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September 2004
2. Education/Employment
3. Métis Success Stories
4. Minister of Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development
5. Speaking up, speaking out 6. Métis Me
7. Métis Matters
8. Métis Interest Articles
9. Share a Prayer 10. Congratulations, Birthdays and Anniversaries 11. Métis Cultural Corner 12. Joke of the Month 13. Recipe
Events Decade of Dreams 2004 The Métis Settlements celebrated the first ever Youth and Elder's Conference from Augusr 4 - 7, 2004. The Métis Settlements General Council Elder's Advisory Committee suggested the idea to hold the two conferences together. It was immediately accepted from the Youth and Elder's Conference organizers and the General Council. The Conference fit the "Decade of Dreams" theme perfectly due to the mixing of the two groups. The Fishing Lake Métis Settlement graciously accommodated more than 200 Youth and Elder's comfortably in their lake side campground at Riel Beach. The Elder's took part in events which included moose calling, a Cree bee, bannock making, arts & crafts, horseshoe tournament and much, much more. While the Elder's were enjoying their events the Youth had their own events, paintball, a Métis Extreme obstacle course, swimming, interaction with the armed forces that included a chopper tour and talent festival with the Elder's. The more than 50 volunteers assisted in making the conference run smoothly by cooking, cleaning, organizing, planning, securing, shuttling guests, and any other requests that were asked of them. A BIG thank you to everyone who helped and made everyone feel welcome. Generations From the past The theme for the Courtorielle/Fraser family reunion held July 30 - August 1, 2004 was "Generations from the Past". This theme was printed in bold letters over a background image of a Red River Cart and a map of Alberta on the reunion t-shirts. Attendance was outstanding with family members of the Fraser/Courtorielle, Fraser/Wood, Fraser/Meaver, Fraser/Belcourt, Fraser/Starlight, Brazeau/Noyes and very possibly a few others that were missed in the crowd. Saturday began with a breakfast ably served by a combination of the Texas, British Columbia and Alberta parts of the clan. All compliments were taken by a Shiny Nickel and all complaints directed to Mr Lucier. Credit must also be given to our quality control officer “Spyke Misatim” who personally visited most tables and sampled food. Sunday consisted of breakfast with several genealogy conferences and a few extra tours of the Fraser/Wood Clan to grandfather/ grandmother’s farm site (a couple of miles toward Ma-Me-O Beach) . By early afternoon, clean up began and trailers were beginning to pull out. Thanks to all who helped leave the hall and grounds in immaculate condition. The last three R.V.s left Monday morning with everyone expressing the opinion that this was the best Reunion they had ever attended. Choral Auditions for Aboriginal Choir Fiddling Fun The weather was excellent, the crowd enthusiastic and the competitions amazing. We had 39 Fiddlers and 35 Jiggers from Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan and South Carolina, compete for over $9800.00 in prize money. Spectators from as far away as California and the Northwest Territories and record attendance in the Fiddle, Jigging, Guitar and Piano Workshops. The Friday Night Concert Series was an outstanding mix of talent and culture. With Bluegrass from Saskatchewan’s own Junction 40 to French Canadian Step Dancing – featuring Jeff Soucy and friends. 12 year old fiddling sensation Alex Lamoureux to the beautiful English and Cree harmonies of "Nikamok". The polished performance of champion fiddler Daniel Gervais to the smooth vocal talents of Jess Lee, the crowd was glued to their seats for a solid 4 hours of riveting entertainment. The Saturday night show featuring: John Arcand, Calvin Vollrath, Patti Kusturok and Desmond Lagace was a "Packed House" with many cries of "MORE"! "Bannock Country" overfilled the dance floor for the Old Time Dance on Saturday night, and the Sunday Morning Gospel Hour was absolutely wonderful. And, so the planning starts for the 8th Annual – which will be held, August 12th, 13th and 14th, 2005. "Back to Batoche" Visitors Spared in Lightning Strike Wow!! It came out of nowhere and it arrived unannounced. The square dance competition at "Back to Batoche" celebrations was well under way on Saturday July 24th when some dark clouds quickly rolled in and with no warning whatsoever, a bolt of lightning shattered the silence, striking