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January 2004 News Deadline: Monday, January 19, 2004 Editor: Felice Gladue Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars. 1. Up Coming Events
2. Past Event Updates
3. Métis Interest
4. Share a Prayer 5. Métis Cultural Corner and FYI 6. Joke of the Month
The committee will hold public consultations beginning January 09, 2004. The committee invites our Métis citizens to provide input on the current state of Métis Nation of Alberta government, and share their views on how the Métis Nation of Alberta's role in Canada can be improved and strengthened. "The committee wants to have a productive discussion with our Métis citizens to ensure any decisions the Métis Nation of Alberta government makes in the area of strengthening our Métis Governance reflect the views of our Métis citizens," said committee chair Trevor W. Gladue, Provincial Vice President and Minister of Governance. "The goal is to forge a better governance model for the Métis Nation of Alberta, strengthen the Métis Nation of Alberta's position within the Métis National Council and in Canada, and play an effective role at the national table." The Métis Nation of Alberta Standing Committee on Governance will hold public forums in the following locations with other locations to be announced: Jan. 09-10, 2004 Slave Lake, Alberta The committee will deliver its report by August 14-15th, 2004 to the Métis Nation of Alberta’s 76th Annual General Assembly in Wabasca. "Issues related to the By- Laws, membership and Métis Aboriginal Rights continue to surface throughout the Métis Homeland," said Gladue. "The goal is for the committee to address these issues, and work towards developing a stronger Métis Nation." For further information, contact:
Gala events include an Aboriginal Fashion Show and Silent Auction, with special guest speaker Awo Taan Honorary Chairperson Colleen Klein. This year’s Aboriginal Extravaganza Gala brings together uniquely talented Aboriginal entertainers and artists, and nationally known Derrick Starlight (Tsuu T’ina) brings his hysterical mix of comedy and puppetry as Master of Ceremonies. Musicians include Calgary’s Walter McDonald’s eclectic folk and rock mix, Tswaki Marule (Blood) mix of classics and show tunes, Eldon Weasel Child’s (Siksika) award-winning country music, talented high school entertainer Karla Red Crow (Cardston), and Juno-nominated musician Olivia Tailfeathers (Blood) of the Kainai Grassland Singers. The Fashion Show highlights Aboriginal designer Gerri Many Fingers (Many Fingers Design), Yvonne Jobin (Moonstone Creations) and other local designers, with Aboriginal role model Jamie Medicine Crane (Blood) (Miss Congeniality at Miss Canada Pageant, Miss Blackfoot 2003) walking the runway with local Aboriginal women. In our first-ever Gala, we aim to raise approximately $40,000, including estimated expenditure of $20,000. Proceeds from the Aboriginal Extravaganza Gala and Silent Auction help support the programs and services the Shelter offers women and children fleeing domestic violence. Tickets are $100 each, and corporations can sponsor a table of ten - for their employees, or for elders and guests - at $1000 per table. To purchase tickets, please call (403) 531-1970 ext. 200. If you - or your organization - are interested in donating silent auction items or in sponsoring other needed gala items, Awo Taan can provide a tax receipt for donations over $25 upon request, and we also offer sponsorship recognition at the event. To discuss the benefits your organization could reap by supporting this Gala, please call Cheryle Chagnon (403) 531-1970 ext. 203. Join us as we celebrate Aboriginal culture while honoring and supporting the many courageous families we serve. We appreciate your help in reaching our first gala’s goal, and with the generous support of individuals, corporations and community, we can make this Aboriginal Extravaganza Gala an amazing success. If you need further information, if you would like to sponsor our event, or if you require additional posters and flyers to help us promote this event, please call Cheryle Chagnon at (403) 531-1970 ext. 203. On behalf of all our clients (present and future) who benefit from your generosity, we thank you for your financial support and community spirit. Please accept our sincere thanks and gracious appreciation of your kindness, compassion and generosity.
