One Saskatchewan mother of two is learning that First Nations’ right to an education is valid, but not very flexible for making exceptions.

Miranda Moore of Kinistin Saulteaux Nation has been fighting to admit her two children into elementary and secondary school off her reserve, but with every step she takes her request is denied.

Moore made the decision to move back to her home reserve in March 2009. Her First Nation does have an elementary/secondary school available to children living on their reserve, but Moore said it is simply not good enough for her kids.

A treaty conference put on by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) in March, brought together First Nations leaders, Elders and experts to share knowledge about treaties and natural resources.
The main focus of the roundtable talks was deciding how treaties can be brought into discussions on resource revenue sharing through the Natural Resources Transfer Agreements (NRTA), and to reclaim lands and territories.

Former leader of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) Lawrence Joseph says it is not fair for his friend David Ahenakew to be remembered for a few mistakes over his devotion to his friends, family, and community members.

“Every time they talk about Dave Ahenakew for the past 6 years, media regurgitates the same crap that they have regurgitated since that unfortunate incident occurred,” said Joseph about recent news articles that were published following the death of his friend and First Nations leader David Ahenakew on March 12.

First Nations leaders want the provincial government to butt out of its tobacco business.

Even before the province released its latest budget on March 24, government officials were hinting about reducing the number of cigarette cartons a person could purchase on-reserve as well as decreasing the tax free exemption.

That immediately sparked the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) into action.

Lawrence Joseph vying for MP to represent north

Former chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN), Lawrence Joseph, has announced he will run for MP in the upcoming election for the Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchhill region.

At two press conferences in La Ronge and Prince Albert, he stated he will represent the New Democrats Party, deciding to run after the party’s leader, Jack Layton, approached him about the possibility.

Frustrations are surely mounting for those at the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) these days, as ongoing talks between politicians continue and progress to reinstate full government funding remains slow.

“The survival of the university is absolutely critical,” said 4th year Indian Social Work student at FNUniv’s Saskatoon campus, Shelley Arcand. “The First Nations University of Canada is unique to the city, the Province, I believe it’s unique to our communities. It has so much to offer that mainstream universities don’t… students thrive in this environment.”

Having a home is more than just having a roof over your head. Understanding that is what Ed Lavallee has been recognized for.

“Having a home is obviously important, but there are other factors that go beyond that and also contribute to people becoming homeless or at risk,” said Alex Abboud, communications manager with Homeward Trust Edmonton. “Ed (Lavallee) is doing a lot of work on that.”

Lavallee was one of two nominees from Homeward Trust’s ROOPH awards in the Outstanding Services for Aboriginal Community category.

Marie Delorme is a successful business owner who has everything going for her, except the time to take in her good fortune.

Take last February at the River Cree Resort, the site of the Alberta Business Awards of Distinction gala ceremonies, where she and her Calgary-based company, The Imagination Group, won two awards, including the Aboriginal Woman Entrepreneur Award of Distinction.

Have you ever wondered how plastic surgeons carry out a facelift? Or stitch up their patients when they’ve completed a procedure? Over 100 Aboriginals from around the country gathered at a conference in Edmonton to get the answers to these questions and help them learn more about careers in the health industry.

“I’m nervous,” said Lacey Whiteduck as she learned how to do stitches on the peel of an orange. Whiteduck and five other women chose to participate in the plastic surgery workshop on March 12, which was led by practicing plastic surgeon Dr. Amanda Fortin.

What was once a vision is now a living reality.

John McRee’s vision of helping youth has been realized in the creation of the White Buffalo Healing Centre for Youth, located on the Swan River First Nation. McRee, who has vast experience stemming over 15 years in the roles of liaison, educator, and Child Family Services worker, has created a place where children, ages 12-17, can easily consider their temporary home.