NOVEMBER 8, 2006 
Southern Alberta Self Employment Seminars
Red Deer Métis Employment Center, #301-4822-Ross St, Red Deer, Alberta
Contact Shelley Honish 1-877-800-5603.

NOVEMBER 25, 2006  
Aboriginal Role Models of Alberta "2006" hosted by Enoch Cree Nation
River Cree Resort & Casino Marriott Hotel, Enoch, Alberta
Cocktails: 6 pm, Dinner: 7 pm, Awards: 8p,
Tickets are $125, Tables of eight
Contact Irene Morin 780-470-6909
 

Métis Employment Services, Get Ahead of the Future
The aim of the Métis Nation of Alberta’s Labour Market Development Program (MNA LMDP) is to support and provide employment opportunities and work experience to non-settlement Métis. We’re here to help with career planning, educational funding, employment assistance, and more! 

The MNA LMDP sponsors hundreds of clients every year for skills development training for occupations in virtually every sector in Alberta.  From pre-apprenticeship training to post-secondary schooling; from class One driver to RCMP Depot training, training that leads to gainful employment can be considered for sponsorship.  Are you…
 Unemployed, underemployed or employment threatened?
 Facing a barrier to employment?
 In need of training to become self-sufficient?
The MNA LMDP may be able to sponsor you for employment training!

We have many youth programs for ages 15 – 30, if you have a disability that makes it difficult for you to be successful at work or school, you may be eligible for MNA Disability Services.

OUR EMPLOYMENT SERVICES INCLUDE:
 Employment Counselling
 Job Search Workshops
 Access to Training Programs
 Job Boards and Job Leads
 Career Information
 Educational and Community Resource Material
 Current Labour Market Information
 Computer Access
 Ongoing Support and Guidance

Mobile Métis Employment Services – Coming to a Community Near You

Watch for the MNA Mobile MES which will bring Métis Employment Services to your community. Housed in a 32 foot RV unit the mobile MES has computers with internet access, a resource library and employment Counselors to help you take advantage of the career opportunities available to Métis people in Alberta.

Call 1-888-48METIS(62847) to find out when the Mobile MES is scheduled for your community.

Aboriginal Home Ownership Workshop
Tired of renting? Are you employed and make more than $ 30,000?  Want to own your own home?

Then this FREE workshop sponsored by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is for you. earn the tips and tricks of negotiating, inspecting, buying, renovating and maintaining a home.
 
Down payment assistance and mortgage pre-qualification provided through The Home Program (must attend workshop first to qualify).

Workshops will be held in the following cities: Edmonton, Red Deer, Calgary, Lethbridge and Grande Prairie. Workshops are held on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with coffee and muffins served.

Call Melba to register for a workshop at 780- 962-9359 or email melba@telus.net.

Quick Facts about CESO
The Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO) was founded in 1967. CESO’s mission is to promote and extend the economic growth of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples of Canada, developing nations and emerging market economies through the transfer of knowledge by Volunteer Advisers. Approximately 1,500 assignments will be completed this year. National Services programs receive primary funding from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). CESO also receives funding from clients, multilateral agencies, Canadian corporations, interested individuals and foundations, plus scores of Volunteer Advisers. A 14-member board representative of Canada’s Aboriginal, francophone/anglophone, corporate and volunteer communities governs CESO. Under the National Services division, CESO works with Métis, Aboriginal peoples, Innu, Inuit, non-Aboriginal peoples across Canada.

If you are interested in volunteering for CESO or accessing its services, you can call
1-800-268-9052 or visit the website at www.ceso-saco.com for more information.

Southern Alberta Self Employment Seminars
Every second Wednesday of every month, one-hour seminars will be held at one of the four Métis Employment Centres running from noon to 1:30 pm. Check below to find out when this seminar will be held in your area.

The main topic focuses on business start ups and the three most important questions you must ask yourself before committing to your business idea.

