Episode list

The 20th century was not a prosperous time for First Nations People. As Canada reaped the rewards of a land with abundant resources, Aboriginals were isolated from the economic booms of a burgeoning country. Strengthening Aboriginal Participation in the Economy is the brainchild of the Provincial Governments, Aboriginal Affairs Ministers and national Aboriginal organizations. The Sharing Circle will explore in detail the purpose and initiatives of the SAPE report. We will also examine the Aboriginal business acumen throughout history to establish that Aboriginals are naturally business inclined, possessing intuitive abilities to compete in the economical evolution of the 21st century.

Music has always been an integral part of Aboriginal culture. In this episode, we will begin by exploring the rich heritage of Aboriginal music and how our ancestors interpreted and respected it. With clips from the Juno Awards, we will look at Aboriginal music today and how many artists such as Susan Aglukark, are fusing the old with the new. Finally, we glimpse into what the future might offer and explore how cultural blending through music is a way of celebrating diversity. We will highlight Nelly Furtado's Juno performance with premiere drum and singing group, Whitefish Juniors.

Every December, just before Christmas, fur buyers from around the world gather at St. Joseph's Parish Hall in Thompson, Manitoba, to buy pelts - and lots of them! Over five hundred thousand dollars will exchange hands, all in cash. On one side of the table are over 250 northern trappers, most of them Aboriginal, who will sell their bounty to the highest bidder. On the other side, buyers from 5 different fur companies can be seen, cash in hand, feverishly totaling numbers on their calculators. When the bidding is over trappers will collect their salaries for months of toiling on the traplines. As fur prices fluctuate every year, one can never be certain whether the outcome will be celebrated or bemoaned by the trappers and their families.