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The Saskatchewan government has recommitted funding in the amount of $4.3 million for the First Nations and Métis Achievement Fund and Individual Achievement accounts. The programs will support school divisions and other groups who provide support to improve educational outcomes for First Nation and Métis students in Saskatchewan.
The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) recently announced that nominations are open for this year's joint FPAC-AFN Business Leadership Award. Nominations are open until June 15th, 2012 and the award will be presented on July 18th, 2012 at the AFN General Assembly in Toronto, Ontario. To obtain an application, please visit: www.fpac.ca/BusinessLeadershipAward
Recently Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn Atleo gave a speech at the Canadian Club of Toronto titled, "The Economics of Reconciliation". In the presentation he stated that partnerships can be formed that would be beneficial to both communities.
Due to a court decision, the May 30th Métis Nation of Saskatchewan (MNS) election has been suspended. According to MNS President Robert Doucette, the court's decision centered on the fact that no other parties were served with the application.
A recent editorial in the Saskatoon StarPhoenix, looks at the policy of the Saskatchewan government which promotes an increase in the number immigrants while the province suffers from a stubbornly high Aboriginal unemployment rate.
April 23, 2012
In an eagerly awaited verdict, the Federal Court ruled last week that the Federal Government cannot attempt to prevent First Nations groups from arguing for better funding for child welfare on reserves. The ruling effectively means that both parties will have a complete hearing about whether Ottawa is treating native children unfairly.
Canadian Press Posted: Apr 18, 2012 11:36 AM ET
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) announced that it will be forced to lay off staff after Health Canada reduced its funding by 40 per cent, making it the latest aboriginal group to feel the impact of budget cuts at the federal agency. This occurred after the National Aboriginal Health Organization said it would be closing its operations entirely after Health Canada cut off all it's funding.
The Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Network Inc. presents the 5th Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Gathering & Awards Gala 2012. This year's theme is "Honour Who You Are: Building on Your Strengths", on May 24th & 25th, 2012, Queensbury Convention Centre, Evraz Place, Regina. Keynote speakers Charlotte Ross and Perry Bellegarde, promise to inspire with insights, stories, & perspectives, and this year's Gala features entertainment by Tom Jackson.
The Aboriginal Education Council is presenting, Awasis 2012 Aboriginal Education Conference on April 25th-27th, 2012, at the Saskatoon Inn. The conference's aim is to improve Aboriginal knowledge and spirituality for all people.
8 of the 9 people charged from the Poundmaker First Nation have pled guilty to theft in connection to allegations of misspent funds at the reserve, dating back to 2004. Victoria McMillan entered a plea of not guilty and had her case adjourned until May 14th, 2012.
The "Stepping Stones Career Fair 2012" is an opportunity for Aboriginal youth to learn about education, career and employment opportunities from corporations, post-secondary institutions and government agencies. The event will be held May 9th, 2012, in Regina, Saskatchewan, and will be hosted at the Credit Union EventPlex at Evraz Place.
The Stepping Stones Aboriginal Youth Art Contest is a new province wide initiative for Saskatchewan First Nations, Métis and Inuit students in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 to enter their first ever art contest. The deadline for artwork submissions is April 20th, 2012.
Canada's biggest Indigenous inclusion event and recruitment fair will be held May 1st - 3rd, 2012 at the Westin Hotel, Edmonton, Alberta. This event with provide skills, information, resources and contacts needed to advance Aboriginal inclusion in the workplace.
The Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) will be hosting the PAGC Fine Arts Festival from Monday April 23rd, 2012 to Thursday April 26th, 2012 at the Allan Bird Memorial Gymnasium, 2300 Ninth Ave. W., Prince Albert, SK. For further information contact Shona Stapleton at 306-953-7234 or Sheryl Kimbley at 306-953-7217.
Students on Ice Arctic Youth Expedition 2012, is a ship-based journey that will explore Canada's eastern arctic region from July 30th-August 12th, 2012. The main theme includes learning about Indigenous ways of thinking. Youth attendees will learn from local Inuit to consider how the Arctic shapes Northern identity. Interested individuals wishing to obtain more information can call toll free, 1-866-336-6423 or email: apply@studentsonice. com
The Truth & Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada is holding its fourth National Event in Saskatoon, SK on June 21-24, 2012. As well, there will be 12 Community Hearings held throughout the province before and after the National Event which will give the TRC the opportunity to inform the public about the Commission's work, mandate and statement gathering process.
The federal government, through Health Canada, has cut funding for NAHO (National Aboriginal Health Organization). The organization will close by June 30th.
The Greater Essex County District School, located in and around Windsor, Ontario is experiencing increased interest in native studies at the high school level. Currently eight out of the public board's seventeen high schools offer courses in native studies.
Sarah Sacheli, The Windsor Star April 4, 2012
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is holding the 33rd Annual General Assembly on July 17th-19th, 2012 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W., Toronto, ON. There will also be a AFN Circle of Trade Show on July 17th-19th and the AFN Golf Tournament on July 16.
The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO), is sponsoring a Aboriginal Youth Art Contest to increase awareness regarding environmental health issues to enhance health outcomes. There are 3 categories; short essay, artwork and video. Three age categories are available; Junior (10-15), Intermediate (16-19) and Senior (20-30). Submission deadline is May 14, 2012.
Maclean's is hosting an event, First Nations in Canada: Is There a Way Forward? in Winnipeg, MB on April 11th, 2012 at the The Muriel Richardson Auditorium, Winnipeg Art Gallery. The moderator is Peter Van Dusen, Executive Producer of CPAC and panelists include Shawn A-In-Chut Atleo, National Chief, Assembly of First Nations.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission will be visiting Beaufort Delta communities to take public and private statements between April 11th-April 19th, 2012. Close to 90% of the people in Paulatuk are former residential school students.
CBC News Posted: Mar 29
Scotiabank has announced a donation of $200,000 to support more aboriginal scholarship, bursary and award funding for aboriginal students pursuring undergraduate and graduate business degrees at the University of Saskatchewan's Edwards School of Business.
By Scott Larson, The StarPhoenix April 3, 2012
As part of the 2012 Federal Budget, the federal government is investing $275 million over the next three years in Aboriginal education and job training and almost $331 million over two years to construct and upgrade reserve water systems. With recent statistics indicating a relatively young, rapidly growing Aboriginal population versus an aging Canada overall, such an expenditure can, "unlock the potential of Canada's First Nations children" according to Finance Minister Jim Flaherty.
Teresa Smith, Ottawa Citizen March 30, 2012
The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) stated that the 275 million over three years is only an additional $800 per student per year which still leaves a funding gap of over $3,000 per student per year.
The Battlefords Area Tribal Chiefs (BATC) Saskatchewan Winter Games 2012 will take place April 8th-13th, 2012 in Saskatoon, SK. Over 3,500 First Nations youth are expected to participate.
