March 2006

For the 14th consecutive year, fiddle fans from across Canada will gather on Saturday March 25 at 7 pm at St Albert’s Arden Theatre to help Calvin celebrate the release of two new CD’s. An enjoyable 2-hour concert presenting the new tunes from the new releases ‘The Big C’ & ‘The Big C02’, two recordings of original compositions featuring a good mix of waltzes, jigs, reels, hoe-downs, country shuffles and bluegrass pickin’s. As one spectator from last year’s concert states, “I've lived in St. Albert for 30 years and have attended many fine concerts at the Arden Theatre. However, the best concert I have ever been at is yours on April 23, 2005. You and your guests were just superb. I want to congratulate you on your fine showmanship. Keep up the great work and I'm sure I will attend many more of your concerts.” Tickets are $22.50.

On Sunday, March 26 at 2 pm, the party continues with the Calvin Vollrath Fiddle Gala at the Arden Theatre in St Albert, AB. This concert will feature a variety of guest fiddlers that have come from across Canada to take part in the weekend’s events and will showcase their own unique style of fiddling. This is Calvin’s 6th annual gala and what a great show it is. Tickets are $16.00.

Tickets for both these events are available at the Arden Theatre Box Office (780) 459-1542; Myhre’s Music in Edmonton (780) 477-1586 and all Ticketmaster locations (780) 451-8000 or online at www.ticketmaster.ca.

The weekend will kick off with an Old Time Fiddle Dance on Friday, March 24 at 8 pm at the Yellowhead Motor Inn. Tickets are $8.00 and available at the door. Music by Calvin Vollrath and friends.

March 24-26, 2006 will be the opportunity to see and hear one of Canada’s finest fiddlers. If there was such a thing as fiddle heaven, it would resemble something like Calvin Vollrath’s CD Release Party weekend.

Aboriginal Women’s Professional Association Monthly Speaker Series
The Aboriginal Women’s Professional Association is pleased to present a monthly speaker series for 2006! This informative series offers opportunities to hear traditional teachings that encourage Aboriginal Women to take a more active role in their own futures in regard to business and employment professionalism, as well as tips for balancing healthy productive lifestyles. The series is based on the Medicine Wheel quadrants of self – Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Health. Each session covers a specific related topic and includes networking opportunities, a Brunch, and a Keynote Address, followed by an interactive question period. Plus - Door Prizes!!

We are cordially inviting you to attend, please bring your business cards and join us to meet others with dreams and goals just like yours.

AGENDA:
11:00 am Registration
11:30 am Presidents Welcome, Elder’s Prayer
12:00 pm Brunch
1:00 pm Keynote Address
2:00 pm Question Period
2:30 pm Networking Opportunity
3:00 pm Evaluations
3:30 pm Door Prizes, Closing Comments
4:00 pm Pre-registration for March 18th session

WHEN: March 11, 2006 from 11:00am – 4:00pm
WHERE: Inn on 7th, 10001 - 107 Street, Edmonton
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 4, 2006

WHEN: March 25, 2006 from 11:00am – 4:00pm
WHERE: Inn on 7th, 10001 - 107 Street, Edmonton
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 18, 2006

There is no cost to attend, however pre-registration is required due to limited seating. Please contact Claire Clark at (780) 722-4465, caclark@interbaun.com or Hali Fitzpatrick at (780) 463-3681, twofitz@interbaun.com early to ensure your space.

MARCH 2-3, 2006
2nd Alberta Conference on Diabetes and Aboriginal Peoples hosted by the Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre, Edmonton, AB.
Visit www.albertafriendshipcentres.ca

MARCH 7, 2006
Catholic Social Services Genesis Room & Aboriginal Programming Open House
C.S.S. East Office Genesis Room- 8212 -118 ave., Edmonton, Alberta
1:00 pm
Contact Grant, Gary or Debora at 780-471-1122.

MARCH 11, 2006
Métis Nation of Alberta Region V Annual General Meeting
Royal Canadian Legion Hall, Slave Lake, Alberta.
All members are invited and encouraged to attend.
Opening remarks will begin at 10:00 am
Contact our office at 780-849-4654 for more information.

MARCH 12, 2006 (every 2nd Sunday)
"Native Mass" by Father Michael Troy with a Cree choir and accompaniment by Ernie Gambler and Adlard Beaver
Holy Spirit Church, 10412 - 159 st, Edmonton, Alberta
2:00 pm
Coffee/tea and a pot luck lunch follows the mass.

