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July 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, to send submissions or to advertise, contact us at:
Quotation "The first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: Decide what you want."
Contents:
Events
Up Coming Events Schedule Education/Employment
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development
Speaking Up, Speaking Out
Métis Me
Working with You
Métis Financial Matters
Métis Interest Articles
Joke of the Month Recipe
Admission will be charged at the gate. There will be a concession on the grounds and a Steak Supper. Accommodations available in Smoky Lake, Boyle or Lac La Biche. There will also be security on the ground and as it is a family event, no alcohol. Rodeo Contact: Randy Berard at 780-689-4446 or Karen McDonaldat 780-689-5519 Capital EX's Aboriginal Experience The ten day event will bring an Aboriginal perspective to the Exhibition though daily cultural showcases featuring First Nation and Métis dancing, music, and storytelling. Some of the entertainers include: World Champion Hoop Dancer Dallas Arcand The Aboriginal Experience will host Arts and Crafts vendors featuring Northern Alberta, and NWT crafters, artists and designers. The Aboriginal Trading Post will feature Aboriginal Music CD’s and more. The Peace Hills Trust Aboriginal Art Walk will feature 25 years of winning Art works. As well, there will be a section of corporate booths featuring Aboriginal businesses, educational institutes, and services offered in the city of Edmonton. For this inaugural year, The Aboriginal Experience will be a part of the Northwest Originals Arts, This is the first time Aboriginal People have been featured during Capital Ex. With your help we would like For more information please call: Not E-E-Even Productions, Brenda Blyan or Lyle Donald at (780) 451-1072 JULY 6 - 9, 2006 JULY 14 - 16, 2006 JULY 14, 2006 AUGUST 25 & 26, 2006
Metis Crossing Gathering Metis Crossing (near Smoky Lake), Alberta OCTOBER 12, 2006
Ben Calf Rob Society's AGM and Aboriginal Children’s CD Release Party Santa Maria Goretti Centre,11050-90 St, Edmonton, AB 8:00 pm Contact 780-477-6648 OCTOBER 13 - 15, 2006 MacEwan, Edmonton, AB Visit www.dreamcatcher.macewan.ca NOVEMBER 3 - 5, 2006 Creating Hope for the Future: The Sixties and Seventies Scoop Ramada Inn, Edmonton, Alberta Visit www.creatinghope.ca Contact 780-484-3744 or email info@creatinghope.ca.
Education / Employment Métis Centre at NAHO Fellowship Program Call for Applications
Convocation provides an opportunity for students to meet other students from the same program, who may live in other communities. It celebrates their success in their academic journey as well as encourages their future endeavors. The Slave Lake ceremonies began with an opening prayer given by Florence Gladue. Northern Lakes College Board of Governors Chair, Trevor Gladue greeted the graduands. Messages from the Honourable Denis Herard, Minister of Advanced Education; Honourable Pearl Calahasen, MLA for Lesser Slave Lake, as well as the Honourable Brian Jean, MP for Athabasca were all passed on to the students. "It takes dedication and commitment to get to this point. These students understand the value of education, the benefits of studying locally, and how it improves their prospects for long-term, meaningful employment," said Northern Lakes College President, Rick Neidig. Jill Hestermann, graduating student from the Office Administration program in Swan Hills, reflected on her experience at Northern Lakes College, “I am really glad I took this program. I was able to meet new friends and I really appreciated the one-on-one from the instructors. I already have a few leads on great jobs.” Northern Lakes College had a memorable 35th year of which these students were a part. A new President was inaugurated, Mr. Rick Neidig; as well, Northern Lakes College signed enhancement agreements with Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and the University of Alberta. The ceremonies were dedicated to the passing of Monte Court, Business Administration Instructor, as well as Misty Chalifoux, student in the Aboriginal Teacher Education program. Educational Book of the Year Award The following two week camps are available for Aboriginal chidlren ages 7 - 13 years:
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development
