July 2005

Providing communication to Métis and non-Métis people to create awareness, promote and preserve Métis heritage and culture.

We welcome donations to cover our costs. Cheques can be made payable to the Métis Matters Foundation of Alberta. Thank you for your continued support.

Please forward this copy to others that may be interested in keeping updated on our community.

The opinions contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the Métis Matters Foundation of Alberta nor the opinions of any Métis local, regional, or provincial organization or their affiliates. These views expressed in this publication are those of its contributors only. The publisher invites comments from our readers but reserves the right to edit or reject material at her discretion.

To receive the newsletter, free of charge, to send submissions or to advertise, contact us at:

Box 3263, Sherwood Park, Alberta, T8H 2T2
Phone number: 780-975-2084
Fax number: 780-416-4619
Email: info@metismatters.com
Website: www.metismatters.com

News and Advertisement Deadline: Monday, July 18, 2005

An Advance Poll will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2005. Voting will be by secret ballot in the elector’s polling subdivision. Polling Station locations will be posted in the communities, regional offices, and at the Provincial Office. Polling hours on Election Day and the Advance Poll will be 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

To be an eligible elector, each member must be properly registered with the Métis Nation of Alberta. Please Note: There will be no vouching at the election. Application for membership is made at the Electors respective Regional Council Office or Provincial Head Office.

Following are the Official Dates for the Métis Nation of Alberta General Election:

For further information, contact your Regional Council Office, Provincial Head Office, or the Chief Electoral Office.

*Official Notice
Issued by the Métis Nation of Alberta Chief Electoral Officer – Bruce Gladue
Revised-June 14, 2005

JULY 9, 2005
2nd Annual Anzac Métis Festival
Outdoor Games, Jigging, Fiddling and Talent Show
Anzac, Alberta
Contact Gladys at 780-334-2412.

JULY 7 - 10, 2005
Red River West
Victoria Fish & Game Club, 700 Holker Place, Malahat Drive, HWY #1, Vancouver Island, Bristish Columbia
Contact Bruce at 250-923-5455 or Ed at 250-753-7471.
Visit http://www.redriverwest.org.

JULY 21 - 24, 2005
Back to Batoche Days
Batoche, Saskatchewan
For schedule visit http://www.metisnation-sask.com/batoche/agenda.html

JULY 22, 2005
Métis Urban Housing Annual Free Pancake Breakfast
11922-121A Street, Edmonton, Alberta
7:00 to 11:00 am.

JULY 23 - 28, 2005
116th Annual Lac Ste Anne Pilgrimage
For a schedule visit http://www.sacredpeoples.com/lac.html
For information or to help out as a volunteer contact 780 924 3231 or lsap@interbaun.com

JULY 28 - 30, 2005
Potta Trail Days
The 'Louis David Riel' Musical on Saturday at 6:00 pm

JULY 29 - AUGust 1, 2005
Hivernant Rendezvous Métis Festival
Big Valley, Alberta
Contact Richard at 403-876-2945 or apeetogusan7@hotmail.com.
Visit http://www.hivernant.com

AUGUST 1 - 6, 2005
4th Annual Provincial Métis Youth Conference
Métis youth aged 15-18 interested in developing your career path through hands on career workshops, while learning about your culture and having fun in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains
Contact Amanda L’Hirondelle at the Métis Nation of Alberta 1-800-252-7553 or 780-455-2200.

AUGUST 6, 2005
Métis Gathering MNA Region 5
Big Fish Bay RV Park & Resort
Contact Hilda at 780-849-4654

AUGUST 8 - 14, 2005
10th Annual Cree Gathering hosted by the Saddle Lake First Nation
Presentations on several topics of interest for both First Nation and Métis peoples.
Sports for the Youth; ie, golf, ball games, hand games and etc.
Entertainment for all age groups.
Contact Mr. Louis Lapatak, the Coordinator at (780)726-2828.

AUGUST 10 - 13, 2005
Creation Arts Festival[focusing on family and Christian film and multimedia]
Edmonton, Alberta
Special Guest for the Creation Awards: Susan Aglukark
Visit www.creationarts.ca
Contact (780) 484-3744

AUGUST 11 - 14, 2005
Kikino Silver Birch Rodeo and Celebration Days
Kikino, Alberta
Contact 780-877-623-9696.

AUGUST 11 - 14, 2005
John Arcand Fiddle Fest
Over $10, 00 in Prize Money!
Windy Acres, southwest of Saskatoon, SK
Visit www.johnarcand.com

AUGUST 12 - 14, 2005
Métis Nation of Alberta's 77th Annual General Meeting
Peace River, Alberta
Contact Sylvia at 1-800-668-5319

AUGUST 24 - 26, 2005
Métis Centennial Voyage
Starting at the Legislature Grounds, Edmonton, Alberta and ending at Métis Crossing near Smokey Lake, Alberta
Contact Kimberly Mueller at 1-800-252-7553 or e-mail kmueller@metis.org.

