October 2006

Providing communication to Métis and non-Métis people to create awareness, promote and preserve Métis heritage and culture.

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The opinions and advertisements 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.

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Box 3263, Sherwood Park, Alberta, T8H 2T2
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News and Advertisement Deadline: 20th of every month

Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.

The evening will also include several Aboriginal performers and entertainers from around the province. This will be a fun packed evening and will not be bogged down with a lot of speeches. The only presentations will be from local leaders and the Premier and his wife.

We will also be providing a traditional meal for this event prepared by Fox Morin with several Aboriginal entertainers during the evening. There will be a silent auction on site with several arts and crafts, musical instruments, sports memorabilia and other items. All proceeds will go towards the ongoing programs and travel of the Edmonton Métis Cultural Dance Society.

The Aboriginal People's Tribute is being held during Métis week and is the kick off to our "Métis Fest 2006". During the evening banquet we will be announcing a name change to our scholarship Awards which will be directed at Aboriginal People in Arts Programs. It will be the Colleen Klein Aboriginal Arts Scholarships.

The banquet will be $150.00/ plate or $1500/table of 10. Please book early as tables will be limited. Book now and don’t be disappointed.

The EMCDS hopes to see you at the Aboriginal People's Tribute to the Honourable Ralph Klein and his wife Colleen Klein and invite one and all to take part in our weekend event "Métis Fest 2006”.

For more information, you can the office at 780-451-1072, or visit www.metisdance.com .

Métis Fiddle, Guitar & Dance Camp to Kick off Métis Week
The Edmonton Métis Cultural Dance Society (EMCDS) will be hosting its first Métis Fiddle, Guitar and Dance Camp this year on November 14–16, 2006 at the Sands Motor Inn in Edmonton, Alberta.

The EMCDS are now celebrating their 20th year as a performing group with national recognition. Over the last 20 years the EMCDS have traveled across North America as young ambassadors for the Métis Nation and for the City of Edmonton and the EMCDS has taught Métis Dance and Fiddle in their studio for the past 7 years. The group has performed at many venues across North America, as well as producing several educational videos teaching Métis dance and music. They also host their own cultural festival every fall during the annual Métis Week. The festival is known as "Métis Fest". You are invited to stay the weekend and enter in the fiddle and Red River Jig Contests.

Homer Poitras was born in 1941 near Wolf Lake Métis Settlement in Alberta. He has received many awards for his efforts in the preservation and promotion of Métis fiddle music and dance. Homer has been invited to play for many government dignitaries. He currently lives in Elk Point, Alberta.

Gilbert Anderson was born in 1934. He comes from a large musical family and inherited a couple of family fiddles. He was always around Métis music and continues to teach and promote fiddle and dance through the Edmonton Métis Cultural Dancers programs. He calls many of his traditional songs “Fort Edmonton” tunes. Gilbert currently resides in Edmonton, Alberta

Garry Lepine was born in 1950 at Britle, Manitoba. His father, Phillippe Lepine, encouraged his fiddling, and gave him the family fiddle when he was only ten years old. One of his greatest influences was Reg Bouvette, who was also a close personal friend. Gary has attended fiddling competitions across Western Canada. He continues to record his tunes in order to preserve Métis music and style.

Clint Dutiaume When it comes to playing the fiddle, Clint Dutiaume is a master of his craft. Nine-time winner the Manitoba Instrumentalist of the Year Award, Clint is also proficient on the guitar, bass, mandolin and drums. For this Manitoba music industry veteran, there is no challenge on stage or the recording studio he has not faced and overcome. Growing up in a musical family of 13 children, Clint found musical inspiration in the music of Andy Desjarlis, Reg Bouvette, and Charlie Daniels. Through the influence of different styles, Clint has his own signature technique.

Brent Potskin Is a seven time Canadian Métis Jigging Champion. Brent has been the lead dancers for the Edmonton Métis Cultural Dancers for the past 20 years. Brent has taught Métis dance for the past 15 years all across North America at Métis events and folk festivals. Brent Potskin comes from a dance family and is a third generation and continues to pass it down to his children, which are the fourth generation

Ray St. Germain is well known as a fiddle player’s best friend. Ray has played for some of the best including: Calvin Vollrath, Graham Townsend and more. Ray has spent most of his life in the Edmonton area and is sometimes mistaken for the other Ray St. Germain in Manitoba. But when it comes to backing the best fiddlers around there is no mistake with who Ray St. Germain.

