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April 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 One thing you can learn by watching the clock is that it passes the time by keeping its hands busy ~ Jim Dornan~ 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 Financial Matters
8. Métis Interest Articles
9. National Métis News
10. Joke of the Month 11. Recipe
Events Up Coming Events Schedule APRIL 1 - 2, 2006 APRIL 3 - 7, 2006
Aboriginal History Quiz-2006
Prince Charles School, Edmonton, Alberta
Contact Deloris at 780-455-5533
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. June 1st 9:00am - 3:00pm BCR Anniversary Day Celebrations Location: BCR Society 12046 - 77 Street, Edmonton
Contact Mel or Dale at BCR Society (780) 477-6648 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 13th, 2006
1:00pm - 9:00 PM Annual Traditional Pow Wow Location: The U of A Butterdome 114 Street & 87 Ave, Edmonton Contact: BCR School (780) 471-2360 / BCR Society (780) 477-6648 MAY 19 - 21, 2006
Aboriginal Talent Show alexander First Nation, AB Categories: Square Dancing, Singing, Fiddling, Jigging $25, 000 total prize purse Dance to follow Free camping at Alexander First Nation Beach Contact Don Arcand at 780-939-3545 or Tony Arcand at 780-940-3171. MAY 19th, 2006
6:00pm - 11:00 PM White Buffalo Woman theatrical play and round dance Location: BCR School 11833 - 64 Street, Edmonton Contact: June or Kelsey at BCR Youth Intervention (780) 474-8937 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 1st, 2006 JUNE 7 - 10, 2006 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 Trade Winds To Success Project WANTED!! Aboriginal Pre-Trades Trainees The newly formed Trade Winds to Success Training Society has been funded by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Alberta Human Resources and Employment, the Union Training Trust Fund(s) groups, and three AHRDA holders of Oteenow Employment and Training Society, Metis Nation of Alberta, and Treaty Seven Economic Development Corporation. Trade Winds To Success Training Society has been funded to provide employment programming to meet skills gap shortages benefiting the Union Training Trust Fund(s) and Aboriginal people in Edmonton and Calgary. The project will provide training and skills development for Aboriginal people to work in the trades. The project provides Aboriginal people with pre-apprenticeship training to make an informed career choice for boilermaker, carpenter, ironworker, plumber, steam/pipefitter and welder. Other components of the 20 week course include a week of life skills, four weeks of academic upgrading to write the trades entrance exam level 4 and eight to ten weeks of union shop and hand skills training. Work clothing and safety equipment are provided along with all appropriate safety tickets for each trade. Participants completing the program will be hired as permits with the union. The program expects 200+ graduates over the three year period to fill the Union’s labour market shortage. Participants must be at least 18 years old, Metis, Inuit, Status or non-status, be unemployed, under employed or employment threatened and MUST live in the metropolitan areas of Edmonton or Calgary. Funding available through, Oteenow Employment Centre, Metis Employment Services or Aboriginal Futures. Bi-weekly information session held, to find out more information contact the Project Coordinators in Edmonton (780)471-9100 and Calgary (403)205-3500. The City of Calgary Youth Employment Centre Overview: The program consists of career and life skills, which also includes Aboriginal awareness and cultural activities, career and employment planning, communication skills, recreation and other self-awareness issues such as addictions, abuse and self esteem. The program also consists of a work experience designed to enhance the youth's employability skills and to reintegrate them back into school or work upon completion of the program. Curriculum: Hours: Wages: Transportation: Location: The Youth Employment Centre
Métis Nation of Alberta – Labour Market Development Program Over the past seven years, the Métis Nation of Alberta’s (MNA) Labour Market Development Program (LMDP) has assisted more than 25,000 clients through skills development, job search intervention and other employment-related services resulting in thousands of Métis finding jobs. The MNA’s LMDP assists people through its 16 Métis Employment Services centres that also provide itinerant services to communities across Alberta. Métis Employment Services (MES) offer employment counselling and case management for clients in need of Career Decision Making, Skills Development, Job Search Assistance, or to overcome Job Maintenance issues. MES provides a holistic approach that considers all the individuals’ needs, interests, experiences, strengths and barriers, at every stage of their work with us. Our process ensures clients are making informed decisions about their career options and the training they need. We look at internal funding sources (noted below) as well as external to finance their training needs. We always ensure the client is aware of the demand for their chosen occupation, and that they know where and how to find these jobs. Any personal factors affecting their self-sufficiency (whether it be childcare, accommodations, self-esteem, or addictions) or addressed before, during and after training with in-house supports or by working with other agencies. Every MES has job boards, telephones, computers with internet access, photocopier, and a resource library to use for their employment needs. If you are