Cuthand, Doug

Discusses the need to make students and academic excellence the first priority above political and financial issues at the First Nations University of Canada.

Comments on the interim task force report examining the First Nations University of Canada that advocates a smaller Board of Governors allowing greater academic freedom.

Discusses the task of electing a new national chief for the Assembly of First Nations formerly filled by Phil Fontaine. Fontaine was the first high-profile First Nations leader to reveal the abuse he suffered in a residential school which eventually led to compensation payments and an official apology from the Prime Minister.

Argues that the Auditor General was right in chastising the Federal government for the lack of action on the First Nations file and pointing out the legal basis for Ottawa's responsibility to fund First Nations.

Discusses the importance of friendship centres following the loss of Regina's Friendship Centre due to a 2004 fire.

Looks at the history of Treaty Land Entitlement, the negotiations, and the conclusion. Total duration of four series: 68:21.

Looks back at the Union of Saskatchewan Indians and the first president John Tootoosis.

Speculation on the outcome for the position of Chief and three Vice-Chiefs of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indians (FSIN) elections.

Comments on the candidates running for the 2002 Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations' (FSIN) elections.

Discusses how the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations is attempting to gain complete jurisdiction over gaming in Saskatchewan.

Explains that a rodeo was held as part of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations' (FSIN) 50th anniversary celebrations.

Explains why the First Nations University (FNUC) must be made independent.

Advocates that the proposed changes to the Indian Act are irrelevant compared to ensuring the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Reports on the failure of the Kelowna Accord, talk of privatizing Indian land, and the cancellation of a tobacco control program as disturbing trends under the new Conservative government.

Comments on the youthful and increasing community as it relates to education, employment, and future potential.

Explains the importance of the Saskatchewan Indian Summer Games and the 3,000 Aboriginal athletes who take part.

States that the First Nations are taking all the risks while the Province only issues a permit in exchange for 37.5% of the profits.

Comments on the sales tax collected from First Nations people, and contends that the revenue should be shared, and returned to the communities.

Discusses a variety of plants, both fruit and vegetable, grown in the early Americas: for example corn, beans, squash, potatoes, and cassava.

Comments on how today's First Nations and aboriginal children are prone to type 2 diabetes, childhood obesity and other health problems.

Discusses conflict of law arising from application of provincial law on-reserve to matters in First Nation jurisdiction, examples cited include: gambling, smoking, adoption, health, welfare regulation and education.

Discusses two education success stories and the relative lack of positive media exposure.

Commentary on the reaction to an earlier column reporting on a possible move by Indian and Northern Affairs out of Ottawa to Regina.

Argues that the Conservatives have scorned the Kelowna Accord, which was to be Paul Martin's legacy, and have instead chosen to tackle issues of privatization of Indian land and property rights for Aboriginal women on reserves.