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DECEMBER 2005 Métis Matters Providing communication to Métis and non-Métis people to create awareness, promote and preserve Métis heritage and culture. Edited and Published by Felice Gladue 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: Quotation Snowflakes are a fragile thing individually, but look at what they can do when they stick together. ~ Fernando Bonaventura ~ Contents:
1. Events
2. Education/Employment
3. Minister of Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development
4. Speaking Up, Speaking Out
5. Metis Me
6. Working with You
7. Métis Interest Articles
8. National Métis News
9. Métis Cultural Corner
10. Joke of the Month 11. Recipe
Events Up Coming Events Schedule DECEMBER 2, 2005 DECEMBER 3 & 4, 2005 DECEMBER 3, 2005 DECEMBER 16, 2005 Melissa Yellowknee was awarded $1500 from Encana at a presentation luncheon. Janet Janvier from Encana and Doreen Calliou, Bigstone Education Director, met with Melissa in Edmonton to discuss her future plans. Maureen Wilson, an Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP) student at Northern Lakes College received fully funded tuition, textbooks and all fees. Belcourt Brousseau Metis Awards - Edmonton Community Foundation awarded Maureen her scholarship at the end of July. Maureen is in her third year of the program. Her first two years were spent in the University Studies program at Northern Lakes College, after which she transitioned into ATEP. She was initially enrolled in the teacher assistant program through distance with Northern Lakes College when she switched to ATEP after she learned it was being offered. Maureen lives in Salt Prairie, north of Grouard and has a family with three children. No small feat when also enrolled in full-time studies. “It’s a lot of work and stress,” said Maureen Wilson. “But at the end of the day, it’s well worth it.”
Dr. Makokis was a student at Blue Quills, which is located near St. Paul 200 km northeast of Edmonton, when it was a native residential school. It has been a locally controlled indigenous education centre since 1971. “As a former residential school student, I never envisioned myself as university material. The spiritual grandmothers and grandfathers put me here for a purpose. My education has been a journey to discover that purpose and I found it at Blue Quills,” says Makokis. “This honour is bigger than me. It honours the vision and passion of our parents and elders. The reason I was inspired to go to university was because my parents believed in me; they knew that we would have our own schools, our own teachers, and our own curriculum. Their voices are still so clear for me.” A song will be performed at the award presentation to honour both Dr. Makokis and the ancestors who, she says, are part of her achievement. The award will be presented at the Edmonton alumni reception to be held at 7 p.m., Thursday, November 10, 2005, at the Edmonton Westin’s Turner Valley Room (10135 – 100 Street). There will be an opportunity for the media to interview Makokis after the presentation. As Canada’s Open University, Athabasca University is dedicated to improving access to post-secondary education for adult learners worldwide. AU has met this mission by becoming a leader in distance and online learning since its inception in 1970. Currently, the University serves 32,000 students who live throughout its home province of Alberta as well as Canada and the world. With a focus on liberal arts, sciences, and professional programs, AU offers more than 700 courses as well as bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and undergraduate and graduate certificates and diplomas.
Program Content:
Upon successful completion and active participation, students may receive Personal Protective Equipment. To apply now, contact Corie or Barb at (780) 706-2339 or come on in 205 Midtown Mall, Whitecourt, AB. Class 1 Enhanced Driver Training
Program Content:
To apply now, contact Roxanne Hall (780) 423-2237 or come on in 12308-111th Avenue 3rd Floor Edmonton, AB, T5M 2N4.
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 February 27th 2006.