August 9th -- Calgary Métis Employment Center, #5 - 2611-37 Ave NE, 403-250-8902 
September 13th -- Lethbridge Métis Employment Center, 740-4th Ave S,  403-317-1555
October 11th -- Medicine Hat Métis Employment Center, #8 - 3307 Dunmore Rd SE, 403-504-4056
November 8th -- Red Deer Métis Employment Center, #301-4822-Ross St, 403-342-6636
December 13th -- Calgary Métis Employment Center

For more information contact:
Shelley Honish, M.B.A., B.Comm.
Business Consultant
Pinnacle Business Services Ltd.
Suite 602, 440 10816 MacLeod Trail S
Calgary AB T2J 5N8
Cell:  403-815-5603
Fax:  403-281-6656
Toll Free:  1-877-800-5603
Website:  www.apeetogosan.ab.ca

BCR Society's Aboriginal Head Start Program
The Mother Earth & Me Aboriginal Head Start is one of the many programs run through the Ben Calf Robe Society in Edmonton, Alberta. This free cultural pre-school program focuses on Aboriginal culture and the Cree language, and develops pre-kindergarten readiness skills for 3 and 4 year old children.  The success of this program is evident in the smiling faces of each year's graduating students. We are currently taking applications for the 2006-2007 academic school year for all of our four classrooms (Belmead School, Abbott School, Ben Calf Robe School and St. Pius School). If you, or anyone you know has a child who is at least 3 years and 3 months by the start of September 2006, then please contact a Home Liaison worker at 477-6648  to answer all your questions and help you with the application process.

However, it has been established that aboriginal people have a greater chance in their recovery from addictions when recovery programs are presented in a cultural framework relevant to aboriginal people.

Services for aboriginal Albertans have long been a priority at the government-funded Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC). Early in AADAC's history, its forward-looking staff sought to establish addictions treatment with an aboriginal focus.

They asked leaders in Métis and aboriginal communities for help in hiring and training staff to offer culturally sensitive treatment. One of those leaders, Maggie Hodgson (former executive director of Nechi Training, Research and Health Promotions Institute, now an officer of the Order of Canada), recalls how she and others asked that AADAC fund aboriginal people to set up their own treatment programs, with aboriginal administration and aboriginal counsellors.

Treatment tailored to aboriginal people's needs in Alberta has continued to operate on that model, as has addiction prevention, addiction information, and training in addictions services.

The AADAC Aboriginal Committee ensures aboriginal issues in addictions continue to be raised and that information, prevention and treatment services for aboriginal people continue to be offered. The committee includes representatives from across AADAC's reach (geographically and in terms of types of service) and from agencies funded by AADAC. Some committee members are of aboriginal descent; others have a strong interest in, knowledge about, and experience with, aboriginal culture.

These agencies are funded by AADAC to offer services with an aboriginal focus: the High Level
Action North Recovery Centre; the High Prairie Métis Indian Town Alcohol Association; Pee Kis Kwe Tan “Let’s Talk” Society in Wabasca and Calling Lake; Peerless Lake Healing Centre; the Bonnyville Indian Métis Rehabilitation Centre; Fishing Lake Métis Settlement addictions program; the Nechi Training, Research and Health Promotions Institute in St. Albert; Poundmaker's Lodge Treatment Centre; the Red Deer Métis Nation Local 84; the Rocky Native Friendship Centre in Rocky Mountain House; and the Sunrise-Native Addictions Services in Calgary.

It is a long and sometimes bumpy road to get to where we want to be, no doubt. However, with persistence and with keeping an eye on our goal, Alberta is determined to better the lives of aboriginal people through culturally appropriate programs and services.\

For more information on addiction treatment with an Aboriginal focus in Alberta, see the Spring 2006 issue of AADAC Developments at http://corp.aadac.com/developments/ .

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
403 Legislature Building
10800 – 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB.   T5K 2B6

Much to the dismay of the larger Metis community, one summer festivity was largely unknown about beforehand by the public. That happened to be a hastily-called event, the “once mighty” Back To Batoche Metis Days in Saskatchewan. It was, sad to report, something of a disaster due to hurried planning and PR because it was decided upon at the 11th Hour.

