April 2004

Métis Matters
Box 3263, Sherwood Park, Alberta T8H 2T2
Phone: 780-975-2084
Fax: 780-929-9474
Email: info@
metismatters.com
Website:
www.metismatters.com

News Deadline: Monday, April 19, 2004

Editor: Felice Gladue

Quotation


“Know that any moment may hold a miracle,
and that the air around you
may suddenly be stirred by angel wings."

Author unknown

Contents:


1. Up Coming
  • Métis Matters Foundation of Alberta Scholarship
  • New MNA youth logo needed
  • Pledges for the Great Human Race
  • Red River cart trek
  • Métis Matters Website Redesign
  • ANIMIKII
  • Awasis Junior High program at Lawton School
  • Courtorielle/Fraser family reunion
  • NAIT
  • Successful careers start in your community
  • Planning started for the 2004 Hivernant Rendezvous
  • Dollars for learners
  • Northern Lakes College
  • Summer work for Aboriginal students
  • Up Coming Events Schedule

2. Updates

  • Métis celebrate their culture and put on a darn good show
  • Northern Métis Celebration 2004 a packed house
  • Métis National Council President Responds To Federal Budget

3. Métis Interest

  • Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development: Discussions on Métis hunting  and harvesting: A multilateral process
  • TNT Promo Products
  • A home for healing
  • Alberta Wildfire Services
  • Métis Me … Kookum Emma
  • Fiddling frenzy with Johnny Arcand
  • I am hurt
  • National Métis Veterans Association: Honouring our Veterans
  • Métis Nation Employment Services 
  • Shawna J. Serniak - Financial Advisor
  • Métis conference features elite speakers; focuses on rights, governance
  • Peace Hills Trust
  • A Baby’s Lament
  • Métis Matters … What factors identify Métis Rights?

 4. Share a Prayer

 5. Congratulations

 6. Métis Cultural Corner and FYI

 7. Joke of the Month

 8. Recipe


Up Coming


Métis Matters Foundation of Alberta Scholarship
Métis Matters is proud to offer it’s first series of scholarships to Métis students throughout the province of Alberta. “We want to encourage students to achieve high grades, stay in school and contribute to the community,” stated Felice Gladue, President of the Foundation. “ It is with this in mind that we are giving three monetary scholarships based on academic achievement, school attendance and community involvement.” For an application


New MNA youth logo needed
Attention all young Métis artists! The Métis Nation of Alberta is currently looking for a new logo for their Youth Department. If you are interested in submitting your artwork or would like more information, call Amanda L’Hirondelle at 1-800-252-7553!


Pledges for the Great Human Race
The Métis Matters Foundation of Alberta is seeking pledges for the Great Human Race which will take place in Edmonton, Alberta on May 8, 2004. The monies raised will benefit both the Métis Matters Foundation of Alberta (80%) and the United Way (20%). Please send your pledges to:

Métis Matters Foundation of Alberta
Box 3263
Sherwood Park  AB T8H 2T2

Thank you for your support!


Red River cart trek
The Red River Historic Métis Group from Manitoba will embark on a month long journey July 1, 2004, from St. Norbert to San Clara (Roblin area) using Red River carts, wagons and horses. The mission is to re-enact Métis culture from when the main form of transportation was with Red River carts. The group is making six or seven carts using only wood and wooden dowels to hold the carts together. No metal or glue will be used. The noise from the wheels will surely be heard from miles away.

The journey will resume July 1, 2005, where the trek will continue from San Clara to Batoche, Saskatchewan arriving during Batoche days.

The group welcomes all to join this historic journey. You need not to be Métis. For further information contact Orille Haugan at olhaugan@mts.net.


Métis Matters Website Redesign
The Métis Matters Foundation of Alberta has teamed up with Jeff Ward, a Métis youth entrepreneur from Edmonton, to redesign the www.metismatters.com website. Over the next couple of months you will notice many changes to our website. We will be adding new features like a guest book, feedback form and an automated e-mail sign-up form for monthly newsletters. Check out our website often for the monthly Métis Matters issue as well as for other news bits throughout the month.

ANIMIKII
Web and Graphic Solutions
Jeff K. Ward
Métis Youth Web Designer
12210-109 A Avenue email: info@animikii.com
Edmonton, Alberta voice: 780-722-4196
T5M 2H5 web: http://www.animikii.com/


Awasis Junior High program at Lawton School
The Junior High Awasis Program that operated out of the Sherbrooke School had been relocated to the Lawton school for the 2003 - 2004 academic year.

We are now accepting new registrants for the 2004 - 2005 school year for our Grade 7 - 9 program. Our program is excellent for students who feel comfortable in a smaller learning environment.

The unique benefits of the Awasis Program are as follows:

* Enhanced curriculum from an Aboriginal perspective
* Opportunity for students to access a wider variety of options
* Focus on improving students reading, writing and literacy skills
* Access to Aboriginal support services on site
* Access to Lawton School options in addition to the Cree Language and
Culture and Aboriginal studies program

Please contact: Doreen L'Hirondelle, Principal at the Lawton School Campus at 477-9543 for more information.


Courtorielle/Fraser family reunion
A Courtorielle/Fraser family reunion is in the process of being organized for July 30 to August 1, 2004, at the Lakedell Agricultural Society facility in Pigeon Lake, Alberta. If anyone wants to be part of the organizing committee, please contact Alex or Sheila at 403-845-5838 or Marion at 403-783-2037. We are definitely looking for volunteers to help make the reunion a success.