MARCH 21, 2006
“Ta'Wow Cheif Boyd"
The Round Dance to welcome New Cheif of Police hosted by the Voices of Urban Indigenous Peoples & The Canadain Native Friendship Centre
~Strengthening Relationships Between the Aboriginal Community & the E.P.S.~
City Hall, Edmonton, Alberta
3:00 pm

MARCH 24 -26, 2006
Calvin Vollrath's CD Release Event
Friday - Old Time Fiddle Dance, 8 pm, tickets $8.00 at the door, Yellowhead Motor Inn, Edmonton, Alberta
Saturday - CD Release, 7 pm, tickets $22.50, Arden Theatre, St Albert, Alberta
Sunday - Calvin Vollrath Fiddle Gala, 2 pm,tickets $16.00, Arden Theatre, St Albert, Alberta
Tickets for Sat. & Sun. events available at the Arden Theatre Box Office (780) 459-1542; Myhre’s Music in Edmonton (780) 477-1586 and all Ticketmaster locations (780) 451-8000 or online at www.ticketmaster.ca.

APRIL 1 - 2, 2006
Métis National Council AGM and Election
Winninpeg, Manitoba
Contact (613) 232 - 3216 or Toll Free: (800) 928 - 6330.

APRIL 22, 2006
Spring Break Dinner and Dance hosted by the Hivernant Cultural Society
Jubilee Hall on Main Street, Big Valley, Alberta.
5:30 pm
Entertainment by Calgary Métis Youth Dancers, Hoop Dancers and perhaps a Piper
This is a non-alcohol family event.
Contact Richard at 403-876-2945.

APRIL 28, 2006
Workshop hosted by Métis Nation of Alberta Region V & Wabasca Metis Local #90
Community Hall, Wabasca, Alberta
10:00 am
Workshop session with: Industry, Government, Lending Institutions, Region V Labour Market Development
Contact the Regional office at (780) 849 4654 .

MAY 12, 2006
Esquao Awards Gala
Mayfield Hotel, Edmonton, Alberta
5:00 pm
Nomination deadline is March 1, 2006
Contact Doreen at 780-479-8195 or toll free at 1-877-471-2171

MAY 20 - 22, 2006
Hide Tanning workshop hosted by the Otôskwanihk Métis Women
Sundre, Alberta
Pre-registration is required. The event is open to men and women and is family friendly.
For details regarding cost, lodging and registration call Lorelei 403-277-5404.

JUNE 7 - 10, 2006
Dreamspeakers 11th Annual International Indigenous Film Festival
June 8 “YOUTH DAY” includes: kits, lunch, films, workshops (actor/agent), photo ops and autograph signing session
New to the Festival this year is a “VIDEO CONTEST”. Submit a ‘2 MINUTE’ VIDEO’ and win a “Cash Prize”
Registration is limited to 200.
Contact: Doreen L Cardinal at (780) 378-9609 or email: info@dreamspeakers.org or visit www.dreamspeakers.org

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

Policing Program Prepares NorQuest College Grads to Make a Difference in Alberta Communities
NorQuest’s Aboriginal Policing and Security program benefits students who want to make a difference in their community.

“The program appeals to individuals who see that their community needs good people – good leadership – and they feel they are capable of filling that role,” says program instructor Jim Cardinal.

Cardinal clarifies Aboriginal Policing and Security is not only for Aboriginal students; it’s open to everyone. The program places an emphasis on Aboriginal culture and is designed to educate students to work in Aboriginal settings and communities.

The program’s curriculum attracted Tammy and Ashley Beaulieu, a mother and daughter from Dene Tha’ First Nation near High Level.

“We have the same problems with drugs, alcohol, and violence that other reserves have,” says Tammy, a 38-year-old single mother of four who was working for the North Peace Tribal Police before coming to NorQuest. Wanting to make a positive change on her reserve, she decided to take the next step towards becoming an RCMP officer. Tammy shared her plans with her eldest daughter Ashley, who was equally interested in taking the program.

“I was always interested in the police force and what they do for communities. Police officers are role models to me,” says 22-year-old Ashley.

After completing the program in June 2006, both mother and daughter plan to live and work in their hometown.

The Aboriginal Policing and Security program prepares grads for employment in a variety of security and corrections positions, including the RCMP. NorQuest also offers a Prep for Policing and Security program that helps students achieve the academic requirements they need to enrol in the one-year APS certificate program. The College is currently exploring the option of extending the Aboriginal Policing and Security program to a two-year diploma program.

To learn more about this or other exciting NorQuest College programs call (780) 644-6000 or visit www.norquest.ca to register today.

Northern Alberta Alliance on Race Relations Shared Spaces Program
Shared Spaces is dedicated to assisting Aboriginal students, parents and school personnel who request for assistance in communication regarding students.