SEPTEMBER 15 - 17, 2005
Creating Hope for the Future: A Four Generations Project
Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, Alberta
Visit www.sierraventures.ab.ca/hope
Conatct (780) 484-3744

OCTOBER 24 - 24, 2005
It’s All About Opportunities III
Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel, 10155 - 105 Street, Edmonton, Alberta
Contact Shannon (Chris) Armitage, Aboriginal Business Service Network Coordinator at 780-422-1260 or 1-800-272-9675

OCTOBER 27, 2005
“Sharing Our Pride” an Aboriginal dance production hosted by Heavenly Skies Society
Jubilee Auditorium, Edmonton, Alberta
Contact Bobby at heavenlyskiessociety@hotmail.com or 780.920.0832.

NOVEMBER 25 - 27, 2005
Canadian Aboriginal Festival
Roger's Centre (SkyDome), Toronto, ON
Visit www.canab.com
Contact info@canab.com.

There were a total of 18 applications received for the scholarship. A panel of judges reviewed each application and scored them based on academic performance, attendance, community involvement and their essay on “What it Means to be Métis”.

“It is great to see so many youth taking an interest in education, their community and their Métis heritage!” stated Felice Gladue, President of the Métis Matters Foundation of Alberta.

The Métis Matters Foundation would like to thank all of those who helped the students apply, and most importantly would like to thank all the students who took the time to apply.

The Metis Matters Foundation of Alberta would also like to recognize the following students for their outstanding community efforts:

Grades 4 - 6:
Jayde Fiddler, Edmonton
Whitney Barber, Grande Prairie
Celine Ozirny, Bonnyville
Tiffany Barber, Grande Prairie

Grades 7 - 9:
Tasha Ritchie, Kikino
Kieron Boucher, Lac La Biche
Kelly Risley, Whitecourt

Grades 10 - 12:
Amy Ladouceur, Caslan
Deanna Auger, Edmonton
Faron Burling, Cold Lake
Brieana Cable, Lac La Biche
Bianca Bertolin, Edmonton

What Being Métis Means to Me
By Christine Buchanan

Everyone is identified by something, be it religion, culture or community. We appreciate and accept the things we are, but we do not fully understand what it is until we learn more about ourselves. I can not say I’ve learned everything there is to know about my culture or origins, however with every year I learn more. It takes more then books to learn what it is to be Metis, it takes the knowledge of others. Usually we listen more carefully when it comes from someone we know and look up to.

To me being Metis is a privilege. It is not something to be ignored or forgotten its a part of my heritage. It is something that I have gained from my parents and their parents. It a past, a present and future. Since my father traced his lineage I have found out where it is that Metis had originated in myself. It is something I believe I can show pride in being, it is but a small description of a person yet at the same time an important part.

Everyone takes pride in where they come from, just as I am a proud Canadian I am a proud Metis. Even though some people might take it for granted to be of another origin, it is only in ignorance that they do this. If they fully understood the opportunities and chances given by being Metis perhaps they may appreciate it more. However It is not only in the opportunities given that we find meaning in being Metis. It is also in its history. There is a rich history built around Metis, shown and demonstrated by its leaders and by its communities.

In conclusion, although some may describe Metis as being of French heritage and Aboriginal, it is far more then that. As stated in the above it is a lifestyle, culture, heritage and history. Being Metis is much more then it seems and to me this is extraordinary. It is taught and learnt, not only by literature or media but by people.

I have been Metis all of my life, therefore it is my everyday life. To me, being Métis means valuing family ties, respecting traditions and treating nature as an equal.

Family is very important in my life. I love spending time with my elders and family members. In my Metis family, I find that I am related to everyone. The rule in my family is, “family is family we must stick together, friends come and go but family is forever,” Members of my family may not see eye to eye sometimes but when someone is needed differences are put aside and forgotten and everyone comes together to support each other. Last year my Grandpa suffered from a heart attack. Everyone of his family members (kids, brothers, sisters, close friends) came to see him even if they had to travel right across the province. Thank goodness he got better because there was not enough room in the hospital for all of us.

Traditions play a major part in my life. I love going to pow wows, round dances, and gatherings, I like seeing the roots of my heritage. Last year I volunteered to be a model for Metis Traditional clothing, at the Metis celebration at Grouard, it was a lot of fun. Having traditional stew and bannock was not new since we always have it at home; however, the bannock was exceptionally delicious at the gathering. What I like most is being comfortable with people who are just like me. I do not have to worry about what people think of me because we all share the spirit of being Métis.

Being a Métis, means being respectful and kind to our natural surroundings. It is treating the environment as an equal, to not just take from but also to give back to and help it flourish. Every year my family, (parents, siblings, grandparents, cousins and close friends) go to the Inverness River in the Swan Hills for Thanksgiving. We spend the whole day making camp, eating turkey, cooking bannock on a stick and playing splash. We look at tracks left on the riverbanks. We listen to the rapids and the birds. We watch the wind in the trees and the wildlife all around us. We leave the place at the end of the day the way we found it. We pick up our garbage, clean up after ourselves and thank Mother Nature for another wonderful day. We never take more than what we need and we are always thankful for how much nature gives to us.

