As a child growing up in Enoch First Nation, Ashley Callingbull used to watch beauty pageants on television. Life has now come full circle for the 21-year-old woman who is competing for the title of Miss Universe Canada on June 14 in Toronto. Even though she submitted the pageant application herself, Callingbull was surprised when she found out that she had been selected as one of the competitors. “I thought because it was my first time, I wouldn’t get picked. I thought I was going in there for experience - just to see how the training was,” she said.

The Northland School Division has a new superintendent. Don Tessier, principal from St. Theresa elementary school, in Wabasca, has taken over the position on an interim basis until the end of August.
Superintendent Pier DePaola sent notice on March 31 to staff and administration that he had resigned as of May 5 “as per mutual agreement with the trustee.” He held the position for approximately 18 months.

Counsel for the Métis Nation of Alberta was expecting a delay in court proceedings because of the introduction of a detailed statistical report on Métis mobility. But a conference call at the end of April with Alberta Crown confirms everything is on track.

According to the established timetable, the Crown and MNA will present their final arguments on June 22-24.
The report that was causing concerns will be delivered by the defense’s final expert witness on May 11 and 12 at the Medicine Hat Provincial Court.

Three First Nations from Alberta now have intervenor status in a B.C. case that is being heard by the Supreme Court of Canada.

The Duncan First Nation and Horse Lake First Nation received word late last month that together they would be allowed to provide a written submission to the SCC and may even be allowed to present verbally. The Mikisew Cree First Nation was granted intervenor status at an earlier date.

Buffalo Skull Lodge re-dedication acknowledges thriving culture Piikani Traditional Knowledge Service had a re-dedication service for the Buffalo Skull Lodge to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in the development of a resource to keep Piikani culture and traditions thriving. The ceremony incorporated traditional Piikani customs including a Blackfoot Tipi transfer ceremony, customary Blackfoot validation ceremony, ribbon cutting, official acknowledgements and a community feast.

The Ermineskin Cree Nation has signed an agreement with a fledgling oil and gas company that both partners are hoping is the start of doing energy business on First Nations’ land in a new way. After six months of negotiations, Ermineskin Chief Gerry Ermineskin signed the 50/50 joint venture partnership agreement with Blaine Favel, president and chief executive officer of One Earth Oil and Gas Inc. One Earth Oil and Gas is in discussion with other First Nations, but this is the first agreement that the company, part of the Sprott Resource Corp., has signed with a band council.

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Clifton Chakita raises a pretty decent argument for anybody that tries to tell him cage fighting is a barbaric and violent activity.

"What doesn't have violence, hockey?" said the 30-year-old Cree/Assiniboine Native. "Our national pastime is brutal. In hockey, if the ref is late breaking up a fight, a guy could get brain damage. They're hitting each other with bare knuckles to the head. At least (cage fighters) have gloves on."

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The passing of Ben Michel this past summer at the age of 53 from a massive and unexpected heart attack has left a void in the leadership of the Innu Nation. For approximately 30 years, Michel advocated for Innu rights so his people could have control over their lives and their land. He devoted his entire working life to being a political leader and while still in his teen years and early twenties was actively participating in protecting the land and the way of life of his people.

Neilson to enter Hall
Former defenceman Jim Neilson, an Aboriginal player who toiled for 16 seasons in the National Hockey League, is one of this year’s inductees into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame.

Neilson is one of four individuals who will enter via the athlete category. Four others will be inducted as builders. And a pair of teams will also be honored. Induction ceremonies will be held June 19 at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina.

On a fairly cold and windy evening in Saskatoon on May 3, a few people took the time to gather in a soccer field for a worthy cause: to remember Aboriginal women who have gone missing and murdered and to talk about ways to stop the senseless violence that perpetuates such acts.

“Violence against women is unacceptable… It’s unaccept-able, it destroys families,” said Sue Martin of Ontario, who was at the vigil to speak about her daughter’s murder. “My life, my husband’s life, Terri’s life. It will never be the same.”