the roof of the big top. It startled most of the hundreds of visitors within the structure and totally cut all power because it had also hit a large transformer on a power pole by the main entrance to the grounds as well as a spot about twenty or more paces from the main entrance to the big top. The time was about 4:15 p.m. and to the credit of SaskPower, the power was up and running by 6:00 p.m. and dance competitions resumed as if nothing had happened. Nonetheless, many people had quite the story to take back home about the big lightning strike at Batoche. It was probably the scariest moment in the history of Batoche since it's origins in 1971. Poor Batoche had other concerns as well this time around. There was a noticeable absence of certain events that have always been a staple of the annual event. Some of the major cancellations that also happened to affect their take at the gates were the rodeo and chuckwagon races, the baseball tournament, and the Batoche Theatre Company which stages the fiery Batoche Musical. This was largely due to the lack of financing. The Métis Nation of Saskatchewan's bank account was frozen shortly before the Batoche celebrations following a formal complaint by a presidential candidate who had lost out in the provincial Métis elections. Batoche celebrations did manage to take care of the elderly in terms of providing meals free of charge to those 55 or older. This system has been in effect for a number of years now and is positively received by so many who could not otherwise afford to make the trip to Batoche. It sometimes creates a bit of a sore spot with some of the food concessions that rely on mass sales, but there are still many others apart from the elderly who need to eat and drink while they are at Batoche. The lack of adequate funding affected other aspects of Batoche as well. There was a smaller force of security personnel, there were no Batoche medallions presented to event winners and some of the prize money to winners was cut back. Batoche coordinator Peter Rudyk said the winners will get the balance of outstanding monies once the Métis Nation bank account is back to normal. Certainly, a number of the dance groups that compete in the square dancing competitions felt the pinch. It's not cheap to transport people, pay their entry fees, meals and so forth. And, many of the winning groups were from out-of-province and incur more expenses than, say, a group from the Saskatoon or Prince Albert areas. And North Dakota, Alberta and Manitoba were all well represented in dance competitions. Despite the money end, the visitors thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment including the evening dances to live band music. The jigging and talent contests drew a good number of entries with some fine displays of talent. One event that never has to rely on funding sources is the annual procession and commemorative service at the Batoche Cemetery. Presided over by Father Guy Lavallee from St. Laurent, Manitoba, a large gathering walked about a mile and-a-half from the camp grounds to the cemetery where they encircled the mass gravesite at the cemetery and paid their respects. Various provincial leaders did short presentations followed by a couple of songs and an explanation that the mass grave is purely a symbolic site that recognizes the loss of seven Métis and two First Nation lives during the Battle of Batoche in 1885. The next round of Batoche, in 2005, should prove quite an attraction since Saskatchewan will likely be making project and event funding available in honour of the province's one hundredth anniversary. SEPTEMBER 7, 2004 (every Tuesday) SEPTEMBER 10 & 11, 2004 SEPTEMBER 24-26, 2004 OCTOBER 2, 2004 OCTOBER 25-26. 2004 NOVEMBER 19, 2004 10960-104 st, Polish Hall, Edmonton, Alberta 7:30 p.m. Tickets $10.00 includes dance Contact 780-451-1072. Visit www.metisdance.com. NOVEMBER 20, 2004 10960-104 st, Polish Hall, Edmonton, Alberta 1:00 p.m. Tickets $7.00 Evening dance $10.00 Contact 780-451-1072. Visit www.metisdance.com. NOVEMBER 21, 2004 10960-104 st, Polish Hall, Edmonton, Alberta 1:00 p.m. Tickets $7.00 Contact 780-451-1072. Visit www.metisdance.com. NOVEMBER 26 & 27, 2004 SHE WORKS Women in Trades and Technology Conference 2004 Chateau Edmonton Hotel, 7230 Argyll Road, Edmonton, Alberta Contact Pivotal Events at 780-444-3929 or email mandyfoster@shaw.ca. Registration info on www.womenbuildingfutures.com
Education / Employment Grande Prairie Regional College Aboriginal Training Custom Aboriginal training for your community, business or organization.