The cost of the camp is $350 for the three days including 3 meals and two evening fiddle jams. For more information on the Métis Fiddle, Guitar & Dance Camp, you can call their office at 780-451-1072, or visit www.metisdance.com

Landmark Event on the Landscape of Canadian and Indigenous Cinema
By Jacquie P. Carpenter

A new film from the makers of 2002's Atanarjuat The Fast Runner, The Journals of Kund Rasmussen, kicked off the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7th, 2006. This historical opening night was truly a landmark event on the landscape of Canadian and Indigenous cinema. The Journals is also the opening night selection of the Atlantic, Calgary and
Edmonton Film Festivals.

The Journals of Knud Rasmussen marks the loss of belief of Inuit who converted from shamanism to Christianity in the early twentieth century, the first major film to recognize, dignify and honour Aboriginal pain and loss.

Opening the Toronto International Film Festival in the language and voice of the colonized, transforms The Journals into an historic national honor: the first film invited to carry forward the rich belief system of Aboriginal people to an Opening Night audience of Canada's most powerful and privileged. The duality of this event continues through the film's 35mm cinema release by using the new potential of digital HD to bring The Journals at the same time to audiences in remote northern Aboriginal communities.

Isuma Distribution International [IDI] Inc.
Overcoming Exclusion and Bias in Canadian Film Distribution

Denied access to films by distributors, Aboriginal audiences have little impact on the gross box office of Canadian features. This further puts Aboriginal filmmakers at a disadvantage when competing for national production funds awarded according to box office success.

Isuma Distribution International is Canada's first distributor to address the regional and racial inequalities in the current system's failure to serve the north. IDI's goal is to expand Canadian box office to Aboriginal communities.

Opening one of the world's most important film festivals, The 2006 Toronto International Film Festival, in the Inuit voice, The Journals speaks to Canadians of an historic opportunity. On September 29, Alliance Atlantis-MPD brings that opportunity to theatres and audiences across southern Canada.

What about the north? What about remote communities without 35mm theatres? Should Inuit, Metis and First Nations' audiences be the last Canadians to see this film?

From October 2006 to April 2007, IDI has plans to bring The Journals to 200+ remote communities in the coming months with the support of Telefilm Canada, Alliance Atlantis and Makavik Corporation. Touring The Journals is a new initiative that will expand the Canadian box office, IDI will install HD digital projectors in selected communities to enable ongoing film distribution. Stay tuned for dates.

Dances of Rupertsland
A night to remember!! Casino Regina Show Lounge in Saskatchewan on October 19, 2006 at 7:00 PM.

Sample a taste of Canada with a spectacular and lively blend of Scottish, Irish, French, First Nations and Métis musicians and dancers that is sure to get you moving in your seat.

Hear the magnificent music lineup including Master of the Métis fiddle, John Arcand, the wonderful members of les Cireux de Semelles with musicians: Justin Bell (button accordion, vocals and bones) Jesse Michaud (fiddle and vocals) and Mario Poulin (mandolin and vocals) the Lone Creek Singers, a Scottish Fiddle and Bag Piper and a live Irish Band.

Proceeds to non profit cultural societies. Tickets $26.50 Available at: WJS First Aid 1370 Lorne St. Ph: 359-7233; Ceilidh Surprise, 1359 Broad St. Ph: 352-4377; the Conseil Culturel Fransaskois office 210 - 3850 Hillsdale Street, Ph: 565-8916; the Regina NAD Celebration Dancers PH: 546-4006; Regina Métis Sports and Culture 1235 2nd Ave N. PH: 543-1094; the Irish Club Dancers Ph: 359-4720 and Casino Regina Box Office Ph: 565-3000.

OCTOBER 6, 2006
Golden Elders Crib Tournament
Canadian Native Friendship Centre, 11205-101 st, Edmonton, Alberta
7:00 pm
Contact 780-479-1999

OCTOBER 7, 2006
Conklin Talent Show
Conklin, Alberta
1:00 pm, Dance at 9:00 p.m.
Contact Peggy at 780-559-8900 or Wendy at 780-559-2235.

OCTOBER 11, 2006
Southern Alberta Self Employment Seminars
Medicine Hat Métis Employment Center, #8 - 3307 Dunmore Rd SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta
Contact Shelley Honish 1-877-800-5603.

