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May 2012

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May 31, 2012

University of Saskatchewan Graduation Powwow 2012

The University of Saskatchewan Graduation Powwow 2012 was held yesterday at the University of Saskatchewan, in The Bowl, the centre of the campus. The event honoured High School graduates, many who plan on attending University as well as those graduating from the University of Saskatchewan.

Ashley Wills Posted: May 30, 2012

Book Launch - Kookum's Red Shoes

Author Peter Eyvindson is launching his new book, Kookum's Red Shoes at McNally Robinson Bookstore, 3130 8th St. E., Saskatoon, SK on Thursday May 31, 2012 at 7:30 PM. The story focuses on a little girl taken away to residential school and her strength in the face of oppression.

May 30, 2012

Native Women Association of Canada Releasing Report

The Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) will be soon releasing a report on the effects of inter-generational residential school trauma. The report makes a number of recommendations to positvely change the outcomes of criminalized Aboriginal women and girls.

Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Concerned About Bill C-38

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) feels that the Harper Government is violating its constitutional and legal obligations to accommodate and consult with regards to First Nation Treaty rights. Bill C-38 will replace current regulations in the environmental review process that will alter the opportunity for First Nations to be a meaningful participant in the approval process for major resource projects.

From NationTalk May 23, 2012

May 29, 2012

Graduation Powwow 2012

The University of Saskatchewan is holding the Graduation Powwow 2012 on Wednesday May 30th in the Bowl on the University Campus. The Powwow recognizes graduating Aboriginal students from the University of Saskatchewan and from high schools across the province.

May 28, 2012

Commemorative War of 1812 Medal for Aboriginal Canadians

The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, recently unveiled the commemorative War of 1812 medal for the 44 First Nation and Métis communities with a history linking them to the War of 1812.

May 27, 2012

Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology and Saskatoon Health Region Sign MOU

The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology (SIIT) and the Saskatoon Health Region (SHR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at delivering greater aboriginal employment opportunities for graduates in the health care sector. Currently only 4% of SHR employees are aboriginal, but the region's goal is to raise that to 10% by 2014.

By Creeson Agecoutay, The StarPhoenix May 22, 2012

May 26, 2012

Violence and Aggression Symposium

The 14th Biennial Violence and Aggression Symposium will be taking place on June 3rd-5th, 2012 at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, SK. This event is sponsored by the Regional Psychiatric Centre, Correctional Service Canada, and the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science and Justice Studies, University of Saskatchewan.

May 25, 2012

Celebrating Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology Success

Rob Norris, Saskatchewan Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister recently commended the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology (SIIT) on their increased student numbers. SIIT's registration numbers increased by 26% from 2007-08 to 2010-11 and the completion rate increased from 60% to 69% in the same period.

May 24, 2012

Saskatchewan Government and Lac La Ronge Indian Band Partnership

The Ministry of Social Services is partnering with the Lac La Ronge Indian Band Child and Family Services Agency to start the process of handing over the delivery of child welfare services for families and children in La Ronge and area. The La Ronge Agency was accredited in 2010 by the Canadian Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF Canada) for demonstrated excellence in social work.

May 23, 2012

First Nations Leaders Reaffirm Crown-First Nation Relationship

On May 22nd, 2012 Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo and other chiefs met with His Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall to reaffirm the relationship that has existed for centuries between the Crown and Canada's First Nations.

Metis Nation of Saskatchewan Election May Be Held This Fall

Recently, the Saskatchewan Provincial Métis Council has approved a process that will eventually result in elections, most likely in Fall 2012. Further meetings are upcoming on June 16th & 17th to determine a specific election date.

Canadian Press, Friday, May 11, 2012

May 22, 2012

Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Special Assembly on Gaming

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) is holding a Special Assembly on Gaming on May 23rd & 24th, 2012 at the Senator Allen Bird Memorial Centre, Prince Albert, SK.

May 20, 2012

2012 World Indigenous Housing Conference

The 2012 World Indigenous Housing Conference will take place June 11th-15th, 2012 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Attendees include: Mike Holmes, TV personality, housing expert and philanthropist, Shawn Atleo, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

May 19, 2012

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami Presidential Election

The Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) is holding a Presidential Election on Wednesday June 6th, 2012 at their Annual General Meeting in Kuujjuaq, Nunavik (northern Quebec).

May 18, 2012

Assembly of First Nations/Aboriginal Healing Foundation 2012 Fundraiser Golf Tournament

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and the Aboriginal Healing Foundation are hosting the 2012 Fundraiser Golf Tournament. Proceeds go to support the First Nations Rights Fund and the Legacy of Hope Foundation. The event takes place Friday May 25, 2012 at the Canadian Golf & Country Club in Ashton, ON just west of Ottawa.

May 17, 2012

Nunavut MP Critical of Liberal Senate Bill to End Seal Hunt

Nunavut MP Leona Aglukkaq is announcing her opposition to Liberal Senator Mac Harb's bill to end commercial seal hunting. She states that she will continue to be a vocal advocate for the seal hunt.