Custom courses and programs designed for your needs! We bring the classroom to you or you can join us on our campus. Call GPRC today! Bernice Shadow, Aboriginal Program Coordinator
Are You an Entrepreneur or a Businessperson? Did You Know There Was a Difference? For these and other answers to your burning questions about business loan eligibility, financing a business, preparing for the Loans Officer and to hear about our unique Aboriginal Market Initiatives, call Elizabeth Buha at: (204) 983-3990 or e-mail her at: elizabeth.buha@bdc.ca. Elizabeth has been working with the BDC for the past 2 and ½ years as their National Manager, Aboriginal Business Services and gets to travel extensively across the country marketing and promoting BDC’s products/solutions, identifying or creating innovative solutions and generally “increasing the Banks activity in the Aboriginal market”. BDC supports Aboriginal business in Canada and has developed a number of solutions to meet Aboriginal financing/business development needs. Who is the BDC, you might ask? The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is a financial institution wholly owned by the government of Canada. With over 80 branches across the country, BDC provides flexible, long-term financing to small and medium-sized businesses that want to purchase fixed assets or need additional working capital. BDC also offers Venture Capital and Subordinate Financing to high growth firms. The BDC Consulting Group provides affordable services to assist entrepreneurs in every stage of growth with examples such as strategic planning, marketing, productivity analysis and ISO certification. Through its Web site www.bdc.ca, BDC offers a wide range of free business articles and tools including the monthly Ask a professional forum. Entrepreneurs can also benefit from BDC’s expertise by subscribing to eProfit$, the free monthly e-newsletter (www.bdc.ca/newsletter).
Northern Lakes College
Check us out. Our course list is expanding. She Works. So Can You. Don't miss the Fixit Chicks - weekend & evening home renovation and repair workshops for women. Register for one of our fun fall classes today.
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/.
Ben Calf Robe Society and Health Canada have been the backbone of our program. We have successfully been in operation for nine years and will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary in May of 2005. Our Mother Earth & Me Head Start originated with the development of two program sites and we have continued to grow. We currently have four sites located within Edmonton offering programing to a wide range of families. Our certified teachers are able to provide an enriched emergent literacy program with a balance between structure and play and our additional support staff also allow us to provide small group instruction. Our program is a certified ECS program which allows us to access additional funds from Alberta Learning to support chidren with identified additioanl needs. Home visitation is an active part of our programming offering both educaitonal support and community networking support to our families. Parents play an integral role in the ongoing development and evaluation of our program and are encouraged to participate and provide support to the program in a number of differenct ways. The three and four year old children that attend our Mother Earth & Me program become our children too. Our program prides itself on being an important stepping stone in the early developmenalt years of our future generation. Cree and Aboriginal Craft Lessons Aboriginal Crafts - Moccasins Adult Aboriginal Crafts - Beginner Beading Adult
Métis Success Stories Métis Veteran Appointed to the Order of Canada Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, announced 79 new appointments to the Order of Canada, including three promotions within the Order. The new appointees include two Companions (C.C.), 22 Officers (O.C.) and 55 Members (C.M.). On the recommendation of the Order of Canada Advisory Council, the Governor General is pleased to announce the following award: Victor (Vic) Letendre, C.M. Edmonton, Alberta. Industry/Commerce/Business. When Vic Letendre was only 11 years old, he entered the workforce to help support his family. The strong sense of duty he displayed as a child has remained a central part of his character to this day. A Métis, he overcame attitudinal and societal barriers to become a successful businessman who enjoyed a varied career that culminated with the purchase of his own roofing company. A lifelong volunteer, he has been active with the Recovery Acres Society and the Aboriginal Veterans Society of Alberta. One of the original members of the Edmonton Native Youth Justice Committee, he is highly respected for his non-judgmental and supportive approach to problem resolution. Order of Canada Backgrounder
For the complete list of appointments to the Order of Canada visit http://www.gg.ca/media/doc.asp?lang=e&DocID=4247.
It was VA Andrew Tapajna that CESO then approached to see if he would take on the assignment, upon agreement Mr. Tapajna was assigned as CESO VA to the Métis Nation of Ontario. Mr. Andrew Tapajna worked very hard and diligently with the Métis Nation of Ontario and their council members to create a teamwork approach that the council could build on while providing a basic understanding of their roles, responsibilities, and knowledge regarding some of their services. VA Andrew Tapajna delivered a one-day workshop of Best Practices in Governance, and increased the trust level of council members among themselves. The VA also mentioned that it was highly likely that the client realized the progress made by themselves, the council, and organization. VA Andrew Tapajna said “ I believe the council will operate more effectively and efficiently”. CESO Aboriginal Services believes that this assignment was very successful and a good experience for both the client and the volunteer advisor.
