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FEBRUARY 2006 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 Love people; use things. Not vice versa. ~ Kelly Ann Rothaus ~ Contents:
Events
Education/Employment Minister of Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development
Métis Me
Speaking Up, Speaking Out
Working with You
Métis Financial Matters
Métis Interest Articles
Métis Cultural Corner
Joke of the Month Recipe
Events Esquao Awards Gala 2006 The Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women (IAAW) is a non-profit organization, dedicated to the promotion, improvement and self-fulfillment of Aboriginal women within the concept of self-government and community, recognizing the strength and beauty of all Aboriginal Women. Once again the IAAW proudly presents the Esquao Awards Gala on May 12, 2006 a celebration of the achievements of Aboriginal women from across Alberta. Aboriginal women are nominated and awarded for significant accomplishments in the areas of:
Call Jennie Frost for details: 780-433-2932 or mjfrost@shaw.ca . Ruth Stewart-Verger can be reached at ruth@rasputins.ca or (613)722-8402. Those who are interested in attending need only to find their way to Edmonton. Meals, accommodations and access to conference workshops are provided for all registered parents/participants. Those attending this conference will gain knowledge to strengthen their families and promote healthy lifestyles and harmonious living. Highlights of the workshops include information on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, drugs and your child with a focus on methamphetamine (crystal meth), school bullying, family violence, disabilities, advocating for your child in the education system and rights and responsibilities of parenting. All participants must be pre-registered and registration is free of cost. Contact Amanda L’Hirondelle at the Métis Nation of Alberta at 1-800-252-7553 Ext. 274 for a registration form or more information. Low Vision Month This year’s topic is Diabetes and the Eye. CNIB is hosting free public education seminars across the province, featuring presentations by professionals which may include an ophthalmologist, optometrist and diabetic educator. The program also includes a video about CNIB services and a presentation from someone who lives with diabetes-related vision loss, as well as a CNIB open house. Edmonton 7-9 pm Calgary 7-9 pm Grande Prairie 7-9 pm Red Deer 7-9 pm Lethbridge 7-9 pm Medicine Hat 7-9 pm FEBRUARY 3, 2006 3rd Annual Northern Métis Celebration Grouard Campus, Northern Lakes College, Alberta Featuring an afternoon educational component, evening entertainment, traditional meal, Métis dancers and an amateur talent contest. FEBRUARY 11, 2006 Prairie Schooner Social Club Dance Old Tyme Music Athlone Hall, 13010 - 129 st., Edmonton, AB 7:00 - 11:00 pm Jams every third Sunday Contact 467-5108 or 457-9085 FEBRUARY 11, 2006 JUNE 7 - 10, 2006 JUNE 17, 2006
History in the Hills Cypress Hills Interprovicinal Park, AB
Cost: Free
Contact 403-526-0756 or visit www.miywasin.ab.ca
AUGUST 10 - 13, 2006 The 9th Annual John Arcand Fiddle Fest is now FOUR DAYS ! Contact Vicki Arcand at windy.acres@sasktel.net or visit www.johnarcandfiddlefest.com.