NAIT - successful careers start in your community
Did you know that NAIT has successfully delivered programs to Aboriginal communities in Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Nunavit and all parts of Alberta? Programs currently being offered in Aboriginal communities include: introduction to trades, apprenticeship programs, nursing attendant, fire fighting level II, pre-technology/upgrading, project management, accounting/business and more!

If you would like NAIT programs delivered in your community, please call Stephen Crocker, Manager, Aboriginal Training Programs at 780-378-5035 or email scrocker@nait.ab.ca. Visit the NAIT website at www.nait.ab.ca/.


Planning started for the 2004 Hivernant Rendezvous
By Richard Lucier

The Hivernant Cultural Society held its annual general meeting in February in Big Valley, Alberta, where a new board was elected and several new and previous volunteers started planning the 2004 Hivernant Rendezvous.

This year the Rendezvous will take place again in Big Valley, Alberta from August 19 - 22. The event site location will be closer to the Big Valley village with displays, seminars, and entertainment all within a 2-minute walk.

Acting upon suggestions made from the previous Rendezvous, the Métis genealogy section will be increased. We are in the process of recruiting representative genealogists from many of the old Métis hunting clans to help guide you through your searches. Again historic Métis skill and craft seminars are being planned.

The  opening procession of the 2003 Rendezvous was led by Father Guy Lavallee, our Métis Priest, who intends to be back this year as well as the books he has written on St. Laurent. Guy Lavallee is a very approachable person with lots to say on the Métis of St Laurent. Click for photo.

The Hivernant Rendezvous is an event with an emphasis on families, children and our youth. Last year many Métis families as well as non-Métis, including our Hutterite neighbors, enjoyed the three day event. Please remember this is a drug, alcohol, and politics free event.


Dollars for learners
Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards - For more information and eligibility requirements visit: http://www.dollarsforlearners.com/. Application deadline is May 15, 2004.


Northern Lakes College
Northern Lakes College is offering programs for:

  • beginning your post-secondary education.
  • upgrading your skills.
  • improving your job prospects.


Check us out. Our course list is expanding.
1-866-NLC-3456
www.northernlakescollege.ca/


Summer work for Aboriginal students
Calling Aboriginal students for summer work positions. One position is in the Edmonton Office of Athabasca University in the Centre for World Indigenous Knowledge and Research. The remainder are located in Athabasca, Alberta.

These positions will provide local students with work experience in a variety of areas throughout the university; Financial Services, Academic Support Unit, Centre for Commerce and Administrative Studies, Centre for Science, Educational Media Development, Centre for Nursing and Health Studies, Computing Services, Library Services, and the Office of the Registrar.

Applicants must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution or have completed grade twelve and are enrolled in a post-secondary institution for the fall of 2004. Salary is commensurate with education.

Applicants should forward a letter of application, and a résumé by April 09, 2004, quoting competition WEB-SS-0323. Applications should be e-mailed to the Employment Services Administrator, Human Resources, at resume@athabascau.ca.


Up Coming Events Schedule

APRIL 4, 2004
National Aboriginal Achievement Awards
Southern Alberta jubilee Auditorium, Calgary, Alberta
Visit www.naaf.ca/.

APRIL 7, 2004
Career Expo hosted by the Aboriginal Learning Services - Edmonton Catholic Schools
Chateau Louis, 11727 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta
9:00 am

APRIL 9, 2004
IAAW’s 2003 Esquao Awards airs on Global Television on Edmonton, Calgary and Lethbridge local stations
8:30 - 9:00 pm

APRIL 14, 2004
Genealogy Workshop
MNA Head Office 11738 Kingsway Ave, Edmonton, Alberta
6:00 - 9:30 p.m.
$2 for refreshments
Call Beatrice at 780-476-2715 or toll free 1-800-252-7553.

APRIL 17, 2004
Métis Rights Meeting
Coast Plaza Hotel, 1316-33 street NE, Calgary, Alberta
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Lunch will be provided.

APRIL 22 - 25, 2004
Métis Nation of Alberta Youth Conference
Coast Plaza Hotel, 1316-33 street NE, Calgary, Alberta
Contact Derek at 403-569-8800 or toll free at 1-800-267-5844.

APRIL 29, 2004
“International Day of Dance” featuring Métis, Francophone, Scottish, First Nations and Irish Dancers
Polish Hall, 10960-104 street, Edmonton, Alberta
7:30 pm
Tickets $15
Contact 451-1072.

MAY 6, 2004
IAAW’s 9th Annual Esquao Awards
Agricom, Edmonton, Alberta
Tickets $125
Contact Helen or Grace at 1-877-471-2171 or 780-479-8195.

JUNE 9 - 10, 2004
Métis Nation of Alberta - Zone One hosts a Golf Tournament & "A Framework for the Future Millennium Project Presentation"
Lac La Biche, Alberta
Contact 780-623-3039 or 1-800-638-5704 for more information.

JULY 8, 2004
Aboriginal Healing Foundation National Gathering
Shaw Conference Centre, 9797-Jasper Ave, Edmonton, Alberta
Contact Angie Bruce at 613-237-4806 or visit www.ahf.ca/.

JULY 22 - 25, 2004
Back to Batoche Days
Batoche, Saskatchewan
Contact Métis Nation of Saskatchewan at 306-343-8285 or toll free at 1-888-343-6667.