The following is based on a video presentation by Hon. Pearl Calahasen to the International Intercultural Research Network (ICRN) Conferences on Multiculturalism and Children: In developing policy and program responses in Alberta, we work to respond to the diversity within the Aboriginal community. There is a move to ensure that the cultural perspectives of Aboriginal people are recognized in policy development. The positive and powerful groundswell of change is fuelled by trends toward higher Aboriginal levels of education and increased understanding of the legal framework of jurisdiction and Aboriginal rights as outlined in the constitution among the people. There is also a persistent demand that government respond to their economic needs and social desires for a better future for their children. In education programming, the focus is on supporting children, youth and families in developing skills for self-sufficiency and a foundation for a good life. Whichever path Aboriginal people choose, education in mainstream terms must enter a dynamic balance with opportunities to learn Aboriginal traditions, culture and language. Stakeholder input is fundamental to the process at the stages of policy issue identification, policy development and policy implementation. Key success factors include the identification of key stakeholders, the clarification of their role, using feedback mechanisms throughout the process and being consistent. Mechanisms are now in place to ensure that policy decisions are made with the best possible understanding of the impacts on Aboriginal peoples and their communities. An Aboriginal Policy Checklist is being developed by the Alberta government to use as a tool to review existing and future policies to ensure they address needs, legal requirements and Aboriginal agreements. The ultimate objectives of the implementation of the Checklist are the reduced difference in socio-economic conditions between Aboriginal Albertans and other Albertans and a society in which the well-being and self-reliance of Aboriginal people are comparable to that of other Albertans. The Checklist will be developed for implementation in selected Ministries in 2005. If you have any questions about 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
Speaking Up, Speaking Out By Terry Lusty It would seem that the forces of inequity are in effect once again. The government of this country saw fit to speedily settle the claims of Japanese Canadians who were imprisoned and lost much of their property during the war years. Meanwhile, this same government continues to hold back on settling the century-old injustices to residential school people who suffered immeasurably when they were sent off to these institutions that denied them their language, culture and heritage as well as many social institutions that were part of their historical traditions. Thus, I rightly pose the question, "How many more past survivors of this system will die off before the government chooses to act and justly compensate these individuals?" Many survivors, if not already dead, are in their 50s, 60s and 70s at this very moment. Goodness, at the rate this issue is proceeding, many of those alive at the time of this writing will be lucky if they're still around to enjoy the eventual payoff. This, however, is far from being the only matter that requires addressing. There's the issue of who gets how much and why. My understanding is that the Canadian Bar Association has suggested something in the neighbourhood of 20,000 dollars to all clients with some give and take for those who experienced more severe trauma than others (i.e. the sexually and physically abused). This, though, is not the sole issue. What needs to be taken into very serious consideration is the amount of time spent in those institutions by each and every individual who has a right to a claim. Let's face it, why should someone who spent several to ten years in residence receive only a nominal amount when people who spent only a year or two get the same amount!? As if all this wasn't bad enough, one cannot imagine the trauma some survivors experience when they are severely grilled about abuses they encountered while in care. I personally know one of the six John Does who have test cases going before the courts and believe me, it is a real struggle for these people. The individual I know has being going through their past experiences over and over and over again. Just how many times must they recall and relive those horrible details and in every minute detail at that!? It is estimated that there are about 90,000 survivors. Métis Me Creamery Butter By Muriel Stanley Venne Our family lived right by Whitford Lake, Alberta, on a small farm about a half-mile from my Grandpa and Grandma Littlechilds place. Travelling down the road to Whitford and then to Andrew was a big adventure. Andrew bustled with activity and had farmers coming to the elevators, the drugstore, the Café, three general stores, the hardware store, the blacksmith, the Silverglow Dance Hall, the Creamery, the Andrew Hotel and Beer Parlour, and the big solid wood Railway Station with a big platform to unload passengers and the five-gallon cream cans. My Grandpa shipped cream from the Pioneer Farm to the Creamery in Andrew. He, or one of my uncles, would haul the cream cans to the station in Whitford for shipment to Andrew that was only four miles away. However, the trains were always on time and this quick service meant the cream was there to sell. Andrew Creamery produced wooden butter boxes filled with twenty- four one pound golden yellow rectangular shaped butter blocks wrapped in butter paper (not foil like they are today). At the Pioneer Farm the big barn, had stalls for twenty-one cows that were milked every morning and night. When the cows were brought in from the pasture they were milked by hand. The milk was then brought in pails to be poured into the cream separator, which, by the way, had to washed everyday. Most of the skim milk went to feed the pigs. When us kids came to visit and sit on the benches at the long kitchen table, some of the skim milk came to the breakfast table for our porridge. It was blue and thin! There was one jug of thick cream that was passed around but if you poured on too much cream my Grandpa would say, " Ah Ah Ah!" Grandpa kept all the creamery receipts in his bedroom on a nail just above his bed. No one dared touch anything there. The room was always warm and smelt of liniment. Grandpa wore his woollen underwear all year round and his bedroom was where the stovepipe came through the chimney from the big stove downstairs. We never actually had that butter to eat because we couldn’t afford it and besides we made our own butter from the cream we got from milking our two cows. More often we used white lard from the five-pound tin pails that were so handy for everything. Boy, were we glad to get our own pail! They were good for lunch, berry picking and much more. Our homemade butter did not have that “creamery butter” taste but it was still good. Once in a great while we bought the “creamery butter” at the store, but that was rare, usually only at Christmas to use in Christmas cake.