Shared Space is currently recruiting volunteer advocates who have good communication and mediation skills and are knowledgeable about Edmonton Public Schools. For more information about how Shared Spaces came to be, see the Equity in Edmonton Schools report: www.naarr.org.

Please submit a letter that expresses your interest in becoming a volunteer advocate. All volunteers will be requested to submit a (CWIS) Child welfare and Criminal check.

Bernadette J. Iahtail, RSW
Project Coordinator
Phone: (780) 425-4644 Ext. 4
Fax: (780) 425-6244
E-mail: naarr4@interbaun.com

Métis Elders Discuss Prevention of Family Violence and Bullying
Métis Nation of Alberta Region II hosted an Elders Consultation Meeting on Prevention of Family Violence and Bullying on February 10, 2006. Region II felt it important to have the elder's perspective on initiative strategies for both family violence and bullying prevention. The Region is developing a preventative strategy to provide enhanced awareness, prevention and promotion of healthy lifestyle choices by supporting the needs of Métis and non-Métis families impacted by family violence and bullying. The meeting was informative and focused on the implementation of Aboriginal holistic cultural approaches for individual wellness and healing. Discussion occurred around the history of colonization, residential school era and its impact on Aboriginal life and its role in family violence.

All elders present were in favour of amalgamating contemporary and traditional teachings into the Prevention of Family Violence and Bullying Initiatives. Elders stated that society must bring back the understanding and importance of prayer to connect with the Creator, our language and our traditional practices. This will reconnect individuals to a balanced healthy lifestyle: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Region II was pleased to have so many elders participate in this consultation because it is vital to have elders involved with cultural programs. It is the elders who have earned the cultural knowledge and therefore provide guidance and support.

For more information contact Melva Bear, Project Co-Coordinator at 780-826-7483.

Minister of Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development
By Honourable Pearl Calahasen, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

Working with You
By Trevor W. Gladue, Provincial Vice President of the Métis Nation of Alberta

Colleen Klein is a very proud Métis woman, and a very proud Albertan. She has worked very hard to improve the lives of all Albertans, in particular the children and young people whom have needed someone to advocate for them, or give them a second chance.

Once again, all aboriginal people were painted with the same brush in the column by being characterized as “just another Indian”, and I think the column went beyond the boundary of good taste. This to me says, as a Métis person, that the perception of what native people are is systemic in our society. It means it is OK to hate us, to mistreat us, and to disrespect us in this way.

The Western Standard magazine has also faced criticism from the Muslim community for inciting hatred by reprinting the cartoon of the Prophet Mohamed. This has incited very hurtful depictions towards the Muslim Community, and now towards the aboriginal community by using us as a political pawn in the leadership race to replace Premier Klein. I am not against criticism towards political leaders, however, this comment lacks balance, credibility and crossed the boundaries of fair comment.

We, as a Nation, have worked very hard to change society’s views of Métis people, and Aboriginal people in general.

It is appalling that this magazine would hide behind “Freedom of Speech” by insulting Nations of people.
The Western Standard magazine has the responsibility not to publish material likely to encourage racial discrimination and has displayed poor judgment in publishing columns containing racial comments that are primarily substantiated by unverified nameless sources.

I cannot stand by and let racial slurs towards our Métis people go unattested. I encourage you to stand up and join me in denouncing racism.

There may be certain things that may be uncomfortable to discuss however they need to be reviewed as a family. You don't want to left out of the know when it comes to these critical times. What are things that you need to share?

1) Funeral arrangements: Cremation or burial, funeral service or private family service, where to be laid to rest, contact lists of who should know, music to be played, who to speak at the service, who donations should go to, after service arrangements, have costs been covered prior or not, casket and tombstone selections and any other other traditional or hertiage requests.

2) Organ donation: People can put they organ donations on their Health Care cards, or they may wish for their body to be donated to science or other personal wishes. Are you aware of them if any?

3) Life Insurance: Are you aware if there is any life insurance in place? Are you aware of what type of life insurance is in place? There are many types of policies out there, you need to review what insurance you have in place. A lot of people think they have life insurance when infact it may be accidental insurance. In one of my past articles I wrote about when my Dad died, he had more coverage under accidental insurance which ONLY pays from an accident, not if you die of other health causes. My Dad past away of health issues, the accident insurance did not pay out. Please talk about what you have in place, review with your advisor on what type you have. Make sure family is aware of policy number and where you put the policies, have them all in one place.

4) Wills: Is there a will in place? If not it seriously needs to be considered. A Will helps your family to know what your wishes are. Wills help with what you want to be done with your estate as well in a will you can indicate who will be the excutor or excutrix, as well as trustee and guardians for your child(ren).

