Two important new works have been issued this year -- Reclaiming Indigenous Voice and Vision edited by Dr. Marie Battiste and We Were Not The Savages by historian Dan Paul (see pages 7-11).

Reclaiming Indigenous Voice, launched this spring at the Mi'kmaq Resource Centre in Sydney, is a body of essays written by participants in an International Summer Institute on the cultural restoration of oppressed indigenous peoples. The essays address the issues of mapping colonialism, diagnosing colonialism, healing colonized peoples, and imagining post-colonial visions. Marie Battiste is a Mi'kmaq educator from Potlotek First Nation (Chapel Island), Cape Breton, and a professor in the Indian and Northern Education Program at the University of Saskatchewan.

Dr. Battiste was in attendance to sign copies of her book and discuss the various concerns it raised, particularly the notion of Eurocentrism and how it has affected indigenous peoples around the world. Chief Lindsay Marshall of Chapel Island also read from his book of poetry Clay Pots and Bones -- Pka'wo'qq aq Waqntal. Dr. Battiste's work is sponsored by the Mi'kmaq Resource Centre, Mi'kmaq College Institute, Mi'kmaw Kin-a'matnewey and Potlotek First Nation Band Council.

On November 15, Halifax-based Fernwood Publishing launched Dan Paul's work in a festive two-hour celebration at the Mi'kmaq Friendship Centre in Halifax to one of the most culturally diverse audiences ever seen.

Over 100 people listened to Grand Chief of the Mi'kmaq Nation Ben(jamin) Sylliboy, lawyer Rocky Jones, educator Sister Dorothy Moore, and historian Dan Paul speak on the theme of reclaiming Mi'kmaq identity and history. Health Minister James Muir also spoke. Dan Paul also signed many copies of his new book.

Two good days to join together to celebrate Mi'kmaq accomplishments. We wish Dr. Battiste and Dan Paul every success with their books and their work.--Staff

Dr. Marie Battiste