Métis, unemployed, underemployed or employment threatened, and have a barrier to employment, you may have a need for employment training and qualify for the MNA LMDP Individual Training Sponsorship program. Through this program, the MNA can sponsor a client for training with an educational or recognized training institution. Training must be certified and result in employment self-sufficiency. Tuition/fees, books and income support can be provided for up to 52 weeks in length. Métis Youth (age 16-29) who are unsure of their career goals and need to develop life skills and employment readiness skills, while connecting with their community can participate in a Métis Youth Community Connections project. Perhaps you or your kids (age 16-29) need to gain quality work experience to improve your career prospects. Your MES Employment Counsellor can help arrange a work experience opportunity through the Métis Youth Summer Student Placement program, which provides summer work experience for Métis Youth returning to school; or you can access a Métis Youth Graduate Internship for career related work experience for Métis Youth who have completed secondary or post secondary training. Through both programs, the participating employer receives a wage subsidy from the MNA during the work experience period. For clients that have a disability that prevents them from becoming gainfully employed, the Métis Disability Services are available, which include Employment Assessments (assessment of an individual’s disability and implications to learning and work; assistance with developing an action plan to overcome barriers) and Employment Supports (assistance to individuals with disabilities, or to employers wishing to hire persons with disabilities, to purchase goods or services designed to reduce barriers to employment). Whatever your employment needs and interests are, you must give yourself ample time to research and plan your future. If you’re interested in accessing the above programs, you should begin the process 6-8 weeks prior to the expected training or employment start date to give you, your employment counsellor, and other LMDP staff, sufficient time to prepare for your action plan. In the event you need to access other means of financial assistance (scholarships, bursaries, awards, student loans), a few useful websites to look at are www.alis.gov.ab.ca, www.dollarsforlearners.com, and the MNA website www.metis.org (see Labour Market and Programs-Education). Or call 1-800-252-7553 to locate a Métis Employment Services centre new you! Sick of Earning Poor Wages? Upcoming April sessions: Saturday April 1, 11:00am Information Sessions are held at Women Building Futures 11219 Jasper Avenue
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development
Alberta SuperNet An electronic pathway that lets government, educators and health care workers share and deliver information and services across the province, and faster than ever before, is now in operation. The Alberta SuperNet connects over 429 communities in both urban and rural Alberta that features over 10,000 kilometres of trenched fibre optic wires. Through this extensive network – one of the largest in the world - there are 1,300 healthcare facilities, 2,300 schools, 311 libraries, and over 200 small urban municipalities that are inter-connected. All eight Métis settlements in Alberta are also part of this network. The government-driven initiative is aimed at making affordable high-speed computer connections available to all schools, hospitals, libraries, government buildings and municipalities throughout the province. Some specific examples of projects being undertaken through the SuperNet include Northern Lakes College, which is using the SuperNet to offer 35 courses through 30 off-campus sites, several of which are located in rural communities. Telecommunications companies and Internet service providers (ISPs) can "piggyback" onto the SuperNet network, making it possible for high-speed computer connection services to be offered in areas that, until now, have been too expensive or difficult to reach through regular telephone lines. You have an important role to play in encouraging companies to sign up to use the SuperNet capabilities. Now that the network is completed, it is important for Alberta businesses and residents of SuperNet communities to contact Internet connection providers to make them aware of the demand for service in your area. If you already know of a company offering Internet access in or near your area, you could call and ask whether they plan to tap into the SuperNet. If you are a business, organization or part of a community group that would like information on using the Alberta SuperNet to connect your local area, contact the access manager Axia at 1-866-773-3348 or customer.care@axia.com. Rest assured however, if no companies expresses interest in a particular community, the government has arranged for a service provider of last resort. Ultimately, every rural SuperNet community will have ISP service over Alberta SuperNet. It's fitting that the Alberta SuperNet was completed during the province’s centennial year, after all, we're building more than a network, we're building a 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
Speaking Up, Speaking Out By Terry Lusty Speaking of Health Hi folks! Here's hoping this issue finds our readers happy and healthy. Speaking of health, let's take a peek at how healthy some of our communities are or are not. One area that touches on a lot of health-related issues, wholistically of course, is that of the notorious residential school survivors.