5) Executor / Excutrix: Have you decided on who will handle your estate? Sometimes it is best to have two appointed to ensure things are handled correctly and it is not biased. Have you asked this person or persons if they want that position? Some people don't want to be placed in that position of responsibility and during time of grief may not be able to handle it. Do they have the time if you have an extensive estate to handle?

6) Guardians / Trustee: Who will take care of your children? Are they up to the task of being the substitute parent? Do they want to be in this place of responsibility? Do they know your wishes on how your child should be raise d? Have you discussed religion, schooling, traditions, personal morals and ethics, etc? You should appoint a trustee that is in an age bracket that will be in the child's life till adulthood. Sometimes it best to have two trustee's, again to ensure the well being for your child or children. Till what age of the children do you what this person being the trustee? Is is always wise to have a contingent trustee, in case the trustee passes away.

7) Inventory Lists: List of financial institutions you deal with; banks, mutual fund companies, etc. Along with policy and account numbers. Passwords, login names for emails, online banking, bank cards, online sites, etc.

8) Living Wills: Life support or not? Incapable of making decisions due to illness, poor health, can't speak - what do you want done? Just like you have a Will when you pass on, you have a Living Will to state what you want done while still alive, but not able to communicate it or in the capacity to make that decision.

Talk, open up and freely discuss these things with those you want to know. These are important discussions to have. They may be hard, however when it comes to the the time, family/friends know what to do, leviating the stress in a difficult time.

Shawna J Serniak
Financial Advisor

Tryshaw Financial
Cell: (780) 953-3184
Fax: (780) 433-3184

Many still ask why I spent a large sum of money to play hockey with Wayne Gretzky and if you are not a hockey fan or have no hint of it in your veins, you will not fully appreciate this experience and should stop reading now. However, if you do love the game or have an important role model in your life, keep reading. My role model just so happened to play in the National Hockey League for 20 years, a Hall of Famer and currently holds 60 NHL records. His professional accomplishments are simply mind boggling, but it is only half the reason for him deserving my unfaltering support since 1979.

If you know anything about the Gretzky family, you will know that Wayne grew up in a blue collar household in Brantford, Ontario. He began playing hockey at the age of three on the living room floor while watching “Hockey Night in Canada” on CBC. Wayne’s first goalie was his grandma sitting on the couch. Even to this day, his mother Phyllis is still the “rock” for the family and as for Wayne’s father, Walter is Walter. I place Walter right up there with Mother Theresa because I have had the pleasure of visiting with him on numerous occasions before and during the fantasy camp. He is a very unique and special individual. Overall, Wayne’s parents provided the kids with a humble upbringing. The other portion of my fan support for Wayne comes from his character make up, work ethic, how he treats everyone with respect regardless of their walk of life, and of course his continued community involvement with numerous charity events.

From November 12-17, I became one of the few lucky participants of Wayne Gretzky’s Fantasy Camp IV in Phoenix, Arizona. I honestly sat on the fence for more than a year debating if I should spend all this money for this once in a lifetime opportunity because I wanted to use the money as a down payment on a house and most importantly, I was unsure at the time if I would have decent job to fall back on when I returned. Well, it just so happened that everything fell into place like clock work. I made the decision on a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon, just two weeks prior to the event, with the strong encouragement of my two best friends. So as you can imagine, when Monday morning finally came, before making the follow up phone call to Larry Marino (President of Sports Adventures) to let him know I was attending, I checked my e-mail and to my astonishment, I discovered an acceptance letter/contract for an upcoming career-related geology job that started shortly after the camp. I could not have been happier [inset happy dance here] and quickly rushed for the phone and booked my spot with glee.

Compared to the previous three, fantasy camp IV scored a hat trick in the following areas: Firstly, all campers and their guests attended two live Coyotes games via three skyboxes (Mighty Ducks on opening night and the Avalanche on closing night). Secondly, Aquila Productions from Edmonton produced the first ever Wayne Gretzky Fantasy Camp IV web TV broadcasts for each hockey game, as well as individual player video cards that can still be viewed for the next 11 months at www.waynegretzky.com; click on “WATCH Fantasy Camp LIVE!” Thirdly, all campers practiced and played in Glendale arena, the home rink of the Phoenix Coyotes.

All of us hockey players were suited up in first class style! Our individual sizing requirements were placed ahead of time, so when we arrived to our respective dressing room, it brought nothing but joy and amazement to all over our faces. We each witnessed our personalized Coyotes home and away jerseys daggling in our locker stalls with our Bud Light name tag above them and our skates, elbow pads, embroidered gloves placed in the upper shelving. Just above our seats were our new NHL Coyotes pants and shoulder pads hanging together in the back. To top it off, our space was blessed with a new black TPS composite stick with our name and number stamped into the shaft.