Firstly, the occasion overlapped other pre-planned events elsewhere that had been planned much longer in advance. Secondly, the event involved the need for communications and advance notice was extremely short, not even allowing time for notices or posters to circulate and draw peoples’ attention to the event.

Back to Batoche, with all the internal strife experienced this past year by the Metis Society of Sask., was hard pressed to even approve the go-ahead for the event which has become something of a mecca and a historic and social trek for so many Aboriginal people. It was barely publicized. I, for one, never saw so much as a single poster about it. Apparently the society didn’t know if it’d receive funding and, even if it did, they weren’t sure if it would arrive in time for Batoche. The event went ahead but, according to sources in attendance that I spoke with, the turnout was extremely low and registration of contestants was minimal to say the least.

In short, Back to Batoche bombed!

The message here is quite clear . . . “If you do something, do it right or don’t do it at all.” In both cases, were they not a waste of time, energy and expense on the part of organizers and the people who attended? I should think so! Hopefully, this error will not be repeated.

One seemingly successful happening this summer was the inclusion of “Aboriginal Experience” at Capital EX (formerly known as Klondike Days) during July in Edmonton, that witnessed a number of Aboriginal entertainers take the stage, front and centre, and demonstrate cultural performances by Metis and First Nation artists such as Canadian fiddle champ Clint Dutiaume, Cdn. Jigging champ Brent Potskin, reigning World Hoop Dancing Champion Dallas Arcand, White Buffalo Society Dancers, Red Power Squad (hip hop), as well as various singers and musicians.

Conducted in the Sportex Bldg. at Northlands, the performances attracted thousands, many of whom were totally captivated and many more who clapped along, tapped their feet or simply stared in awe at the electrifying performances exhibited by the likes of Arcand and Potskin.

Klondike Days, at one time, did contain a certain element of Native culture to it, but that had long fallen by the wayside. Aboriginal Experience was a welcome addition this year and was widely and well received by the viewing and listening public who always seemed to clamor for more. Those who were there to witness it for themselves know exactly what I am talking about. Needless to say, it was a terrific means of portraying Metis and First Nations performers and must be viewed as a positive in that it became an educational medium to create awareness for the public-at-large.

Congrats to organizers Brenda Blyan, Lyle Donald and the Edmonton Metis Cultural Dance Society. We hope the Aboriginal Experience moves forward to become a regular feature attraction at Capital EX. We know it should.

Métis Me
By Muriel Stanley Venne

Métis Assemblies & Clunkers
The 78th Métis Nation of Alberta Annual General Assembly is just around the corner being held from August 17 – 20, in Lac La Biche and as a person who worked for the Métis Association as Department Head of Job Opportunities and Placement in the early days, I am able to reminisce about the Métis Assemblies that we held in the past. People gathered from all over, struggling for recognition, searching for help and celebrating the vibrant Métis culture. The Assemblies moved around Alberta just as they do today. I remember Assemblies held in Athabasca, High Prairie, Lac La Biche, St. Albert, Slave Lake and other places. The qualifier was the town needed many hotels and motels, and a large arena to accommodate all the people. At that time many people brought their own tents to sleep in and sometimes the Métis Association would get tents from the Army. The Provincial Parks supplied free firewood for the camps.

I remember the year Herb Belcourt brought his motor home to the Assembly. (He also ran for President that year). When this huge home on wheels drove up into the camping area, I couldn’t believe my eyes.

My car was the nicest I could afford and it was a clunker. You know, the car that looks pretty good but soon needs a new fuel pump, a transmission, new used tires and then an alternator. There were no Bargain Finders or Auto Traders in those days. These “good deal” cars usually belonged to friends of friends who saw me as the sitting duck to unload their junk on. So just getting to the Assembly for me year after year was a great accomplishment!

As the gates of the camping grounds were opened other clunkers just like mine packed with Métis from grandma kokum and grandpa musum to children and politicians with a violin and guitar on their laps and , lots of bannock, tea and jam in the grub box.