By the time this issue hits the streets it will already be April and still the federal govt has not sent out the new short forms for claimants that were promised by late Jan.. They're called the CEP (Common Experience Payment) forms that were supposed to go out following the seemingly successful conclusion of a Dec. 2, 2005, First Ministers Meeting in Kelowna. At the meeting, the "10 and 3" formula for Indian Residential School survivor payments was to kick in. For close to a year, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) had been negotiating a settlement for survivors that would be an acceptable compensation package. The matter was finally hammered out and agreed to by all three major political parties, the churches involved and the AFN (Where were the Metis and Inuit??). The "10 and 3," outcome is designed to provide 10,000 dollars for the first year anyone spent in one of the schools and 3,000 per year for every subsequent year.
A priority clause was the agreement to first pay those 65 and older, especially those in ill health, by fast-tracking their claims and making a speedy (within a year) advance of $8,000. With elderly survivors dying off every week, there is some obvious urgency. We've not forgotten that our govt shelled out $60,000 each to Japanese Canadians imprisoned during the world war years. That payout was long ago yet here we have Residential School survivors still waiting for compensation for their imprisonment! Something wrong with this picture! Still, govt continues to drag it's feet in dealing with Aboriginals. The new CEP forms were printed up long ago but shelved and collecting dust - first due to the Jan. federal elections, then the need for the signature by the new Minister for Heritage, Bev Oda. Word was that would happen in early March. It did not. Now they say early April. What if it doesn't happen then? How much longer is this country going to sit on it's hands? This matter must be processed and quickly. Many survivors are getting so frustrated, confused and anxious for resolution and it's not happening. This is NOT good for the health of survivors and in some instances has likely contributed to rising blood pressures, depression and worse yet, pushed certain individuals over the edge, even to the brink of suicide. Need one say more!?
WAKE UP CANADA! How much longer is this to continue? How many more survivors have to DIE off! Bev Oda, sign your name! Canada, bear your shame! Mail out those new CEP forms that have gathered dust for over two months and do it now! Contribute your share to our peoples' right to heal. We must help survivors on their healing journeys but all you do is gum up the works, delay-delay-delay, and promise-promise-promise! It's time to ACT! By the way, permit me to serve notice on this "minority" govt that our Aboriginal population and power of the vote could well sway an election that would see you removed from the highest office in the land. I should think you'd rather want us onside, not outside.
Métis Me
The Mustard Plaster My brothers loved the spring. They wore their rubber boots which were never quite high enough. They waded through the puddles until they were soaked through and through. Even their faces were covered with the mud splashes. But when they came home Mom made them change to dry clothes so they wouldn’t catch cold. But if any of us kids did catch cold we had the best remedy - a mustard plaster. Usually we had the croup had a high fever and were very sick. So Mom made this glob of mustard and flour, placed it in some cheesecloth and covered it with some flannel and placed it on our chest to draw out the croup. When the mustard plaster was on us for about a minute it began to heat up like a branding iron. We started to sweat and perspire. My brothers and I were lucky we survived this treatment because the mustard plaster made you so weak we could hardly breathe. Mom made sure we had the full treatment because as well as the mustard plaster a big woolen stocking was pinned around our neck with a big safety pin and we were given a teaspoon of a mixture of goose grease with a drop of coal oil. I can say that we dreaded that mustard plaster and the goose grease and hoped that we could avoid this home remedy but it never stopped us from getting wet and tromping through every spring puddle we could find. Working with You By Trevor W. Gladue, Provincial Vice President of the Métis Nation of Alberta Métis Lands – Métis Rights Mr. Clement Chartier, National President of the Métis National Council set the stage by giving an overview of the conference and giving a historical overview as how we arrived to where we are today. During the first part of the conference we heard from scholars and professors. Their presentations included