The Hivernant Cultural Society wishes to thank all who attended and helped to make our first “Hivernant Rendezvous” of August 2003 a successful event! Our planning committee has already set the date and place for next year’s event. The second annual “Hivernant Rendezvous” will be from August 19 to the 22, 2004, in Big Valley, Alberta. Again, the rendezvous is a family cultural event with no drugs, no alcohol and no politics. Stay tuned to the Métis Matters newsletter for the new information website address. Here is a little bit of history around the conception of the Hivernant Rendezvous. The idea came from the British Columbia’s Red River West Métis Rendezvous which has been running for five successful years now. Both the Red River West and our Hivernant Rendezvous were conceived, planned and carried out by Homeland Métis who were concerned that in some areas of the our country Métis culture was fading away or non-existent. The main focus of the Rendezvous is derived from our Métis fur trade history and the gatherings before the start of the historic Métis buffalo hunts. The Hivernant Cultural Society has tried to place a strong emphasis on teaching our Métis history, recreating a historic hunting camp, teaching traditional skills, eating traditional food and showcasing traditional entertainment. Pearl Steffler, her ancestor’s names were Belcourt, Vannasse, Salios and several others is the eldest board member and an expert in Métis genealogy. Her ancestor Jean Batiste Vannasse was the Captain of the Alberta Hunt and is buried in the Old Métis Cemetery at Tail Creek. Allen Larson, his ancestor’s names were Fraser, Brazeau, Brabant, Beaudry, Chatelain, and Lucier. His first recorded Lucier ancestor in what is now Alberta was Joseph François Lucier, a voyager with the North West Company, who helped build Augustus House in 1795. Allen is an expert in historic Métis hunting rifles and gives seminars and demonstrations with flintlock trade guns at our Hivernant Rendezvous. We hope to see you at the second annual “Hivernant Rendezvous” from August 19 to the 22, 2004, in Big Valley, Alberta. Marcee.
A Courtorielle / Fraser family reunion is in the process of being organized for the August long weekend in Pigeon Lake of 2004. If you are a relative or if you know of any one who is a relative, please contact Alex or Sheila Courtorielle at 403-845-5838.
Canada's Aboriginal women have faced great hurdles in the past. While barriers to progress still exist, Aboriginal women are succeeding in areas that are having major impacts on families and communities, in commerce and the arts. Aboriginal women are forging new ground and overcoming challenges in business and politics. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about the new era of development for Aboriginal women - a time of reinvention, changing dynamics, courage, and renewed HOPE. Attend the Business & Political Leader's for Women " Facing the Challenges " conference at the Sheraton Cavalier Hotel in Calgary, Alberta, from January 29-30, 2004. For more information visit www.native-invest-trade.com.
The Métis Local 2003 and the Sik-ooh-kotoki Friendship Society will be holding a fetal alcohol syndrome disorder support group meeting on January 29, 2004, at 6:30 p.m. at the Sik-ooh-kotoki Friendship Society, 1709-2nd avenue South in Lethbridge. Mr. Bill Meade, the assistant minister of Children’s Services, will be the guest speaker. The purpose of this meeting is to support parents, foster parents, grandparents, and care givers of people looking after children and adults with fetal alcohol syndrome disorder. Everyone is welcome to this meeting. There will be dancing by a First Nation dancer and the Métis dancers from Calgary will also perform. This is a very important meeting and the Mayor of Lethbridge, MLA, MP and many others have offered to attend. Please come and join us in this very important meeting. This will give you a chance to ask questions, gain information on fetal alcohol syndrome disorder, and to help and support those front line caregivers of children and adults with fetal alcohol syndrome disorder. Refreshments will be served. For further information please call Rod McLeod, Elder, Métis Local 2003 at 403-394-2176.
The Edmonton Aboriginal Children’s Chorus provides choral training to children (grades 4 to 6) from the city of Edmonton and the surrounding area. The purpose of the Edmonton Aboriginal Children’s Chorus is to:
CHORUS MEMBERSHIP IS BY AUDITION ONLY § Previous vocal or choral training is not required. Auditions for new members will take place on January 7-8, 2004 at Sacred Heart Parish between 6-9 p.m. Please call 780-906-1923 for an audition form.