‘I am Métis’ is an identity I wear with pride. Being Métis is not just a title to carry sometimes, it is who I am. I think being Métis is valuing family, appreciating and celebrating traditions and treating nature with respect as an equal.

My name is Brandi and I am twelve years old. I go to Father Turcotte school and I am in grade six. I got my Metis from my Great Great Grandma Agatha Loutitt who was born in Athabasca and moved to Fort Mcmurray at a young age. When she was older, she had my Great Grandma Lola who married a Demers and she was the first generation of Metis women born in Fort Mcmurray in our family. My Great Grandma Lola had my Grandma Dolores who married a Romanchuk and became the second generation of Fort Mcmurray Metis women. Then my Grandma had my mom who was the third generation and she married a Graham and they had me the forth generation in my family of Metis women to be born in Fort Mcmurray. My Grandma is part of the Metis local 1935. I LOVE being Metis because I get to enjoy a load of cool Native activities. Some of my favorites are making bannock, Stew and beef jerky. My uncle Tyler has a cabin and I really like going up the river to help him set and check his trap line. I think the thing I enjoy the most about being part native is the beading and dancing. My mom and friends taught me how to jig and I am always dancing in my room or in the living. I LOVE being Metis.

My Métis Pride
By Taylor Jace Ladouceur

Bonjour, Tansi, My name is Taylor Jace Ladouceur. I am twelve years old and I live on the Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement. I’ve lived here since the day I was born. I am blessed to be Metis.

Being Metis means a lot to me. It is my heritage, it is my future. I hold my head up high and walk proud. Being Metis means that you learn at very young age, how you are treated and accepted in the world. You learn that you respect your parents, your elders, and most importantly respect and accept yourself. I have learned and continue to learn every day about my culture, it is so interesting. I love hearing stories from the past. I always ask my family and other community members to tell me their stories. Story telling is also a big part of our culture. The stories are past down through the families and are often fondly spoken about at family gatherings.

At my school we have the Art Smarts program. We get two special classes. One being Metis dancing where students learn the Red River Jig, the Duck Dance, and our own Moose Dance. It is a lot of fun and exercise too. The other class is music, we either learn to play guitar or fiddle. I am learning to play the fiddle. Music has always been a big influence in my family. I can play the Tennessee Waltz, Faded Love and Your Cheating Heart. I am practicing hard to learn Jonahs First Change, which I hope I will master by the end of the school year. At my schools Christmas concerts and other presentations, all the students wear the Metis sash to demonstrate our Metis pride. Music and dance has always been a big part of our culture, the songs and dances have been passed down by our forefathers and we continue to perform for our elders and peers. One day I will proudly pass down these traditions with honor.

So you see being Metis means that I am aboriginal, it means that I am part of a special culture. It means I am who I am. Being Metis means that all of the lessons that I learn throughout my childhood will influence what I make of my future.

What Being Métis Means To Me…
By Lance Giebelhaus

Being Métis is important to me because it represents me not only as an individual but also as a group. To me, being Métis means to be aware of the past and present Métis actions, to be open minded, to represent and to respect the Métis culture. Métis is who I am, it is part of who I am and who I will always be. My heritage has taught me a lot in the past few years, I am specifically interested in how Louis Riel has impacted the past and the present rights of the Métis people.

Learning about Louis Riel has made me realize not only to be proud of my culture but also to represent it. No one should be discouraged or disrespected by there culture. In my opinion, if someone is discouraged or disrespectful to their culture they do not fully appreciate it as much as they should. My Métis culture has really shown me how important it is to be yourself and become involved with as much as possible to fully appreciate being Métis.

I have volunteered at the local dealerships to help out during busy times of the year. They appreciated my hard work and determination very much, they were surprised with how well I committed myself to the work because I was not receiving pay. I also volunteer at my school to score keep during basketball and volleyball tournaments. My volunteering experiences have taught me to be honest, respectful and always to try my hardest.

My past knowledge of the Métis culture has expanded a great deal and will continue to expand with my future experiences and positive outlook on my future. There have been many Métis people that have spoke out and it is because of them that the Métis people are who they are today. My heritage is important today just like it has been in the past due to the fact that there are so many Métis people in Canada today that are willing to learn and represent our culture. I am proud and will always be proud to be Métis.

My name is Amber M. Coutu. I’m nine years old; I attend Father Turcotte O.M.I School. I’m in grade four. I am Métis on my dad’s side. My heritage is French and Ojibwa. My grandpa belongs to the Métis local in Ft. McMurray, Alberta. My great, great, great grandma was the first white woman in Alberta her name was Marie-Anne Gaboury-Lagimodiere. I feel special being Métis. I respect animals, the forest, other people, and myself. In my native studies class we learned to bead, to do arts and to cook like Métis. My favourite recipe is bannock. We learned that Métis use moose hide to make clothing, to bead, and to quilt. To me, being Métis means being brave and honourable and being responsible to others. Métis people stick together. The Métis flag symbol means never ending, like the life of the Métis.