While getting ready for our first game, our coach Barry Smith, the associate coach of the Coyotes met with us individually. Before he left the dressing room, he wrote down our line ups on the whiteboard and to my surprise, my number (#14) was paired with Coffey! In the end, I played right defense with Paul Coffey for three games and once against him. Moreover, I played with Wayne Gretzky once and against him twice. There are countless “on ice” stories to share; however, the most memorable ones fall under the Greatest One. I will never forget him set up in his “office,” behind our net moving the puck side to side while watching for an open teammate in front of our net. Yes, I did feel compelled to challenge Wayne on my first shift against him. So, off I went behind the net like so many before me… when I was almost attacking his stick blade, he quickly bounced the puck off the back of the net and with a fluid side step Wayne skated around me right like I wasn’t even there. He totally undressed me behind the net, but luckily the shooter for his team missed the far post. When Wayne was playing for us, I had three opportunities during the game where I had the puck and moved the play up with a little give and go with Wayne that ended with my point shot as the result of a crisp drop pass once we crossed the opponent’s blue line. The funny thing is that I did take a moment to reflect, as I thought “wow, I just received a Gretzky pass,” in the meantime, members of the other team were coming at me at full stride. Overall, my fondest memory took place at the final banquet when Wayne asked if he could see my Gretzky tattoo (one of the trainers told him about it), a tattoo that I have been proudly wearing on my left shoulder since my 30th birthday. The highlight reel was when Wayne asked for a sharpie after I took off my shirt and personally autographed it in the presence of everyone. To me that was simply unbelievable! How can one fully describe something so special, you simply cannot?

I want to emphasize that this adventure was beyond my wildest expectations! I would definitely attend another; actually, I would even pay double knowing that majority of the money raised went to families who cannot afford hockey equipment and ice time on behalf of the Wayne Gretzky Foundation. The former NHL superstars, as well as and the other celebrities on hand were first class all the way! This experience reinforced my perception that these individuals are real people just like you and I. In closing, don’t sit on the fence; follow your dreams because each day waiting is a missed opportunity…

P. S. SLt Keith Diakiw is a proud member of the Métis Nation of Alberta and also a proud member of Edmonton's Naval Unit, Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) NONSUCH, as a qualified MARS Officer. He is currently working as a geologist with Wellsite Masters for this year's CNRL Horizon drilling program, a project located one hour north of Fort McMurray.

Aboriginal Home Ownership Workshop
The workshop is designed to encourage the first time home- buyer, renter, a home- owner who’s looking for a lifestyle change or for those who haven't bought a house in recent years.

The Facilitator is an Aboriginal woman, who is an experienced home buyer/renovator/designer and landlord. She has bought and sold homes for the past 30 years.

The workshop uses a variety of teaching methods, videos, handouts and personal experience as it relates to home buying and home ownership.

The workshop attempts to provide practical information and tips on money management, home inspection, home buying, home maintenance and home repair.

The participants learn how to:
 Assess their housing needs
 Determine how to select a safe neighbourhood and find an affordable home that meets their needs today and tomorrow
 Find help for home ownership
 Find out more about options that can assist them in entering the home buying market
 Assess what they can afford to buy
 Figure out what their choices are, learn simple calculations to determine how much they can afford
 Become better financially prepared
 Manage their credit and debts
 Make a down payment, arrange a mortgage and determine closing costs and other financial requirements
 Negotiate with financial institutions
 Build their professional team, who can help them through the buying process
 Get concrete, independent advice on how to choose a team of qualified professionals
 Make their purchase, write up the offer and learn all the steps involved in making the buying process go smoothly
 Evaluate the ongoing cost of home ownership
 Discover the day-to-day costs of home ownership, and the financial responsibilities that come with owning their own home.

Upon completion of the workshop, The Home Program will provide Down Payment assistance and mortgage pre-qualification information (must attend workshop first to qualify).

If you are employed, earning $ 30,000 + , still renting and want to own your own home, this free workshop is for you. Contact Melba at Melba@telus.net or call 780- 962-9359.

Report from Region V Métis Nation of Alberta
Métis Celebration
Métis Nation Region V would like to thank everyone who attended the Northern Métis Celebration held at the Northern Lakes College in Grouard on February 3, 2006. Participants in the jigging workshops enjoyed the experience and about 350 people enjoyed the traditional meal of stew and bannock. The Amateur Talent Contest was very successful with almost 400 people in attendance watching participants compete for $3,500.00 in prize payouts!

