Well, suffice to say been busy ... taking Anne to swimming lessons, reading some [ 3 novels of Margaret Atwood] and on the tail end of John Ralston Saul's book about the decline of globalization and the new world order written prior to the 'collapse' of the world banking systems ... written in 2005, he chronicles the ebb and flow of economic politics through various stages with historical contexts that encourage more study. His answers to what will 'become' or has come to pass resulting from the blind following of the proponents of 'globalization' is that as societies of our various places, we've found we must put the care of our locales ahead of economic gain for gain's sake. [thanks for the gooseberry jam on toast Barry! ] ... perfect example: went to the local farmer's market this a.m., the only place I'd find homemade gooseberry jam ... was it worth the $5. I paid [250ml jar] ? Of course, that's how the producer will continue to supply it. If I were to find it at a dollar store made in China, would I buy it? Of course not, THAT'S GLOBALIZATION. If I denied my 'own' farmer for the sake of buying a cheap [maybe unhealthy] product from a country that doesn't pay it's own farmers a liveable wage, then I'm just giving my money to the multinationals who don't pay taxes or contribute to anyone's long term health; ie the Seven Generations mindset we need to follow.

vynal placemat game board

The latest copy of the game board "Travel Turtle Island" is actually a heavy vynal sheet that will outlast cardstock or even heavy cardboard and will fold, roll and hang well. Many thanks to my co-ordinator at the Avon Maitland District School Board for her generosity in picking up the printing costs. The price of the sheet is $50. although bulk orders will bring the cost down. I've had great reviews about them and orders are now coming. They work well as nice large wipeable placemats and will come with an information sheet.

I enjoyed meeting old friends again at the conference last week ... my work was appreciated and contacts gave encouragement to continue making such things as these 'Black Line Masters' for use as colouring sheets or matchup games ie: put the Kahstowah in the correct order on their heads. I've used photo paper for the headdresses with masking tape backing so they can be moved.

Other colouring sheets are just print paper. Nation names also

appear in light font on colouring sheets for reference [not noticeable on first coloured photo].

For Bet: ladies mocs [elk], purse, quill earrings

The Hotenoshone Creation Story talks about the Geese encircling and getting ready to catch Sky Woman as she fell from the Sky World. I had thought of making it as a puzzle also, but soon realized it was an 'installation' piece ie hanging/flying.

What to do on these yowe'lu:tu/windy days! Gather some things you probably have around the house: recycle a sheet of paper [8x11], skewer stick, tape [I'm using the colourful electrical tape] string or fishing line and streamers from the last party. Fold the paper in half hotdog style [lengthwise] then open wide only at top til it looks kite shaped, tape the fold, then tape the stick to the widest part of the kite at the top [this is a strut], turn over, attach the string [length of a couple arm widths] approx. 1/3 way down from the top underside. Make sure the 'keel' stands [the part sticking up when kite is turned face down] ... attach streamers to bottom and FLY!

There are nine clan titles in our community... three titles in each clan. They are the traditional titles that give us the knowledge of what each clan's responsibilities are in the community and confederacy. I've made them into simple puzzles in the shape of each clan. Early learners and teachers can use them as a memory game and also as a 'centre' activity for pairs etc.