AUGUST 10 - 12, 2006 Hivernant Rendezvous Big Valley, Alberta AUGUST 17 - 20, 2006 Métis Nation of Alberta AGM Lac LA Biche, Alberta
AUGUST 25 & 26, 2006 Metis Crossing Gathering Metis Crossing (near Smoky Lake), Alberta
Education / Employment Lakeland College to Launch Unique Program in Aboriginal Interpretation A one-of-a-kind program in Aboriginal heritage interpretation starts February 6, 2006 at Lakeland College in Sherwood Park, Alberta. "The program is for anyone who has a desire to tell the Aboriginal story," says Kathy Champigny, director of the Lakeland College Learning Centre. "There is no program like it in Canada. This is the first time the skills to interpret Aboriginal culture have been systematically defined, through a competency analysis." The seven-month program consists of 22 weeks in the classroom followed by a six-week practicum. It shares some common curriculum with four other tourism programs at Lakeland. These foundation courses include tourism essentials, media and customer relations, and risk, ethical and legal issues. The major course focuses on Aboriginal culture and history, definitions, and interpretation unique to Aboriginal settings. Lakeland developed the program in collaboration with The Buffalo Spirit Alliance and The Métis Heritage Alliance Committee of Alberta. Travel Alberta information indicates a majority of visitors to the province want to experience some aspect of Aboriginal culture, and Aboriginal Tourism Canada estimates the potential market for such attractions could reach $2.5 billion by 2010. As new heritage sites including Métis Crossing in northeastern Alberta and Blackfoot Crossing in the south are completed, demand for interpretive staff will increase. According to the 2005 report, Economic Impact of Provincial Heritage Facilities in Alberta, the province plans to encourage further development in the interpretation of Aboriginal culture. Juanita Marois is project manager at Métis Crossing, and was involved in the program's development. "Métis Crossing is a place where people come to experience the Métis culture. Our interpreters play a critical role in communicating our culture to our guests through their attitudes, abilities and knowledge. The success of our site is, in many ways, directly related to the quality of interpreters on our team." Tim Marriott, coordinator of program development and research at Fort Edmonton Park, also welcomes the new program. "Aboriginal people often don't see themselves reflected in places like Fort Edmonton Park. We recognize we need more Aboriginal interpreters to tell the story credibly. As well, there's a huge interest in Aboriginal culture from Canadian and international visitors, but they want to hear it from Aboriginal people themselves." Marriott expects the program will open career doors. "Right now, relatively few Aboriginal people respond to our job ads. The program will provide opportunities for them to enter this industry. It also develops the entrepreneurial skills to start a business venture in this area of tourism." More information is available at 780 416 8869. Trade Winds to Success ABORIGINAL PRE-TRADES TRAINING: CARPENTERS, BOILERMAKERS, IRONWORKERS, PLUMBERS, STEAM/PIPEFITTERS WELDERS WHO: All potential clients must be ready, willing, and able to work and have sufficient health to participate in and benefit from training for trades employment. Clients must be unemployed, underemployed or employment threatened First Nations, Métis or Inuit people, residing in Edmonton or Calgary, legally entitled to work in Canada. Call our office for specific criteria. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Program includes approximately 20 weeks of training that includes individualized career plans to prepare for six of Alberta’s designated trades. Modules include: • Trades Streaming Process (3 weeks) WHEN: EDMONTON CALGARY Trade Winds to Success – Edmonton Trade Winds to Success - Calgary In partnership with: Human Resources Department Canada and Alberta Government Dollars for Learners Because people have different learning styles, interests and life experiences, the Awards fund many types of programs of study and training offered at qualified post-secondary schools in Alberta. The Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards Fund was established by the directors of Canative Housing Corporation in 2001 and is administered by the Edmonton Community Foundation. Awards range from $1000 to $7000. Am I eligible? Minister of Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development By Honourable Pearl Calahasen, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Milestone Re-Affirmed Another chapter in the historic legacy of the Alberta government’s recognition of Métis people may soon be written. As you are well aware, Alberta and Métis people in the province signed the first, and still unique, agreement of its kind in Canada in 1989 to give Metis a version of self-governance. This agreement, the Alberta-Metis Settlements Accord, found expression in legislation in 1990. Under this historic deal the government handed over ownership and control of 1.2 million acres of land to the Alberta Métis Settlements General Council and promised to provide $300-million over 17 years to help the settlements become self-sufficient. The Métis Settlements General Council was established as a corporation under the Métis Settlements Act as a legal entity and handles issues that affect the collective interests of the eight Métis Settlements. Since the legislation was adopted, the Métis settlements have replaced virtual shanties and constructed hundreds of houses. These Settlements have installed running water and sewage systems and paved strategic roads. They have set up companies to take advantage of the opportunities in the construction and forestry and other