Blackstone films in Edmonton, area

The Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta has launched a new academic journal, the first to address emerging issues of Canadian Métis, non-status Indians and urban Aboriginals.

According to editor Chris Andersen, a Métis and associate professor at the U of A, Aboriginal Policy Studies fills a gap by focusing on policies that shape and influence those living off-reserves.  The journal’s aim is to begin to talk about social trends that affect the future of the ever-increasing number of Métis, non-status Indians and urban Aboriginals living in urban areas.

Healing through “horse therapy” is a way in which a First Nation in southern Alberta is looking to help youth linked with solvent abuse.

Siksika First Nation recently opened a treatment centre for youth solvent abuse and is partnering with researchers from three universities and from the Youth Solvent Addiction Committee, the National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation, and the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse to examine the benefits of Equine Assisted Learning. An Elder from the Siksika Medicine Lodge is among the advisors helping with the project.

Recent funding announced by the federal government will continue to help meet the needs of homeless people on Alberta streets.

“Most of the funds were already allocated, but we did receive some new capital,” said Alex Abboud, spokesman with Homeward Trust Edmonton.

Abboud’s organization received $12.9 million through Homelessness Partnering Strategy, a federal program under Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. Of that, $1.8 million is allocated for Aboriginal Communities funding.

His idol is George Strait, his motivation is his loving wife and his enthusiasm is his passion for music. Born in Elk Point, Alberta, and raised in Frog Lake First Nation, Alex Dion has been dabbling in music from the age of 10.

In his younger days, Dion played in the rock band Clone and at 21 years old, planned to sign as a member. But things didn’t go as planned.

Dion was about to give up on his dream when he met his wife, Flower, who hails from Hobbema, and decided to sing to her.

The Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Settlements General Council and the Elizabeth Métis Settlement are all seeking intervener status in the Cunningham v. Alberta case that is going in front of the Supreme Court of Canada in December.

Audrey Poitras is confident that the decision to be rendered by the Medicine Hat Provincial Court in December will be a favourable one for Métis harvesters.
“Based on all the evidence put forth at trial, we believe that our history and Canada’s constitution support our harvesting rights,” said Poitras, president of the Métis Nation of Alberta, which bankrolled the 45-day trial for Ron Jones and Gary Hirsekorn, charged with hunting without a license in the Cypress Hills and Pincher Creek areas in 2008.

A 13-kilometre walk along Highway 63 past the oil sand operations in Fort McMurray raised awareness of issues centred around oil development.

Over 100 community leaders, Elders, activists and youth participated in the walk organized by the Keepers of the Athabasca, on Aug. 14. The healing walk was a peaceful way for community members to express their concerns regarding the pace of development and the environmental impact of oil sand operations in northern Alberta.

Child welfare and youth justice are two issues clearly highlighted in a series of dialogues that took place in Alberta two years ago.

The Circle Alberta Report: Dialogues on Aboriginal Futures—Strengthening Relationships for Shared Prosperity, only recently released, contains the dialogues and recommendations from a year-long consultation process on critical issues relating to Aboriginal society and inclusion.

Country music artist Shane Yellowbird, from Hobbema, leads the way with three nominations in the 2010 Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards.