Year in review-December, 2001

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Sage wrapped up 2001 with coverage of the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards in Orillia, Ont. and the many Saskatchewan artists who came home winners. We also took a look at some literary accomplishments, with interviews with some of the winners of the Saskatchewan Book Awards.

We also brought you news of a new commission formed by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) and the provincial Justice department to look into reforming the justice system to better serve First Nations and Metis people.

December's Sage also included a story about the announcement of more than $1 million in funding from the National Strategy on Community Safety and Crime Prevention for thirty-three community projects across Saskatchewan.

We also celebrated the recent successes of two young women from Saskatchewan. We spoke to Connie Walker from Okemasis First Nation, one of the co-hosts of the CBC youth-oriented consumer affairs show Street Cents, about the Gemini Award and International Emmy the show recently received. We also talked to Desarae Eashappie, a 15-year old girl from Carry the Kettle First Nation, about her burgeoning modeling career.

Also in December, we brought you news of the death of Standing Buffalo Dakota First Nation Chief Mel Isnana, who passed away at the age of 48.