JULY 24 - 29, 2004
Lac Ste. Anne Pilgrimage
Lac Ste. Anne, Alberta

AUGUST 13 - 15, 2004
Métis Nation of Alberta’s 76th Annual General Assembly
Wabasca, Alberta
Contact Region 5 at 1-866-849-4660 or 780-849-4654.

AUGUST 13 - 15, 2004
7th Annual John Arcand Fiddle Fest featuring Calvin Vollrath
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Contact Vicki at 306-382-0111 or visit www.johnarcand.com/.

AUGUST 19 - 22, 2004
Hivernant Rendezvous
Big Valley, Alberta

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, April 19, 2004.

Updates



Métis celebrate their culture and put on a darn good show
By Alan Forsythe, Lac La Biche, AB

Saturday night at McGrane theatre saw an almost full house clapping along with the fiddling, and rat-a-tat clip of the Northern Lights Dancers feet as they danced to Drops of Brandy and other traditional, up tempo Métis songs.

MCs Diane White, a counselor for Kikino Métis settlement and Trevor Gladue, Vice President of the provincial Métis nation, kept the audience laughing with their improvised comments, as well as informed, relating the significance of Métis culture and history in short segments between musical sets.

“We survived two world wars, rock and roll and rap music,” said Gladue of Métis music and culture.

The highlight of the show was the entire troupe of the Northern Lights Dancers, now in their 26 year, dancing to the Métis national anthem. This drew a rousing applause from spectators, who were in awe of the dancer’s feet that became a blur as they traipsed across the stage, and the crisp notes that sprung from fiddler’s bows.

Performer and organizer of the show, Gerald White was ecstatic with the turn out for the show, and described his input to the event as organizer, producer, talent scout and “having fun”.

White first performed with the Northern Lights Dancers when he was 16, and he has been working with the band who backed up the singers and dancers Saturday night, Northern Highways for 10 years.

They consist of Nathan Anderson on drums, Brian Collins Jr. and Sr. on guitars, Roland Poitras on bass and his brother Eddy Poitras on fiddle.

And in one segment Eddy’s son Cory showed that the musical talent runs deep in their family, when it was his turn to charm the audience with his high speed fiddling.

White said Métis music is more popular than ever with in their community and beyond.
“In the last few years we have seen more young fiddlers and dancers, and the music has become more popular with young people. But why not? It’s up beat and fun,” he said.

White also said that shows like the one on Saturday were an important part of Métis culture as well as being good entertainment.

“You have to make people proud of who they are, once you do that the rest falls into place,” he said.

Besides the talent on stage, the show featured professional production values, for which organizers gave thanks to the Lac La Biche Agricultural Society for their support.

There was also a draw for door prizes, the prizes were donated by Kikino Métis  settlement and the Lac La Biche Ag. Society.


Northern Métis Celebration 2004 a packed house
By Louise Myre

The First Annual Northern Métis Celebration was held at the Grouard Campus of Northern Lakes College on March 5 and 6, 2004 and was much more of a success than the organizers could have hoped. The event was co-sponsored by the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 5, the Provincial Métis Nation Association, Northern Lakes College and the Grouard Historical Village and was attended by approximately 350 people.

The evening began with a stew and bannock meal. Honorary speakers were Pearl Calahasen, MLA Lesser Slave Lake, Peter Campion, Vice-President, Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 5, Frank Chalifoux, Chairman, Northern Lakes College Board of Governors, Trevor Gladue, Vice President, Provincial Métis Nation of Alberta Association, and, Bev New, President, Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 5.

A big thank you goes out to the MC’s for the evening’s events -Trevor Gladue and Bev New.
 
Entertainment was kicked off by Grouard’s Russell Cardinal’s  Métis Dance group, costumed in spectacular outfits created by Elise Auger.

There was a fashion show featuring the creations of Martha Campion as well as a guest presentation by Margaret Cardinal’s Northern Lakes College Aboriginal Clothing Design Program students.

Guest dancers were the Edmonton Métis Cultural Dance Society performers – a group of talented youngsters who demonstrated a variety of steps and dances, including the Duck Dance, the Broom Dance and the Red River Jig.

The talent contest back-up band were Don Cunningham, Rocky Walker and William Shaw – with guest fiddlers Riel Aubichon and Gerry Myre.  Judges for the contest were Kirby Chalifoux, Violet Campion and Gerry Myre.

The evening event was made possible by the contributions of many volunteers: NLC Lifeskills students who made the sash banners, Mabel Goulet who made 500+ bannock, Cathy Bittman who cheerfully sold tickets all evening, Lyle Halcrow who helped sell tickets, Leray Witbeck and the Policing Program students who provided Security and Margaret Cardinal’s Aboriginal Clothing Design Program students who handled sales for various College groups. Special mention also goes out to Val Capot, Kevin Willier, Deeanne Sutherland, Keegan Willier, Renee Beaver, Andrea Calahasen, Earl Cardinal, Keegan Willier, Charlie Wanyandie, Wayne Wilcox and Jodi Isenor.  Grouard Historical Village Project Manager, Cathy Wilcox, assisted with event coordination – planning, funding and catering.

 Saturday morning, 11 participants attended the Métis Dance workshop, instructed by the Edmonton Métis Cultural dancers. Participants learned a basic square dance and the Red River Jig. The ages of the participants ranged from 3 years of age to Elders - everyone present had good fun! 
 