Hello friends, the time has come again where students, both young and old, are preparing to enter into a fresh year of school. There are opportunities in which may be of benefit to you, whether you're a parent whose child is just starting kindergarten…or you're working your way through post-secondary education. There are dollars that are currently available for learners, such as the Métis Matters Foundation scholarships, and the Belcourt/Brosseau post secondary scholarships for Métis students, to name a couple. Ultimately, the investments that we make in our children’s present will determine our nation’s future. What are we doing now? (Prepared by Greg King, Education Sector Advisor, MNA) If you have any questions about the Métis Nation of Alberta’s policies, you can contact me by e-mail at tgladue@metis.org or through our head office at (780) 455-2200. As well, you can check out the services available through the MNA online on our Website: www.albertametis.org. I would like to extend best wishes for all Students and Staff for the upcoming 2004-2005 School year! Be safe and have fun! Long Live the Métis Nation!
Métis Interest Metis Child & Family Services Aboriginal social workers providing culturally sensitive social services in programs in support of the Urban Aboriginal Community. Aboriginal Foster families are needed to provide tempoary care to Aboriginal children. email: ed1@metischild.com
Philomena, Alberta - the forgotten Métis hamlet By Rafique Islam, Sector Advisor, MNA Some of our youth may not know about PHILOMENA. One Elder asked at the 76th Métis Nation of Alberta's Annual Assembly in Wabasca, " Do you or anyone else have any information or have thought to look back to the ‘forgotten’ Métis hamlet of Philomena?" Philomena is about 60 km north-east of Lac La Biche, Alberta nestled in pristine wilderness on the CNR (Northern-Alberta) rail line. It is accessible by 4-wheel drive. In the 1930’s, some 18 Métis families were homesteading in Philomena. They were self-sufficient in those days. Hunting, trapping, fishing, gatherable fruits and medicinal plants were in abundance. The community had its own rail station that was connected with Lac La Biche-Edmonton. Back then in Philomena, there was a general store, church, school house, cemetery, and barn. The church since has burned down but other decayed buildings still stand. The once vibrant settlement is now the seasonal home of several campers and trappers not served by municipal services. Métis Receive Sundance Song It was the early 1820s. The Cree, Assiniboine, Chippewa (Ojibwe/Saulteaux), and Michif came together at Buffalo Lodge Lake, in what is now northwest North Dakota, but then open indigenous buffalo pasture prairie, to form one of the most significant alliances ever to occur at the center of the continent. It was land contested between the United States and Canada as belonging to (in their terms, respectively) either Louisiana or Rupert’s Land. It resides along the border region that ranges from Minnesota to Montana’s Rocky Mountain Front now referred to by peoples of pre-Euroamerican nationalism as the Medicine Line. The Fur Trade was trapping out in the Woodlands by the late 1700s. Assiniboine (Nakota) had already split from their Dakota and Lakota relations to the east and moved to the west to become Plains people a few generations back. The Anishnabe (Chippewa/Saulteaux) were pushing west from the Great Lakes, competing with the Siouxs and forcing them out onto the prairie. There the Siouxs formed alliance with the Cheyenne who were the inhabitors of the land between the Red and the Missouri Rivers. The Anishnabe from the east, and their Cree cousins from the northeast, had been coming out onto the Plains for a generation and more. Already, by the mid-18th Century there was a distinct society of Mixedbloods at the Forks of the Assiniboine and Red Rivers. Some were Bungi, the offspring of Orkney Viking fathers (the first employees of the Hudson’s Bay Company dispatched to the hinterlands after 1670) with various Algonkian speaking tribal women in the area. Others were French stock descendants of LaVerendrye’s men who came to the territory in the 1730 and 40s and married within the same maternal tribal variations of the country. A third group, which would come to comprise the most numerous and politically and economically savvy current within that newly forming mixedblood society, were a mixture themselves of the southern Great Lakes and the Mississippi/Missouri River Métis. These Métis were the descendants of the Old Régime France in North America, left dispossessed in the United States after the French and Indian War, who had been mixing