In a way, these were the good old days, but in a way they were bad, too. Back then there was a lot of drinking and partying that ended in fights and a lot of carousing. That’s the way it was with the young people, however, it was certainly frowned upon by the old people who really came to visit with each other once a year.

So let’s all meet once again in Lac La Biche to celebrate the vibrant Métis culture, conduct our business, reconnect with old friends and make some new ones.

Métis Nation of Alberta Host's 78th Annual General Assembly

Hello Friends, I would like to welcome you to the 78th Annual General Assembly of the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA). This year's AGM is being hosted by Métis Nation of Alberta - Region 1 in Lac La Biche, Alberta on August 17-19th, 2006.
In this issue of Métis Matters, you can read for yourself, all the exciting events being organized by the  Métis Nation of Alberta - Region 1.

As we gather over the weekend to deliberate the business of our Nation, we also have the opportunity to celebrate all of our collective accomplishments throughout the last 78 years. Once again, as we have done in previous years, we can take the time to reflect on the contributions that each and every one of us have made towards Nation building here in Alberta and throughout the country. As your Provincial Vice President, I take this opportunity to say thank you to all Métis citizens who continue to make significant contributions to the prosperity of our province, our country and our Métis Nation. I thank you for giving me the privilege and honour of serving you as your Provincial Vice President. As well, I wish to thank you for your guidance, wisdom and support during my term as your leader. I believe that we can continue to move forward towards self-government as a Nation with your support. As Abraham Lincoln once said, “Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth."

We must remember that in addition to providing an opportunity to deliberate on the great issues of the day, the Annual Assembly is also a time to reconnect with old friends, celebrate our rich culture and heritage. So make sure to make some time to enjoy the breath taking scenery we can experience in Lac La Biche; do a little jigging when you hear that fiddle playing! Stay safe and I wish you one and all safe travel as you return home to your communities and to your loved ones.

For more information on this year's AGM, contact the Region 1 office at 1-800-638-5704.

Métis Trail Unanimously Named
Here's an update from my July 2006 column. On Monday, July 17, 2006, the Calgary City Council unanimously named the road -- located just north of McKnight Blvd. between 36 St. and 44 St. N.E. -- Métis Trail. I would like to congratulate the City Council on doing the right thing. So when in Calgary make sure and take a cruise on "Métis Trail". 

Métis Financial Matters
By Shawna J. Serniak

Something Different
I want to take this opportunity to do something a little different, than what I usually write about.  What goals and dreams do you aspire for?  As a financial advisor I deal with a lot of people that have dreams......not too many of them have goals to reach those dreams.
 
How does one achieve their goals?  Planning, research and saving.  You want that house, car, vacation or business.   Are you prepared to do the due diligence of planning, researching and saving up for it?
 
For example....me!  I wanted to buy a home.  What did I do?  Well first I looked at the market...timing was great.  Would I buy a townhouse or a house.  What areas was I looking at?  Some areas were more costly, would I be willing to do a long commute for the house I felt comfortable in my price range. 
 
Okay I had an area, and what I wanted in the home, but what about money.  I gave myself a deadline of approximately one year.  I started saving, budgeting, working on putting more money in my RRSPs.  (RRSPs can assist in buy a home through the Home Buyer's Plan).  I made sacrifices....less eating out, cut back the "wants" to only "needs", got rid of extras like the full meal deal on cable TV to only basic cable, limited the features on my home phone (I had an answering machine so why was I paying for call answer?), used my cell phone less and other little cut backs.  It didn't seem like much but in the long run it all saved money.  
 
End of the story, I was able to get my home with a nice down payment, ended up paying less on my mortgage than what I was paying in rent, with a lot more features I didn't have renting and I actually was able to do it before my one year goal!
 
If you want something you need to prepare for it.  You need to plan for it.  That applies to basically most things in life.  Don't expect that vacation trip you always wanted to come knocking on your door.  Don't expect to open up a business without taking the time to research it!
 
