Legend on hand for celebration

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The seventh annual National Aboriginal Women in Leadership Training Conference, to be held Oct. 26 to 28 at Vancouver's Empire Landmark hotel, will feature singer/songwriter/educator Buffy Sainte-Marie as one of the keynote speakers on opening day

Sainte-Marie performed at the first National Aboriginal Women in Leadership Conference in 2000 and she returns to help the host organization,

First Nations Training & Consulting Services, mark the seventh anniversary of the conference, the theme of which is "Honoring Our Women and Seven Generations."

As a college student in the early 1960s, Sainte-Marie became known as a writer of protest and love songs. Many of these became huge hits and were recorded by other artists, including Barbara Streisand, Elvis Presley, Janis Joplin, Tracy Chapmen and Neil Diamond. Sainte-Marie draws huge crowds on the concert circuit but continues to perform in small Aboriginal communities across North America.

As an educator, she lectures at colleges and other venues on a wide variety of topics including the Cradleboard Teaching project, women's issues and remaining positive amidst tough human realities.

Also scheduled to appear on opening day is National Chief Phil Fontaine of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN).

Guests will include Wendy Grant-John who will speak on matrimonial teal property, Ida Chong, B.C.'s minister responsible for Seniors and Women's Issues; Michael de Jong, B.C.'s Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation; and Jim Prentice, minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.

The Forum on Leadership in politics and business will include Brenda Chambers, president of Brenco Media, Martha Greig, president of Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, Ann Hanson, Commissioner of Nunavut, Beverly Jacobs, president of Native Women's Association of Canada, Chief Kowaintco Michel, chair of AFN's Women's Council, and Chief Judith Sayers of the Hupacasath First Nation.

Workshops and focus groups will examine some of the issues that affect the future of Aboriginal women, children and communities, including poverty, housing and homelessness, family violence, education, employment and childcare.

Rising country music talent Shane Yellowbird and comedian/puppeteer DerRic Starlight will entertain at the banquet and entertainment evening.

Register by calling (250) 652-7097 or visit www.firstpeoplescanada.com for information.