Race Relations Examined in Report

A recent Harvard graduate has released the findings of a research project looking at relations between aboriginal and non-aboriginal people in the Rainy River district.

Jeff Denis, now an assistant professor at McMaster University, says despite the proximity of native and non-native communities, and the many relationships, racism and prejudice persists.

"One of the things that's very common is something called sub-typing," says Denis, "where people view individuals who violate stereotypes as exceptions that prove the rule. So they will say things like 'my best friend is native, but he's not your typical native,' or 'we have good Indians in this town.' The implication is that Indians elsewhere are not so good."

The report is based on 18-months of research that included interviews and surveys across the district.

College Students Return

Confederation College students will have to cross picket lines as they return to classes today.

The College's support staff are joined in province-wide labour action.

This is orientation week and President Jim Madder says enrollment numbers are similar to previous years.

"At least on par if not above par," says Madder. "We have a number of programs such as flight, nursing, concurrent disorders, these are programs that are absolutely full. There are other program though that if people are interested in coming they should make inquiries to our registration offices."

As many as one hundred students are expected at the Rainy River campus in Fort Frances with 70 of them first-year students.

I. Falls Students Back to School

Today is the start of school for students in International Falls.

Superintendent of Independent School District 361 Jeff Peura says there's some indication enrollment will be up slightly.

"We've had some expansion at the mill," says Peura. "Boise International has brought in some new families to work which brought us some students. Then we've got some students coming back from other districts which is good to see because it means what we're doing is on the right track."

Peura says a project to improve air quality at Falls High School has also been completed in time for the start of school.

Trustees Meet

Trustees with the Rainy River District School Board meet for the first time tonight in the newly renovated board offices in Fort Frances.

It's also their first meeting of the new school year.

The appointment of a new student trustee and discussion of a protocol between schools and police are among items on the agenda.

Energy Rebates

Two Rainy River district mills will benefit from financial assistance given to forest companies to help with their electricity costs.

AbitibiBowater is getting $6.1 million for its mills in Fort Frances and Iroquois Falls through the Northern Industrial Electricity Rate program.

Ainsworth Lumber will receive $1.0 million for its Barwick Mill.