sectors. They have established an investment corporation to lend money to their members to enhance economic development. The Settlements have come a long way since the agreement was signed almost 20 years ago. The agreement, as the saying goes, is a "work in progress," one that Alberta and the Metis Settlements are currently reviewing. Government is a leader in supporting Métis governance. For example, Premier Ralph Klein participated in a Re-Affirmation ceremony in Edmonton along with former Premier Don Getty – the original signatory. This demonstrates the government’s long-standing tradition of listening to and working with Métis people. Discussions are under way through the Transition Assessment and Planning (TAP) process to address the situation post-2007. I am hopeful that Alberta Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and the MSGC will be able to conclude these discussions in the not-too-distant future. 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 Métis Me By Muriel Stanley Venne Memories In the seventies, the Friendship Centre moved into the Wesley United Church on 117th street a block north of Jasper Avenue in Edmonton. The pulpit became a favourite for everyone to come up and deliver a “sermon” and the pews became the stage and seating for the “festivals” that were organized by Georgina Donald. Prizes were given for all the categories - the best woman singers, the best men singers, the square dancers, the best step dancers, etc. Everyone enjoyed these festivals. People came from all over to show off their talent. The Metis fiddlers had their best fancy outfits and played their tunes for the best fiddler. As time passes and I grow older, I realize I am becoming more like my mother. I find myself doing the things she used to do. My Mom used to help everyone she knew. She was an organizer of the Ole Ladies Sewing Club which met at our Native Outreach office located next to the Canadian Native Friendship Centre. She would pick the ladies up and bring them to the meeting if they needed a ride. I was the Executive Director, and Alvena Strasbourg was my assistant. Every Wednesday afternoon they used to get together to sew their blankets and talk about old men. They talked about their old boyfriends laughing about their mannerisms. They reminisced about the dances they attended dance, riding horseback and the funny memories that happened in the old days. They would say, “We’ll have to starch it.” Alvena and I used to listen in and thoroughly enjoy their stories. They actually made some beautiful patchwork quilts but the wonder of it was the company they enjoyed together. One day we decided to play a trick on the ladies. We brought a “Playgirl” magazine to their gathering, opened it up and showed them the centre-fold. They all gasped and wouldn’t look at the picture. We all had a good laugh at that, but believe me we didn’t do that again.
Speaking Up, Speaking Out By Terry Lusty Tansi!! Hey, we survived and we're back! Here's hoping all our readers had a superb Christmas and New Year's. I did. Because we missed out on a January issue, we have a bit of catching-up to do. Not that I really want to, but out of respect, I acknowledge the passing of some good friends and mentors. Tragedy By early December we lost another good one in the person of a highly regarded Elder, Christine Daniels, age 74. To all her family, my deepest sympathy and a huge thank you for permitting me to share the time I did with her on our good Mother Earth. She taught me to conduct talking circles and I always relied on her to bring balance and serenity to our Friendship Centre board meetings. She was good medicine for all people and was such a blessing for our communities. I know she impacted many others and cared deeply for the good of our people Last, but not least, is the very recent and surprising passing of Gerald White, 44, from Kikino Métis Settlement! We shared a lot of good laughs and fun times. The jokes, the singing, the dancing' -- all such fun. Man, what great times!! Thank you Gerald for all you shared with us. You had a large presence in the communities. You were great, buddy! I'm missing you and that energy of yours . . . like, wow! Denise, Travis, Trevor, Heather, Doris, Floyd & Marcella, my prayers are with all of you. Jay, John, Lennie, Rick & Tyson - you too. I pray for all those who were close to all three of these dear people, good people. I'm missing each and everyone of you. And, Misty Chalifoux and her three lovely little ones from Driftpile First Nation! All four lost in a horrific vehicle accident that was not their fault. Unbelievable, shocking, terrible! I know this is a super-tough one for relatives and friends. I pray for you as well and with a bit more empathy because it was so needless. Survivors
I am satisfied the status of a minority government will keep some balance. There will be a need for consensus building, and from what I see in the numbers, the Liberals and the New Democratic Party still wield much of the power, and both parties have shown positive support to the Métis Nation agenda during this campaign. Now, this does not say that there isn’t any work to be done. The Métis leadership has to fully engage in a new strategy to educate the Conservative government and their staffers on the Métis Nation Agenda, our Constitutional rights, and how we, as governing bodies of the Métis Nation, can play lead roles in programs and services delivered to our communities. I would like to commend all candidates who ran for office, and I would like to congratulate all of those who were successful. To Mr. Harper, congratulations as our Prime Minister of Canada, I wish you well. We look forward to working with the newly elected Federal Government and all Members of Parliament to address the issues of the day that impact our Métis people.
