Uplifting event promised

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This year's Saskatchewan First Nations Circle of Honour Banquet and Awards gala is fast approaching, and organizers, nominees and guests are all looking forward to an uplifting evening that will proudly highlight the achievements and initiatives of the province's Aboriginal community.

Scheduled to coincide with the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) Chiefs Spring Legislative Assembly, the event will take place on June 4 at the Radisson Hotel in Saskatoon.

Organized by the FSIN, this will be the fourth Circle of Honour Awards. For this year's incarnation, the FSIN has partnered with the Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company in staging the event, ensuring that the awards ceremony will be as entertaining as it is meaningful and moving.

"The Circle of Honour Awards is about First Nations honouring First Nations' people who have demonstrated tremendous achievements, discipline, vision, and excellence," said FSIN Chief Perry Bellegarde. "It is an exceptional event that celebrates achievement and excellence among all Saskatchewan First Nation communities."

Awards will be presented in the areas of education, health and social development, economic and community development, justice, land and resources, sports, youth, culture and recreation.

The event will culminate with the presentation of "Lifetime Achievement" and "Citizen of the Year" awards. The nominees in each category are chosen by a seven-member selection committee-one representative from each of the FSIN's six commissions and one from the FSIN Senate.

The June 4 gala will begin with cocktails at 5 p.m. and a dinner at 6 p.m., with the awards ceremony itself beginning at the end of the meal. Anyone interested in attending should contact event chair Jeannie Pewapisconias in Saskatoon at 665-1215, or co-chair Lorraine Delorme in Regina at 721-3600.

Ticket prices before May 31 are $125/individual, or $1,000/table (which seat eight guests.) After May 31, the prices are $150/individual and $1,200/table.