historical perspectives that included mapping of historical land routes in which the Métis travelled by carts and canoes, the dominion Lands Act (Script Commissions) and Land use through Historical photos. There was also a presentation from the Manitoba Métis Federation on Traditional Land Use and how they mapped out their province. The maps showed the traditional hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering territories of the Métis people. On hand were also two well regarded Métis Lawyers, Ms. Jean Teillet and Mr. Jason Madden whom gave an update on the Powley implementation and a workshop on Taku/Haida Duty to Consult. The evening banquet was in honour of our Métis Veterans, in which five Métis Veterans were honoured, including our very own Alberta Métis, Mr. Oscar Lacombe. On the second day, there was a panel discussion on litigation across the Métis Homeland. This was followed by discussion about the relationship with the Government of Canada, the Kelowna Accord; Canada-Métis Nation Framework Agreement; Métis jurisdiction and s.91 (24) of the Constitution Act1867, and resolving Métis Claims and Land Issues. The conference was concluded with discussions led by President Clement Chartier, discussing a Métis Nation Constitution and Registry. Monday morning was the big day we were all waiting for. As you may have heard in the news, the Manitoba Métis Federation was launching a Historical Land Claim, in which they are claiming most of what is now known as Winnipeg. We all gathered behind the Manitoba Legislative Assembly at the Statue of Louis Riel, and marched to the Law Courts. We filled the court room to the brim, and they actually had to ask people to leave, as there was no room to hold all of us. This was definitely a highlight to be there, representing my people from Alberta. This is the beginning of a new era for Métis People, as we continue the journey of Métis Lands – Métis Rights. For more information about the conference, or Métis issues, I can be contacted toll free at 1-800-252-7553, or by email at tgladue@metis.org
Métis Financial Matters By Shawna J. Serniak Are You Running a Deficit?
Shawna J Serniak
Métis Interest Region V MNA Report March was a busy month for Region V. We would like to take the opportunity to thank those members who braved the blustery, snowy weather to attend our Annual General Meeting at the Slave Lake Royal Canadian Legion on Region V hosted a workshop “A Strong Metis Nation-Diabetes Free”, with a presentation by The Diabetes Connection Team-Aspen Regional Health Unit, followed by a presentation by Arlaine Monaghan of the Enoch Peer Support Group. This was a dynamic presentation that enabled members to ask questions of a panel of members from the region living with diabetes. The panel’s experience ranged from 4 years for the youngest member who was 12, to 45 years for our Elder on the panel. All participants in the workshop came away with a greater understanding of what diabetes is, how it affects the people who have it, and the challenges of living with this disease. 25 Elders from Region V attended an Elders advisory conference in A reminder to all those students currently in school (Grades 10-12) we have Four $300.00 scholarships available in our Region and we are looking for student’s to apply for them. This is a great opportunity, for anyone in high school. Please call our office at 780-849-4654 for more information or check out the Metis Bursary & Scholarship Handbook. Remember we have a Business Development Officer from Apeetogosan working in our Regional Office, and he is willing to assist members in applying for funding for Businesses. We will say so long till next month, from Region V President Bev New, Vice-President Peter Campion & Council but remember if have any questions, concerns or ideas please feel free to contact our office anytime, and our staff will be pleased to assist each person courteously and efficiently. If you are in
Kelvin F. Desjarlais originally from Bonnyville, Alberta recently received the 2006 National Métis Youth Role Model Harry Daniels award for Personal Achievement. He currently resides in Edmonton with his wife and 3 year old son Harley. They are expecting their second child in April, 2006. He was nominated for this award because of his personal achievements as well as his passion for helping youth. He strives everyday to make the world a better healthier place for his children, so they do not have to experience what he did.
Spring Break Dinner and Dance The Hivernant Cultural Society of Big Valley are having their popular Métis Dinner and Dance again this year on April 22nd. 5:30 P.M. at Big Valley AB. Come and join us at the Big Valley Cafe on Main Street. Dinner will be roast Buffalo and Mon Ami Rababoo.