JANUARY - MARCH 31, 2004 JANUARY 7 & 8, 2004 JANUARY 9 & 10, 2004 JANUARY 24 & 25, 2004 JANUARY 29 - 30, 2004 JANUARY 29, 2004 FEBRUARY 6, 2004 FEBRUARY 27, 2004 FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 6, 2004 MARCH 20, 2004 AUGUST 13 - 15, 2004 AUGUST 19 - 22, 2004 If you would like to advertise an event that other Métis people may be interested in, please email us the information at info@metismatters.com. The deadline is Monday, January 19, 2004.
Goulding honoured for work about serial killer of Aboriginals By Terry Lusty It was an emotional moment as heavy hearts and teary eyes took to the stage at this year’s Social Justice Awards at Edmonton’s Shaw Conference Centre. The occasion, sponsored by the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women (IAAW), paid tribute to a former newsman and writer, Warren Goulding from Saskatoon. Goulding was honoured for his portrayal of four Aboriginal women who were brutally murdered by one of Canada’s most notorious, though relatively unknown, serial killers, John Martin Crawford. On Nov. 28, at a banquet in his honour, Goulding was the sole recipient of a Social Justice Award presented by IAAW president Muriel Stanley Venne in the presence of Alberta’s Lt. Gov. Lois Hole, Northwest Territory MP Ethel Blondin-Andrews, past MP Wilton Littlechild who served as emcee for the evening and MLA Laurie Blakeman. Other dignitaries included Saskatoon Police Chief Russell Sabo, Edmonton’s Deputy Police Chief Jerry Shimko, RCMP Sergeant Dennis Fraser, Edmonton city councilor Jane Batty, Federal Dept. of Justice rep Maureen McLellan and Assembly of First Nations rep, Nicole Robertson. “We need to devote more time and resources to investigate missing (Aboriginal) women,” admitted RCMP Sgt. Fraser. “Hopefully, by next year’s awards we’ll bring some success stories” that should result from one of the RCMP’s latest endeavours, Project Care. It’s designed to look into missing Aboriginals. Another officer, Chief Sabo, thanked Goulding for “bringing out the indifference” of the police and media. Lt. Gov. Hole praised Stanley Venne and the IAAW for the work it does, work that “is so important and it’s critical that all Albertans start to recognize that fact.” “Until Aboriginals achieve full cultural and social understanding, we won’t be equal . . . can’t move forward.” She concluded by saying, “I live to see the day we all are equal and am proud of those who work toward that future.” In a solemn and moving delivery, Barbara Badger, an aunt of one of the victim’s, also heaped praise upon Goulding for his diligence and the respect he afforded for Native traditions. She said the families still hurt and that, although the event brings some degree of “closure,” the hurt remains and will not go away. Four IAAW Elders – Christine Daniels, Nellie Carlson, Bertha Clark-Jones and Eva Ladouceur - then ceremonially wrapped Goulding in a blanket and presented him with his award. IAAW president, Stanley Venne, congratulated the author and gave him a framed certificate to honour his accomplishments. While the slayings by Crawford were no less brutal or numerous than those perpetrated by such high profile killers as Clifford Olson and Paul Bernardo, both media and police demonstrated their indifference and neglect towards the Aboriginal casualties and their families. In the case of one victim for example, her untimely demise occurred just two days before Christmas. The local newspaper ran a brief story of the incident amounting to six column inches and a subsequent story only received a mere 46 words. In small communities, such is highly unacceptable and an injustice. Had the victim been non-Aboriginal, the story would undoubtedly have gotten far more ink. Unbelievable but true! Such is the impassive and uncaring attitude of mainstream media when it comes to Natives. All four of Crawford’s victims fell prey to severe beatings, terror, confinement and violent sexual attacks at the hands of a twisted individual who had, 15 years earlier (1981), been convicted for the brutal killing of Mary Jane Serloin in Lethbridge. No sooner had the killer, Crawford, completed his mandatory ten-years for that murder and he was back on the street and at it again, this time in Saskatchewan where he was eventually brought to justice in 1996 for taking at least three more