Diabetes Screening Fifty years ago, diabetes was virtually unknown among Aboriginal people. Unfortunately, today, the rate of diabetes among Aboriginal people is almost three times higher than the Canadian average. Type 2 diabetes is a serious problem. It is an adult onset disease and it is prevalent in the Aboriginal community. As Aboriginal people, we lived a life that had balance and, in many respects, some have lost that balance. It doesn’t cost anything to be healthy or to become healthy. My hope is for Aboriginal people to be able to lead vigorous, active and healthy lives and to help in teaching this principle to our people. Through keeping active, both the mind and the body function better. Some communities have taken some very practical approaches to become active: walking clubs, dancing and community gardens to grow fresh fruits and vegetables. Prevention and management are the most important messages to bring to the Aboriginal community. Awareness and education can go a long way in helping people. In conjunction with Alberta Health and Wellness, the provincial government has increased funding support for the Mobile Diabetes Screening Initiative. This initiative is aimed at improving access to prevention and treatment of diabetes for geographically isolated Albertans. The program is available in 12 off-reserve Aboriginal and remote communities. The initiative is available in all eight Métis Settlements. We want Metis people to have a good understanding of the disease, but also a positive and hopeful outlook. We need to dispel myths within our community about diabetes and let people know that it can be managed - and prevented! 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 Oilers Lose Dry those tears Edmontonians, Albertans, Canadians The Edmonton Oilers of the NHL lost the final round, Game 7, of the Stanley Cup but went much farther than most folks imagined possible. Put aside their bad plays, bad bounces, errors and some bad calls by referees. They gave it their best but it just wasn't meant to be. One has to admit, it was quite the series and the final score of 3-1 was really just a one-goal game (again!) considering the third Carolina Hurricane goal was an empty-netter. More Passings Then, we lost Joseph Henry Daniels, the last remaining brother of the late Stanley Daniels who served as the provincial Métis president in the late 1960s and most of the '70s. Joseph passed away June 14 and was predeceased by his wife Delores, brothers Johnny, Martin, Paul and Stanley, sisters Annette, Elsie and Therese, and parents Mary and Joseph. He leaves behind son Herbert Lehr, daughters Sharon, Edith and Martha, sisters Marie, Kathleen, Lorette and Margaret (Liddle) in addition to 20 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and loved ones. One day later, June 15, the passing of a former long-time chief, the Reverend John Snow, son of former Chief Tom Snow, stunned The Nakoda/Stoney community at Morley, Alberta. Snow passed away peacefully at his home on the Stoney Indian Reserve and was the recipient of two Honourary doctorates (laws and divinity) - one from the University of Calgary in 1981, the other from Arizona in 1986, as well as numerous other honours and awards. He was the first man from the Goodstoney/Wesley First Nation to be ordained a United Church minister and served as the band's chief from 1968 - 1992, then again from 1996 - 2000. His Indian name was Intebeja Mani or, Walking Seal. He leaves to mourn his daughters Gloria, Rachel, Teresa and Terry, son John Jr., his sister Glenda and older brother Wallace, numerous grandchildren and friends. He was pre-deceased by his wife Alva.
Métis Me By Muriel Stanley Venne Turkeys can Fly “In a hurricane even a turkey can fly!” These are the wise words that my one and only grandson Robert Langton used when discussing with the principal of Sturgeon High School the possibility of Robert passing his exams. The principal shared these words with the audience at the 2006 Sturgeon High School graduation ceremony. Robert’s graduation from high school was a major accomplishment following in the footsteps of his older sisters. For all the boys out there with a lot of older sisters, you will understand the agony of being the best but the last. On one occasion Robert announced, “I should be the oldest not the youngest”. We all looked at him and wondered what he could do about it. Robert was and is a very happy “fella”. In fact one of his teachers thought he was making fun of him because as a kid he was always smiling. This has been a great asset to the volunteer work he has done over the years at the Esquao Awards Gala. He has been on stage handing the awards to the presenters, held certificates and looked after the Elders. He also drove the golf cart, which transported the Elders from the door of the Agricom to Hall A. The Elders really enjoyed the ride and the friendly driver. I have always been surrounded by boys and men in my life. I grew up with seven brothers, my twin brother and six younger brothers. I finally got my baby sister, Shirley, after the first three younger brothers. Being the oldest girl I did a lot of the mothering of the little ones. When I got married, we had three sons and with great joy our last child was my girl, my daughter Rachelle who is named after her great great grandmother Rachel Bangs who was the second wife of Philip Whitford. P.S. My sincere gratitude to the persistent and exciting