On behalf of event organizers, Nancy Chalifoux, Peter Campion, Louise Myre and Jim Meldrum, a big thank-you goes out to everyone who attended and made this event such a big success!


Métis National Council President Responds To Federal Budget "A Positive Start, But A Long Way To Go"
March 23, 2004 (OTTAWA) - Clément Chartier, President of the Métis National Council applauded the inclusion of a Métis-specific package within today's Federal Budget that will be used to begin addressing the implications of the Supreme Court of Canada's landmark Métis right ruling in R. v. Powley; however, he stressed that when it comes to dealing fairly with the Métis Nation "there is a long way to go".
"We take today's Métis-specific budget inclusion as another positive sign that a Paul Martin Government wants to truly bring in a new era of respect and partnership between the Métis Nation and Canada," stated President Chartier.

Since his swearing in, the Prime Minister has made numerous commitments that under his leadership, Canada will usher in a new era of relations with Aboriginal peoples. With respect to the Métis, this has included specific commitments in the Speech from the Throne and the Prime Minister's reply. As well, earlier this month, the Prime Minister held an unprecedented summit with the three national leaders of Canada's Aboriginal peoples - Jose Kusugak, President of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Phil Fontaine, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations and President Chartier.

"I would like to thank the Prime Minister and Minister Goodale, as well as, Minister Coderre, Federal Interlocutor for Metis, for working with us to ensure this Métis-specific allocation to deal with the Powley decision was included in this budget. In addition, the Métis Nation is pleased with the government's decision to renew the extremely successful Aboriginal Human Resource Development Strategy."

Although President Chartier is pleased with some aspects of the Federal Budget he remains focused on the big picture. "It is important for the federal government to understand that the job ahead of us is difficult and complex and the journey has just begun," said President Chartier. "The Métis Nation is coming out of a century of marginalization and the steps that have been taken so far are only the first on the long road ahead."

For example, currently Métis represent approximately 25% of the Aboriginal population in Canada; however, they are excluded from a majority of federal programs accessible by other Aboriginal peoples. As well, the federal government continues to refuse to enter into formal negotiations with the Métis on substantive issues vis-à-vis Métis Nation self-government, land and jurisdiction which forces on-going litigation as the Métis Nation's only avenue to resolve these issues.

President Chartier also highlighted the Métis Nation's concern with an increase of federal resources to the Urban Aboriginal Strategy. "While the Métis Nation strongly supports additional resources being made available to assist our people in urban centres, we continue to raise our concerns with the unaccountable and bureaucracy-driven manner the Urban Aboriginal Strategy is being implemented in within Ontario and the west. I will be raising this concern with Minister Coderre in the near future and hope we can find a resolution to this issue before any new resources are flowed through the failing Urban Aboriginal Strategy models".

Nevertheless, President Chartier is encouraged by recent developments and is hopeful that the federal government shares the understanding that an investment in the Métis Nation is an investment in Canada. "As the history of the Métis Nation and Canada is intertwined at our very roots, so is our future," said President Chartier. "As we build a strong Métis Nation; we will build a stronger Canada."


Métis Interest


Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development: Discussions on Métis hunting and harvesting: A multilateral process
By Honourable Pearl Calahasen, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

Anyone involved in public or community life knows the value of clear and accurate information. By providing regular updates in Métis Matters on Alberta government activities, I hope to empower you further to shape decisions and understand changes affecting the Métis  community.

Last month, I told you about a government committee that is studying the Powley decision by the Supreme Court of Canada to see how the ruling applies in Alberta. Even before the Supreme Court ruling in September 2003, Alberta expressed support for a proposal by the Métis National Council for a collaborative response.

Métis harvesting rules and guidelines will vary by province and territory. However, we have joined in a multilateral process with other jurisdictions and organizations to look at a common approach.

Community rights have been the focus of multi-party discussions. This means research and program design would focus on individual communities and site-specific harvesting areas. However, provincial Métis organizations and the Métis National Council would likely have a role in implementing harvesting programs. Our goal is to see measures in place for next hunting season.

One of the key challenges will be to ensure that identifying Métis harvesters is done in an objectively verifiable manner. In other words, determining who is entitled to share in collective harvesting rights needs to be a fair process that will hold up to community or legal scrutiny.  I understand this was part of the discussions at the Métis Nation Rights and Self-Government conference in Edmonton on March 11-13, 2004.

This is an exciting time for the Métis. Our character as a community locally and nationally is evolving and there is a renewed pride and hope. Métis leaders need to keep working with governments, with each other, and connecting with their communities.

Many positive things are happening and Métis Albertans are developing partnerships that will lead to further opportunities and successes.

Thank you for your efforts and keep up the good work!
If you have any questions relating to Alberta’s Métis and Aboriginal policies, you can contact my department by e-mail at aand.website@gov.ab.ca/ or through our information line at (780) 427-8407. Send letters in writing to

Hon. Pearl Calahasen
403 Legislature Building
10800 – 97 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
T5K 2B6


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A Home For Healing
By Kate Quinn

Since 1993, 15 women have been murdered in the Edmonton area. Others are missing or their deaths are listed as suspicious or of undetermined causes. These women were all someone’s daughter, sister, mother or friend. All were sexually exploited by prostitution and most felt they had no options.

You can help give women an option—a chance to escape the streets and heal from the physical and emotional pain of poverty, sexual exploitation and addictions. Your contribution to the Home for Healing could mean the difference between life and death.