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development By Honourable Pearl Calahasen, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Festive Time of Year Season’s greetings! Before touching on a couple of very important subjects, I want to extend my best wishes for a joyful and blessed Christmas holiday. The Yuletide season reminds us all, to rejoice. It is a time to acknowledge and give thanks for all of our blessings, and to recall in the spirit of unselfish love that tolerance, respect and real understanding are the foundations of our communities. On behalf of the provincial government, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in Alberta a safe and very merry Christmas and a festive season filled with great joy. Free gifts During this time of family gatherings and special occasions, it is important to remember to give to your community through blood donations. Blood donations are processed into a variety of blood components. Each donation can save the life of as many as four people - people with leukemia, cancer, anemia and those undergoing surgery for illness or serious injury. Your donation will help ensure an adequate supply for both children and adults who are patients during the Christmas season. Second Quarter Fiscal Update The government recently increased its 2005-06 budget surplus forecast to $5.9 billion, after accounting for a $1.3 billion reduction to fund the Alberta 2005 Resource Rebate cheques. This is $4.4 billion above the previous budget prediction. The increased surplus forecast is based primarily on record-high energy resource revenue. With the provincial debt eliminated, additional surplus dollars can be allocated to smart spending, saving for the future, and giving back to Albertans. Smart Spending The higher than expected revenue means government can increase in-year spending on priority areas for Albertans. This includes additional funding for provincial highways, health facilities, community facilities and centennial projects, and municipal infrastructure support. Schools and post-secondary facilities will also benefit from additional allocations. Saving for the Future Some of the surplus will also be saved. A total of $1.6 billion is now forecast to be allocated to the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund and other endowment funds for 2005-06. This includes $295 million to inflation-proof the Heritage Fund, which will ensure the Fund grows at least as fast as the rate of inflation. The $1.6 billion allocation also includes $750 million for the Advanced Education endowment, $250 million for the Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund, $200 million for the Medical Research Endowment Fund, and $100 million for the Science and Engineering Research Endowment Fund. Giving Back As part of the government’s strategy for managing this year’s unanticipated resource revenue, a one-time, $400 Alberta 2005 Resource Rebate cheque will be provided to every eligible man, woman, and child in Alberta. Details about eligibility are available at Alberta Finance’s website, www.finance.gov.ab.ca. 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
Speaking Up, Speaking Out By Terry Lusty A Look Back at 2005 As the 100th anniversary of Alberta's birth year draws to a close, and the festive season advances ever nearer, it is time to reflect, offer thanks and look forward to 2006. In 2005 we have honoured and celebrated not only this province's 100th birthday but also the year of the Veteran. A few more veterans have left us and the Aboriginal Veterans Society of Alberta is dwindling in numbers. The society invites any current or ex-servicemen to consider joining the organization. The organization appreciates the acknowledgements and tributes extended to its members over the past year. Hopefully, citizens will never forget their contributions to the peace movement and the ongoing pursuit of freedom. The year 2005 was also a year of provincial elections in Métis country. For the most part, many of the same people were re-elected to office and are there at the pleasure of the voters. That's why they are supposed to represent the interests of their electors (MNA members). Whether they do is left for you, the reader, to determine. The year also closed with the installation of Edmontonian Muriel Stanley Venne to the Order of Canada. As president and CEO of the IAAW (Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women), Venne has long championed human rights as well as women’s causes along the lines of civil liberties, discrimination, equality, etc. Métis Matters is pleased to recognize Venne's contributions and appreciates her participation as a columnist for the paper. This past year further witnessed the publication of three sizeable Aboriginal Studies textbooks aimed at Grades 10, 11 and 12. They are definitely a welcome addition to the Alberta curriculum but are still optional for use in the classroom. While the gesture by Alberta Learning to make the books available to schools is well-intentioned, it would be better still if they became a required part of the curriculum. To their credit, the province has declared Grade 1 through 9 Aboriginal Studies as mandatory. Now that's what one calls "progress" in the system. Great! What else did 2005 bring? Well, one matter regarding the old Rossdale Flats burial grounds has been resolved. Some years ago, several human remains had been unearthed at the historic cemetery site. They were taken to the University of Alberta for inspection and were never returned. Some additional remains were in possession by the Coroner's Office and they, too, had not been returned. This past summer, however, those remains were all boxed and reburied at Rossdale Flats. The issue of the missing remains became a victory, especially for the descendants of those buried in the Flats. The year also saw one of country music's big names, Terri Clark, win two Canadian Country Music Awards. In addition, she got married in September. All in all, not too bad of a year. What will 2006 bring us? Have a safe and happy Christmas everyone!! Métis Me By Muriel Stanley Venne Santa Claus Hill As a child, I looked across Whitford Lake in the night and could see the small lights of the farmer's houses like sparkling pin points in the darkness. In the winter us kids loved to take our sleigh and go sliding down "Santa Claus Hill". This little hill got its name from the Christmas morning when my brothers and I went trudging through the snow and found sleigh tracks all ready there. My Dad said it was Santa Claus. "Santa Claus Hill" was also significant because we were told never to walk on the east side of the hill. There was a grave of a young woman who had died so we would always carefully walk around the mound of dirt imagining the family traveling along this hill and with great sorrow having to stop and bury this young girl.
