News From Around the Nations

CASINO IN KAHNAWAKE

The Kahnawà:ke Casino Project Team of the  Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke is pleased to announce the opening of a Casino Project Information Center for Kahnawa’kehró:non who wish to learn more about the project.

The Information Center will be located at the former Environment Protection Office on the Old Malone Highway and will remain in operation until the referendum takes place.  Community members will be able to drop in at their convenience to access information, ask questions and speak directly with members of the Casino Project Team in a neutral environment.

“This type of community outreach was well received during the 2003 referendum,” said Project Leader Ryan Rice. “We hope to see as many Kahnawa’kehró:non as possible with a goal of providing honest and accurate information on which to base their decision at referendum time.”

Operating hours of the Information Center will be from 10am to 5:30pm, Monday through Friday. Community members can also call 450-638-9527 and, as always, keep up to date with all proposed Casino Project developments by visiting http://www.kahnawakecasinoproject.com

2012 NATIONAL ABORIGINAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS

Fifteen people received National Aboriginal Achievement Awards, now named Indspire, (a combination of the words indigenous and inspire) on February 24, in Vancouver. The event was hosted by hockey legend Theoren Fleury and actress Carmen Moore, and featured musicians Robbie Robertson and Derek Miller, among many other artists. Congratulations to:

Adam Beach, Lake Manitoba First Nation - Arts

Victor S. Buffalo, Samson Cree First Nation, Alberta - Business & Commerce

Dave Courchene, Métis of Manitoba - Culture, Heritage & Spirituality

Leona Makokis, Saddle Lake Cree Nation, Alberta - Education

Richard Stewart Hardy, K’omoks First Nation, British Columbia - Environment & Natural Resources

Dr. Janet Smylie, Métis: Ontario - Health

Violet Ford, Inuit: Newfoundland & Labrador - Law & Justice

Senator Gerry St. Germain, Métis: Manitoba - Lifetime

Richard Wagamese, Wabaseemong First Nation, Ontario - Media & Communications

Grand Chief Edward John, Northern Dene, British Columbia - Politics

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Inuit: Nunavut - Politics

Minnie Grey, Inuit: Quebec - Public Service

Richard Peter, Cowichan Tribe, British Columbia - Sports

Earl Cook, Cross Lake First Nation, Manitoba - Youth

Candace Sutherland, Métis: Manitoba – Youth

HEALTHY FIRST NATIONS AND INUIT FACEBOOK

Health Canada introduces its new Page created to raise awareness and increase access to health-related topics, such as immunization, environmental health or seasonal flu.

By joining the page, you will find lots of information updated on a regular basis, as well as links directing you to videos, interactive tools and educational games for people of all ages.

You may also discuss with members of the page who, just like you, share an interest in health issues.

We invite you to add the Healthy First Nations and Inuit Facebook Page now to your “ I Like “ section by clicking on the following link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Healthy-First-Nations-and-Inuit

2012 ARTIC WINTER GAMES

Started March 4 and runs until March 10. The games are an international celebration of Northern sport, culture and Friendship. Coverage by APTN of opening ceremonies, sporting and cultural events, athlete interviews and medal standings. Turn in to APTN National News each day for updates or check webpage at http://www.aptn.ca/awg2012. On Twitter follow @APTNNEWS and the hashtag #AWG2012.

Sports include Dene games, wrestling, alpine skiing, biathlon, badminton, cross-country skiing, dog mushing, curling, figure skating, hockey, gymnastics, soccer, snowboarding, snowshoes, speed skating, table tennis and more.