A couple weeks back I was in Lac La Biche.  I stopped in to see my Uncle Charlie at his store he has in town.  For those of you that don't know my Uncle owns Old Trail Country Water.   My Uncle Charlie is Métis and he decided to open up a bottle water company, which also has other things like herbal medicines and specialty coffee and teas.  The reason I bring up Uncle Charlie is that he didn't just one day say "I am opening up a bottle water store!"  I am sure he wished it was that easy.  To obtain his dream he had to have goals.  He had to research, plan and save.  
 
So yes you too can have what you dream.   You can have a dream....or you can have a dream obtained by goals.
 
Next time you are in Lac La Biche stop in and say "Hi" to my Uncle Charlie at Old Trail Country and perhaps while you are sipping back on some water or tea, dare to dream and see where you can be!
 
Shawna J. Serniak
Financial Advisor

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

As we know this has been needed for some time and through the years we were finally able to save enough funds to have a down payment. With this purchase we will require repairs and renovations to ensure we have an office we can all be proud of.

We require skilled people who can assist in the repairs and renovations. Some of the work needed is the roof, electrical, plumbing, painting, flooring and building offices. If you or someone you know have the skills and qualifications for this work, please contact our office and speak with Sheila Allan or Bev New at (780) 849 4654. All contractors are to be in place prior to August 15th, 2006, as work will commence in mid August

We are also seeking volunteers who can come and help with the move, repairs and renovations. Please get involved with the new office and the development as we know this will be our building owned and operated by the Métis Nation of Alberta Region V. In the next report we are hoping to have a date for an open house where all the members of Region V are invited.

Youth Coordinator Needed
We are currently in the process of hiring a Youth Coordinator. This position will commence in August. If you have any suggestions as to what this person can do for the youth, please forward your information to our office and it will be given to the coordinator to follow-up on.

Fundraising
The Bingo fundraising season has started and we would like to thank the volunteers who worked the Bingo in July. The money raised from Bingos  helps to fund medical expenses of our members. From all of Region V thank you for helping. Our next bingo is scheduled for August 26, 2006 and once again we need volunteers. If you are interested, please contact our office and speak with Sheila.

LMDU
Our new Labor Market Manager is Alan Tremayne, B.A.; B.ED and he can be reached at our office. We would like to say welcome to Alan and thank you for your work and commitment to Region V and the Métis Nation of Alberta.

Business Development Officer
Apeetogosan Metis Developments Inc. has an office within Region V and the Business Development Officer can be reached by contacting our office. If you are interested in starting a business or you would like some information, please call.

Métis Harvesting Rights
The 2nd edition of the Métis Harvesting Rights in Alberta is available for members in our Region to pick up.  Copies of this booklet are available at the following locations:  Regional Office in Slave Lake, Métis Employment Services in High Prairie, Métis Local #90 Office in Wabasca.

From President Bev New, Vice President Peter Campion, council and staff we wish a safe and happy summer. Please do not hesitate to call (780-849-4654) or stop by our office we look forward to hearing from you.

What is the Aboriginal Athlete & Youth Role Model Program About?
The program is a joint initiative of the Esteem Team Association (ETA) and the Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) and is largely funded by Sport Canada.

The long term goal of the program is to encourage young Aboriginal Canadians to live, and encourage others to live, an active and healthy lifestyle, part of which is achievable through increased participation in sport and physical activity.  The spin-off benefits of such a lifestyle are varied but include increased self esteem, increased leadership capacity, increased community-connectedness and increased resiliency.

The Pilot Program is the first phase of development of an Aboriginal Athlete & Youth Role Model program that will:

(a) Reach out to young Aboriginals and work with them in a facilitative manner to bring out their thoughts and ideas around sport and physical activity in their communities such that a broad spectrum of young people are, in essence,  “advisors” to the program’s development,

(b) Inspire young leaders to step forward, make plans to facilitate and/or lead sport and physical activity initiatives in their communities and learn from their experiences,

(c) Inspire young Aboriginals in general to be more active and to take part in community sport and physical activity (in leadership, support and/or participation), and

(d) Contribute toward the development of young Aboriginals as role models and leaders in their own communities.

