A new and Radio One documentary, 8th Fire, will include a series of programmes on Aboriginal issues across Canada.

The series starts on Jan. 12, 2012 at 9 p.m. on CBC TV and on CBC Radio One. One of the show's segments will include a segment about Lakes District Secondary School drama teacher Rayanne Charlie.  For more information go to www.cbc.ca.

In July 2010, discussions started for creating a formal society dedicated to scratch board art.

The society would  reach and include all scratchboard artists everywhere.

'Scratching', as an art form, has been around since the first people painted and scratched on the walls of caves. Later, it was used for illustrations in advertising and publishing, as an alternative to engraving.

It has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity, finding its way into fine art circles. The International Society of Scratch board Artists (ISSA) recently elected local scratch board artist Lorna Hannett its first president.

Membership in the society includes a variety of levels to encourage artists from novice up to professionals.

Top tiers of membership and all shows will be carefully juried to promote excellence in the medium. At least one international show of scratch board art will occur each year.

In 2012 all scratch board artists, worldwide, will be welcomed and encouraged to submit for jury to the inaugural ISSA International Exhibition of Scratch board Art.

To visit the society's website for more information on how to join, go to www.scratchboardsociety.com.