lives. A bold sexual predator who showed no remorse whatsoever executed the killings. How brutal were the killings? Well, one girl succumbed to multiple stabbings, another was choked to death and a third had one of her arms almost totally severed. All were senselessly and sadistically beaten and assaulted. Additionally, it is strongly suggested that Crawford may well be suspect in a number of additional cases. Goulding felt “compelled” to write about the murders and penned the evocative, “Just Another Indian: A Serial Killer and Canada’s Indifference,” as a statement to the world that society had not done right by neglecting to take earlier action of the disappearances and abuses of these and other women, but more especially the subjects of the book – Mary Jane Serloin, Shelley Napope, Eva Taysup and Calinda Waterhen. The 219-page book is now in its third printing. The author chastises Crawford for preying on defenceless women who, in most cases, were intoxicated and of poor financial and social stature. “He spent all his time looking for women, he’d cruise the streets and knew just who to pick on,” he explained, “those who frequented the bars, those who were drunks, homeless or hookers.” Just how many others became the hapless victims of Crawford can only be guessed. We do know that in October of 1994, Theresa Kematch was subjected to a severe beating and rape, an incident witnessed by a police surveillance team that chose not to intervene. The result? Another victimized Native, another incident of Crawford getting off Scot-free. Again, unbelievable but true. As for the victims, Goulding says, ”They were mothers, daughters, sisters and the media incorrectly labelled them as prostitutes." Besides, he added, even if they were prostitutes and/or Native, it doesn't make it any more deserving for them to die. As well, "I wanted people to know that at one time, they were little girls with dreams of their own," he stated. Sadly, their dreams never became reality. As for the other unsolved cases, Goulding figures the police, "don't care if they solve them at all." Although some police agree with Goulding, he hopes the book will be a wake-up call for many others on the force.
With a $1 million kick start from EnCana, the four part, $4 million campaign was set into motion at the official opening of the EnCana Aboriginal Student Centre on Dec. 2. Located in room E127, the Centre features spaces for work sessions, meetings and sweetgrass ceremonies and will provide computer access for students. It also provides a base for NAIT to expand its links with elders in the community and with businesses that employ Aboriginal graduates. In addition to the Centre, the initiative includes plans for the development of customized programs to help Aboriginal students transition into post-secondary training, mobile education units to help deliver NAIT training to communities when and where it is needed and an expansion of student awards for Aboriginal students. “Aboriginal communities make up the fastest growing segment of the population. By 2015 the Aboriginal population will account for one in five young Albertans,” says NAIT President Dr. Sam Shaw. “At the same time, Alberta and Canada are facing a major skills shortage. Alberta’s economic growth depends upon our ability to educate people from all cultures and all backgrounds. This important leadership gift from EnCana will help NAIT to maximize the success of our Aboriginal students and provide the graduates who will drive Alberta’s economic future.” EnCana’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Randy Eresman, who is a NAIT graduate, was on hand at the official opening of the Aboriginal Student Centre to unveil a painting commissioned to commemorate the event. It was done by Fort McKay artist Fred McDonald and is a depiction of how people from two cultures walk the same path towards a positive future through education. “EnCana is proud to support the direction NAIT is pursuing with this initiative in meeting the needs of Alberta’s industries,” Eresman says. “The Aboriginal community offers a large source of untapped manpower and we applaud NAIT in its efforts to more effectively tap into that manpower.” Campaign Chair Mel Benson also participated in the opening while Dr. Colleen Klein, Honourary Chair presented a Medicine Wheel for the Centre.