The Home for Healing is a rural retreat for women who are ready to leave street prostitution but need significant help to get there. It will offer time and safety for up to 12 women who are homeless or do not have a stable place in which to heal.

The houses are nearly finished. Concrete, windows, drywall, bathroom fixtures, paint and flooring have been donated by generous local companies. Most of the renovations are complete but there is still much to be done to make these houses into real homes.

The Prostitution Awareness and Action Foundation of Edmonton is working with Edmonton City Centre Church Corporation and other community partners to create and fund this new housing and healing resource.  For more information, or, to make a donation, please contact PAAFE at 471-6137.


Alberta Wildfire Services
Alberta Wildfire Services, a division of Man Friday Ltd. is a 100% Métis owned and Edmonton operated Sustained Action Forest Firefighting contractor for Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. We have been able to supply both contract and emergency Type II crews since 2000 and have successfully competed within ASRD Forest Firefighting Championships, this year winning two out of five events, the pump exercise and the fire assessment event. As of 2003, AWS has been able to supply additional crews, upon request, to the Province of British Columbia and the US, assisting in their suppression needs.

AWS believes in ongoing professional development for our forest firefighters and have included within our affiliated company, Career Path Services Ltd. additional forest firefighting training programs to advance their techniques and assist them with further employment opportunities. This past year, we were able to train two of our senior personnel as Type I Leaders. These two individuals were thereby able to assist within the training labs of our SAC Type II Training Programs and liaise with the students, transferring their hands-on experience and know how to the students. Through CPS forestry contacts, our SAC Type II training programs not only meets but also exceeds the Province of Alberta's requirements and we have been able to include additional training certification for the Province of British Columbia and the United States of America.

Alberta Wildfire Services, a division of Man Friday Ltd. and Career Path Services Ltd. would like to thank all the Métis and First Nation communities and people who have supported us over the years; a special recognition goes to the Zone V & Zone I regions, and all their EAS staff. We look forward to continuing our partnerships for the seasons to come. For more information contact aws_cps@telus.net or 780-481-6300.


Métis Me … Kookum Emma
By Muriel Stanley Venne

I attended the Métis Rights Conference here in Edmonton and it was great! Our Métis historians, lawyers and researchers presented their various positions. What an opportunity to have them share their expertise. Nothing could have made me happier than to think that the lives that our ancestors lived – my mother, father and my grandparents - are now respected first by us and then, in time by other people in Canada. Our spirit is what counts!

Now the story I promised you about my Kookum Emma. I didn’t know until I was grown up that Kookum and Emma was not one word. As a child, I thought it to be strange how my mother never referred to her Kookum as just “kokum” but always as Kookum Emma. I am told Kookum was crippled yet she delivered all the babies. My Mom told me that when Kookum Emma was old word was sent for my grandmother Jessie to come. Kookum Emma knew that she was ready to die. She washed herself, combed and braided her hair, made her bed and put on her best clothes. This is how she was found.

In my mind I can still see her square log house, like the one my family lived in, mudded on the outside with a mixture of clay and manure. I can see her hand made patchwork quilt on the bed, her stove cleaned and shiny, the coal oil lamp sitting on the table and her wood box full. There was always a blanket swing set up with ropes so that you could rock the baby. It was like what real estate agents now call a “starter home”.

My Dad and Mom moved in to their “starter home” as newlyweds and that is where I remember watching the train by day and listening to its whistle at night. I also earned my nickname “Mudgie” at that house because I used to like the taste of the clay mud on the log cabin.

As you can see this story is not only about Kookum Emma. It is all about the memories that make us a community of people. That is what makes us a Métis Nation! We are capable of carrying forward the concept of the unique place we hold within Canada and the people we are. Next month: The Littlechild’s Girls

Note: Jessie Whitford is my grandmother, daughter of Phillip Whitford and his second wife Rachel Bangs. Whitford is a ghost town on Highway 45 sixty-five miles east of Edmonton on the Fort Trail.  


Fiddling frenzy with Johnny Arcand
By Terry Lusty

A huge plus factor in the realm of Métis society has always been that of song and dance. Thus, it is not the least bit unusual for one to automatically envision fiddles and guitars when thinking of Métis culture and music. Both are synonymous in Métis circles as are singing, jigging and square dancing.

A veteran fiddle player for better than a quarter of a century is Johnny Arcand who has certainly played his fair share of tunes and, in the process, he's walked away with numerous fiddle awards and several championships.

Originally from Debden, Saskatchewan, his father, Victor, started young Arcand on his way to a fiddling future beginning at the tender age of six. It was a future that he could never have imagined. By the time he turned 12, Arcand was playing at many of the school dances and community functions. He did everything from jigs and reels, to square dances, old time dances, even round dances. Indeed, music fast became his life and, later, his livelihood.

When it came to competition, a momentous occasion for this versatile and accomplished artist was his winning the 1971 (first annual) Back to Batoche Days at Batoche, Sask. For years thereafter, he graced the stage at Batoche including sharing stage with such notables as the late and great Manitoba fiddling champion, Reg Bouvette, Edmonton's Calvin Vollrath who won the North American Fiddle Championship in 1985, Manitoba champion Mel Bedard and untold others.

Arcand has participated at many functions all over the country and down in the United States. He has served as a fiddle competition judge and was featured at the Sask. Fiddling Championships, the Western Canadian Amateur Fiddling Championships, the Prince Albert Winter Festival, various Métis annual assemblies throughout the country, and at Native Friendship Centre dances, etc.