What is the “pilot” phase about?

The “pilot” phase has been recommended so that young Aboriginals, from a broad Aboriginal community base, have maximum impact over the long term design of the program.  This is in keeping with the by youth for youth approach which is a valued principle of program development at the ETA and is supported by youth development researchers across North America.

Eight Aboriginal Role Models have been trained for their work in community and await the community selection process (which they will be an integral part of themselves) to determine which community each will be assigned to.  Once the eight pilot communities are selected and Role Models are assigned, the Role Models (with the support of the ETA in partnership with the ASC) will connect with the communities to plan the details of the first visit.   Subsequent visits (two in total) will be planned with the young people in the community and, of course, with the support of community leaders.  The pilot phase is expected to run from September through December 2006.
 

How will the program be developed and delivered beyond the initial pilot phase?

To achieve its goal, the program will recruit at least two Aboriginal Role Models per province.  These 26 Role Models will be trained (by the ETA) in facilitation and presentation skills and will be available to make three visits per year to Aboriginal communities to meet and engage with Aboriginal young people and discuss whatever is important to them.  In all cases, the positive benefits and impact that sport and physical activity can have for individuals, groups and communities will be discussed, explored, modeled and encouraged.

How do you apply to be a pilot community?

At this time, eight (8) pilot communities require selection for participation in the pilot phase of the project.  For the purposes of the pilot (September 2006 – December 2006), the ASC and ETA are requesting interested Aboriginal communities to apply for consideration as a pilot community by completing a Pilot Community Application by August 25, 2006.  For any additional information required, please forward inquiries to rolemodel@esteemteam.com.

 
Canada Day Celebrations at Rocky Historic Park
By Leigh Solland
July 12, 2006, The Western Star

Rocky Mountain House, July 1 -- Canada is made up of the original
peoples, who have been here for millenia, and newcomers from other parts
of the world, who have arrived in the last few hundred years.  People
from all groups gathered at the Rocky Historic Site today to celebrate
their country's birthday.

Visitors were greeted by native dancers as they arrived.  Young girls
sparkled in their jingle dance dresses, covered with hundreds of tiny
metal cones.  Maralyn Baker introduced each dance, explaining its
origins and significance.  She said, "The Jingle Dance comes from the
Ojibway people."  Shaun Beaver-Hawman performed several dances,
including the Hoop Dance, where he added ring after ring, portraying
different creatures with each additional hoop.

In the Interpretive Centre, visitors could inspect traditional costumes,
tools, and transportation from the fur trade period.  Some of the
artifacts excavated from the site were on display, along with a "trading
room", with piles of furs, blankets and other trade goods.  There was
also a puppet show, portraying David Thompson and other characters from
fur trading days.

Nearby, the Métis, people with mixed native and European blood,
demonstrated traditional crafts and games.  Jen Rain, blowing on the
coals of a campfire, said, "It gets rid of the smoke if you get them hot
enough."

Bev Weber, Vice President of Rocky Local 845 of the Métis Nation of
Alberta (MNA) and coordinator of the exhibit, said, "We are open until
the Labour Day weekend.  We have bannock and Laborador Tea.  We are
showing how to tan deer hide and process buffalo hide.  Buffalo rawhide
was used on the wheels of the Red River carts."  She explained the role
of the Métis, "The Métis women and men at the time of the fur trade were
guides, interpreters, trappers, hunters and traders.  In front of this
fort, there might have been 200 teepees and 100 tents.  The Métis
brought pemmican from Red River (now Manitoba) to feed the fort.  Métis
women shared their skills in medicine, foods, cooking and tanning.
Without us, they would have gone home or died."

Marlene Lanz, President of MNA Region III, accompanied Local 845
President Dee Johnson on a tour of the exhibit.  Dee said, "We welcome
all our visitors, Metis people and other Aboriginal people to the
celebration of our country."

