The Friends of the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Society is launching a rotating art exhibit in the lower level of the Jubilee Auditorium. The first exhibit will be the work of Aaron Paquette, a descendant of the Cree and Cherokee.

The exhibit, located in the Kaasa Lobby, will be available for viewing by patrons visiting the Jubilee for performances, functions and special events. The artwork featured in each exhibit will also be incorporated into the Jubilee's education programs with youth and seniors.

Nichole Weasel Bear, 21, was crowned this year's Calgary Stampede Indian Princess. The Piikani Nation resident won the title on April 23. As an official representative of the Indian Village and the Calgary Exhibition & Stampede, the Indian Princess attends various events held during the 10-day Stampede in July as well as other special events throughout the year. Nichole is currently attending the Criminal Justice/Corrections Program at Lethbridge Community College.

The Northern Light Theatre in Edmonton is holding general auditions on June 2 and 3. Artistic director Trevor Schmidt is interested in seeing only those performers he has not recently seen, or whose work dramatically differs from what he has seen them do in the past. Come prepared with a recent headshot and resume and two contrasting contemporary monologues, each no more than two minutes in length. Call Jason Magee at 451-1586 to book an appointment.

From May 30 to June 3, kids of all ages will learn about many different cultures and traditions through music, theatre, puppetry, storytelling and dance during the International Children's Festival in St. Albert.

This festival is in its 25th year of inspiring children to experience and discover the cultural richness of the world.

As part of the festival, children are encouraged to discover the cultural traditions and spiritual beliefs of First Nations, Inuit and Metis through interactive activities.

The Aboriginal Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has taken a step to voice their objection to what they allege was a racist comment in a story by writer Ric Dolphin published by the Western Standard magazine.

The story was about Alberta Premier Ralph Klein stepping down as leader of the province's ruling Conservative party, and included comments about Klein's Metis wife, Colleen.

Dolphin quoted an unnamed source as saying "Once she stops being the premier's wife, she goes back to being just another Indian."

It's been more than five months since the November 2005 announcement that an agreement-in-principle had been reached to pay former residential school students compensation for their experiences within the residential school system.

A new training program designed to improve employment opportunities for Aboriginal people who want to work in the trades was launched April 25 at the Boilermakers Union Hall in Edmonton.

Through the Trade Winds to Success project about 200 Aboriginal people from Calgary and Edmonton will be trained to enter the boilermaker, ironworker, carpenter, steam/pipe-fitter, plumber and welder trades.

Ghost River Rediscovery is looking for 12 young professionals to fill internship placements in Austria, Bolivia, Dominica, Finland, Guatemala, Guyana, India, Sri Lanka and Sweden. Application deadline is May 15. The placements present an opportunity for career-related international work experience. Applicants must be between 18 and 30, have a degree or diploma and to have not worked in their field overseas.

Violet John, a First Nations woman from Kehewin Cree Nation, is the new Miss Indian World after winning a pageant at the Gathering of Nations powwow in Albuquerque, N.M. in April. The gathering is North America's largest powwow and craft fair and thousands of participants from around the world attend. This year's pageant saw 26 contestants. Participants are judged on essay writing, public speaking, personal interview and traditional talent. John is Plains Cree and Taino, and is currently attending Camosun College as a nursing student in Victoria, B.C.

There are 11 men from British Columbia now facing 105 charges in the killing and mutilation of bald eagles. The charges stem from an investigation by British Columbia Conservation Officers and agencies in Canada and the U.S. into the slaughter of 50 of the birds, many of which were found buried on the Burrard First Nation reserve in February 2005. Burrard First Nations Elder Leonard George has confirmed that some of the men arrested were part of his community. The RCMP said there are more charges pending. The first court proceedings will take place June 15 in Surrey Provincial Court.