AGM
The Annual General Meeting for Region V will be held March 11, 2006 at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall in Slave Lake, Alberta. All members are invited and encouraged to attend. Opening remarks will begin at 10:00 am and in addition to our regular agenda we will be hosting a Diabetes workshop, a presentation by Métis Crossing and other areas of interest to our members.

Scholarships
A reminder to all those students currently in grades 10-12 that Region V has four $300.00 scholarships available. This is a great opportunity for anyone in high school so apply today! Call our office at 780-849-4654 for more information or check out the Métis Bursary & Scholarship Handbook.

So long till next month, from Region V President Bev New, Vice-President Peter Campion & Council. Remember if you have any questions, concerns or ideas, please contact our office at 780-849-4654. The staff will be pleased to assist each person courteously and efficiently. For now be safe and stay well!

Call for Metis Fashion Designers
Southern Plains Metis Local 160 Inc. in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan is looking for Fashion Designers for an Aboriginal Fashion Show. We may also be doing an art show at the same time. Names and contact information on Metis designers and artists would be greatly appreciated.
Please contact us at:
Southern Plains Metis Local 160 Inc.
620 - 10th Avenue North West
Moose Jaw, Sk
S6H 7Z1
phone/fax 306-693-4004
email: metis160@sasktel.net

The Calling Home Ceremony gifts the City of Calgary
On February 13, 2006, Elder Ed Borchert, and members of the advance party of the Calling Home Ceremony gifted the Calgary of Calgary with a ceremonial blanket - given to Mr. Borchert, by the Crowchild family and, the Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee in June 2005, and subsequently used during the Calling Home ceremonies in Mount Kemmel, Belgium.

A first of its kind, no First Nations, Métis or Inuit group has ever presented to City Council such an honour. The presentation and reception by City Council of the group heralded a significant step towards building a strong partnership between the City of Calgary, and the urban Aboriginal community. The presentation was also an important teaching, creating ongoing recognition and understanding of the sacrifices of Canada’s First and Second World War warriors.

The Calling Home Ceremony was introduced to the Aboriginal community by Elder Ed Borchert, President of the National Aboriginal Veterans Association. The idea of honouring First Nation, Inuit and Métis war veterans, past and present, came to him in a dream a number of years ago. For all Aboriginal people it was important to recognize our fallen warriors whose spirits were trapped on foreign soil, and whose bravery and dedication to Canada’s freedom during the first and second world wars was never acknowledged.

In 2005 November, an advance party was sent to build and maintain the ceremonial site in Mount Kemmel, Belgium. The purpose of this ceremony was to acknowledge and honour the sacrifice of our fallen warriors and to offer them safe journey, in a good way, back to their traditional homeland(s) in Canada.

The Calling Home Ceremony was the first to be held on a foreign battlefield where Aboriginal soldiers had fought. In both world wars, First Nations, Métis and Inuit men and women from upward of 500 distinct Nations across Canada enlisted to fight for Canada, and their people. Still in the works, the blanket will be displayed in City Hall as a permanent memorial to Aboriginal veterans in Calgary and beyond.

Written by Sharon Small, Member of the Métis Nation of Alberta and, member of the Calling Home Advance Team.

Asani's CD Rattle and Drum Nominated for Canadian Juno Award
Asani's CD Rattle and Drum has been nominated for a 2006 Canadian Juno Award in the category of "Aboriginal Recording of the Year" to be held in Halifax on April 1, 2006. Asani will not be in the televised portion on April 2nd but in a private gala with other categories on Saturday evening. "We are thrilled just to be nominated." stated an excited Sherryl Sewepagaham, a member of the trio.

This contemporary a cappella Aboriginal women's trio officially formed in 1997. Carrying with them the traditional influences of First Nations and Metis music, the group's repertoire is comprised primarily of original compositions in both Woodland Cree and English. Their spectrum of songs reflects their traditions (accompanied by drums and rattles) to contemporary jazz, folk and blues.
Check out the official media release. http://www.junoawards.ca/06_2006_nominees.php

New Métis Business Opens in Big Valley Alberta
Last fall a new Métis business, Big Valley Cafe, opened on main Street North side. Jeanette Larson (of the Fraser/Brazeau Métis Clan) & husband Loren Borth of the (Whitford Métis Clan) have opened a very successful eating establishment.

They serve only quality food, most made from scratch, fresh baked bread , pastries and deserts.
There is a full menu including pizza, specials each day with catering to special events, birthdays and group meetings.