within the diverse tribal milieu south of the Great Lakes and east of the Mississippi, and among themselves, for the previous 150 years. The Assiniboine, Cree, Ojibwe, and Michif were squeezed between the Sioux and Cheyenne in the south, and the Hudson’s Bay and Nor’westers to the north. When in 1821 the HBC and NWC combined to become one, and the Siouxs to the south increased their push on extending territory, the need for a formalized alliance between the Assiniboine, Cree, Ojibwe, and Michif became paramount. As the Ojibwe and Michif were the newest comers to the territory, they needed to be brought in on the workings of the Great Mystery in that part of the world. A Thirsty Dance was called, where the dance would be given to the newcomers. The Ojibwes were Mdewin, out of the Woodlands, but now needed to have the Medicine of the Plains. The Michifs were Romish (Catholic), but some were to take on both traditions, just as many Ojibwes maintained their Mdewin. The Buffalo Lodge Lake Thirsty Dance (Sun Dance) would form a bond between these peoples that would create a unified front when dealing with the HBC and other Euroamerican fur trade outfits, as well as any of their indigenous enemies to the south and west. Many Eagle Set was the Cree Assiniboine leader of the dance. It is said it was the largest Sun Dance ever to occur on the Northern Plains. There were fourteen center poles and fifteen hundred dancers comprised of the groups. Many Eagle Set received a song from Gishay Manitou to commemorate the Unity of the People and symbolize the alliance made through that Thirsty Dance at Buffalo Lodge Lake. That song was given to the people and lives on through Francis Eagleheart Cree a Thirsty Dance Priest and spiritual and cultural leader of the Turtle Mountain people. Francis Cree is the great grandson of Many Eagle Set. This song is sung every year at the Sun Dance on the Turtle Mountains commemorating the Alliance between the Assiniboine, Cree, Ojibwe and Michif, which has remained intact since the dance at Buffalo Lodge Lake.
It is easy to say that someone with Indian status is not Métis. Although this type of thinking is attractive in its simplicity, it is wrong, and it raises serious problems for the Métis Nation and its citizens. First, by partly basing Métis status on an absence of Indian status, this reasoning places control over Métis citizenship within the hands of the federal government. The government decides who is an Indian under the Indian Act. The Indian Act says that a person is an Indian if, they are registered as an Indian, or they are entitled to be registered as an Indian. This means that if any Métis citizen has two grandparents that were registered Indians, or were entitled to be registered Indians, then that Métis person is an Indian Act Indian irregardless of their desire to stay off the federal government’s list of Indians. There are many Métis people who are entitled to be registered as Indians today, do not apply for their status, and are still Indians for the purposes of the Indian Act. A provision within the Métis citizenship codes that excludes these people without their knowledge will only serve to fracture the Métis Nation, watering down its membership based on arbitrary federal legislation that says nothing about Indian or Métis citizenship. An Indian Act Indian is not necessarily an Indian in any real sense of the word. The Indian Act merely reflects the governments muddled and inaccurate way to count Indians in the country. The second problem flows from the idea that people somehow choose to become registered Indians, turning their back on the Métis Nation they should not be allowed double dip, reaping Indian benefits while holding a Métis card. With many Métis citizens in desperate need for health care, or education that the Métis Nation can’t provide, it is ridiculous to think that people have a choice. Who in their right mind would choose to have their teeth rot out of their mouths or their sicknesses go untreated, while squinting in a classroom when they can’t afford the textbook that the University Professor assigns. The simple fact is that sometimes Métis people need to become registered as Indians, not because registration will magically change them into an Indian, but because registration is the only way to access the basic human services we will all eventually need. These people are still the same Métis citizens even though they are on a government list in Ottawa. When we reason that someone can’t be Métis and Indian at the same time, we rely on the third mistaken argument. Since people can be Canadian and Métis at the same time, there is no reason to think they