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Whether it's trips to the casino, a few dollars dropped into a video lottery terminal (VLT) or a few hours spent playing bingo, gambling is something to do for fun, as an entertaining way to pass a bit of time.

But for some, this harmless pastime can become something else entirely-a harmful addiction.

What makes it even more of a problem is the fact that it's an invisible addiction, explained Gaylene Heidt from Aventa, an addiction treatment centre for women in Calgary.

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A news conference was held at the Mennonite Centre in downtown Edmonton on Oct. 28 to announce a concert called Homefest 2003. The concert will feature nine local folk music acts, including Maria Dunn, Laura Vinson and Dale Ladouceur. It is being held to raise awareness about and to establish a winter emergency crisis fund for the homeless people of the city.

The fund is to be used whenever the emergency shelters are overflowing during cold snaps.

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On Oct. 23 more than 150 people gathered at the Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples in Edmonton for a fund-raising gala called 'Heart of the Art,' featuring the work of Rob Glenesk. The evening included a luncheon, speeches and a chance to view limited edition signed prints that were for sale to help support the Sacred Heart Renovation Project.

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After an absence of five years, the National Arts and Crafts show is back. The Aboriginal Artisans Traditions Association has been revived and with it the arts and crafts show it held annually.

This year the show will be held at the Shaw Conference Centre on Nov. 28 to Nov. 30. It is expected that upwards of 50 booths will be filled.

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In 1872, a nine-metre high mortuary pole was carved at the request of Chief G'psgolox and stood in the village of Misk'usa, reminding people of the many deaths that had occurred when smallpox came into the community, and of the special healing powers bestowed upon the chief by the Zola spirit that allowed him to bring the members of his tribe back to life. Then in 1929, when the people of the village returned from fishing, the pole was gone. It had been cut from its base, and had disappeared without a trace.

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Each year since 1993, Aboriginal youth from across Canada have converged on Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton to take part in a weekend of activity that promotes healthy living and healthy choices for a fulfilled life.

This year, the college had 1,500 young people pre-register for the Dreamcatcher Conference-Oct. 17 to 19-with hundreds more walking in to take part in the events that included workshops and presentations and a wide variety of entertainment.

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Hundreds of people gathered at the Wingate Inn on Oct. 23 to celebrate the winners of the 21st annual Peace Hills Trust First Nations Art Competition. The evening included a luncheon, a dance performance, speeches and an opening prayer done by renowned artist Allen Sapp.

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From the War of 1812 to today's peacekeeping duties around the world, thousands of Aboriginal people have dedicated themselves to serving in the Canadian military.

One estimate puts the number of Aboriginal people who served in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War at more than 12,000. The most well-known and remembered among them was Sergeant Thomas George Prince.

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After spending 12 days in Canada in September, the United Nations' special rapporteur on racism, racial discrimination, zenophobia and related intolerance wants to send a message to Canada's federal and provincial governments.

Racism is alive and flourishing in this country, which boasts internationally of its progressive attitudes towards multiculturalism.

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Vice-chief Rick Simon made no secret of his region's support for the financial institutions legislation (Bill C-19) and the Getting Results Agenda put forward by National Chief Phil Fontaine at the Assembly of First Nations special chiefs' gathering in Squamish Nation, B.C. in October.