Residential School Eight long years in a residential school Well that's what they've done for over a hundred years Now the good ole strap was their Golden Rule They sent us to school, taught us to read But we fooled our saviours, our masters all
National Métis News
Métis Lands - Métis Rights : History on Trial Winnipeg, MB (April 3, 2006) – Métis National Council President Clément Chartier and Manitoba Métis Federation President David Chartrand were among a large group of Métis to promenade to the Manitoba Law Courts today to witness History on Trial. Despite a cold prairie breeze, several hundred Métis gathered at the Louis Riel statue behind the Manitoba Legislature before walking the four blocks to the courthouse for the start of a historic Land Claim trial. MMF v. Canada has been bogged down in legal wrangling for 25 years but finally, the case began. More than 2000 historic documents form the foundation and basis for the trial. During the next three months, the evidence will focus on broken promises made by Manitoba and the Government of Canada. Sections 31 and 32 of the Manitoba Act of 1870, included among other things, protection and a 1.4 million acres of land for the Métis. Métis National Council President Clément Chartier said in an interview with CBC News World, “The treaty of 1870 signed under Section 31 was a promise of land for Métis. But that commitment was never fulfilled. It’s now up to the courts to right this long outstanding injustice.” The case will not be easily decided. It’s fully expected, no matter the outcome of MMF v. Canada that it will likely be left up to the Supreme Court of Canada to make the final decision. Although, it could take a decade to reach a settlement, no matter how many more years, President Chartier is confident Today’s march to the Manitoba Law Courts followed a weekend conference hosted by the Métis National Council. The theme was Métis Lands - Métis Rights and featured a panel discussion outlining the details of the trial, along with a special evening honouring Métis Veterans. And the Métis Nations highest award, the Order of the Métis Nation was presented to retired MMF President John Morrisseau also played a pivotal role in launching the lawsuit. The MNC represents the Métis Nation in Canada at the national and international level. The Métis Nation’s homeland includes the three Prairie provinces and extends into Ontario and British Columbia, parts of the Northwest Territories and northern United States. There are approximately 350,000 – 400,000 Métis Nation citizens in Canada. Métis represent approximately 30% of the total Aboriginal population in Canada, according to Statistics Canada. For more information:
Ottawa, ON (April 4, 2006) – Today, Clément Chartier, President of the Métis National Council, expressed disappointment with the Harper Government’s Throne Speech. The Throne Speech included no specific section on Aboriginal peoples and only mentioned Aboriginal people in passing in two parts. Moreover, the Throne Speech included no mention of the Harper Government’s commitment to the Kelowna Accord which was agreed to by the Government of Canada, all provinces and territories and the leadership of the First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples in November 2005. “I find the fact that the Throne Speech does not even mention a commitment to the objectives of the Kelowna Accord, which was a promise made by the Conservatives during the past election, very disconcerting. The Kelowna Accord and the financial commitments to support it was an agreement reached between the Crown and the Aboriginal peoples of Canada. While governments of the day may change, the honour of the Crown is a constant and it is disappointing for our people to see promises from the Crown can be completely ignored,” said President Chartier. President Chartier added, “I am asking the Conservative Government to think twice before disregarding the Kelowna Accord. Minister Prentice, Federal Interlocutor for Métis, and, I, are currently co-chairing a Canada-Métis Nation Working Group on the Kelowna Accord. I remain committed to that process and I am hopeful the upcoming Federal Budget will include financial commitments to the Kelowna Accord’s objectives. However, the Conservative Government must be very aware that our people will not accept the Crown ignoring its promises yet again.” Yesterday, the historic Manitoba Métis Federation v. Canada trial started in Winnipeg. The case is about Canada not fulfilling its Treaty and constitutional promises to the Métis people in Manitoba in 1870. President Chartier concluded, “We are in court 136 years later in order to hold Canada to its promises and the honour of the Crown. Unfortunately, our history with government has more often than not, been corrupted by broken promises and sharp dealing. I sincerely hope that the Kelowna Accord does not become a part of that shameful legacy.” -30- Metis National Council Honors Mr. John Morrisseau with the “Order of the Metis Nation” The Metis National Council recognized one of it’s Metis citizens in Winnipeg, Manitoba, during the banquet at the Metis Lands – Metis Rights Conference April 02, 2006. The Metis National Council “Order of the Métis Nation” is the highest award of honor and recognition that can be bestowed upon individuals who have made a significant contribution to the Métis Nation. The award of the Order recognizes the positive and measurable impact a recipient has made in moving forward the existence, rights and aspirations of the Métis Nation. A recipient’s contributions can be made in the political, cultural, advocacy, judicial, educational, social, scientific or other field. This