work being carried out by the Andrew and District Historical Archives Museum Society on their incredible work in uncovering the 147 graves and pursuing this valuable part of our Métis history. Thank you to Homer Poitras, Métis Nation Zone II for including me in this historical search and for the Métis Nation’s support for the future. Working with You By Trevor W. Gladue, Provincial Vice President of the Métis Nation of Alberta “Métis Trail” Let the Name Stand While I travelled to Calgary for the Aboriginal Day celebrations, I was feeling a sense of pride, as I heard about the Region 3 leadership successfully lobbying to have a algary street named “Métis Trail”. There have been many trails named in honour of our first nation’s brothers and sisters. Heck, even the Queen had the main highway between Edmonton and Calgary named after her. Finally the Métis were to be included. At least this was the impression that was left by the City of Calgary administration and their Council. The very next day, the decision is reconsidered and the naming is put on hold because the aldermen in the area say they want their citizens consulted. City officials say notice of the naming, recommended by the city’s planning commission, was sent out April 26 for reaction to be sent back by May 10. This situation is similar what happened in Saskatchewan when the Métis community successfully lobbied to have the highway between Saskatoon and Prince Albert renamed the “Louis Riel Trail”. We, as a Nation, have worked very hard to change society’s views of Métis people, and Aboriginal people in general. I think it is only fitting that we have our contributions etched in stone, or on signs, in this case. I am simply disappointed with the City Council going against its own rules. They clearly set out a process in which the communities, including Saddle Ridge, had an opportunity to raise their concerns. They even voted in favour of it. Heck, even one City Alderman announced it at the National Aboriginal Day Celebrations at City Hall on June 21, 2006. The “Métis Trail” issue goes to City Council on July 17, 2006, where other names may be suggested for the road. I encourage City Council to rename the expressway "Metis Trail". Should you want to contact me on this issue, or any other Metis issues, please contact me at 1-800-252-7553, or by email at tgladue@metis.org.
Métis Financial Matters By Shawna J. Serniak Responsibility Responsibility comes from you. When it is too late, is not when you should be asking questions to your advisor or yourself on your financial planning. Here are thoughts for you to ponder and some items you may not have known.
If you haven't heard from your advisor, call them. Tell them how often you want to review your policies. Ask them about what other type of plans are out there; life insurance, disability insurance, critical insurance, medical insurance coverage, long term care insurance, drug and dental plans, RESPs, RRSPs, non-registered investments, mortgages, etc. Ask questions about the companies who will be buying your insurance and investments from. Ask, ask, ask, ask! If you don't ask, how do you know you have everything you need and that what you have is what you want.
Métis Interest
Aboriginal Veterans Society President Vic Letendre Passes Away Approximately 60 years ago, Hugh Victor Letendre was awarded five medals for his efforts in World War II. More recently, he added the Order of Canada, Canada's highest civilian honour, which left him "flabbergasted." It is our (Metis Matters) sad duty to report that Letendre is no longer with us in this life. He passed away on June 5 and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire family and close associates of this fine man. Letendre had a lengthy involvement with the Aboriginal movement, almost since he was discharged from the army. In fact, the basis for his award was likely due primarily to his longstanding associations with groups and organizations in the Aboriginal community. He was president of the Aboriginal Veterans Society of Alberta and also served as national president. He put in several years as a past president of the Canadian Native Friendship Centre in Edmonton and as a board member for the Native Seniors Centre. Some of his more recent involvements included the Recovery Acres Society that is similar to the Alcoholics Anonymous movement, the Edmonton Native Youth Justice Committee, Knights of Columbus, and speaking engagements at various educational institutions. It is that lengthy record of volunteerism, societal affiliations and business operations that led to his consideration for the Order of Canada in the first place. Born in the spring of 1925 at Lac St. Anne where he went as far as Grade 9, Letendre left home at 16 to work at harvesting. Later, the coal mines at Foothills, near Edson, Alberta. The war interrupted his life and at 19 he enlisted in the Canadian army. The army