Métis Financial Matters
RRSP is not Around the Corner ... it is Here!
Métis Interest
Former Metis President and War Vet, Sam Sinclair, Dies By Terry Lusty It didn't matter where you were - fighting forest fires, in the middle of a war zone or attending somebody's funeral; if Sam Sinclair was in your midst, you were pretty much guaranteed a hearty laugh. Sinclair, you see, had that precious gift and natural talent of cracking jokes. For sure, that Native humour shone through almost any and every time the man opened his mouth. It became his trademark and was a trait that endeared him to so many people from pretty well every walk of life. Why even when in the late stages of life, while on his sick-bed, he couldn't contain himself and was still crackin' a joke or two. That was Sinclair and that is what so many people will forever remember and miss about the man. Born at Slave Lake on Nov. 22, 1926, Sinclair left this world on Nov. 29, 2005, after a lengthy bout with cancer. He fought his ailment with vim and vigour just as he fought so many things in the span of his 79 years on Mother Earth. His first battle was, if you can believe it, his fight to get into the classroom. It seems he was expelled by his teacher when he first entered those hallowed halls because his teacher couldn't understand him. After all, Sinclair could only speak Cree at the time. A year later, he not only returned to school, he showed just what he was capable of by completing four years of education in two years. His schooling was cut short though with the arrival of World War 11. Being only 15, he had to lie about his age to join up, something that a number of young men were guilty of doing. He enlisted in the Canadian Army and following a brief training period with the Calgary Highlanders was sent overseas with the 5th Brigade, 2nd Division, to Belgium. England and Holland. While enlisted in the forces, he won competitions in track and field and captured the middleweight boxing title. That feat later got him into the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame, along with his son, Gordon. Upon returning home, he married his lifetime wife, Edna. The two raised a loving family that loved music and song and spent many an hour doing just that. It came as no surprise that, at his wake and funeral, the air was filled with music and song. In his early stages of marriage, Sinclair proved a devoted and contributing family member who was always employed and able to keep food on the table. He worked at various jobs including firefighting, trucking and later contracted to the province to train forest firefighters. In the late 1960s he was somewhat enamoured by the fiery president of the Metis Association of Alberta (MAA), Stan Daniels. He liked what he saw and decided to take up the challenge of Native politics himself. He ran for office in '71 and found himself spending the next 17 years serving on the executive of the association. Eight of those years was as president. He went on to involve himself in a number of movements. These included: Apeetogosan Development Inc., Canadian Native Friendship Centre, Native Council of Canada, Metis National Council, Indigenous Survival International, World Council of Indigenous Peoples and the National Aboriginal Veterans Association. He even got to represent his people as an Alberta Metis representative at the historic Canadian Constitutional Talks during the 1980s. Sinclair was an avid church-goer who routinely positioned himself in church in the extreme left, rear corner from where he could see everybody. His church of choice was usually Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples near downtown Edmonton. Report from MNA Region 5 Northern Métis Celebration Bingo Fundraising High School Scholarship Business Development Officer
Submissions included topics such as residential schools, the signing of the numbered treaties, the extinction of the Beothuk and passing on traditions between generations. With her story First Contact, Nicole Nicholas of Victoria, BC, was chosen as the 2005 winner by a panel of judges that included Tantoo Cardinal, Tomson Highway, Dwight Dorey and Jose Kusugak. The first-prize winner will receive a $500 Prize, the opportunity to be profiled in a Canadian Learning Television and Book Television production, to be published in The Beaver Magazine: Canada’s History Magazine and to travel to Ottawa to read an excerpt from his/her story at a special celebration event. Students with a story in the top ten will receive a $200 prize. All winning essays will be published online and all participants will receive a letter of recognition for their participation. The deadline for submissions is May 6, 2006. There will be special prizes for classes that