Alberta at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival
The vitality and diversity of the western Canadian province of Alberta was celebrated in the heart of America's capital from June 30 - July 11, 2006, as part of the internationally renowned Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

With the fastest-growing economy in Canada, Alberta's wealth extends beyond its oil sands and gas fields, beyond its majestic Rocky Mountains and rich agricultural plains, and beyond its legendary ranches and its thriving cosmopolitan, multicultural cities.

Alberta's true wealth is its people--a diverse, hard-working, innovative population whose "can do" spirit has transformed a frontier territory into a prosperous province with a vibrant cultural landscape. Celebrating its centennial in 2005, Alberta is the first Canadian province to be featured at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

Through dynamic performances, demonstrations, and educational programs, more than 120 of Alberta's finest musicians, storytellers, cooks, craftspeople, occupational specialists, and cultural experts celebrated the living traditions that make and sustain Alberta's unique culture. The event highlighted Alberta's indigenous traditions, rich pioneer and immigrant heritage, and thriving contemporary culture.

Many Metis people represented Alberta at the festival. The following are some of them. For a complete listing visit http://www.folklife.si.edu/festival/2006/Alberta/index.html.

Laura McLaughlin, Edmonton, Alberta
Laura McLaughlin was born and raised in Prairie Echo, northern Alberta, and began sewing by hand with her grandmother when she was four years old. She later decided to make sewing a full-time job so that she could stay at home with her children. Her home-based business specializes in traditional Native and contemporary Métis clothing, often incorporating the Métis sash.

Melissa Moses, Edmonton, Alberta
Melissa Moses is a Northern Cree-Métis craftswoman who grew up in Cold Lake, Alberta. Melissa has taught at various colleges and currently works in the Royal Alberta Museum's Discovery Room. She is well-known for her beadwork, and her favorite crafts are hide tanning, porcupine quill work, and moose hair embroidery. Melissa is joined at the Festival by her husband, Ben.

Asani, Edmonton, Alberta
Debbie Houle
Sarah Pocklington
Sherryl Sewepagahan
Asani, a contemporary a cappella Aboriginal women's trio from Alberta, formed in April 1997. Carrying with them the traditional influences of First Nations and Métis music, Asani performs primarily original compositions in Woodland Cree and English. Their musical styles encompass a spectrum ranging from traditional vocals accompanied by drums and rattles, to the contemporary sounds of jazz, folk, and blues. www.asani.org

I Took the Canada Quiz
By Roger Breault

I recently completed the Canada Day Quiz published in the Edmonton Journal of June 30, 2006.  Feeling pretty smug about my knowledge of my country, I figured I’d score high.  I didn’t.  I only scored 68%, answering 37 of 55 questions correctly.

I was struck by the lack of questions about aboriginal matters.  There was only one.  What is the name of the now extinct first nation that once occupied Newfoundland?  Of course, the correct answer is Beothuk.  The Nation became extinct by 1829.

There was very troubling question, that bothered me.  It was:  “Name the largest health crisis that ever faced Canada”.  The correct answer according to the cheat-sheet was “Dysentery, a health-problem that killed about 50,000 people immediately after the return on our troops in World War One”.  That’s when I knew that the quiz was definitely written from a white-European perspective. 

I answered “small pox” and I think I’m right about this.  Small pox eliminated hundreds of thousands of aboriginals in Canada.  The disease was embedded in the blankets given to aboriginal tribes by European migrants in the 19th century.  It was devastating, almost to the point of mass genocide.

Canada still has a considerable way to go before it acknowledges aboriginals as part of its social fabric and its collective history.  The quiz is a sad testimony to our ignorance and our neglect in understanding Canada’s First Nations as an essential element of our history and what makes up Canada today.

Open Letter from Jim Dinning

As a candidate for the leadership of the Alberta Progressive Conservative Party, I appreciate the opportunity to outline some of my views on issues that are important to Métis people.