Working with You By Trevor W. Gladue, Provincial Vice President of the Métis Nation of Alberta Federal Election In Full Swing Hello friends, it is now apparent that we will have a few extra turkeys coming to us this Christmas, (hey if I can’t poke fun at myself as a politician…) with the federal politicians digging out their winter boots and getting prepared for the upcoming January 23, 2006 voting day. As these fine folks get prepared to ask you for your support, I would like to encourage the Metis citizens to ask your candidates where do they stand on Metis Issues. Recently, the Metis National Council President, Mr. Clement Chartier, has sent off letters to each of the Federal Party leaders asking several pointed questions with respect to the Metis Nation. I would like to share several of these question with you, and encourage you to ask these questions to your candidates when they come knocking at your door. 1. Does your party acknowledge the existence of the Metis Nation, as an Aboriginal people within Canada? I would like to wish each and everyone of you very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Métis Financial Matters So many people start their New Year with resolutions; quick smoking, diet and exercise, setting new goals for their career, spendinging more time with their family, etc. Think of what your month of December will consist of: buying, bills and money flying out the window. So much time, effort and money goes into buying gifts for family and loved ones. For some this is where they do their most for charity; Christmas Hampers, Santa's Anonoymous, Food Banks, etc. Helping charities is an excellent idea. If you do a lot of charity work, think about giving monetary gifts. This way you can get tax receipts for your donations. By giving a gift in kind, you will not get a tax receipt back. Some charities do prefer monetary donations, due to the fact that they can purchase the items that are most needed. This way the charity will benefit and so will you at tax time with your tax receipts. For those that are searching for a new resolution for 2006 think about the future. Ensure the greatest gift of all to your family and yourself by having a plan. Start thinking about taking some of your hard earn money and setting it aside for RRSPs or non-registered investments. Make a budget and set some goals. Perhaps a family vacation for the summer or a new car for the fall of 2006. Get your Will done. Purchase disability insurance, critical illness insurance or life insurance. What happens if you become sick or disabled, where will the money come from if you aren't working? What happens if the main income earner dies, has there been money set aside to pay bills and ensure the children's futures will be stable? Think of all the great things we do this time of year, it is the time to give. Give yourself and your family a piece of mind this season and for 2006. This New Year.....don't procrastinate. Thank you for reading my article and for the positive feedback I have been getting. If you have any topics you would to know more on, just email me at tryshawfinancial@yahoo.ca and you may just see your topic be the next article in Metis Matters! Merry Christmas and God Bless
Métis Interest Métis Woman Muriel Stanley Venne Receives Order of Canada Métis Matters would like to congratulate Muriel Stanely Venne on receiving a membership to the Order of Canada. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presided at the first investiture ceremony of the Order of Canada of her mandate at Rideau Hall on November 18, 2005. The Order of Canada recognizes people who have made a difference to our country. From local citizens to national and international personalities, all Canadians are eligible for the Order of Canada, our country's highest honour for lifetime achievement. Three different levels of membership honour people whose accomplishments vary in degree and scope: Companion, Officer and Member. The Order of Canada was established in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement and service in various fields of human endeavour. Appointments are made on the recommendation of an advisory council, chaired by the Chief Justice of Canada. The motto of the Order is Desiderantes meliorem patriam–“They desire a better country.” Admired for her works, Muriel Venne is a passionate, articulate and effective champion of human rights and social justice. A founding member of the Alberta Human Rights Commission and the founding president of the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women, she has worked tirelessly to dispel stereotypes, fight discrimination and promote equality. She played a key role in producing The Rights Path – Alberta, a highly regarded holistic booklet for First Nations people, and she remains committed to providing Aboriginal women with a stronger voice. Riel and Aboriginal Veterans Remembered, Honoured by Community On November 11th, the Second Annual Aboriginal Veterans Tribute was hosted by Metis Matters at the Canadian Native Friendship Centre. The event began with a grand entry by members of the Aboriginal Veterans Society and friends followed by a drum and honour song from Ryan Arcand. Veteran John McDonald provided brief biographies of the veterans in attendance and then it was time the visiting dignitaries offered words of praise for the veterans. Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan mentioned the fact that Aboriginal veterans have not been recognized as much as they should be. "We honour those who made this country safe and free . . . never forget the sacrifices of our veterans," she reminded the crowd. "It's because of the veterans we have freedom," said Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel. NDP MLA Dave Eggan stated that, "We celebrate their victories, we mourn their losses and celebrate their achievements." Representing Pearl Calahasen was Bob Maskell who said, "Aboriginal veterans are finally getting the recognition they deserve." He further expressed his pleasure that Alberta Learning has recently mandated the inclusion of Aboriginal culture and history as part of the required curriculum for Grades 1 through 9. Trevor Gladue shared some of the experiences of his recent trip to Belgium for a special ceremony to repatriate the spirits of Aboriginals who perished in the First and Second World Wars back to their homeland in Canada. "At the last Remembrance Ceremony in Belgium at Menin Gate as the Last Post was played thousands of poppies rained down on us through the three openings in the roof. He explained, “The Last Post is played every night at Menin Gate at 8:00 pm! Our warriors are remembered in Belgium.” Words from Senator Thelma Chalifoux claimed it "a wonderful time to come together as family. Remember, because of our veterans and heroes, we're able to do that (practice our culture and traditions)." A special tribute by Joey Hamelin and Lynda Ferguson recognized the efforts of Molly Turner whom, according to Hamelin, helped raise their Métis bursary awards amount from 200,000 to 400,000 dollars when services were split in half by Children's Services. Over the past two years, said Hamelin, Social Work students numbered 18, and there have been 203 since the inception of the awards. The remainder of the afternoon and early evening was taken up with a meal, an exhibition of jigging and square dancing by the Edmonton Métis Cultural Dancers, Métis Child and Family Jiggers and Marsha Buckle's dance troupe the Little Wheelers. Music was provided by the talented Homer Poitras Band. The office of Aboriginal Affairs presented all veterans with Aboriginal history calendars and Alberta centennial caps. On November 16th, the 2005 Louis Riel Commemorative at the Alberta Legislature proved a huge success once more and was honoured with the presence of Alberta Premier Ralph Klein, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Pearl Calahasen, MLA Mike Cardinal, the Aboriginal Veterans Society delegation, representatives of the RCMP and Edmonton City Police. RBC Royal Bank Expands its Aboriginal Team in Alberta & North of Sixty Brian joins an established team of two dedicated Aboriginal Banking account managers – Dan Miller and Paul Wyminga. In his new role, Brian will work with Aboriginal communities to address issues of importance to them, with a particular focus on youth and education. He will also work with Aboriginal people to share the many career opportunities available at RBC Financial Group. In addition, Brian will assist First Nations, Metis and Inuit governments and organizations in accessing bank financing for economic development, housing and infrastructure projects. A native Albertan, Brian lives in Edmonton along with his wife and four children. He has over 22 years experience in various roles with RBC, and enjoys hockey, reading and playing golf in his spare time. Brian is a Métis who has worked in Aboriginal Banking at RBC for the past five years. He is looking forward to meeting with both existing and new clients to discuss ways that RBC can work with communities to support initiatives. For further information, please contact Brian at (780) 448-6557 or e-mail: brian.hjlesvold@rbc.com. About RBC Financial Group Royal Bank of Canada (RY: TSX, NYSE) uses the initials RBC as a prefix for its businesses and operating subsidiaries, which operate under the master brand name of RBC Financial Group. Royal Bank of Canada is Canada’s largest bank as measured by assets, and is one of North America’s leading diversified financial services companies. It provides personal and commercial banking, wealth management services, insurance, corporate and investment banking, and transaction processing services on a global basis. The company employs approximately 60,000 people who serve more than 12 million personal, business and public sector clients through offices in North America and some 30 countries around the world. For more information, please visit www.rbc.com. Elderly Thanked and Requested to Continue Carrying, Sharing Aboriginal Traditions In this day of aging baby boomers and the increasing numbers of seniors, one of the more welcoming conferences to address their concerns, wants and needs has been the "Gathering of Elders" sponsored by the Edmonton-based Native Seniors Centre. The 3rd National Aboriginal Symposium on Aging ran Oct. 30 - Nov. 2 at the Chateau Louis Hotel Conference Centre and was designed "for the purpose of sharing issues and knowledge . . . (and) make partnerships with other groups that deliver seniors programs," according to Centre president Hazel McKennitt. With Wilson Okeymaw and Joe Blyan acting as co-chairs