Agreement Builds On Strengths In The North
Northern Lakes College and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) have signed an agreement to expand programs in northwest Alberta.

The Program Enhancement Agreement – effective July 1, 2005 – builds on the strengths of both institutions and supports the concept of Campus Alberta, the Alberta Advanced Education framework that supports collaboration.

Advanced Education Minister Dave Hancock was on hand in Fairview and Peace River for the community signing ceremonies.

“Our primary focus is on improving access to higher learning opportunities for all Albertans, but especially those living in rural and remote areas, as well as Aboriginal people and other underrepresented groups,” Hancock said. “These two institutions should be commended for taking the initiative to improve access by providing northern Albertans with distance delivery and e-learning options.”

The agreement expands program opportunities in a range of ways. Northern Lakes College will offer career programs (such as Practical Nurse, Social Work and University Studies) at NAIT’s Fairview, Peace River and High Level campuses. In turn, NAIT will offer select mobile pre-employment trades training at Northern Lakes College sites using NAIT in Motion mobile education units.

Teleconference centres and upgraded distance delivery capacity will be provided at both the Northern Lakes College and NAIT sites, creating enhanced e-learning opportunities.

The partnership agreement optimizes delivery of Academic Upgrading and Correctional Centre Services programs at Peace River, High Level and La Crete by transferring the administration of these programs from NAIT to Northern Lakes College.

“Northern Lakes College is excited to partner with NAIT to expand educational opportunities for our northern communities,” said Trevor Gladue, Northern Lakes College Board of Governors Chair. “This is a great example of collaboration which supports the vision of enhancing our Aboriginal learners’ seamless access to education.”

“The Program Enhancement Agreement builds on the strengths and unique characteristics of both Northern Lakes College and NAIT,” said Northern Lakes College President Dan Vandermeulen. “It will also improve access for Aboriginal learners and increase program choices and opportunities for students throughout the region. In particular it will enable us to continue growing the trades in our communities.”

Riel Institute Social Work Program a Going Concern at NorQuest
By Terry Lusty

Do you want a better job, a better life? Have you thought about higher education? Don't have some of the requisites!?
Hold on! Read more!

"So many Native people don't have the criteria to meet the requirements for a Social Work program or meaningful jobs in the helping fields." So says Joan Tornberg, executive director of the Riel Institute who is quite proud of the ongoing success of a program at NorQuest, which boasts an Aboriginal student population in the vicinty of 2,500 students. That figure is huge!

Tornberg says the Riel Institute, guided by a six-member board led by Don Logan, took upon itself, in collaboration with Region 4 of the Metis Nation of Alberta and NorQuest College in Edmonton, to develop something that would meet the needs and wants of people from many of the Aboriginal communities and/or families who wanted to get into the social work field.

Such thinking gave rise to the rationale and justification for the evolution of the institute's Aboriginal Family and Youth Support Program that has now been in existence for five years and was originally a pilot project via Metis Child and Family Services in Edmonton. Then, explained Tornberg, it was not as in-depth as the one presently offered at NorQuest. For example, the program initially used only three modules but expanded to six when it fell into the hands of the Riel Institute.

This spring the program graduated 27 Metis, First Nation and Inuit who completed the social work program.

"The program addresses the cultural, traditional and holistic processes" of the Aboriginal community including access to Elders such as Walter Bonais, Eva Ladouceur and Alvena Strasbourg. In terms of actual course teachings, just a sampling of some of the areas instructed include: English, Cree and computer programming as well as communication and counselling skills, life management, family violence, addictions, standard first aide, suicide prevention, case studies, theroies and methods, and more.

"It's really good," boasts Tornberg who further states that "NorQuest provides the curriculum and the instructors are well-received by the student body with at least 50 per cent of the instructional staff having been on board for the full five years that the program has been offered." The teaching staff that's been there since day one includes Margaret Koski, Rose Olmstead, Gino Restivo, Derwyn Whitbread and Fred Worsfold, while Gloria Lizotte has now been on board for the past two years. (Koski and Lizotte are Aboriginal.) This, of course, gives the program a very acceptable degree of continuity and consistency.

As with any social work program, practicuums are always a vital component and require cooperating services and agencies to take on their students. "Without partnerships," explains Tornberg, "students would not get jobs for their parcticuums and, later, for full time employment." So far, the institute has managed to acquire the cooperation of approximately 30 agencies with one-third of them being Aboriginal. To personally assist the students in their journey are sacred, healing and talking circles. These are conducted once a week and help students in such areas as sharing and unburdening things in life that affect or concern them and, therefore aids them in their own personal healing process.

Students, explains Tornberg, are very taken with some of the side effects of the program. Some, for instance, struggle with certain modules such as family violence because it reflects directly on some of their own family situations, past or present, and "makes them look at their own life in a positive way." Once forced to look internally, they can use the information and understanding of a given situation "as a positive," Tornberg says.