Northern Lakes College And Metis Nation Host Metis Celebration 2006
Northern Lakes College, in partnership with Metis Nationof Alberta, Region 5, Provincial Metis Association, Council of Community Education Committees, Peavine Settlement, Grouard Community Education Committee, Peavine Community Education Committee and Students Association of Northern Lakes College hosted the Third Annual Northern Metis Celebration which took place on February 3rd at the Grouard Campus. This event was attended by over 400 visitors and community members.

There were three afternoon jigging workshops – one for College University Studies students facilitated by Grant Walter, one for children, facilitated by Tammy Donald and one for adults, facilitated by Irene Callihoo.

Genealogical research information was made available and computer labs were open for this purpose.

Prior to the free traditional meal of stew and bannock, and throughout the evening, guests had the opportunity to visit Martha Campion’s Craft table and the informational Apeetogosan table hosted by Fred Auger.

For the evening celebrations, Master of Ceremonies duties were shared by Trevor Gladue who is both Chairman of the Board of Governors for Northern Lakes College and Vice-President of the M.N.A, and Bev New, who is the President of Metis Nation Region 5. The formal portion of the event included remarks from Rick Neidig, President of Northern Lakes College, Trevor Gladue, Honourable Pearl Calahasen, Lesser Slave Lake MLA & Minister of Northern Aboriginal Affairs, Fern Welch, MD of Big Lakes Councilor and Bev New.

Guests participated in 50/50 draws and basket raffles. Thanks go out to those who donated items for doors prizes and raffles.

Tammy Donald’s Wabasca Metis Dancers and Russell Cardinal’s Grouard Metis Dancer’s provided dance performances for the appreciative crowd.

A special volunteer thank you flower basket presentation was made to Cathy Bittman for her many volunteer contributions handling ticket sales.

Fifty six competitors registered for the amateur talent contest and more than $3500. in prizes were available in the singing, jigging and fiddling competitions. Winners are as follows:

Junior Singing 1st Kelsey Poitras
  2nd Natasha Cunningham
  3rd Zachary Auger
Youth Singing 1st Neil Lamouche
  2nd Cory Poitras & Kristen McCarthy - tie
Adult Females Singing 1st Cindy Boucher
  2nd Crystal F. Cardinal
  3rd Joanne Auger
Adult Males Singing 1st Curtis Papastesis
  2nd Nathan Cunningham
  3rd Patrick Calliou
Senior Singing 1st Fred Belcourt
  2nd Marina New
  3rd Ed Poitras
Junior Jigging 1st Steven Alook
  2nd Zena Gullion
  3rd Stephanie Blakeney
Youth Jigging 1st Cory Poitras
  2nd Shawna Lamouche
  3rd Emma New
Adult Jigging 1st Russell Cardinal Jr.
  2nd Tammy Donald
Senior Jigging 1st Yvonne Cardinal
  2nd Henry Russell Cardinal
  3rd Ed Poitras
Fiddling 1st Cory Poitras
  2nd Ed Poitras
  3rd Kelsey Poitras

The Northern Metis Celebration hosts would like to thank the public for their support of this event, and let everyone know that we look forward to the next celebration in 2007.

Another Good Guy Gone; Now Sings, Dances in Heaven
By Terry Lusty
Gerald White, one of Kikino Metis Settlement's more dynamic and entertaining individuals, was laid to rest on January 23, 2006, surrounded by close to a thousand family members and friends. A man who had a tremendous zest for life and a burning passion for music, singing and dancing, White, 44, was known far and wide as the lead singer for his Northern Highways Band as well as the Kikino Northern Lites Dancers who performed all across the country on all sorts of occasions. If nothing else, he will be fondly remembered by many for the enjoyment he injected into the lives of so many people.

White's first trade was a carpenter. He also served on the Settlement Council, drove trucks and taught music and dance at the Caslan Metis Settlement School. He emceed his own shows and always loved a good laugh and a good joke. Never one to sit back in silence, he would speak his mind openly and loved to share in a good debate.
Thanks to his singing around the countryside with his country and western band, in addition to having his jigging and square dancing group perform for the public, White travelled a lot, met numerous people, made countless friends and often left most of them with a lasting and positive impression. He was always very proud of his Metis heritage and should certainly be recognized for his many contributions to keeping Metis culture alive and for sharing it and passing it on to thousands of others.

As his sister, Heather, mentioned at his funeral service, which was conducted at the Caslan Elementary School, "he believed he could make a difference." And, he did. Now, she added, "he has joined his last band 'cause I know he's playing in an angel band." White was a religious man and often sang his praises of Jesus at church services, gospel shows and so forth.
In commenting about his square dancers, his longtime friend Duane Young, praised him for how "he awed people with his dancers." To him, they were the best because White was one of those people who always "demanded the best of everyone . . . you see it in his dancers." And true to form, his dancers paid him the ultimate tribute of dancing at the funeral service, tears streaming down their young faces for the cherished man who taught them what they know about Metis dancing and culture.