I’m proud to have served in a government that recognizes the distinct rights, culture and heritage of Métis people. I was in government when the Métis Settlement Act was passed. As Minister of Education, we established a strong Aboriginal education branch that worked directly with people on Métis Settlements to improve education results.

My leadership campaign is focused around three themes: preparation, innovation, and conservation.

Preparation is all about people, making sure children get a healthy start in life, that more of our young people complete high school and go on to apprenticeship programs or college or university. And making sure all Albertans can benefit from the opportunities of a strong economy. Benefits that all of us should enjoy, not just some of us.

I’m a champion for education because it’s the best gift we can give our children - the opportunity to learn and to pursue their dreams.

For Métis children and young people, it’s just so important that we work together to increase the number of students who finish high school and go on to learn a trade, go to college, or take a university degree. I want to work with Métis leaders, parents, teachers and young people to make this happen. That means nailing down a long-term, coordinated plan (and the necessary dollars) so that young Métis succeed in school.

Innovation is about combining our creativity and can-do attitude with smart ideas and expertise to make Alberta a global centre for research, technology, and innovation. It means creating new products in agriculture, clean energy and forestry. So that our companies ship finished products, not just commodities. That kind of innovative approach will benefit Métis businesses across Alberta.

Conservation is about preserving what’s important to Albertans and keeping our focus on future generations. It’s about managing our finances well, saving some of our oil and gas revenue for the future, preserving essential services, and protecting Alberta’s precious air, land and water.

Conservation and respect for nature are a critical part of Métis heritage and culture. Those values, combined with a clear recognition of the rights of Métis people as set out by the Supreme Court of Canada, must be the starting point for negotiating a permanent Métis Harvesting Agreement. If we balance the rights, values and traditions of Métis people with responsible conservation, we’ll ensure that our rich stock of fish and wildlife is there for future generations of Albertans - including future generations of Métis.

If we get these three themes right – preparation, innovation and conservation – and if we continue to work together in an open and respectful way, we’ll get Alberta’s future right. And there will be a place for all Albertans to achieve their dreams.

For more information, I encourage you to visit my website at www.jimdinning.ca. And I'd certainly welcome your advice and comments.

Métis Group Occupies Manitoba Cabinet Minister's Office
July 21, 2006
CBC News

Métis protesters say they will not leave the office of provincial Energy Minister Dave Chomiak until they receive compensation for damage to their land from hydroelectric dams.

About 20 Métis people from Grand Rapids, in northern Manitoba, have been camping on the lawn of the Manitoba legislative building since the beginning of June.

The group says they deserve the same compensation First Nations received after Manitoba Hydro flooded their community to build a dam in the 1960s.

On Friday, the group took their protest inside to Chomiak's office.

"Today's 46 days, and it's been 46 years since they flooded Grand Rapids," said Nellie Morrisseau, spokeswoman for the group.

"We have to go here. This is where the answer's supposed to be, and we will stay here."

Morrisseau said the protesters want $1 million in compensation.

A spokesperson for Chomiak's office said the minister is not in the building.

In the early 1990s, Manitoba Hydro reached multimillion-dollar compensation agreements with the Grand Rapids, Chenawawin, The Pas and Moose Lake bands, as well as the communities of Easterville, Cormorant and Moose Lake.

The agreements acknowledged that the changing water levels and flows that occurred when the Grand Rapids Generating Station was constructed affected fishing, trapping, recreation and other pursuits in the area.

Grilled Herb Trout
6 (10 oz.) trout whole and cleaned
 
~ salt and pepper to taste
 
6  sprigs of dill or tarragon
 
1 or 2 medium onions (cut in wedges)
 
~  lemon
 
~ oil
 

Rinse fish and pat dry with paper towel
Sprinkle lightly with salt & pepper
Place one herb sprig in the cavity of each trout
Close fish & place in fish basket
Oil hot grill to prevetn sticking
Place basket on grill; cover barbecue
Cook on medium-high for 4-6 minutes
Turn fish, add oinions on grill and cook for additional 4-6 minutes
Serve with lemon