Before the National Inquiry: Countering Stereotypes Through Education, Employment and Art

 Aboriginal community members at the annual Sisters In Spirit Candlelight Vigil in Ottawa in October. Photo by Damira Davletyarova. "I embrace you my sisters; and myself too We will go forward with strength anew Our friendships will travel with us down the road Fortified by the stories we now hold..." Excerpt from

Learning to Walk

 What will the lasting legacy of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission be? As Cree youngsters in the north, we are taught the tradition of how to walk on the land and in the bush – with each foot fall carefully and quietly placed so as not to disturb the food

Celebrating the Cultural Fusion of the Métis

 Featured Image: Internationally-acclaimed troupe, the Asham Stompers promote the richness of Métis culture through dance.   Métis arts, language and symbols are expressions of a unique cultural fusion. The people of the Métis Nation are distinct from other Aboriginal peoples. Their culture and traditions come from the combination of Aboriginal peoples and

Aboriginal Initiatives at Nipissing University

 The Aboriginal Initiatives Program at Nipissing University offers students a unique opportunity to remain connected with their heritage while receiving their education. Throughout the school year, as well as in the summer, the Aboriginal Initiatives Office is busy helping students engage in their studies and in their community in order

Lawrence Martin’s “Train of Life” is on Track

 Juno award winner, Lawrence Martin’s (aka. Wapistan) latest album “Train of Life” is picking up speed. His fifth album is currently in the process of being mixed down and should hopefully be available by the end of this summer. The 13 tracks on this album are meant to tell the

Sometimes Compensation is the Road to Closure

 For more than 150 years, the Government of Canada attempted to assimilate aboriginal children by placing them in residential —otherwise known as boarding — schools. Since it was too difficult to change adults, they began "Christianizing" children as early as age five. But over the years, tens of thousands of