Also performing at his funeral were both his sons, Travis and Trevor, who raised their voices in song as did the other members of his Northern Highways Band. And, to honour his father and carry on his trademark tradition, his son, Travis, proudly wore dad's black hat.

Gerald White was born in the spring of 1961 at Westlock, Alberta, and also leaves behind his loving wife, Denise, his mother Doris Ritchie, his sister Heather White, brothers John, Tyson , Lennie, Jay and Rick as well as special mom and dad, Marcella and Floyd Thompson, and numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, family and friends. He was buried at the Kikino Settlement Cemetery.

(Metis Matters takes this opportunity to salute Gerald, a man who lived his culture, loved his family, his people and did "make a difference." We thank his family for sharing him with us all these years. Hiy-hiy!)

Dancing to Heaven
By Terry Lusty

Dancing on to heaven, lightly as he goes
Jigging all the way, he ain't got no woes
This man who loved and shared his talents with us all
One who loved his people, went when Creator called.
We'll always remember Gerald White, the joy you brought to us
The laughter, kind words and smiles, you were such a plus!
You had this passion for music and for dance as well
We honour and salute you with this fond farewell.
Still we know dear friend our paths again will cross
Cause our time too will come when we'll be summoned by the Boss.
And when that happens buddy, when once again we meet
We'll jig and sing furiously, along Creator's Golden Street.

Le Peuple Michif Parle! • Lii Michif Piikishkwewuk! • The Michif People Are Speaking!
Métis Nation of Ontario Hosts 5th National Michif Conference
On March 17 to 19, 2006 Michif speaking citizens from across the Métis Nation homeland and special guests will gather in Thunder Bay, Ontario at the Best Western Nor’Wester Resort Hotel, for a conference dedicated to Michif language and culture. It is an opportunity to celebrate our linguistic and cultural strengths as a people and to collectively prepare for our future.

This conference will focus on best practices in language preservation and revitalization.

Expected outcomes of the conference include building upon existing strategies and approaches at the local, regional and national levels. Participants will benefit from knowledge exchange and access to existing educational tools, resources and community- based approaches. A series of presentations and workshops will be offered featuring some of the strong Michif speakers, elders, youth, leaders and language practitioners from all regions in the Métis Nation from Ontario to British Columbia.

This national conference is timely in that the current federal Aboriginal languages Initiative that assists community-based initiatives across the Métis Nation is due to sunset this year. In December 2002 the Government of Canada announced a commitment to Aboriginal languages and cultures and a contribution of $172.5 M over 11 years. It is expected that this conference will provide an opportunity to receive a report from representatives of the Department of Canadian Heritage on the federal commitment to Aboriginal languages and cultures and to further develop Métis
Nation plans and priorities.

The Métis Nation has demonstrated a commitment to working with our First Nations and Inuit partners where we have common interests and objectives. This forum will also be an opportunity to invite special First Nations and Inuit guests to learn about our language, to share in our cultural showcase and to exchange information on priorities
with respect to the federal initiative.

The Métis Nation of Ontario welcomes all Métis citizens to this conference and looks forward to providing local hospitality to Métis people from far and wide.

For information please contact the Métis Nation of Ontario at (800) 263-4889 or Wenda Watteyne, conference coordinator, at (613) 220-0637.
Conference registration forms and agenda can be accessed at www.metisnation.org.

Three grandmas were sitting on a bench outside a nursing home one day as an old man walked by. One of the grandmas called out, “bet we can guess how old you are.”

“Sure we can,” said one grandma, “just drop your undershorts and we’ll tell you your exact age.” So he did. The grandma’s stared at him for a while and then they all piped up as one, saying, “Your 84 years old!”

“Amazing,” said the old man. “How could you tell?”
The grandmas all laughed, slapping their knees and grinning from ear to ear and yelled together, “You told us yesterday!”

3 cups unbleached flour                             1 cup whole wheat flour
2 tbsp baking powder                                  ¼ tsp salt
4 tsp corn oil                                                  1 tsp granulated white calorie free sweetener
1 egg to make bannock fluffy

Then make a well/hollow in middle of mixture; add your liquids and shortening. You may prefer to mix liquid and egg before pouring into the bowl.

Stir, mix well. You may add flour as you mix so it is not sticky. Knead, but not excessively. Flatten to about 1½ inch thickness which makes a bannock about 9 inches in diameter and 12 inches long.

Bake at 400 for about ½ hour. Check periodically so it won’t turn too crispy.