Thus, the program has a good deal of positive impact on the individuals involved. The majority of students, she adds, say the program is "great!". And, those who move on into the workforce claim, "I am making a good living and taking care of my family." Financial assistance comes through personal and government student loans and support from First Nation Bands.

As well, the institute is looking into the possibility of having the province more directly support the financial needs of the students. Looking beyond Edmonton, there are interested parties, claims Tornberg. One of those happens to be the Meadow Lake area of Saskatchewan which circumscribes something like 19 individual bands. They have people who are already working in the helping fields but who also want to have that certification, explains Tornberg. Another interested party happens to be the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology based in Calgary. The institute will sit down with them before summer to see just where that may go. As for long-range, the program has already received 24 new students for the 2006 calendar year. "There's great interest and they come from all over the country, even Nunavut," says Tornberg. "Once one person from a community goes through the program, the moccasin telegraph gets working and before you know it, others get interested and apply."

Sick of Earning Poor Wages?
Join the growing league of Métis women who are choosing trades as a way out of deadend jobs! Women Building Futures is conducting information sessions on their innovative program Journeywoman Start which helps women prepare for apprenticeships in the trades.

July 6 10:00am July 22 10:00am
July 8 10:00am July 23 11:00am
July 9 11:00pm July 26 10:00am
July 11 2:00pm July 28 2:00pm
July 20 2:00pm

Information Sessions are held at Women Building Futures 11219 Jasper Avenue (the entrance to our facility is in the back alley just south of Jasper Avenue, between 112th and 113th street). Call 452-1200 for more information or visit our website at http://www.womenbuildingfutures.com Our next course begins in the fall of 2005.

In addition to being Alberta’s 100th anniversary as a province, 2005 is also the national ‘Year of the Veteran’, an acknowledgement of a proud history of service to Canada in the world wars, the Korean conflict and numerous peacekeeping duties in hotspots around the world.

Military service with honour is also truly a part of the rich Métis Canadian heritage. In so many ways Métis soldiers demonstrated the highest levels of citizenship through their military service.

The selfless commitment made to defend this great land, its people and the principles that make Canada the best place in the world to live are to be commended, indeed.

Métis veterans’ sacrifices both abroad and at home have aided in ensuring that Canada remained and still remains a free and proud country.

As these veterans of past wars are in an age group in the seniors category, an avenue was needed to ensure their proper recognition. As a result, the Aboriginal Veterans Society of Alberta was formed by First Nation, Métis and Non-Status veterans in 1983.

Its goal is to recognize all Aboriginal veterans still with us and those who have passed on to ensure that future generations will know of the contributions and personal sacrifices made by our Aboriginal veterans.

To help achieve that very worthwhile goal, the Alberta government, numerous sponsors and the Society earlier this year erected an Aboriginal Memorial Monument on the Alberta Legislature grounds.

The dedication of this monument is a commitment to ensure proper recognition for Aboriginal veterans. It reads: “Dedicated to the Aboriginal veterans of Alberta who served their country in times of peace and war.” Thank you to all our veterans for always making us proud!

“It will be somewhere we can go on November 11th and remember the people that died over there,” veteran Robert Berard has said. “It's a symbol that we have done our share.”

If you have any questions about Alberta’s Métis and Aboriginal policies, contact Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development by e-mail at aand.website@gov.ab.ca or call (780) 427-8407. Send letters to:

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

The day before and throughout the ceremony, I thought about my grandmother Jessie Whitford. She must have been a beautiful woman when she married my grandfather Robert John Littlechild. All the Métis women were noted for their vibrant beauty!

When I knew her, she was still able to pedal the Singer sewing machine as she sewed skirts, dresses and shirts. I remember the smell of new cotton cloth and wished someday I would be able to sew like her.

She wore her long sleeved cotton blouse and her flowered print skirts down to her beaded moccasins. I used to watch her as she put on her moccasins. She would wrap the leather around her ankle and then wrap and tie the leather strings with a small knot at the top.

My grandmother would have walked in beaded moccasins as her father Philip Whitford and her mother Rachel Bangs were buried in this graveyard. She would have mourned for a full year meaning she would not have gone to a dance or any other event before that year was up.

Saddle Lake First Nations and the Whitfords are finally getting their voices heard. It is absolutely commendable that the Andrew and District Historical Archives Museum Society have taken up the challenge of revealing the rich history and important role of the people who lived here long before immigration and after the first colonists arrived and the newcomers settled in this area of Andrew and Whitford.

Postscript: The Edmonton Journal reporter Jeff Holubitsky saw my story in the Métis Matters and decided to do a write-up on Andrew and Whitford and the history of Andrew Whitford.

The MNA is on the cusp of a whole new era of Métis recognition. We have an opportunity to build for a future that will position the MNA as a leader – a leader in the Métis Homeland, in Canada, and in the world.