for the symposium, the first day started with a grand entry led by a colour guard of the Aboriginal Veterans Society followed by an opening prayer from Elder Rose Auger and the singing of O' Canada in Cree/English by Elder Eva Ladouceur. Guest speakers for the first two days included Debbie Coulter and Lewis Cardinal representing the Edmonton Urban Aboriginal Accord Initiative, Bruce Starlight from Alberta Seniors and Community Development, Métis Regional vice-president Tim Collins, Edmonton City councillor Michael Phair, Elder Pete Waskahat, Allen Benson and Rob Martin for the Edmonton Housing Trust Fund, Geraldine Cardinal, Ella Arcand, and Hazel McKennitt. Additional resource people were Leonard Saddleback, Alvina Strasbourg, Fox and Ruth Morin, Lillian Shirt, Henry Laboucane, Ed Lavallee, and Dr. Marianne Miles. Okeymaw informed delegates of the need and value of practicing traditional ways, exercising proper protocol and connecting to the Creator and Mother Earth. He mentioned that "people (healers, etc.) never demanded payment" for their services and spoke about four particular values - love, honour, respect and sharing - that are so very important in life's scheme of things. Benson pointed to the fact that handicapped and seniors have a "big housing need" and that there is a real "need to come together" and "work together." Martin explained some of the money and services that are available via CMHC and other programs. Saddleback emphasized the importance of keeping one's culture and traditions as well as a healthy lifestyle. These were reaffirmed by Strasbourg who said things have "gone wrong somewhere," that we are not teaching values. We have to try and teach parents . . . how to parent their children . . . teach them our values, traditions." Shirt is but one of those who goes around the communities bearing the message of culture and traditions She said she works with youth and "I encourage them to be professionals, good role models." In his last days, she stated, the late Harold Cardinal said "tell them (youth) to get their degrees but not to forget their traditions." Another strong cultural advocate who recently passed away, Linda Bull, said to "hang on to our cultural values and systems." Shirt fears the loss of culture. Even the words and predictions of Wandering Spirit back in the 1800s are ringing true she explained. He told of how the future would be and that included warnings about "children begin wearing all black (like today's Goths) . . . killing their parents (it's happening) . . . pollute the waters, etc." Shirt professed the need to be proactive. "I cannot be quiet, we have to pull together" - for our children. A special guest and noon hour speaker was Minister Pearl Calahasen. She stressed the fact that "Elders are important as historians, caregivers, advisors, language carriers, medicine people" and so on. Elders, she said, were an integral part of her upbringing. From the time of birth when she was a mere two pounds up until her adult life as a politician, Elders were always there for her, praying, advising. "Without them we don't see results. You, the Elders, are the key . . . you can make the difference." She further stated that the recommendations from the conference "can help guide us . . . I certainly will take them forward because we need to be healthy." Laboucane pointed out that our Elders learned from their own mistakes and experiences. "We must honour them and their knowledge" he said. "We need to keep balance." If we don't, he explained, we'll be like a car with a broken wheel that needs fixing. Otherwise, it stumbles along with a terrible wobble. As well, he added, a lot of people do lots of damage with gossip, what he describes as one of "the worst, bad medicines there is." Then there's the example of Fox Morin who almost died because he needed a liver transplant. His past of drug and alcohol abuse caught up with him and he contracted Hepatitis C. He dropped weight severely and fell into a coma three times before his kidney was replaced. Since bouncing back, "I committed to visit communities and talk about Hepatitis C - just my way of giving back," he concluded. Then there was a message from Ed Lavallee who suffered a stroke but claimed one can still go on despite the effects of strokes which can lead to blindness, deafness and physical disability. Dr. Marianne Miles, a cancer survivor and psychologist said there is a dire need to "tell your stories . . . write it down, tape it." It will be good for future generations she stated. She concluded by saying that, even when all else fails, the one thing that always keeps us going is "hope." One major recommendation was the "Reclamation and Protective Proclamation" (moved and seconded by Terry Lusty and Lillian Shirt and unanimously carried by all delegates) requesting that the Alberta government declare "the commerce of selling, pawning and purchasing" sacred and ceremonial items be declared illegal and removed from "display shelves of commercial places." The proclamation also asked that it be illegal for anyone to purchase, pawn or sell such items and, lastly, that such items in the possession of government, museums and collections be returned to the people and communities from where they originated/belong, or, at the very least, that they be removed from public display/view.