year’s recipient was Mr. John Morriseau Mr. John Morrisseau served as President of the Manitoba Metis Federation from 1976 to 1981. Mr. Morrisseau recalls in 1976, the Liberal government under Pierre Trudeau was willing to provide federal dollars to fund mutual claims research on land claim issues such as outlined under the Manitoba Act. His team including Harry Daniels and Sam Sinclair began the task to put together a proposal. The proposal would require people to go through the archives to search for material to support the claim but the issue was there were no Metis with the skills to do the job. Doug Spraque who had the skills and is a well known historian, was hired to train Metis. After working with different government departments in drafting the proposal, it was presented to the Trudeau government for consideration. Through intense negotiation, they were able to secure research funding through 1981 which allowed for intensive examination of church, and Hudson bay records. Mr. Morrisseau says Trudeau staff clearly saw the land claim like a treaty believing an opportunity existed to re-patriate the Constitution. In 1981, MMF President John Morrisseau told the Metis and non-status Indians Constitutional review Commission: Moreover, the absence within the patriation resolution of a requirement for Metis consent to constitutional amendments affecting them raised the real possibility of government removing the Metis land rights sections of the Manitoba Act that the MMF intended to make the subject of major litigation. Mr. Morrisseau said “If the Government of Canada was to repeal section 31 and 32 of the Manitoba Act through an amending process, we would consider such a maneuver to be the greatest breach of faith in Canadian history.” On April 15th, 1981, the Native Council of Canada joined the Manitoba Metis Federation in a major land claims suit against the federal government and the Government of Manitoba. The Statement of Claim MMF v. Canada challenged the unfulfilled treaty promises made to the Metis people promising 1.4 million acres of land under the Manitoba Act, 1870 After leaving the MMF in 1981, Mr. Morrisseau joined the Howard Powley NDP government as an Assistant Deputy Minister hoping by working inside government, he could continue his valuable work for the Metis. Mr. Morrisseau says “The work to file the land claim helped to re-kindle pride in Metis. It was time to lift our heads again to feel good about ourselves and it helped us to build strong Metis communities.” Now retired, John Morrisseau currently lives in Grand Rapids. He and his wife Nelly are celebrating 35 years together. They have two daughters and 4 sons, and 4 grandchildren.
Metis National Council shines a spotlight on Metis Veterans
Mr. Bob Ducharme After getting his Release Papers from the Army Bob ran a freight business on Gabriola Island and then became a wheel alignment technician. He worked on the Highways, Ferries, became a builder, plumber, and stonemason and later a BC Corrections’ Officer before retiring. In his service Bob was awarded the Volunteer medal for Korea, NATO medal for service in Germany/NATO Force, the Canadian Forces (L) United Nations Peacekeeping Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, Service in Korea, the United Nations Forces in Cyprus, the.50th Anniversary, Her Majesty Queen Elisabeth ll, Golden Jubilee Medal and the Canadian Forces Decoration for crime-free Service. Bob Ducharme was also awarded the National Aboriginal Veterans Memorial Medal and several other Korea Veterans' Association Service Medals Over the years, Bob has worked hard for his fellow veterans try to bring about closure for those denied benefits. Whether as a President of Unit 61 of the Korean Veterans Association or as a volunteer in his community, Bob has served us all proud. He is a shining light in the eyes of his wife Brenda and their 3 children and two grandchildren and in the eyes of the Metis Nation, too. Mr. Oscar Lacombe For Mr. Lacombe, a considerable period of time has been devoted to a soldier’s life. He joined the Armed Forces in 1949. Promoted to warrant officer, he served in Korea in 1951. He went on to Japan, then to Europe for five years under NATO. He completed tours of Egypt, Cyprus and the Middle East as a peacekeeper for the UN. In all, he spent 27 years with the military. After leaving the army in 1973, he became a bodyguard for then premier of Alberta, Peter Lougheed, a job he held for the next 12 years. This position set the stage for him to become the sergeant-at-arms in the Alberta Legislature, a post he held from 1980 to 1993. He was the first Métis person appointed to that position in Canada. Mr. Lacombe was so highly regarded as a sergeant-at-arms by provincial leadership, that on the day after his retirement on January 26, 1993, the Alberta Assembly passed this motion: “Be it resolved that, the Legislative Assembly of Alberta confers upon Oscar J. Lacombe for his lifetime, the title of Honorary Sergeant-at Arms.” He was born in St. Paul, Alberta in 1929. On his father’s side, he is a great-great grandnephew of the famous missionary Albert Lacombe; on his mother’s side, he is a great grandson of Lawrence Garneau, a Métis pioneer who homesteaded the land where the University of Alberta now stands. Although he is proud of his heritage, he remembers a hard life growing up in a Métis family of 14 -- a life where the family just barely got by. They hunted so that they could put meat on the table. “If it wasn’t for a .22 and a shotgun, I would have starved as a kid.” Oscar says. He shot his first deer at 9 years of age. For a young hunter, alone in the hay meadow, this was a character-shaping moment.