can’t be Métis and Indian at the same time. Dual citizenship happens all over the world, all the time, and by prohibiting dual Indian and Métis citizenship, we isolate ourselves from the world, reverting to an archaic line of thinking that doesn’t account for the reality of human relationships. If we have Indian and Métis ancestors we should not be forced to ignore an important line of our family. The Métis Nation should encourage its Métis citizens to be proud of their Indian ancestry, instead of banishing the Métis people who know they descend from both Indian and Métis people. This way, instead of fighting amongst ourselves, trying to kick people out of the organization, we can work together with our registered Indian relatives for a better life for all of our children. I Am Hurt
Share a Prayer Please keep in your prayers my brother Lyle Lambert who has been diagnosed with cancer and is now taking treatments in Grande Prairie and in Peace River. - Love Keith Lambert Let us all keep Homer Poitras, a Métis leader in Region II and musician, in our prayers as he receives treatment for cancer. Continued prayers for Herman Gemerts. Keep in your prayers the family of Nora Bailey who passed away on August 5, 2004. The only remaining child of Patrick & Rachel Courtorielle is, Myrtle Giroux. Nora was predeceased by her grandson Bradley Shaw last year (in a horrible car accident). She passed away less than a week after the Courtorielle/Fraser family reunion. We were all very lucky she was able to attend and said her last good byes to all of us. Love her grandniece Syrena Courtorielle
Congratulations
48th Wedding Anniversary on August 31st for Len and Isabelle Ouelette in Ladysmith, British Columbia. And they said it wouldn't last!
Congratulations going out to Verna Quintal and Shaun Janvier of Janvier, AB, who will be getting married on September 18, 2004! May you be blessed with a marriage where there is love and happiness all your life through!
Congratulations to the newlyweds, Brian and Jennifer Quintal, of Lac La Biche, who married on August 28, 2004. Happy Birthday!
Birthday Greetings going out to my son Gordon Quintal on September 27th! Happy 16th Birthday Gord! Love Mom, Dad and Kailey Happy Birthday to Lorna Bursey on September 28! From her older brother Brian, much younger sister Arlene, her much, much younger sister Myrna and her much, much, much younger sister Shawna. You still got it going on, Lorna! Happy Birthday to Mable Goulet of Big Prairie, AB on September 2nd!
Métis Cultural Corner Questions 1. When was the Battle of Batoche fought? 2. How many fought for the Métis? for North West Field Force? 3. How many graves are located in the mass grave site in Batoche, SK? 4. Is Gabriel Dumont or Louis Riel buried in Batoche, SK?
Métis Cultural Corner Answers 1. The Battle of Batoche was fought for 4 days from May 9 - 12, 1885. 2. Less than 300 Métis and First Nations people fought for the Métis and 800 for the North West Field Force. 3. Nine graves, all who fought in the Battle of Batoche. 4. Gabriel Dumont is buried in Batoche. The story goes (although untrue) that he is buried standing up, the better to see the enemy coming from the river side. Joke of the Month The teacher asked Johnny, "Which is closer the moon or Africa? Johnny said, "Duh, isn't that obvious? You can see the moon from here, can't you? Recipe Wild Duck or Goose Taken from Nipawin Metis Local #134 Recipe Book 4 wild ducks or geese 1/2 lb. of ground beef
1/2 lb. sausage meat 2 cups bread cubes 1 cup apple, finely chopped 1 cup onion, finely chopped 1 cup celery, finely chopped 1 cup summer savory 1/2 tsp. marjoram 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pepper 1 egg, beaten 1 thick slice of butter 2 1/2 cups Riesling wine Melt butter in 1 cup of wine. Blend the beef and sausage together by hand. Brown in a frying pan and crumble. Add bread, apple, onion, celery, savory and marjoram. Heat. Add the egg and mix, pour the cup of wine over the mixture. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes. This is your stuffing. Salt and pepper the birds inside and out. Stuff. Place in a roasting pan and cover with foil. Cook at 350 F for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Baste with wine and butter. 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, September 20, 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: Cheques can be made payable to the Métis Matters Foundation of Alberta. For more information call 780-975-2084. 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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Metis Matters: August 2008 |
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