In the 1700’s, the Michif language was a trade language between French and English fur traders and the Cree, Algonquian and Sioux speakers in Manitoba and Ontario. As the Fur Trade spread north and west to Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories in the 1800’s so did the Michif language. Today Michif speakers are far and few between. It is our Elders that have the power to teach their language to the rest of us. After being shunned and forced to keep their language unheard it is now time that they speak out. As the Project Coordinator for the Michif curriculum development project, I wish to convey to you what our goal is and how we plan to reach our goal. The best time to learn a second language is at a very early age. The Michif Committee members and I feel that it is most beneficial to exercise our efforts toward our young. Our target age is of preschool-aged children (approximately between the ages of 3 – 5 years old). It is this age group that one can most productively conduct lessons at the community level to teach Michif. The work being done at this time is curriculum development. The curriculum being developed is a series of lessons based around a specific theme. There are several themes throughout the curriculum each one containing a variety of lessons to chose from. Each lesson has specific activities that touch upon different words, phrases or other forms of speech. The activities are meant to be hands-on, interactive activities that can be modified to suit the children’s needs. Being an Early Childhood educator, I am experienced in how to meet the needs of young children and know how they learn best. Within a playful and relaxed environment, Elders can share their language in hopes to renew it and keep it from extinction. At this phase of our efforts we wish to inform the Métis people that we are encouraging Michif language learning in Alberta. For all of the Métis people that know the language it would be an extraordinary thing to share it with others who have an interest in learning it. We are implementing our program on a trial basis to test the effectiveness of our plans. Once we have completed our teaching we will review and revisit our plans to evaluate the lessons and revise if necessary. It is crucial to find the Michif speaking Elders across Alberta to expand our list of Michif speakers. If you feel this is a worthwhile cause and can speak Michif or know someone who can speak the language please give me a call at 780-893-8984 and share your story or insight of the language with me.
The evening of November 17th was for registration and a meet and greet for the seniors. The work shops on Friday were opened by words from Region 3 President Marlene Lanz and Vice President Joe Chodzicki and was well attended with over 125 Seniors taking part. The workshops covered such topics as seniors benefits from both the Federal and Provincial sectors, Senator Thelma Chalifoux spoke on the Debate in the House of Commons on the Louis Riel Bill, George Vass from Apeetogosan spoke on setting up small business for the seniors. Lunch included greetings from MNA President Audrey Poitras and some great entertainment from two young Hoop Dancers, a Grass dancer, a Chicken dancer and a Mens Traditional Dancer. Region 3 Youth coordinator David showed off his jigging skills to the crowd with the great musical styling of Garry Lee and Ray St. Germain from Edmonton. The afternoon workshops were led by the Calgary Police who spoke on seniors fraud and safety issues followed by Leonard McCallum , a Holistic healer, spoke on health. The final workshop was by Major Ed Borchert Retd. (also the Gathering's master of ceremonies) who spoke on Aboriginal Veterans benefits. The Youth Mentorship group of Region 3 had 11 young people come to take care of the needs of the elders and seniors from coffee and tea to lunch. The workshops were closed with words from the Gathering coordinators Faye and Bob Beazley.