In western Canada, his name is synonymous with Métis music. Arcand is a founding member and board of director with a number of Sask. fiddle groups and dance companies, in the Debden-Big River area with the Deep Lake Stompers (1988), the Sask. Cultural Exchange Society Fiddle Committee (1990), the Canadian Western Agribition Contest of Champions (1991), and so forth.

For the past 15 years, he has coached fiddle, playing at the Emma Lake Fiddlers' Camp in Sask., a movement he co-founded in 1988. It is one of the only such fiddle camps known in all of Canada up until this point in time. His music can be heard on cassette recordings such as "Emma Lake Live" in which he is one of the featured fiddlers, as well as on "Road to Batoche: Centennial Year 1985" - his first solo tape.

Fiddler Arcand continues to encourage and promote the art of fiddling, especially in Sask. and Alberta with particular emphasis on the Red River tradition of fiddling. Needless to say, he's a collector and practitioner of both traditional and contemporary Métis fiddle music. He composes much of his own material and has co-composed with such mentionables as Calvin Vollrath.

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National Métis Veterans Association: Honouring our Veterans
By Maj. (Ret’d) Ed Borchert MMM, CD

Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) David Boyer

David Boyer was born in a Tipi at Sunk Inland Alberta. His Métis family joined the Cunningham’s in the small mining town of Wayne near Drumheller where David when to school.

At the outbreak of World War II, David joined up and served with the Special Service Force (The Devils Brigade) in Italy and with the Calgary Highlanders in Holland and Germany. At the end of the war, David returned to Calgary, Alberta, and continued to serve with the Highlanders until his retirement. RSM David Boyer is one of our Nation’s Great Warriors.

Veterans Affairs Canada is only now recognizing the service of Canada’s Métis Warriors and are working with the National Métis Veterans Association to establish a comprehensive out reach program for all Métis Veterans and their Wives or Widows. If you are a Métis Veteran, or a Métis Veteran’s Wife and require help from Veterans Affairs please contact me:
 
Contact:
Major (Ret’d) Ed Borchert MMM, CD
16223 – 6 Street S. W.
Calgary, AB
T2Y 1Z1

Telephone: (403) 256-1954
Email: borcher@telusplanet.net
President – National Métis Veterans Assoc.


Métis Nation Employment Services

The Métis Nation Employment Services offers a Community Support Program located at #5, 2611 - 37th Ave. NE, Calgary, Alberta. This program assists Métis people with planning and support services needed to address personal challenges. Questions can be directed to Del Majore at 403-250-8902.


Shawna J. Serniak - Financial Advisor
Offering RRSPs and RRSP Loans, RESPs (education Savings Plans), Life and Critical Illness Insurance, Mortgage Insurance, Health and dental Plans.

For more information call 1-800-689-0896 or 953-3184 or email at tryshawfinancial@yahoo.ca.


Métis conference features elite speakers; focuses on rights, governance
By Terry Lusty

Approximately 500 Métis delegates from across Canada converged on Edmonton's downtown Shaw Conference Centre March 11 - 13 to attend the National Conference: Métis Rights & Self-Governance. Sponsored by the Métis National Council, the conference, however, appeared to have a somewhat different buzz right from the get-go on day one as speaker after speaker made reference to the important impact, direct and indirect, that the recent Steve Powley case could have on the way federal and provincial governments deal with the Métis in future, particularly when it comes to rights-related issues. The Powley case made a historic breakthrough last September when the Supreme Court of Canada announced that Métis people of Sault St. Marie, Ontario, have the right to hunt. The case was predicated on an 11 year-old charge against him and his son, Roddy, of hunting moose without a licence.

Jean Teillet, the lawyer that represented Powley, told conference goers that "we haven't had them (hunting rights) extinguished by Treaty because we don't have Treaties" and that it "doesn't take away" those rights. Rather, "it affirms rights you had (as Métis people) . . . they were already there." This, of course, sets precedent for possible future cases if government continues to hound Métis people about their rights to harvest the products of the land and waters in terms of hunting, trapping, fishing and gathering - especially when done as part of one's livelihood or to sustain their families. The Powley decision even has potential implications on commercial ventures, for example commercial fishing, added Teillet.

On the second day, Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan addressed the conference. So did Denis Coderre, the federal minister responsible for residential schools resolutions who has been given the task to also follow up on the Powley matter. Both ministers are high profile to Métis rights and interests.

McLellan assured the audience that the new government under Prime Minister Paul Martin has the interests of Aboriginals at heart. Just a small measure of that interest and commitment, she continued, is the fact "he created an Aboriginal Affairs office." Looking to the future, she said, "We need to work together . . . for long-term strategies." The work that Métis people and organizations are doing is "building foundations so we can all work together," she added.

The first day also included a panel on Métis identity. It consisted of Paul Chartrand, Jason Madden and John Weinstein. The MNC now uses a basic three-point criteria for Métis identity: 1) person is of Métis heritage, 2) person identifies as Métis and, 3) person is accepted by the Métis community as being Métis.

Additional topics included Métis land use, genealogy, membership/registries, Michif language and implications of Métis inclusion in Section 35.

The second day also witnessed a three-member panel on rights of the Métis Nation with lawyers Brian Slattery and Jean Teillet as well as Ph.D. candidate Chris Andersen who spoke about Métis identity and  culture and the fact the people live the culture which is often misconstrued by outsiders, the judiciary, etc. Slattery, a professor at Osgoode Hall Law School, is well versed in constitutional and Indigenous law and affirmed that Powley "provides the new model for Aboriginal rights." Because the Métis were a later (than Indians) group to Canada, their lifestyle "happened and built up during and after contact." In other words, their culture and rights are "relationship" ones that developed and evolved over time during early contact between Europeans and Indians, he explained.