December 9, 2003 – A University of Alberta researcher helping Saskatchewan's Métis chart their history and, consequently, their future has won a $1 million grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). SSHRC announced that Dr. Frank Tough and the U of A's School of Native Studies will receive a Community-University Research Alliance (CURA) grant to work towards addressing cultural, social and land-use concerns of the Métis in northwest Saskatchewan. The allotment is part of $6 million being distributed by SSHRC to fund six community-based projects in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Quebec to promote and improve the sustainability of Canada's aboriginal communities. "Their rights are poorly understood," said Tough of the Métis Nation. Involved in native studies for 20 years, Tough said he hopes the land-use and occupancy mapping project supported by the grant will create a roadmap of sorts for their future economic, cultural and social well-being: "We have the start of some serious resources to document and better understand their rights and interests." The project, supported by the grant over five years, will focus on archival, community and policy issues. The U of A will partner with the Métis community in north-western Saskatchewan to glean and record the knowledge of elders and other residents. The partners will document, through maps, lands traditionally used by the Métis and will also draw up a cartographic history of the region and assess natural resource policies in the area. The area, about one-sixth of the province in size, encompasses 19 Métis communities. The project got off to a slow start three years ago, when an application for a CURA grant was turned down. Undeterred, the Northwest Saskatchewan Métis Council went ahead on its own, with the U of A playing a peripheral role. But the new grant changes everything, said Kathy Hodgson-Smith, a research director who did the traditional land-use study for the council. "It will now become a co-ordinated long-term approach," she said. As a Métis woman herself, Hodgson-Smith is excited about the U of A and Métis working together. "The university will be looking at questions that arise out of the community issues in terms of economic, social and cultural policy development. What is exciting is what we will do together, and we will benefit both ways." Universities often want to work with Métis communities on research projects, but usually those communities don't have the resources to contribute, she noted. "The aboriginal community gets bombarded with a university coming in." However the U of A has been working with the Métis community for several years, said Hodgson-Smith, gradually building up to a successful partnership like this one. Several U of A experts are collaborating on the project, including Dr. Naomi Krogman, a professor in the Department of Rural Economy. Krogman helped design the policy component of the study, which will gather information on Métis land-use priorities. "It's a way to be more informed about what they do care about, so they can negotiate better with the province over research development," she said. The CURA grant affirms the valuable role the U of A's School of Native Studies plays in conducting unique, grassroots research, said director Ellen Bielawski. "It's been a long haul for SSHRC to recognize the sort of research we do, that rests on working within a community. That kind of work is much more costly in time and money than doing the more mainstream research that universities usually do. CURA grants are a recognition that a lot of knowledge resides outside the university as well as inside." The grant will also allow for undergraduates to get involved in the research. Tough also expects a specialized course in applied archival research will be developed for future students, and he wants to develop an atlas of the region under study. "Canada has more geography than history, and an atlas is a good way to make information available to a variety of users." The grant allows for a valuable, ground-breaking partnership with balance for everyone involved, said Hodgson-Smith. "Government projects wash through a community like a tide. What CURA allows us to do is wash through our community and leave infrastructure, capacity and benefits. If we can accomplish that, we can accomplish more than government programs have accomplished in the North for 100 years."
Sherryl Sewepagaham, Bachelor of Education (Elementary Music), is the founder and Artistic Director of The Edmonton Aboriginal Children’s Chorus. She is an experienced music educator, vocalist, entertainer, composer, arranger, drummer, and pianist. Sherryl studied theory, voice, and piano at Douglas College in New Westminster, B.C. and at the Alberta College Conservatory of Music in Edmonton. She has also taught piano lessons to children. Sherryl is also a registered member of the Alberta Choral Federation. Sherryl is currently a member of Asani, the Aboriginal Women’s Vocal Ensemble who performed at the 2001 IAAW World Championships in Athletics“Opening Ceremonies.” The EACC is expanding from 13 to 30 members. Auditions will be held at the Sacred Heart Church on January 7 and 8th, 2004. Call 780-906-1923 for an audition form. The EACC’s Spring Concert will be on March 20, 2004 at the Sacred Heart Church at 7:00 p.m. with the new membership. Mark this date in your calendars.
Among the many in attendance were Dr. Sam Shaw, President of NAIT, Adrian Abraham and Jody Halfe, Co-Presidents of the Aboriginal Student Association, many representatives of the NAIT faculties, the Aboriginal Affairs unit of NAIT, board members of Métis Matters Foundation of Alberta and Trevor Gladue, Provincial Vice President of the Métis Nation of Alberta . Once again, thank you to Craig Stanchfield and Wes Twin for their contribution to the Métis Matters Foundation of Alberta! Check out the website at www.metismatters.com!