To accomplish this, we must build on our strengths and pursue excellence in our Métis governance systems, by further developing our capacity, and maintaining and expanding our infrastructure at all levels. Stability is the key to our success for the future of our Métis citizens.

It is with this in mind that I have decided to let my name stand for another term as your Provincial Vice President of the MNA.

As the Provincial Vice President of the Métis Nation of Alberta, I am committed to continue working with government, industry and community leaders province-wide to overcome our challenges. And I will continue to work hard along-side my fellow elected colleagues, to ensure a bright future for all Métis citizens in Alberta.

I thank you in advance for your continued support and I look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

Trevor W. Gladue
Provincial Vice President
Métis Nation of Alberta

Surprisingly, while nearly 70 per cent of survey respondents had concerns over their debts, 79 per cent didn't know how much they pay in interest each month on those debts.*

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Indeed, almost overnight, Cardinal's actions on the Canadian political scene garnered national headlines and thrust the young man into a limelight seldom experienced by an Indian.

There were those who branded him as an insurgent, a maverick, a radical, and rebel. To him, it did not matter. He was a man with a mission, a man of conviction. And, nothing was going to sway him as he rushed headlong into the fray with no thought or concern for his personal self. His scathing attacks continued, he refused to be quiet or still. In the process, some Indian leaders took exception to his in-your-face manner and action. They were not accustomed to such behaviour and feared it would do more harm than good.

Cardinal refused to budge. He persevered, tirelessly and relentlessly. It was his passion and he was not to be stopped; he was that proverbial "freight train."

Cardinal's impact was hard, swift and effective. By 1973, Canada withdrew the White Paper and Canada's Indians breathed a huge sigh of relief.

In 1982, he was one of the key players at the table during the Constitutional Talks in Ottawa when Indians desired to have their rights re-affirmed and solidified. Before the century was out, he was awarded an honourary Doctor of Laws from the University of Alberta, a rightful tribute to a great man. The day before his passing, while in hospital, he was informed of also being awarded a Doctor of Laws Degree by The University of British Columbia.

Certainly one of Canada's most accomplished politicians, Cardinal's passing leaves a huge hole in the overall scheme of things. Here was a gifted and bright intellectual, a soul with compassion who genuinely cared as to what happened to his people. Here was a traditional person who tried to practice as best possible the teachings handed down to him by those who lived by traditional means and lifestyles. Here, too, was a cultural person who cared about the honour and traditions of his people, their language, values, beliefs, ehtics and ceremonies as well as their roots, their affiliation to the Creator and Mother Earth and the need for his people to cling to what remained of their traditions and culture as a distinct and separate society with a special place on this planet.

And, here was a man who possessed a burning desire to right the wrongs in Indian country whether it was health, education, housing, economics or legal matters.

Here was an articulate individual who held his own with the best speakers in the country, a man of conviction who was unafraid to pursue his dreams and visions for a "just society." One who sought and fought for everything he felt was due his people, be it the security of Treaty rights, the protection of lands, or the continuance of long-held traditions.

No one individual from Indian country ever had such a significant impact on Indian rights, government responsibility and Treaty rights as Harold Cardinal. He set the bar and very few will likely ever attain the prominence or achieve the goals that he managed to bring to fruition.

During a special June 4, 2005, tribute to Cardinal at the Mayfield Inn in Edmonton, his former associates had this to say about him:

Harold Cardinal was laid to rest on Tuesday, June 7, 2005, embraced by his home community - Sucker Creek First Nation - and enveloped by a comforting Mother Earth following a humble, traditional funeral service attended by approximately 800 people. He leaves to mourn, his wife Maisie, six children and numerous relatives and friends.

We, at Métis Matters, salute and thank him for all he has done for his and our people. "Hiy-hiy."

Métis Nation of Alberta Region V Report
Elders Advisory Committee Members: MNA Region 5 is still accepting names and letters of interest from Elders who wish to sit on the Committee and assist in facilitating the delivery of special events and programs for youth at risk and their families. The New Horizons for Seniors Program is a vehicle in which local interest and activities are supported through special projects that enable seniors to pursue an active lifestyle and contribute in their community. Elders throughout the region are encouraged to come forward and share their wisdom and experience as we unite to address senior specific issues, identify regional services and make recommendations for program design and delivery. For more information please contact Bev New at (780) 849-4654.

Scholarships: Region V is encouraging applications for the available scholarships for returning students in secondary studies earning High School credit. The value of each scholarship is $300.00. For more information in terms of criteria please feel free to contact our office. All Métis students within Alberta are welcome to apply. Call toll free @ 1-866-849-4660.

Economic Development: MNA Region V has recently welcomed Hilda Lambert on board as the new Economic Development Officer for our region. Hilda will be working in the field for a three month term to research and assist in economic development opportunities for all members; assisting in the process of building partnerships for various community development projects, and to investigate and survey potential training prospects with industry, and ensuring that these potential partnerships are realized in terms of increasing the skills and employability of our members.