Madden stated that Métis have had to acquire rights through negotiation, politics and litigation. The Powley case is "a foot in the door" for future considerations and will allow for further negotiations to occur. What we need now, he concluded is to look at strategies in order to push forward. However, he cautioned, we need to do our homework.

The lunch keynote speaker, MLA Pearl Calahasen, said that the province of Alberta is committed to work with the Métis. She provided some examples, i.e. the Framework Agreement, land title to the Métis Settlements, Métis Child and Family Services, and so on. "For too long the Métis sat on the sidelines," she exclaimed. Those times have changed. "We inherited the spirit of our ancestors . . . we've never been afraid to make tough decisions as Métis . . . we'll pass it on to our children."

The sessions touched on self-government involving University of Ottawa's Bradford Morse, Manitoba's Métis president Dave Chartrand and Alberta's Métis Settlements president Harry Supernault. This topic was further addressed on the closing day by all Métis provincial presidents as well as the Métis National president, Clem Chartier. While most provided a thumbnail sketch of the programs and initiatives in their home provinces, Ontario president Tony Belcourt also stressed the need to develop more in the way of strategies and chastised the absence of mainstream media at this, a national conference.  He was critical earlier of the Ontario government which he claimed provides huge dollars to cities but very little to Native groups and initiatives in the urban centres adding that this is but one reason we need self-government, an institution that can acquire greater funding and perhaps be more effective. He further challenged people to be proud of not only being Métis but also to be proud of being a member of the Métis
Nation.

On a more local note, Muriel Stanley Venne expressed a degree of disappointment with leaders who do not follow the will of the people. Lyle Donald took a swipe at the national Métis body for not paying more attention to cultural inclusion and Joe Blyan let loose and struck a cord with the fact that many Métis who have been highly active in the past and are now older are being slighted and ignored for what they can offer and contribute to the Métis movement.

On the second evening, following the banquet that included keynote speaker Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Canada's Secretary of State for Children and youth, the Métis National Council recognized the past efforts of Jim and Sam Sinclair, Harry Daniels and Elmer Ghostkeeper as well as youth representatives Amy Pouliot - Volunteer Service, Doris Jones - Athletic Achievement, Melissa Cabezas - Personal Achievement, Celina King - Career Advancement, Alyssa Delbaere-Sawchuk - Culture and Heritage, Ashley Bressette - Academic Achievement. Entertainment throughout the conference was provided by the Duck Bay, Kikino and Edmonton's Little Wheelers Dancers.

PEACE HILLS TRUST
“Building the Future with Pride and Tradition”

Head Office: Hobbema, Alberta
Ph: 780-585-3013
Fax: 780-585-2216

Corporate Office: Edmonton, Alberta
Ph: 780-421-1606

Regional Offices:
Hobbema                   Calgary                   Fort Qu’appelle          Kelowna
780-585-3013        403-299-9730      306-332-2230          250-769-9081

Edmonton                 Saskatoon                Winnipeg                   Fredericton
780-421-1229        306-955-8600        204-943-8093       506-455-3430


A Baby’s Lament
By Faye Favel-Beazley

HEY Mommy!
Down Here
It’s Me.
I’m under your heart.
I’m safe and warm.
I feel your every mood.
I know when you are happy
I feel when you’re thinking of me tucked away in here.
I can tell by the way your heart beats that you love me.
I want you to know I feel these things
I also want you to know, I know you are afraid sometimes, afraid for me.
I’m doing fine, mommy
I eat what you eat
I drink what you drink
If you smoke and get drunk so do I.
If you do drugs so do I.
I can’t stop doing these things,
But You Can
I want to grow up with a Clear Mind and Strong Body
Only you can help me Mommy.
If I were a baby in a crib would you give me a beer?
Would you give me a toke?  NO!!!
Please Mommy wait for me
I won’t take long but I WILL GROW UP TO MAKE YOU PROUD

ONE NIGHT OF PLEASURE FOR YOU,
COULD MEAN A LIFETIME OF PAIN AND MISERY FOR ME.

“I LOVE YOU MOMMY”.


Métis Matters … What factors identify Métis Rights?
By Trevor W. Gladue

I had the opportunity to attend the Métis Nation Rights and Self Government conference held in Edmonton on March 11-13, 2004. There were many speakers from throughout the country talking about issues that we as Métis people have been faced with for many years. The main thread of the conference was surrounding the recent Powley case, in which the Supreme Court of Canada recognized and affirmed our existing rights. This has raised an important issue in which we need to look at. What factors identify Métis rights?

Well, I see several factors.

1.Self Identity:  You are the Right that is why you can call yourself a Métis. This can be a complex or a simple concept to understand but once you get it you have recognized and affirmed you are Métis. My feeling is some Métis are struggling to grasp and understand themselves as the "chickens have come home to roost" thus some people have re-gained their status as Indian or First Nation.

2.Aboriginal Ancestry: My understanding is we as Métis have always had hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering rights gifted from the Creator, The Great Spirit, through our Aboriginal ancestry.

3. Connection to the land: I truly believe that in order for the Métis Nation to truly begin a self government process, our connection to the land is major factor for our Rights. It is with this in mind that I say the land does not belong to us, in fact, we belong to the land. This connection is who we are as Métis people.