Kookoum, Katie and the Creator By Faye Favel-Beazley To Katie Katie was in the kitchen helping Kookoum bake cookies; they were talking and having a good time. Katie loved talking to Kookoum because she always took time to answer her questions. Katie grew serious and asked Kookoum,“Kookoum how do you know there is a Creator?” Kookoum answered, “Because I have heard Him, Katie.” “How have you heard Him, Kookoum?” “Kookoum, have you ever seen the Creator?” asked Katie. “Yes”, said Kookoum, “I have seen the Creator. I have seen him when I see a little child play with a puppy, and I have seen Him when I look at the fluffy white clouds, floating across the sky. When a butterfly scurries from flower to flower. I see Him when I look at a tree and see how magnificent it is and the wonder of its seasons. And Katie, I see the Creator everyday when I see how beautiful life itself is played out day after day. I especially see Him when I look at you.” “Oh Kookoum, have you ever felt the Creator?” “Oh Kaitlin”, says Kookoum, giving her a big hug, “I have felt the Creator everyday of my life. When suckling at my mother breast. I felt Him in the sunshine while playing as a child. I feel him when a puppy licks my face. When I first saw the majesty of the Mountains, I felt a busting of love from Him for us His children. I felt the Creator when I held my children in my arms, that’s your mother and your uncles. Katie, I felt Him and His great love for us when I saw you and your sister born. When the Creator took my parents and my two sons home to live with Him, I felt His compassion and I felt His healing; He never leaves us in good times or in bad. So Katie, I have seen Him, I heard Him, and I have felt Him. I know there is a Creator or as some people call Him, God. I know this because the wind blows, the flowers grow, and the birds sing. Because there are mountains and prairies and animals, and seasons. I know there is a Creator because He gave me you, My Grand Children. Hugging Kookoum, Katie said, "I love you too Kookoum.
Sharon Morin, the curator, has developed programs that are available for schools and teachers.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ORGANIZING COMMITTEE The Alberta Aboriginal Youth Achievement Awards seeks volunteers for its organizing committee - if you or your organization wishes to contribute or otherwise participate in the development of these awards, please contact Amanda or Kim at the MNA (780)455-2200.
Randle had been hospitalized in Edmonton, but was flown to Fort Vermilion three weeks ago, shortly before the Canadian Finals Rodeo. Doctors gave him about 12 hours, but he defied the odds as he had done for the past 12 months following several surgeries. After slipping into a coma last week, he opened his eyes to the sound of his wife’s voice on Sunday morning and then quit breathing. Reports of the respected cowboy’s death spread quickly through the rodeo community. Randle, a veteran of three Indian world bareback riding championships and a seven-time CFR seven qualifier, knew something was wrong when he collapsed near his home in June, 2002. Defying doctors’ advice, he managed a return to riding bareback horses, one of rodeo’s most physically demanding events, and qualified for the 2002 CFR. However, a late September surgery and daily treatments forced his withdrawal from competition in the big event. Randle did attend CFR and, unable to ride, helped his traveling partners get on their bucking horses. He attended a rodeo in March of this year at Red Deer, but the tumours persisted and numerous hospital stays followed. His survivors include his wife, three sons, Justin, 21, Chad 16 and Clinton, 13, mom Mona, dad Richard and three brothers. Source: www.rodeocanada.com/randleobit.htm
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TANSI & HAPPY NEW YEAR In Region 5, we are very proud of our Elders for the support and guidance they are so willing to share with us whenever it is needed. Unfortunately, this past year has been a year in which we have lost several of our Elders, whom will all be deeply missed but forever remembered. SCHOLARSHIPS YOUTH 76th ANNUAL ASSEMBLY PROVINCIAL MEMBERSHIP BUSINESS MIXER
From Region 5 President Bev New, Council and Staff we wish everyone a very Prosperous, Safe and Happy 2004.