May 16, 2012

Saskatchewan Government-First Nation Tobacco Reduction Projects

The Government of Saskatchewan has announced the awarding of three grants exceeding more than $700,000 to reduce tobacco consumption. Partners include: Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, Battleford Tribal Council Indian Health Services, University of Saskatchewan and the Saskatoon Health Region.

May 15, 2012

Vision Quest Conference May 15th -17th, 2012

Vision Quest Conference will be held May 15th-17th, 2012 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. It will include plenary and workshop sessions, partnership building, and cultural and networking events.

May 14, 2012

University of Saskatchewan Students Elect Aboriginal Student Union President

Jared Brown, a 22 year old Sociology student, has been elected President of the University of Saskatchewan Student Union (USSU). As the first Aboriginal USSU president, he hopes to improve Aboriginal retention rates and improve partnerships.

Assembly of First Nations Advocates Collaboration Regarding a National Mental Health Strategy

Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo is supportive of the National Mental Health Strategy recently released by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC). The AFN worked with the MHCC to develop an appropriate approach regarding the unique cultures and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

May 13, 2012

Cabinet Ministers Won't Meet UN Food Envoy

The United Nations' right to food expert, in his first probe of a developed country, has been denied the opportunity to meet with federal cabinet ministers during his 11 day tour, which includes visits to aboriginal communities in Manitoba and Alberta. Officials from Foreign Affairs and Aboriginal Affairs declined to comment why John Baird and John Duncan couldn't find time in their schedules to meet Olivier De Schutter.

May 12, 2012

New Treaty Commissioner Appointed

George Lafond, former Saskatoon Tribal Chief and Aboriginal Adviser to the University of Saskatchewan President, has been appointed as the province's Treaty Commissioner. The Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC) facilitates conversations surrounding the significance of historical treaties in Saskatchewan.

May 11, 2012

Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Executive Communique

The most recent Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) Executive Communique provides an update on the First Nations Community Policing Framework Agreement process.

May 10, 2012

Assembly of First Nations Advocates For Former IRS Students

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is continuing to advocate for the rights of former Indian Residential School (IRS) students. Recent developments surround a case currently being heard by the British Columbia Supreme Court regarding alleged wrong-doing by Calgary law firm Blott & Co. Kathleen Mahony, representing the AFN made arguments on behalf of some 1,400 claimants not yet registered by the law firm.

May 09, 2012

Gordon Oakes-Red Bear Student Centre Presentation

University of Saskatchewan's Facilities Management Division (FMD) will be hosting a presentation on Wednesday May 9, 2012 at 7:00 PM in Room 146 of the Arts Building regarding construction of the Gordon Oakes-Red Bear Student Centre. Architect Douglas Cardinal will be sharing details of the project with the public.

May 08, 2012

Book Launch: Finding a Way to the Heart

Editors Valerie J. Korinek and Robin Jarvis Brownlie, and contributor Rob Innes will launch Finding a Way to the Heart: Feminist Writings on Aboriginal and Women's History in Canada Tuesday May 8, 2012 at 7:00 pm at the Travel Alcove, McNally Robinson located at 3130 8th St. E., Saskatoon.

May 07, 2012

Saskatchewan First Nations Man Wants More Cancer Support Programs

Darren Okemaysim, who's facing a terminal colon cancer diagnosis, says there should be more support programs for First Nations cancer patients. He's starting a foundation to help assist others who are facing similar challenges.

CBC News Posted: May 2, 2012 8:30 AM CST

May 05, 2012

First Nations Councillors Conference

Native Networks presents, First Nations Councillors Conference: Leadership Making Connections For Growth, May 23rd-25th, 2012 in Edmonton, AB at the Edmonton Marriott at River Cree Resort.

May 04, 2012

U of S Researchers Partner With First Nations on Health Initiative

University of Saskatchewan researchers have partnered with the communities of Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation and Montreal Lake Cree Nation, University of Regina and First Nations University of Canada to study First Nations respiratory health. The $1.5 million study will observe conditions and develop methods that will promote lower rates of respiratory illness.

May 03, 2012

Aboriginal Resources and Economic Development Forum

The Aboriginal Resources and Economic Development Forum will be held June 6th-7th, 2012 in Winnipeg, MB at The Fairmont Winnipeg. Topics to be covered include consultation, accommodation, negotiations, revenue-sharing and more.

May 02, 2012

Lack of Aboriginal Jurors on Trial in Ontario Court

The diversity of the makeup of juries in Ontario is being decided in a trial taking place in Ontario. The Government of Ontario is fighting the case being heard by the Ontario Court of Appeal stating, an accused has no "absolute right" to a representative jury.

Canadian Press Posted: Apr 29, 2012 2:26 PM ET

May 01, 2012

First Nations Housing Opens in Saskatoon

Last week, a twenty-seven unit rental project for First Nations students, and individuals employed in entry level positions opened in Saskatoon. The project which is an agency of the Saskatoon Tribal Council was undertaken by Cress Housing Corporation.