participate as a group. If you are interested in encouraging a student or an entire class to participate in the Canadian Aboriginal Youth Writing Challenge please call 1-866-701-1867 or visit www.our-story.ca. Published by Doubleday Canada, Our Story is on sale in bookstores across Canada. Our Story brings together nine leading Aboriginal authors from across the country to explore great moments in history and to consider the significance of these events for Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples. Over 1800 Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people participated in the first part of the Urban Aboriginal Dialogue process: “Your City, Your Voice”. In total, it is estimated that 500 “Your City, Your Voice” workbook surveys were completed during the process. The survey was designed to develop an understanding of Urban Aboriginal needs, issues and priorities from an Aboriginal perspective. The results of the survey, and comments recorded during the first part of the Dialogue process, will be compiled into a report by a third party Aboriginal consultant. The “Your City, Your Voice Report” will be widely distributed in late February, 2006 and will provide a foundation for the Aboriginal community and other willing partners to clarify how our communities can work together to create options, commit to agreements and tackle the issues and priorities identified by Aboriginal people during the Dialogue process. The “Your City, Your Voice Report” will be available on the Accord Initiative website at www.edmonton.ca/aboriginalaccord in late February. You can also call the Accord Initiative office at 944-7602 to obtain a copy. National Métis News Métis Youth Sash Contest Why – to create a lasting tribute to our Métis Veterans Who – Métis Youth up to 18 years old What – design a sash and write a story about your Sash When – now through February 28th, 2006 Where – across the Métis Nation Homeland Youth up to 18 years of age are encouraged to draw a Métis Sash dedicated to our veterans and write a story about your Sash design. Entries will be judged on the ability to reproduce the Sash plus, the story details which must honour the sacrifices made by Métis Veterans highlighting the fact their sacrifices will never be forgotten. Prizes: 1st place – various prizes plus, an all expenses paid trip for you and one other person to a special assembly hosted by the MNC to read your story about the Sash design and present your Sash to our Veterans 2nd to 10th place – subsidiary prizes range from MNC denim shirts, cups, t-shirts, etc. The project will have many benefits as outlined. • Youth will learn about their culture with the designing of a Sash Please forward your entries to: SASH CONTEST Attn: Robert McDonald Métis Cultural Corner Questions Ambroise-Didyme Lepine
1. Ambroise-Didyme Lepine is buried in the same cemetery as Loius Riel. What is his connection to Riel? 2. Which well known war tribunal did he preside over? 3. Was he for or against Scott’s execution?
1. Lepine was Riel’s right-hand man during the Red River Resistance of 1869-70 as the adjutant general of the armed forces of the first provisional government of Manitoba. 2. He presided over the war tribunal that executed Thomas Scott, an Orangeman who challenged the authority of the Riel government. 3. Lepine was against Scott’s execution and paid for his action with a two-year prison sentence and the loss of his civil rights for the rest of his life.
Joke of the Month "If I sold my house and my car, had a big garage sale, and gave all my money to the church, would that get me into heaven?" the Sunday school teacher asker her class. "No-o-o-o-o!" the youngersters answered in unison. "If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the lawn, and kept everything neat and tidy, would that get me into heaven?" "No-o-o-o-o!" the answer came again. "Well, then, if I am kind to animals and give candy to all the children, and love my family, would that get me into heaven? she asked again. "No-o-o-o-o!" they all agreed. "Well, then how can I get into heaven?" she asked. A five-year-old boy shouted, "You gotta be DEAD!" Recipe Hot and Peachy Thai Curry Chicken 2 tbsp vegetable oil 1 1/2 lbs chicken 1 - 14 oz sliced peaches in juice, drained 1 Our Compliment (Sobey's) Yellow Thai Curry cooking sauce 1/2 cup raisons 1/4 cilantro, chopped In a large pan, heat oil and fry chicken for 5 minutes turning once> Drain fat from pan. Add peaches, 1/4 cup of reserved jiuce, Thai cooking sauce and raisons. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in cilantro and serve. Wonderful with Basmati rice.
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Metis Matters: August 2008 |
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