RCMP update on disappearance and Amber Alert for Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette, age 2

Over a year after Colton James Crowshoe’s body was found floating in the retention pond off Stoney Trail in Calgary, city police have yet to charge anyone in the homicide. Today, Sept. 14, Calgary Police Service and the Calgary Fire Department aquatics team returned to the pond to search for additional evidence. CFD divers entered the pond at 16 Avenue N.E. and Stoney Trail. Crowshoe, 18, was located in the pond on July 24, 2014, after a passerby called 911 reporting a body in the water.

Liberals showcase commitments to education funding and economic opportunities for First Nations

Aboriginal Affairs Critic Carolyn Bennett showcased Liberal Commitments to education funding and economic opportunities for First Nations and spoke about how, “it has to be about preserving and enhancing language and culture,” but also, “All Canadians need to know our shared history including the difficult parts of that so we could go forward in a good way.”

“We want everyone to understand the importance of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and those calls to action. That means that we, as the Liberal Party, have accepted, in entirety, all of the calls to action,” said Liberal Critic for Aboriginal Affairs Carolyn Bennett.

Bennett spoke to a media and Alberta Liberal candidates from northern Alberta on Sept. 10, in Edmonton, a day after Liberal leader Justin Trudeau attended a rally in the city and met with Mayor Don Iveson.

During a news conference last week to discuss the priorities for the 2015 federal election campaign as they relate to First Nations people, National Chief Perry Bellegarde revealed he would not vote in the federal election because he wanted to remain non-partisan.

National Chief Bellegarde has been advocating for First Nations to vote throughout the country. As well, the AFN has been providing information about why voting is essential, and the new identification requirements which are in place this year.

Cassie Flett credits the Alberta Future Leaders program for getting her into university.

Currently in her second year at Mount Royal University, Flett, 26, from Gift Lake Metis Settlement, believes it was AFL mentors like Melissa Tierney, who encouraged her to pursue post-secondary education.

“Melissa would keep pushing me and pushing me to apply,” said Flett, who was introduced to the program when living in Gift Lake. 

It was after Flett herself became a mentor that she applied for post-secondary education.

Metis artist Christi Belcourt has taken a temporary leap into fashion with stunning results.

Italian fashion company Valentino approached her this year with designs for a new line featuring patterns and detailing inspired by Belcourt’s work. Belcourt, who was contacted by email initially, researched the company before accepting their offer.

Following a major disappointment at her most recent competition, Jaimie Thibeault is looking forward to her next volleyball excursions.

The 25-year-old, who was born in Grande Prairie, is a member of the Canadian women’s volleyball squad. The club only managed to win one of its four matches at the Pan American Games, which were held in July in Toronto and surrounding communities.

Thibeault, a member of the T’Sou-ke Nation (Coast Salish), and her teammates ended up finishing eighth in the eight-team tournament.

“I am very interested in creating work that helps the audience to see the natural world with fresh eyes,” said Sandra Laronde, artistic director and CEO of Red Sky Performance and director of Indigenous arts at the Banff Centre. “My creative mission is new ways of seeing.”