4. Community Acceptance: The Métis Nation has a process in which we accept our Métis people, through the definition of Métis. One should be careful not to make the definition and identification of Métis too narrow or too broad. One could exclude many people or include others that should not be. This is a challenge for our visionary leaders to see how to grow the Métis Nation.

These are factors in which I see as very important for us to be mindful of. We are getting closer to the tipping point in which we will see a major shift in Government and Industry policy with regard to the Métis. We need to prepare for this moment. I see the benefit of revisiting and redesigning our current governance style and structures, and most importantly, our Métis people see this, to meet this tipping point head on. It is a commitment that we need to take on together, to continue building our Métis Nation. I also want to say thank you to those who have shared their vision of our Métis Nation thus far. Long live the Métis Nation!


Share a Prayer



Vernon Bouchier 1951 - 2004
Please keep in your prayers the Bouchier family as they mourn the loss of Vernon Bouchier. Vernon was born in Wolf Lake, Alberta on April 5, 1951. Vernon’s greatest pride was his Métis culture. He leaves behind his best friend and loving wife, Bernadette, his stepsons, Tony Beitel, Terry Beitel, his daughters, Amy Bouchier and Verna Cardinal, his son, Sheldon Cardinal, his brother Clifford and three grandchildren. We will all miss Vernon’s fancy Red River Jig and warm smile. Rest in Peace my friend.

Archie Hodgson 1920 - 2004
Métis Warrior Called Home
It is with great sorrow that I must inform you of the passing of Archie Hodgson. A Métis Warrior of World War II and Board Member of the National Métis Veterans Association. Archie passed away peacefully March 21, 2004, in hospital in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. Please keep his loved ones in your prayers as they mourn the loss of this great man!  - Maj. (Ret’d) Ed Borchert MMM, CD

Joyce Gus
Please keep in your prayers the Gus family as they mourn the loss of Joyce Gus. Mrs. Gus devoted her life to the Métis community. She was a long time member of the Métis National Council of Women and was currently the vice -president. Mrs. Gus worked tirelessly for women’s rights, housing and healthy Métis communities. We will always celebrate Mrs. Gus’ life and keep her memory strong. Good-bye Friend! - Shelia D. Genaille, President, The Métis National Council of Women
 

Congratulations


My grandson, 3-year old Aiden Schmidt, and I took part in a dance workshop on March 6th in Grouard. We would like to say a big thank-you to Jeana Donald with the Edmonton Métis Cultural Dance troupe and to the organizers of the Northern Métis Celebration. We actually learned a basic jig step that we are still practicing (ho boy, aerobics!). Now, when Aiden hears fiddle music, he's ready to go! I think a large part of his willingness to learn came from the enthusiasm of the young instructors who took their challenging jobs (us) very seriously but kept a pace we could handle. We enjoyed everything, including the lunch at the end. Thank-you again for the good-time memories!

Donna Sinclair-Gullion
Slave Lake, Alberta

Click here to view birthday and anniversary greetings.


Métis Cultural Corner Questions



The Northwest Resistance of 1885

1. How many men were in Gabriel Dumont’s force?
2. How many men did General Middleton have at his disposal to “localize the insurgence” ?
3. What did the Métis have for supplies?
4. What did General Middleton have for supplies?


Métis Cultural Corner Answers



The Northwest Resistance of 1885

1. The entire Métis force was comprised of approximately 350 men, 200 of whom Dumont says were armed
2. General Middleton had 5,456 junior officers and men at his disposal.
3. The Métis were very limited to supplies, at one point they had to use nails for ammunition.
4. General Middleton’s supplies included 586 horses, 8 -9 pounder canon, 2 Gatlin guns, 6,000 Snider-Enfield .50 caliber rifles, 1,000 Winchester repeating rifles. There were over one million rounds of ammunition, food for the men, fodder for the horses, clothing, two field hospitals and medical supplies.


FYI



A good voyageur averaged 50 strokes per minute, all day long. The pace was slightly faster when travelling upstream against the current. Voyageurs’ paddles were slimmer and shorter than most modern paddles, but the steersman’s paddle was longer to help him manoeuvre the boat.


Joke of the Month



A little girl asked her father, "Daddy? Do all Fairy Tales begin with 'Once Upon A Time'?"

He replied, "No, there is a whole series of Fairy Tales that begin with 'If elected I promise'."


Recipe



Duck Soup
Taken from the Native Seniors’ Centre’s “Our Favorite Recipes” and submitted by Robert McDonald

1 large or 2 small ducks, cut  2 stalks celery, chopped
Into small pieces   1 large onion, diced
8 cups water    1 tsp salt
6 chicken bouillon cubes   2 to 3 oz. thin noodles

Place all ingredients, except noodles, in a large pot. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours. Add noodles. Cook slowly for 30 minutes more or until noodles are done and serve.



To receive the newsletter via email or a hard copy or to send submissions of interest to the Métis community, simply email info@metismatters.com. The deadline for the May issue is Monday, April 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.

Donations can be sent to:

Métis Matters Foundation of Alberta
Box 3263
Sherwood Park  Alberta T8H 2T2.


Cheques can be made payable to the Métis Matters Foundation of Alberta. For more information call 780-416-0976. Thank you for your continued support!

Long Live the Métis Nation!

Sincerely,
Trevor and Felice Gladue

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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