Some children watch intently as snails perform a water ballet, while another youth exclaims “I just touched a leech!” For Ducks Unlimited Educator Heidi Juul, that’s what outdoor classrooms and initiatives like Project Webfoot are all about.

“Wetlands are in trouble,” she said. “And part of our program is outreach to children who can experience these types of wetlands. We have field trips and class presentations, and the kids have a lot of fun.”

Aboriginal leaders from across Saskatchewan took turns slamming non-Native governments during a two-day spring assembly organized by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN).

Eighteen youth have graduated alongside special constables from the File Hills Police Service, Elders and two teachers in the ‘Youth Peacemakers Program’ held at Peepeekisis Pesakastew School.

The six-month program offers training in mediation skills, with curriculum designed by the community itself. It is based on Indigenous teachings in cultural self-awareness, helping skills, communication skills, problem solving, conflict resolution, self-care, effective listening, critical thinking, mediation and the importance of confidentiality.

Kinistin Saulteaux Nation may have had a large role in the creation of a new Aboriginal health plan for Saskatchewan residents; however, Chief Peter Nippi warns that actions speak louder than words.

“I am tired of engaging in discussions. Action needs to take form,” said Chief Nippi of Kinistin, two weeks following the release of the Aboriginal Health Strategy-a combined effort between the Saskatoon Health Region (SHR), Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI) and Kinistin Salteaux Nation.

Newly proposed legislation that will regulate clean and safe drinking water in First Nations communities is good news, as long as affected communities receive the resources they need to keep up with the new bill, says Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Vice-Chief Lyle Whitefish.

“If it is going to come with infrastructure, with improvements, than I don’t see a problem with moving ahead with it,” said Whitefish, referring to the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act, which was introduced into Parliament on May 25.

Chris Martell remembers his 22-month-old son as a “good little boy”. He plans to honor him by continuing to demand answers to questions surrounding his death while he was in the care of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services.

“Everybody wanted to be with him… He listened, he ate everything you put in front of him,” said Martell of his son Evander Lee Daniels who died June 8, while in foster care on a farm near Aberdeen.

Fire damages Moosomin RCMP office
The RCMP office on the Moosomin First Nation, located 35 kilometres north of Battelford, was badly damaged from a fire set in a suspected arson on June 22.
An on-duty officer realized the building was on fire at approximately 3:30am, after a suspect set fire to the exterior of the office next to the building, which is leased to the RCMP.
Police have not made any arrests but are asking anyone with information to call the Battlefords detachment at (306)446-1720.  

Environmental protection core to agreement

There’s urgent need for reform of laws stacked against First Nations in their relationship with the mining industry in British Columbia, a study by the prestigious Harvard Law School concludes.

In theory, Canadian law and the international treaties Canada is a party to protect First Nations from development that threatens their environment and culture, the two being closely intertwined.

Michael Kleywegt worked hard to obtain his commercial helicopter license and establish his own business . After 10 years, the Thunder Bay resident is living his dream, and is now determined to help make a difference for area First Nations.

Kleywegt wants to use his contacts within his industry to help improve water quality on reserve and build new schools in Thunder Bay.

“I want to give back to the communities for everything that they have given to me,” said Kleywegt, who is thankful for the $100,000-worth of funding his band gave to him to pay for his education.