sent him overseas to England and France where he wound up wounded by a grenade. The army patched him up and once he was well enough, returned him to France, then Belgium, Holland and Germany before he was able to return home to Canada following the end of the war. On returning to Alberta after the war, Letendre went back to the mines but not for long. He got into the roofing business and by the mid-1970s owned his own company, which he operated for close to 18 years and then handed it over to his son. His favourite hero was his grampa, Samuel. "He was the kind of guy who worked steady all day, didn't smoke and (it) was hard to keep up with the long hours he'd put in," he once explained. His advice to youth was: "Get the education that you need. Persevere all the time, don't give up." Vic Letendre leaves behind his loving partner, Anna Dannish, his children Allen, Murleen and Victor, his brother Ken, sisters Judy, Nancy and Theresa, a number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends. He was predeceased by his wife Georgina, his children Cyril and Sheila, parents Marie Annie and Wilfred, and sisters Clara, Evelyn and Frances. Métis Nation of Alberta Region 5 Report Buisiness Mixer Kristen Acuna – Winner of the 2006 Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee Youth Achievement Award • Demonstrates leadership in the community and among his/her peer group. Kristen is a Métis youth who is 16 years old, and currently attends Fairview junior high school. Kristen displays a strong desire and commitment to achieve educational goals. Kristen is a mature traditional young woman who dedicates a great deal of her time to helping the Aboriginal community. In particular, she is most dedicated to assisting the Elders and other Aboriginal youth, through volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club, both during weekly activities, and, at special events. Through her volunteering Kristen supports and encourages others to continue in their academic endeavors. Boys and Girls Club – Aboriginal Programs has a tutor on site twice a week. As a volunteer Kristen works with the tutor to assist youth that come for help. Kristen has also demonstrated leadership in the community and among her peers by her take charge attitude. Last summer Kristen was the only Métis youth involved in the Calgary Police Youth Cadet Program. For any youth, becoming accustomed to a para-military organization is a challenge. By the end of the program, Kristen had attained the status of informal leader amongst the other youth, by supporting them and challenging unfair directives for herself, and other youth. Despite how challenging the program was, by the end of the sessions, Kristen was able to understand and respect the role of the Calgary Police Service. This fall Kristen was also selected to attend a youth leadership program on the West Coast. The only Métis in attendance, Kristen was again able to articulate her views as a youth on the path of Canadian leadership and the role and ongoing developments in Aboriginal leadership. I think most notable, is Kristen’s pride in being Métis. You can not attend a Métis, or Aboriginal event in Calgary without seeing Kristen performing with the Métis Youth Dancers. Showcasing Métis culture in this way encourages non-Aboriginal and First Nation’s people to participate in cross-cultural activities and enhances the understanding of the uniqueness of the Métis people. For such a young person, this is highly commendable. Thank you. All my relations. Metis Snubbed in Calgary It was Metis Trail for about a day. Now, it is Metis Trail no longer and if some communities in the far northeast have their way there won't be a Metis Trail in their neck of the woods ever again. The yarn begins this week where National Aboriginal Day is marked when city planning types recommend the 36 St. N.E. and 44 St. N.E. expressways, located north of McKnight Blvd. and linking with the future Stoney Tr., be named Metis Trail. Major roads have often been given aboriginal names as in Sarcee, Crowchild, Blackfoot, Deerfoot and Stoney. The group feels it's time to acknowledge our famous Metis traders. "The geographical significance of the 36 Street/44 Street N.E. expressways as it currently exists has great significance for the Metis as an historic north-south corridor," they say. On Monday, city council approves the name. No problem. On Tuesday, problem. The council no longer approves the name because they supposedly want to allow the far northeast communities their two cents worth. At least two communities have said what they think but the political timebomb of a letter isn't included in documents to aldermen or the press. On May 26, Saddle Ridge Community Association Greg Steiner launches an official written protest over Metis Trail, asking a big bold question in big bold letters. "Why was this particular stretch of road given a native name?"
