If readers haven’t yet viewed the video of carver John T. Williams’ shooting death at the hands of a Seattle police officer, be forewarned, it’s jaw-dropping in the most profound way. Not in the graphic nature of a Tarantino movie, because there is no blood. We don’t even see Officer Ian Birk unholster his gun, nor do we see him fire five rounds from his police revolver into Williams’ small frame.

Various Aboriginal athletes from Alberta had their share of impressive accomplishments this past year.  Recognition came in personal awards or in winning championships. Most of these athletes are only just beginning their careers. The list below is subjective.

Alberta had its share of Aboriginal sporting events or moments that made headlines in 2010. Also included below is the innovative approach the Whitefish Lake First Nation is taking to ensure its members can have sports as part of their lives. All selections are subjective.

There were many shakers and movers last year among Alberta’s Aboriginal population. Some of the people listed below were recognized for years of commitment in their profession, while others are still on the move, seeing their efforts recognized with the attention they continue to bring to issues. Of note are the non-Aboriginal organizations or people who have been singled out. They made the list because of the impact they had on the Aboriginal population.

All selections, of course, are subjective.

The year 2010 was eventful for Aboriginal people in Alberta. From education issues to human rights issues to land issues: the common denominator was fighting for rights that were part of agreements whether settlements, treaties or the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Battles took place both in the boardroom and in the court room. Another common denominator for most was that they are ongoing issues, whether it’s to ensure delivery on a negotiated Memorandum of Understanding for education or to ensure the protection of the Woodland caribou.

Littlechild congratulates Obama for endorsing UNDRIP

Jennifer Bozek, a Métis student in 2nd year kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan, has been winning awards left, right, and centre.

“Coming out of high school, I got the Greystone Scholar Award from the University of Saskatchewan,” she said - for students with a minimum 95% average in grade 12 - receiving $3000 worth of scholarships. “I also got a regional scholarship from the Millenium Scholarship Foundation, and a high school one.”

While Statistics Canada found that the economy’s 2008-2009 recession was shorter and less damaging than other countries affected, the steady rise in female representation within the labor force continues, with more training options available.

A plan is now in the works that may improve the quality of life for First Nations people by pushing able-bodied citizens into pursuing positive educational and work placement initiatives.

A pilot project called ‘Active Measures’ has been introduced to some First Nations communities in Saskatchewan, including the One Arrow First Nation. It is a project not only limited to one idea, one program, or one community. Rather, it is looked at as a broad, multi-faceted initiative, according to Trevor Sutter, Manager of Communications for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.

The Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre held its annual First Nations Language Keepers Conference December 3 & 4 at the Saskatoon Inn in Saskatoon.

The annual gathering is quickly becoming a leading national conference in creating awareness of First Nations languages and cultures.

The goal of the conference is to bring together academics, knowledge keepers, master speakers, students, Elders and community leaders to share best practices in the revitalization and retention of language and culture in First Nations communities across Canada and the United States.