In cooperation with specific service providers available in the regional office, the Economic Development Officer will provide referral services which will further promote and compliment the existing programs offered by the Labour Market Development Unit and provide direction in terms of the immediate interests of industry players within our region. As well, referral for self employment and small business venture inquiries will be forwarded to Apeetogosan, Business Development Officer.

Hilda will be traveling throughout the region meeting with the Metis Local community organizations to discuss economic trends, and viable development of short-term or long-term community and/or tourism projects by contract between members and relevant industry. Foremost, Hilda will be responsible for initiating training projects and partnerships for all fields as Region V is committed to assisting members in finding and securing long-term, suitable employment with opportunity to remain competitive in their chosen field. Hilda is available for consultation meetings to discuss project ideas and assisting with process of proposal in terms of how Region V can actively participate in the economic growth within our region.

Métis Gathering: We also want to inform and invite all members to our gathering being held at the Big Fish Bay RV Park & Resort on Saturday, August 6, 2005. Please join us for a free BBQ and enjoyable afternoon of catching up and meeting with old friends and colleuges. Anybody wanting to jam, come one, come all! For more information please contact Janette or Hilda at 780-849-4654. Everyone welcome! Take care and be safe on your journeys this summer.

Thank you on behalf of Bev New, Regional Preisdent, Council & Staff
Métis Nation of Alberta ~Region V

“Auntie” Nora Calliou - An Echo from the Ancient Cree World
By Everett Lambert

Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement, AB
She literally walks in traditional moccasins and uses a woodstove of the past in this modern and fast moving hi-tech reality carrying ancient Cree ways and beliefs. Meet Nora Calliou; many simply call her Auntie, Mom, Kokum, and even Great-Grandmother.

I caught up to the busy body in the bright lights of Edmonton. As Nora sits in her daughter Loretta's living room, she smiles at her offspring. Today with her, she brings her oldest, son Carl for a medical trip. At 67 she is still the whirlwind and center of the Calliou universe. Her son looks on and wonders what his busy mother's up to now.

Recently, she has been up to some rather tall orders. She baked 200 pieces of bannock for a Métis Settlement council meeting and cooked for 200 people celebrating a wedding. Yes, 200.

"That's no problem for Mom. She's done it before," says Loretta rolling her eyes as she speaks of her mother. "Sometimes she drives me crazy. She never stops that old lady."

Nora raised five girls and five boys into the world. Her baby "Dally" (Dallas) passed away from cancer in 1989. The 10 children blessed her with 19 grandchildren - "Dwayne Jr." has since passed on, also from cancer. She has one great grand-daughter and one on the way, for a grand total of 29. This is the Calliou Clan.

She lives the traditional life of the Woodlands Cree butchering moose meat, smoking dry meat and cooking a pot of duck soup. Her kitchen teems with bannock, moose meat and tea. Often you will see her jigging up a storm at the annual Metis assemblies.

She is truly one of our great national treasures – Auntie Nora Calliou.

Three Métis Honoured at NCSA's 35th Anniversary
By Terry Lusty

It has been a long and eventful 35 years since NCSA set up shop out of one of the former Canadian Native Friendship Centre buildings in Edmonton.

Over the years, the organization that became so crucial to serving the needs of urban Aboriginals has blossomed from providing just court worker service to one that now circumscribes all aspects of social justice for Alberta's Aboriginal peoples including young offender programs, parole supervision, family and youth support programs, wellness programs, urban skills, instittional Elders programs, healing, addictions, disabilities and more.

The 35th anniversary celebration began with a grand entry and banquet followed by an evening of entertainment featuring the vocals of the recording artist group Asani and the honouring of three Métis - Dr. Joe Couture, Gayle Desmeules and Sharon Braglin - who have devoted numerous years to the growth and success of NCSA.

The first honouree of the evening Dr. Couture, 74, has been long involved in the Aboriginal community providing leadership in education, addiction recovery, research and Aboriginal psychology. He obtained university degrees witha Bachelor and Masters in Education, a Certificate in Community Development, a Bachelor of Arts and a Ph. D. in Educational Psychololgy.

Aside from his command of English, Latin and French, he has had over 30 years of learning traditional and spiritual ways of his Cree ancestry and heritage. He is an accepted Elder and spiritual leader and often involves others in his ceremonies.
Couture has proven an excellent role model for youth and adults thanks to his knowledge of living in both the western world and Aboriginal society.

In his dealings with people, he teaches one to embrace learning from both the university world as well as the traditional teachings of the Aboriginal community.

In working with the Correctional Service of Canada, Couture was one of the few to break new ground in Aboriginal corrections which resulted in the inclusion of culturally inherent programming as well as offender access to spiritual leaders.

He continues to soldier on as a constant advocate for the spiritual healing of Aboriginal offenders that has given way to many healthier and better adjusted people being released into society. He is a humble servant of the people and never seeks recognition and accolades and is not one to pursue special awards. On the contrary, he usually avoids them.
Committed to fighting in the trenches, he is presently employed at Pe Sakastew Centre in Hobbema where he provides psychological services to federal inmates.