In your application, please list the following:
Successful candidates will join the Association Instructor corps, a group of Alberta teachers who deliver workshops throughout the province. They are expected to deliver between seven and ten workshops per year and attend development and training sessions in the spring and fall. New instructors will also attend Summer Conference 2004. All expenses and an honorarium are paid by the Association. Please send a letter of application to Barb Maheu, the Alberta Teachers’ Association, 11010 -142 Street, Edmonton T5N 2R1. Deadline for applications is Friday, January 30, 2004. Open letter from the Aboriginal Law Student’s Association Saturday night, as I was walking down the steps of the Corona station with a friend, I heard shouting and what sounded like a heavy slap on a piece of cold meat. I rounded the corner and saw two security guards, one pulling his black leather gloves tightly around his hands, standing over top of two men who were fallen to the concrete floor of the train station steps. I asked what was going on, and was greeted with a terse question for a reply. “Who are you with?” asked the leather handed security guard. After a brief discussion, I discovered that these men were physically ejected from a train, and they were to be escorted outside because there was no place for them to go. I said if there is no place for them to go, why couldn’t they sleep off to the side in the train station, thinking they could at least stay where it was warm instead of risk freezing to death on the streets of our city. The security guard, crowding his cheshire face in front of mine, told me that if I didn’t like it, take it to city hall. I can only imagine what happened next, because not having anything else to say, I paid the fare and continued on my train ride home.
For an answer to these questions you can contact or send a self addressed copy of this article to, Mayor Bill Smith or Edmonton Transit System For questions, comments or to share ideas, you can call us at: (780) 492-1706, or email us at: alsa@ualberta.ca.
Rory appeared on the 2001 Canadian aboriginal Music Awards as a performer, also in 2001 at Telus Field for the Indian Summer Music Festival. He worked in a music-recording studio as an engineer for five years, and produced three videos. He has appeared on Radio and Television numerous times on Global TV, CTV, and nation-wide APTN several times. Rory has performed live with Buffy St. Marie, Laura Vinson, CreeAtive Harmony, and many other Aboriginal recording artists. Rory is currently in the process of recording a CD, which is scheduled for release in August 2004 and two videos to be released on APTN and Much Music in the summer of 2004. Rates vary by project. Contact 780-406-5569 or 780-868-1161 for booking or more information. You can also email at rcollins@shaw.ca.
The subject of spirituality is much discussed today -- discussed almost as much as sought after. Loneliness, isolation or a sense of alienation effect many. Surely all of us have at one time or another felt like we were alone, separated from all the good things that were happening around us. So what should a person do when they feel that way? While I do not believe that I have all the answers to that question, I have been fortunate enough to have read many wise men's opinions on the subject. Perhaps one of the most overlooked visionaries or philosophers, at least in my mind, was Black Elk, a Native American medicine man from the last century. One of the principles he taught follows: " . . . the first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes in the souls of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness, with the universe and all its powers, and when they realize at the center of the universe dwells the Great Spirit, and that the center is really everywhere. It is within each one of us". Simple words, yet profound. What he really meant was that we are never really alone, we are always connected to everything, to everyone and to all events, past and present. All we have to do is change our mind, our opinion about our situation by practising believing what he said. I know that once someone believes the "first peace", it will have far-reaching consequences for the rest of their life. Just remember, it's the first peace, a starting point. There is more to spirituality and wholeness than that, but it is a very good first-step. Practice contemplation: What does the Spirit mean to you? Is it a power outside of yourself? Or is it a powerful sense of connectedness and peace within?