The community association president rambles on. Edmonton Tr. wasn't given a native name. Neither was Airport Tr. or Marquis of Lorne Tr. So why saddle them with Metis Trail? Steiner says his community's history revolves around non-Metis families who arrived after the Metis who supposedly weren't around -- the Richmonds, the Thiesens, the Robinsons and the Bennetts. The miffed man concludes he and the area alderman and the folks in neighbouring Martindale want Saddle Ridge in the name, so how about Saddle Ridge Trail or the more grand Saddle Ridge Expressway? Whew. Nothing remotely Metis about those handles. Joe Chodzicki, the Region 3 vice-president for the Metis Nation of Alberta, is left to ponder this snub. "I'm hoping there won't be a fight. We're still trying to figure out how we went from high to low. I feel like a yo-yo. I'm totally angry but being angry is not going is get us anywhere. Getting mad and shooting off our mouths just adds fuel to the fire. We must be realistic and keep level heads," says Joe. Ald. Ric McIver is the guy who proposed the council take a second look but he wants to make real sure you know he wants the road named Metis Trail. He says he made the motion to put the naming on hold as a courtesy to northeast aldermen, Rundle Ray Jones and Helene Larocque. He knew nothing of the Saddle Ridge letter. "When Metis Trail comes back I will vote for it again. I think it's a great idea. I sincerely hope there are no hard feelings. I'm not always Mr. Sensitive but none of us should want to hurt people." Thank you, Mr. Sensitive. Ald. Diane Colley-Urquhart calls this reconsidering of the name "the worst abuse of process" she's seen. "I think the real issue is they don't like the name." What gave it away? In a cruel twist, at an aboriginal day award ceremony yesterday, Ald. Joe Ceci proudly announces the naming of Metis Trail not knowing the council has flip-flopped since he was in meetings in Edmonton when they did. Ald. Larocque will huddle with locals June 29 and hear them out and if they want another name, and they do, then she will propose the name at the July 17 council meeting. Saddle Ridge Trail, all in favour? "They know the matter is sensitive," says the rookie member of council. No kidding. "But it doesn't have to be a situation of group against group." She admits she knew people in her area were opposed to Metis Trail. "They have no problem with the Metis but this is not the location for the name. Maybe sometime there will be a road to name after them." Them should get their road now. I am a telepathic psychic, medium and healer. My clients come to me from all over the world. My mission this year is to help as many Métis people as I can, without taking any monies for my readings. Love’s- what makes my world go round, especially with my 4 children and 5 grandbabies who keep me young and very busy at times. Being a single mom and a nana has been tough at times and hard to make life decisions. That’s why I offer my help to anyone in the Métis community. I will be at the assembly for anyone that wants to see me in person. Summer is busy for me but I will try to phone back anyone who leaves a message. The last 3 weeks of August I will be on holidays except at the assembly. My home number: 403-548-2867 My cell number: 403-502-1087 Métis Nation of Alberta Currently, the numbers of files that are being worked on by departmental This is an exciting time for the Métis Nation of Alberta as it continues to If you have any questions regarding a "new" application or to find out what Region 1: Lac La Biche 780-623-3039 Dreamspeakers Honours Native Film Country's Finest
National Métis News Métis Cultural Corner Questions Lac La Biche, Alberta
Métis Cultural Corner Answers
Joke of the Month A man and his three friends were moseying along somewhere in a Metis Settlement when one of them says "Hey, that looks like a bacon tree over there" They talked about it and decided it was. The first one said "Well, I really fancy a bacon sandwich, so I'm going over there, I'll see you shortly" and off he goes on his horse. A couple of hours pass and the two remaining friends are getting worried, because that tree wasn't very far away, when their friend comes staggering back into sight, his hat full of arrows. "What happened!!!" they cried. "It wasn't a bacon tree after all", he said "It was a hambush"
Recipe
Wild Rice and Prairie Chicken (Partridge) 1 cup cooked wild rice 1/2 cup margarine breast of one partridge 1/4 cup onion, minced 1/4 cup chopped celery 1 can chopped mushrooms season with salt, pepper and season salt. Fry onions, celery and mushrooms in margarine until lightly browned. Add all ingredients. Cook about 10 minutes (you can add soy sauce if you wish).
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Metis Matters: August 2008 |
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