Mr. Pederson wanted to sign up as a Metis but was told no, he would only be accepted as a French Canadian. He was a member of the 25 Field Dressing Station near North Korea where he served for one and a half years treating the wounded. Among his patients was fellow Metis Sgt. Robert Prince of Winnipeg who he treated for leg injuries. Upon returning to Canada, Mr. Pederson worked at the King George Military Hospital in Winnipeg. He spent two months there at the height of the polio outbreak. Finally, on February 10th, 1954, he was discharged from the military. Then, he moved to Moose Jaw where he worked as a male nurse at the local hospital before joining the City of Moose Jaw as a general worker. He spent 40 years working as a “Jack of All Trades” before retiring. Mr. Louis Lamirande Mr. Lamirande along with other prisoners at the camp worked with the German led resistance in planning their second, and successful escape. For his service and bravery Mr. Lamirande was awarded a silver medal signifying his role in Dieppe and he wore it proudly during special events for his community and events with the Royal Canadian Legion. After the war Mr. Lamirande returned to St. Ambroise Manitoba where he resumed cattle ranching, farming, commercial fishing and trapping. Two years ago Louis passed away he is survived by his wife Agnes, his son Raymond, his daughter Ginette and his six grandchildren Glenda, Karen, Vincent, Louella, Lloyd and Andrea. Mr. Lamirande’s Son Raymond accepted this award on his fathers behalf. Mr. Joseph Clement They include the Burma Start for rescuing members of the Royal Marines in Burma, the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, the ’39-’45 Star, the Atlantic Star and the Victory Medal. A few years ago, Joseph was sent decorations from Ottawa recognizing his war service as an Aboriginal seaman. The most cherished decoration came just last year when he was presented with an Eagle Feather, which not only recognizes his Métis background but also binds him to all the other native warriors who served in foreign wars. In November of 2005, Joseph travelled to Normandy, France, as one of the 19 Aboriginal Veterans who were participating in the “Calling Home Ceremony”, to call home the spirits of his fallen relatives, and uncle and a brother-in law. During the voyage Joseph and his wife Carol-Ann located Joseph’s uncle, World War 1 Veteran Jim Clement’s grave at Mennon Gate in Ypres and also located his brother in law, Ernest Freve’s grave at Leopold Canal. Today Joseph takes time to travel to schools to educate children about his served in the Navy and the contribution Aboriginal Veterans have made for this country. Joseph is a proud father of 3 children: Joseph, Lianne and Marc and grandfather of 5.
Joke of the Month A lawyer defending a man accused of burglary tried a creative defense: "My client merely inserted his arm into the window and removed a few trifling articles. His arm is not himself, and I fail to see how you can punish the whole individual for an offense committed by his limb." "Well put," the judge replied. "Using your logic, I sentence the defendant's arm to one year's imprisonment. He can accompany it or not, as he chooses." The defendant smiled. With his lawyer's assistance he detached his artificial limb, laid it on the bench, and walked out.
Recipe
Apple Indian Pudding 4 cups milk 2tsp ginger Cook cornmeal and milk in double boiler until mixture thickens. Add other ingredients. Pour into greased baking dish, set in a pan of warm water and bake for 1 hour in a slow 275F oven.
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Metis Matters: August 2008 |
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