For the Press Release describing the Tabling of the 2006-2007 Reports on Plans and Priorities and Backgrounder on the Estimates Process, visit http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/media/nr-cp/2006/0926_e.asp

From http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/rpp/0607/inac-ainc/inac-ainc_e.asp

RPP 2006-2007
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Canadian Polar Commission and Indian Specific Claims Commission

The Cowichan Tribes (http://cowichantribes.com) will receive up to $3.5 million from the federal government towards the 2008 North American Indigenous Games to be held August 2 - 10, 2008 (see http://cowichantribes.com/contribution/Partnership%20Projects%20And%20Initiatives/2008%20North%20American%20Indigenous%20Games).

For more information, see ...

• Cowichan wins bid to host 2008 North American Indigenous Games 
• Backgrounder - 2008 North American Indigenous Games

From http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/newsroom/index_e.cfm?fuseaction=displayDocument&DocIDCd=CMC060962

Federal Government Supports 2008 North American Indigenous Games

DUNCAN, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Nov. 3, 2006) - The Honourable Michael D. Chong, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister for Sport, today announced Canada's support for the Cowichan 2008 North American Indigenous Games. Minister Chong made the announcement during a celebration at the Quw'utsun' Cultural Centre in Duncan, hosted by the 2008 Games Society.

"The North American Indigenous Games will help develop Aboriginal athletes within the Canadian sport system and play a positive role in encouraging the participation of Aboriginal peoples in sport all across the country," said Minister Chong.

Under the funding framework for the 2008 North American Indigenous Games, the Government of Canada will contribute as much as 35 percent of the total cost for the Games, up to a maximum of $3.5 million.

Hosting this international sport event will bring direct and significant sport, economic, cultural, and social benefits to the Cowichan Valley, the province of British Columbia, and Canada as a whole.

"Canada has been a longtime supporter of the North American Indigenous Games movement," said Calvin Swustus, chair of the Cowichan 2008 North American Indigenous Games Society's board of directors. "The funding framework and federal commitment of $3.5 million reflects a strong spirit of cooperation between the Games Society and the Government of Canada and provides the foundation for success in 2008."

The 2008 North American Indigenous Games will be held from August 2 to 10, 2008. They will involve 5000 junior athletes (aged 13-19) competing in 16 sports, 2000 cultural performers, and more than 3000 volunteers. The Games will include opening and closing ceremonies with over 20 000 participants and spectators expected to attend.

The Government of Canada is the single largest investor in Canada's sport system. A total of $140 million is provided annually for initiatives to support our high-performance athletes and to promote sport participation among Canadians.

This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Office of the President of the Queen's Privy Council
for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
and Minister for Sport
Gary Toft, Director of Communications
613-943-1833

or

Canadian Heritage
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
819-994-9101

See complete list of award winners at the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards web site at  http://aboriginalpeopleschoice.com/cim/3200C13_2T1T3T861.dhtm

From http://winnipegsun.com/Entertainment/Music/2006/11/04/2230908-sun.html

Locals nab Aboriginal People's Choice Music awards - Nov 4, 2006

The people have spoken.

The first Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards were handed out during the last two nights and a number of local musicians came up winners.

Winners at the ceremonies -- part of the first Manito Ahbee Manitoba Aboriginal Festival -- were determined by online voters between Sept. 1 and Oct. 13.

The First Night ceremony, held Thursday and hosted by Cheryl McKenzie and Madeliene Allakariallak of APTN, honoured nominees in nine categories, including Manitoba residents Dezmond Mentuck and D.J. St. Germain (best producer /engineer for C-Weed), Tracy Bone (best album cover design), Billy Joe Green (best blues CD), J.J. Lavallee & the Freebird Band (best fiddle CD and best instrumental CD), and Sierra Noble (best aboriginal music by non-aboriginal artist).

During last night's ceremony, hosted by Lorne Cardinal of Corner Gas and singer-songwriter Katherine St. Germain, local winners included Hank Horton (best songwriter and best country CD), and Eagle and Hawk (best group or duo and best rock CD). 

The show also featured performances by Bone, Shane Yellowbird, Eagle and Hawk, Andrea Menard, and Digging Roots, among others.

Manito Ahbee continues for the next two days with an International Competition Pow Wow and Indigenous Marketplace & Tradeshow at MTS Centre, a number of live showcases at various downtown venues, and the premiere of a new documentary on legendary songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie at MTS Centre tomorrow.

The full list of winners:

• GROUP / DUO: Eagle & Hawk
• NEW ARTIST: Shane Yellowbird
• SINGLE: Shane Yellowbird, Beautiful Concept
• MUSIC VIDEO: Shane Yellowbird, Beautiful Concept
• ROCK CD: Eagle & Hawk, Life is
• RAP OR HIP-HOP CD: Reddnation, Now or Never
• COUNTRY CD: Hank Horton, Honky Tonk Heartache Blues
• FOLK / ACOUSTIC CD: Keith Secola, Native Americana
• BLUES CD: Billy Joe Green, Muskrat Blues and Rock & Roll
• FIDDLE CD: J.J. Lavallee & Freebird, Jimmy's Breakdown
• INSTRUMENTAL CD: J.J. Lavallee & Freebird, Jimmy's Breakdown
• TRADITIONAL POW WOW CD: Red Bull, Enter the Circle
• CONTEMPORARY POW WOW CD: Grey Buffalo, Just Trying To Get There
• SONGWRITER: Hank Horton
• PRODUCER / ENGINEER: Dezmond Mentuck and D.J. St. Germain, C-Weed
• ALBUM COVER DESIGN: Tracy Bone, No Lies
• ABORIGINAL MUSIC BY NON-ABORIGINAL ARTIST: Sierra Noble, Orange