Do you know an Aboriginal Math or Science high school teacher? Alberta Enviro Careers would like to profile a Canadian Aboriginal math or science high school teacher in the Aboriginal Enviro Careers project. Alberta Enviro Careers is a project to encourage Aboriginal youth to choose careers in the environment industry. One of the careers suggested for Aboriginal youth is being a math or science high school teacher. A personal story is what will make this career feel like a real possibility and will serve to motivate and encourage Aboriginal youth to further their education and gain knowledge. If you know of someone who might be interested, please contact Karen Kabloona at kkabloona@cchrei.ca or Ph: (403) 233-0748 ext 232. To request a free copy of the final Aboriginal Enviro Careers product including videos, posters, lesson plans, role model stories and career profiles, visit: www.beahr.com
The Sacred Heart CHURCH OF THE FIRST PEOPLES of Edmonton is selling prints and note cards to fundraise money to renovate the walkway between the church and the rectory. “The Dance of the Eagle” note cards $10.00 for a set of six Contact 780-422-3052 to purchase a print or note card set.
After the Métis Nation of Alberta’s election in September, 2003, we as the elected Provincial Council of our Métis Government got down to business and rolled up our sleeves in mapping out future plans of the Métis Nation. Throughout our deliberations, many challenges were put before us. We were presented with several outstanding issues that required resolution, such as By-Laws, Membership and Financial Agreements, just to name a few. All of your elected leaders have been working hard to resolve these issues. The Métis Nation of Alberta has been revisiting current political and administrative structures, so that we can improve them thus strengthen our Métis Government and move forward into the future. The Provincial Council of the Métis Nation of Alberta met on October 6th and 7th, 2003, as well as December 14th and 15th, 2003, and approved the Governance Review process. I have been given the responsibility to lead this important portfolio. Over the next several months, the Métis Nation of Alberta will begin holding meetings within the province of Alberta. The agenda for the two-day community meetings will review our current Governance structure. We will: It is my intention to receive a clear vision of where the membership wants to go with the Governance of the Métis Nation of Alberta. This can be achieved through a consolidated effort of Métis leaders, Elders, Métis Scholars and our Métis people. The time is now to start organizing our communities to help focus their vision and strategies of their Métis people. It is critical that the Métis people have a sense of ownership in identifying our roots, our connection to the land and our connection to the Métis Nation. This is the key for our Métis people to confirm our sense of belonging. I encourage all Métis citizens to take an active role in strengthening our Métis Government by attending the community meetings. Long Live the Métis Nation!
Let us all keep the Randle family of Fort Vermilion in our prayers as they mourn the loss of their father, husband, brother and son, Kenton Randle. He will forever live in our hearts!
1. What does “hivernant” mean? 2. What were the winter homes made from? 3. What was put over the door and windows to keep the draft out, but allow light in? 4. What were “mudding pits”? Métis Cultural Corner Answers 2. Winter homes were made of saddle-notched log walls cemented with mud and a roof made from poles laying flat across the walls and covered with hay and earth. 3. Stretched buffalo hide or planks of wood fastened with thongs of rawhide. 4. A hearth made from a wooden frame plastered with clay and hay was used to heat the winter homes. Because the clay would crack from the heat and the frame burn, these hearth needed to be repaired frequently. A “mudding pit” was dug close to the home so as to have clay for repairs. Source: The Métis: Our People, Our Story, CD Rom, Gabriel Dumont Institute
January 21, 1864 Death of Louis Riel Sr. Source: Métis Historical Calendar from the Métis Resource Centre Inc.
After watching the boy's efforts for some time, the Métis Elder crosses the street, walks up behind the little fellow and gives the doorbell a ring. Crouching down to the child's level, the Elder smiles kindly and asks, "And now what, my boy?" To which the boy replies, "Now we run like hell!
To receive the newsletter via email or to send submissions of interest to the Métis community, simply email info@metismatters.com. The deadline for February’s issue is Monday, January 19, 2004. Please forward to others who may be interested in keeping updated on our community. The Métis Matters newsletter accepts donations to assist in the cost of monthly publishing. Métis Matters Foundation of Alberta Long Live the Métis Nation! Sincerely, Disclaimer: Any information in the Métis Matters Newsletter is not intended to cause harm to anyone or any organization. The views expressed in this newsletter are those of its contributors and is intended to provide a tool of communication between people, and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of any Métis local, region, provincial organization or its affiliates.
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Metis Matters: August 2008 |
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