School division's hoop dance video wins award

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A resource kit developed by Saskatoon Catholic Schools to help in teaching hoop dancing to students has been recognized with an award at the Association of Media and Technology in Education in Canada (AMTEC) Media Festival Awards.

Dancing Circles: Strong Hoop, Strong Spirit, received an award of merit in the visual instructional category at the awards, held in Montreal June 2. The resource kit was also nominated for a Golden Sheaf Award in the educational/instructional category at the Yorkton Short Film and Video Festival, held at the end of May.

The resource kits were developed by the school division's Aboriginal education team, in co-operation with the University of Saskatchewan's media and technology division. Each kit includes a step-by-step instructional video, and a DVD that uses different camera angles to help learners get a better look at the more complicated moves and patterns, and which features an alternate language track in Cree. A resource manual and 50 hoops for students to use to practice the traditional dance are also part of each package.

"This resource kit is part of our continuing efforts to develop innovative, responsive and culturally affirming Indian and Metis education programs, curriculum and resources," said Gordon Martell, superintendent of education for Saskatoon Catholic Schools.

Veterans elect new grand chief

The Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association (SFNVA) has elected a new grand chief.

Phillip Favel from Sweetgrass First Nation was elected as grand chief on April 30, during the SFNVA's annual general assembly. Favel takes over the role from previous grand chief Howard Anderson, who dedicated years working to get First Nations veterans compensation for the money and opportunities that were given to non-Aboriginal veterans after the wars, but not to them. His efforts were rewarded last year, when a federal compensation package was announced.

Though less than the SFNVA had been hoping for, the package, announced by Veterans Affairs on June 21, 2002, National Aboriginal Day, provided up to $20,000 in compensation for First Nations veterans or their surviving spouses. For First Nations veterans who died after the National Round Table on First Nations Veterans process began on Feb. 1, 2000, that compensation was also extended to their estates.

Tribal council gets into communications

The Battlefords Tribal Council (BTC) is getting into the communications business, thanks to its purchase of controlling interest in one of western Canada's top communications firms.

The tribal council, along with two non-Aboriginal partners, has purchased MGM Communications, a well-established company that provides services to its clients in the area of advertising, design and new media. The firm, founded in 1984, has offices in Saskatoon and Regina, and lists SaskTel, SaskPower and the Saskatchewan Potash Corporation among its clients.

"BTC has a proven track record of developing successful business partnerships, and it is our hope that this opportunity will assist us in mentoring, training and providing professional-level employment to First Nations people," said BTC CEO Randy Wallace.

"This acquisition provides First Nations people with an opportunity to participate in a professional service industry and fill a market niche that has traditionally had little Aboriginal representation," Indian and Northern Affairs (INAC) Minister Robert Nault said of the purchase. The department contributed $350,000 to assist the tribal council in purchasing the communications company.

Tourism focus of expo

If you are currently involved in the Indigenous tourism sector, or if it's something you're thinking of getting involved in, there's an event coming up in Saskatoon in September that you don't want to miss.

The International Indigenous Tourism Expo-A world of opportunity will take place Sept. 3 to 5, and is being hosted by Whitecap Dakota First Nation, Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, and the Centennial Audiorium and Convention Centre.

Those attending the three day expo will get a chance to tour some of the area's showcases of Indigenous tourism, including Wanuskewin Heritage Park, the Muskeg First Nation site on Packham Avenue, and Whitecap Dakota First Nation, where a the new Dakota Dunes Golf Links will soon be open for business. A trip to Prince Albert is also on the agenda, where Northern Lights Casino and the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) will host a banquet and casino night for expo attendees.

The tourism expo will also feature sessions dealing with the world of Indigenous tourism. One session on tourism products will look at a number of different types of tourist attractions, including sports tourism, entertainment and gaming, hotels and golf resorts, outfitting, outdoor adventure, and arts and culture. Another session will deal with the business side of the tourism sector, focusing on such things as partnership creation, event and facility management, marketing and public relations, land title, product development, project financing, and hospitality training.

For more information about the International Indigenous Tourism Expo, call event co-chairs Hugh Vassos (222-5392) or Eugene Arcand (221-2617). Information will also be available on the event Web site at www.iite.ca