Gayle Desmeules, born in Ontario, has a very athletic background and has lived for some time in Alberta. She played on the University of Alberta Pandas Soccer Team while pursuing a recreation administration degree and, later, went on to earn a Master of Arts in Leadership and Training. She went to the Canadian Nationals for three consecutive years and was a mid-fielder with the Edmonton Angels Soccer Club.

Moving into the arena of social work, she developed a family group conferencing model - a collaborative dispute resolution process - to empower families to arrive at decisions regarding the care and protection of children experiencing maltreatment, who were at risk or encountered neglect.

She has proved invaluable to the North Central Alberta Child and Family Services where she is employed as the Aboriginal Relations Specialist. She has led the way in demonstrating how family group conferencing can be effective in re-connecting Aboriginal children living in non-relative care to take back their roots, their home community and extended family. Her research has looked at over-representation of Aboriginals involved with Child Protection Services and how to break the cycle of intergenerational abuse and trauma.

She also paved the way for having local Elders teach the impact of residential schools and illustrate how colonization affects lives and communities.

Desmeules contributes to various organizations and volunteers with the Victoria Landing Development Board that is presently focussing on the development of Métis Crossing.

The third and final honouree, Sharon Braglin, has lived in many cities - Regina, Calgary, Vancouver, Medicine Hat, Winnipeg and finally Edmonton where she hooked up with NCSA and wound up giving 32 years of effort to the agency.

In appreciation, NCSA has dedicated its new Head Office Building in her honour. She was a board member since 1973 and currently sits as its president. She is well-known for her extreme advocacy of NCSA and for committing herself to its values and mandate.

Since the late 1960s, she also acted on the Métis Association board and the Helping Circle board for the Métis Nation in Calgary.

Once in Edmonton, she worked as a private secretary to the late Métis president, Stan Daniels, as well as Chester Cunningham. She has worked for an office overload firm, construction companies, lawyers, manufacturing plants and oil companies. She even operated businesses - a Consulting Company, a painting, lawn and home maintenance company and a Petro-Canada Service Station. She was forced to let go of them when her husband, Peter, became a union rep and the two of them were often on the road.

She has been married almost 40 years and has four sons. In addition, she took on friends' children while still busying herself in the community and schools with their hockey programs.

MNO President Tony Belcourt said, "We are pleased with the decision. We appreciate the rigor with which the Government of Ontario defended its agreement with the MNO. That agreement recognizes the integrity of the MNO Registry Process and MNO Harvesting Policy. This decision further legitimizes the recognition by the Government of Ontario of the historic Métis communities represented by the Métis Nation of Ontario. While we have ongoing issues to deal with in terms of ensuring that the Government of Ontario extends the Harvesting Agreement's protection to all of our historic Métis communities in this province, McMillan's decision ensures others cannot undermine the MNO's work and the relationship that has been built with the Government of Ontario. This is a decisive victory for the Métis Nation of Ontario."

Gary Lipinski, MNO Chair and Chief Negotiator with the MNR, added, "This decision only strengthens the Harvesting Agreement we reached with the MNR on July 7th. It affirms that Ontario's decision in moving forward with the Métis Nation's legitimate government in this province was the right one. The MNO remains committed to the Harvesting Agreement we reached with the MNR and we hope it will begin to be fully respected by the MNR throughout all of the MNO's traditional harvesting territories."

The Métis are a distinct Aboriginal people with a unique culture, language and heritage, and with an ancestral Homeland that centers around Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, parts of the Northwest Territories, as well as the northwestern United States. The Métis played an instrumental role in the shaping of Canada, and work tirelessly to share their culture, music, traditions and knowledge of the environment with their fellow Canadians. Today, the Métis live, work, harvest, raise their families and pay taxes in communities from Ontario west.

A man walks into a church one day and kneels down to pray. "Lord, I've made
mistakes, but I'm determined to change. If you let me win the lottery, I
promise to be a good servant and never bother you again." Nothing happens. So
the next week the man tries again. "Please . God, let me win the lottery, and
I'll come to church every week." Again nothing happens. So the man decides to
try one last time. "Lord, why haven't I won the lottery? Have you abandoned
me?" Suddenly a voice comes from above. "My son, I have not abandoned you, but
at least meet me halfway and buy a ticket!"

In a large bowl, add all ingredients and mix thoroughly. Cut shortening in by hand and mix until pea size, then gradually add water. The dough should be stiff enough to roll into a rope. Knead the dough for three minutes. Cut into 8 equal parts, then roll into balls. Roll each ball into a snake 2.5cm. in diameter

Place the dough on the cleaned end of a willow stick and wrap the snake around the willow piercing at the end, or you can skewer the entire piece of dough.

Place the skewers 10cm above an open fire. Turn as often as want to reach a golden brown on the outside. When cooked, the bannock will taste like a fluffy biscuit.