"I think this CD will be very powerful. It will really show off our talents as Métis youth." says Ryan. Having recently won the Pierre Falcon Award for Artistic Achievement, Ryan is no stranger to writing and composing music. He hopes this CD will give other Métis youth artists a voice. Keeping in this spirit, fellow Métis youth Jeff Ward of Animikii Inc. has agreed to handle the graphic design and layout for the CD. "I'm thrilled to be a part of this" says Jeff. Also, a talented musician, Jeff will be helping Ryan with the music production and business aspects of the project. The duo is currently looking for submissions for this CD. If you are a Métis musician that has great songs, you are encouraged to contact Ryan. Until then, keep your eyes out for this CD! It is sure to be great. About Ryan Bresser Ryan Bresser is talented Métis songwriter and composer whose diverse portfolio stands on its own. His accomplishments include performing at National Aboriginal Day celebrations in Ottawa alongside contributing to About Jeff Ward Jeff Ward is founder of Animikii Inc. and as such sets the course for the goals and vision of the company. Animikii is a 100% Métis owned corporation that works with Aboriginal groups across Canada developing tools that aid in
This innovative project was made possible through a collaboration of funders including over $3.34 million from the Government of Canada’s National Homelessness Initiative, Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Programs and Urban Aboriginal Strategy. The Government of Alberta, Calgary Homeless Foundation, United Way Calgary and Area and many corporate community donors and many volunteers also contributed to the project. This Grand Opening marks the completion of major renovations to the units at an average cost of $24,000 per unit, clearing the way for needy families to move in before winter hits. Families began moving into Rainbow Lodge as renovated units became available in the fall (September), and as of today the last 18 units are now finished”-Mark Laycock, C.E.O. Programs Métis Calgary Family Services Society- Keeping Métis Culture and Heritage Alive
In the last few years George and Terry Goulet of Calgary have given over fifty (50) talks across Canada on "The Métis, Louis Riel and His Trial" at Métis gatherings and festivals, historical societies, public libraries, universities, high schools and at other venues. They have spoken to a variety of groups from Vancouver Island in the Pacific Ocean to Prince Edward Island in the Atlantic Ocean. George and Terry, who collaborated on the book titled "The Trial of Louis Riel, Justice and Mercy Denied", state that they feel proud to convey to their audiences the message of the outstanding contributions that the Metis people have made to Canada. They enlighten thier listeners about the Métis and their history, heritage and culture and about the unjust trial of Louis Riel.
The web site for their book is: www.fabjob.com/riel.htm
George and Terry are currently writing another book titled "The Metis, Memorable Events and Memorable Personalities" which they expect to be published in the Spring of 2006.
Earlier this year, while giving several talks in the Winnipeg area, the Manitoba Métis Federation hosted a special dinner in George and Terry's honor.
In September 2005, the Goulets spoke at a Workshop at the Annual General Meeting of the British Columbia Métis Nation (BCMN). Keith Henry, the Executive Director of the BC Metis Nation, later introduced Terry and George to the General Assembly and in his remarks referred to them as "a remarkable couple".
George and Terry intend to continue communicating to the public the fabulous history, heritage and culture of the Métis people.
National Métis News First Ministers Meeting a Turning Point for Métis Nation Following years of waiting, and hundreds of hours of intense negotiations, the Metis Nation is at a turning point in its history as the First Ministers Meeting (FMM) in Kelowna unfolds. The leadership of the Metis National Council are anticipating solid outcomes from the FMM - outcomes which could have a direct impact for our 350,000 to 400,000 people in communities across the Métis Homeland from Ontario-west. The opening day of the FMM in Kelowna, British Columbia will focus on Education, Housing and Economic Opportunities while Health and Relationships will dominate Friday’s agenda. It has been over a decade since our Metis leadership has had a meeting of this importance at the highest political levels. The FMM is an opportunity for Métis, Inuit, and First Nation leadership, along with the federal and provincial governments, to jointly commit to a 10-year sustained effort to strengthen relationships and improve the quality of life for Aboriginal Peoples in this country. The Métis Nation is optimistic the FMM will commit to Métis-specific solutions for Métis-specific needs such as: EDUCATION: • enhance Métis educational outcomes within public education systems through K-12 innovative supports such as stay in school cultural programs, role model and mentoring programs, literacy initiatives and in-school cultural programs • create a Métis Nation Centre of Excellence in Education and Innovations focusing on developing education materials, resources and research • enhance Métis scholarship and bursary trusts • establish a Métis child care initiative HOUSING: • within the next 12 months, develop a Métis Nation Housing Institute aimed at supporting new Métis social/subsidized housing and increased Métis control over housing in rural, urban and northern regions • investing in new Métis affordable housing while repairing and maintaining existing Métis housing • supporting housing solutions for Metis women in transition and single parents ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES: • facilitate components of economic opportunities in areas such as economic infrastructure, training and skills development for Métis people • build partnerships among all federal/provincial/territorial governments, Métis communities, institutions and the private sector HEALTH: • Improve access to quality health services under a Metis-specific Framework within the Blueprint on Aboriginal Health • The Blueprint will focus on population health strategies that address areas such as access to clean water, food security, education, housing and violence against Aboriginal women, children and elders • 10 year plan to bridge the gap in health outcomes between the general Canadian population and Aboriginal Peoples RELATIONSHIPS: • Building on existing bilateral agreements such as the Canada-Métis Nation Framework Agreement, signed on May 31st, 2005 • Establishing a Métis Nation Multilateral Forum to facilitate discussions between the Métis Nation, Government of Canada and the provinces from Ontario-west Despite a looming federal election, the Métis Nation is counting on all governments to honour the outcomes of the FMM so we can continue to build on this historic gathering. While these programs may be valued in the tens of millions of dollars, the benefits to the Métis Nation will be priceless. For more information: Robert McDonald Aboriginal Spiritual Journey to Europe From the Spirit of A Metis Fiddler This journey simply started in our minds as a trip to Europe to represent the Metis square dance community. I was asked to play for the Asham Stompers and the Duck Bay Traditional dancers for their auditions to be a part of the “Aboriginal Spiritual Journey.” One of the first days I was there, I scheduled in a sound check at Hill 62, just incase any technical things were different in Europe. We were walking around for a while before we started, as Cindy Clegg was telling us about the site. When you looked over the battle fields you could envision all of the horrors that happened in that very spot we were standing in. I was called up-hill to start the sound check, and I played Grandma Blanche, or now called, “The Metis Prayer.” Then something compelled me to play some good fast Metis jigging tunes, so I did. As we were driving home after we finished Cindy and my mom were telling me that as I was playing, they could feel all of the spirits coming, gathering, all around the music as if it was their calling towards home. There were two experiences on that journey that will stay with me in my heart for as long as I live…because it was in those moments that I truly believed that Elder Borchert was right, I was destined to travel on that journey. The first was in Beni Sur Mer, a heart wrenchingly large cemetery filled with over 2000 Canadian soldiers, some as young as 17. Before the memorial began, I was walking up and down the many rows of graves, reading the loving inscriptions, and the ages of these young men. I noticed that every time I walked across one of these graves, a rush came through my whole body like I had never felt before. I began to cry from all of the emotion building up inside of me, but I kept walking, kept reading. After a while it was too much to handle. I got to the end of the row and I saw the elder from Labrador, Michael Martin standing not far from me, I started walking toward him and I fell limp into his arms and cried like I had never cried before. He looked me in the eyes and said “Sierra, the spirits find trust in you, they know that you recognize them and they are coming to you for guidance. I know it’s hard to handle, but you will become stronger.” I again just buried my head into his shoulder, and he began to say a prayer…he prayed for the spirits to give me a little bit more space until I gained more strength to help them. I was so thankful for meeting him for the first time there. Now, I know this may sound all over exaggerated in some ways to some people, but even being only 15 years old, this journey truly did change my life, and I feel the need for everyone to understand to some extent what went on during this journey. The second experience I had, that was incredibly eye opening took place at Menin Gate Memorial in Iepres, Belgium. Menin Gate is a beautiful and incredibly large stone archway in the centre of the city of Iepres, and engraved on it is over 58,000 names, about half of which are Canadians. The special thing about Iepres is that every single night since WWI at 8:00pm, people from all over the city gather there and The Last Post is played to give remembrance to the fallen soldiers. The delegation was there on November 1st/05 and it was the 26, 460th time they had played The Last Post at Menin Gate. It was truly spectacular. As I was standing there, looking up at the thousands upon thousands of names, playing The Metis Prayer, I felt this aching sadness in my heart, and began thinking to myself, “why did all of these young men and women have to die.” When I finished playing I went back to where all of the performers were standing, and I just stood there sobbing. I looked at my mom, Sherry and she came and whispered something in my ear. She said “Sierra, look around you, all of these children here, standing here tonight, are here because of the sacrifices those soldiers made…they died to try and make the future a better place for all of the Worlds’ children.” I again started to cry, and my mom stepped back, and I noticed she was looking behind me and smiling, so I looked back too. There standing beside me were three very young Belgian children, the oldest not being over 10 years old. They looked at me with smiling faces trying to cheer up my tears, and walked up to stand right beside me. The whole journey was filled with unforgettable moments like these for each and every one of us. I told Elder Borchert all about them, and he said to me in his soft wise voice, “I believe that there are certain things we are all born to do in our life time, and believe that this journey was part of your life’s destiny. You are one of those special people that are open to letting Spirits come to for guidance back home, and this journey taught you that. I want to thank you for honoring me with you presence on this spiritual journey.” All I could say was “Thank you” but he refused to let me thank him, he insisted on thanking me. So I did what I’m best at (if any of you know me, you’ll know it’s true) I gave him a hug, and just stood there in his arms for a long time.
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Metis Matters: August 2008 |
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