, a new book written by academic and Niishnaabeg scholar Leanne Simpson, is a must read if you want to understand the philosophies of and pathways to reconciliation, what reconciliation means and what lay behind it for Indigenous peoples and the Canadian nation/state.