“Grief is associated with death, while missing is associated with trauma,” said Sylvia Keall, who delivered a session entitled

October 5, 2015. A conference in Calgary sponsored by the Piikani and Ermineskin First Nations along with wildlife groups, is looking at the potential threat of chronic wasting disease. CWD is an illness that has only been found in deer, but new research indicates it may be able to pass into other species, including humans. There is concern about the disease spreading.

October 5, 2015. Under the Green Party’s plan to protect Canada’s water, leader Elizabeth May has committed to reversing changes to the Fisheries Act and working with First Nation communities, municipal, provincial, and federal governments to create a national water policy. The Green Party would also invest $800 million per year for basic infrastructure for First Nations, including drinking water and adequate housing. According to a 2015 Council of Canadians report, there are 169 drinking water advisories in 126 First Nation communities.

October 5, 2015. The Liberals have announced that should they form the next government, they will prioritize reconciliation with the Métis Nation, by working closely with the Métis people, provinces, and territories.  Liberal candidate for Fort McMurray-Cold Lake Kyle Harrietha, who also serves as general manager for McMurray Métis, applauded the announcement.
“I'm fully aware that after a decade of Conservative failure,

October 2, 2015. Keynote speaker Ashley Callingbull-Burnham told a crowd at the University of Manitoba that First Nations people had to be active in the upcoming federal election. "If we suffer, our future generations are going to suffer, so yes we do need to vote because this is a crucial time because we can change the future by just one vote,” said Callingbull-Burnham. The recent winner of the Mrs. Universe pageant has been vocal, using her new platform to encourage Indigenous voting.

October 5, 2015. Blackstone, produced by the Edmonton-based company Prairie Dog Film + Television, is entering its fifth and final season. “We’ve had an incredible run with Blackstone on APTN, and together we have taken the show to places where we could have only dreamed of when we started,” said Ron E. Scott, executive producer, writer, and director.

Government ministers to address Aboriginal education symposium

October 4, 2015. Jingle dress dancer Vanessa Stiffarm,25, from Kainai Nation, has been crowned Calgary Stampede Treaty 7 2016 Indian Princess. She beat out Alicia Maguire and Savanna Sparvier of Siksika Nation; Jasmine Crowchief from Siksika and Piikani Nations; and Shay-Lynn Strikes With A Gun from Piikani Nation. The competitors were judged in a number of categories, including speaking, horsemanship, dancing and presentation.

October 1, 2015. Excavation

October 2, 2015. The Keepers of the Athabasca are calling into question the province’s decision to lift a water ban that had been temporarily put in place on the Athabasca river. Due to low water levels, on July 24, the province restricted all restricted all tar sands operators on the Athabasca River from withdrawing water, except for Shell, Suncor and Syncrude. That ban was lifted Sept. 16.