OCTOBER 12, 2006
Ben Calf Robe 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
Dreamcatcher Aboriginal Youth conference
MacEwan, Edmonton, AB
Visit www.dreamcatcher.macewan.ca

OCTOBER 19, 2006
Dances of Rupertsland
Music by John Arcand, Les Cireux de Semelles, Lone Creek Singers and more!
Casino Regina Show Lounge, Saskatchewan
7:00 pm
Tickets $26.50
Contact: Casino Regina Box Office Ph: 565-3000.

OCTOBER 23 - 24, 2006
The 4th Annual It's All About Opportunities
A Gathering of Aboriginal entrepreneurs
Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel, Edmonton, Alberta
Visit www.cbsc.org/alberta/absn/conf.

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.

NOVEMBER 3, 2006
Golden Elders Crib Tournament
Canadian Native Friendship Centre, 11205-101 st, Edmonton, Alberta
7:00 pm
Contact 780-479-1999

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 14 - 16 , 2006
Métis Fest Fiddle Camp
The finest fiddlers, guitarists and jiggers gather to teach the Metis traditions
$350 for 3 days includes 3 meals and Fiddle Jams Tues & Wed evening
Sands Motor Inn, Edmonton Alberta
Contact 780-451-1072

NOVEMBER 16, 2006
An Aboriginal Tribute to Premier Ralph Klein and Colleen Klein
Amiskwaciy Academy
101 Airport Road
$150.00 a Plate/ 1500.00 a Table of 10
Contact 780-451-1072

NOVEMBER 17 - 19 , 2006
Métis Fest 2006
“Celebration of Métis Music, Dance and Culture”
Western Canadian Métis Fiddle, Square Dance and Red River Jig Championships
Friday: 7pm Talent Show, Sat & Sun: 1:00 pm
Poundmakers Lodge, St. Albert, Alberta
Contact 780-451-1072

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

DECEMBER 1, 2006
Golden Elders Crib Tournament
Canadian Native Friendship Centre, 11205-101 st, Edmonton, Alberta
7:00 pm
Contact 780-479-1999.

DECEMBER 9 & 10, 2006
Sacred Heart Christmas Craft Sale
Sacred Heart Church, 10821-96 street, Edmonton, Alberta
Contact: 780 422-3052 .

There are currently 22 Parent Link Centres across the province, with four that have an Aboriginal prospective in their programs that include such things as: Traditional parenting information; Sharing Circles; informational presentations; problem solving techniques; video presentations; and guest speakers.

Parents are able to access information about community services, obtain referrals, and meet other parents, children, and families, while taking part in quality early learning activities at a Parent Link Centre like the one offered through the Métis Settlements Child and Family Services Authority which serves the eight Métis Settlements in Alberta.

Another example is Awo Taan, an Aboriginal Women's Shelter in Calgary that provides both shelter and outreach services to families. Its partners include elders, parents and other Aboriginal community agencies. Parent Link Centre funding allows Awo Taan and its partners to develop a grassroots approach to supporting Aboriginal families and their children based on a family wellness model.

The two other Centres with an Aboriginal focus can be found at the Métis Calgary Family Services Society or Native Counseling Services of Alberta in the Edmonton area.

Parent Link Centres were established as part of the government's response to the Alberta Learning Commission. These centres of excellence provide parents and families with options to help them make the best choices. This is done within a holistic and safe environment. And, there is a minimal or no cost for participants to access the wide array of information.

While programming may differ from centre to centre in response to local needs, each centre provides four core services: parent education; early childhood development and care; family support; and information and referrals.

Parent Link Centres are accessible for any parent or caregiver. Parents can drop-in for a program, talk one-on-one with a resource worker, sign up for a program or course, or just call with questions. Talking to someone could be the missing link in your search for creative solutions.

Additional information about Parent Link Centres is also available on the Children's Services website: www.child.gov.ab.ca.

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

Clearing the Land
My Dad cleared the land and planted oats, barley and wheat. The soil was rich but it was covered with bush and trees. People always say that farmers hate trees and now I understand why. It was back breaking work clearing the land. Pulling the huge roots out of the ground was terribly hard work. My Dad used his big farm horse and harnessed a logging chain around the tree stump to make the job a bit easier. However, sometimes the horse couldn’t even pull out those huge roots and my Dad would give the horse a whip to make him try again. Often Dad just had to chop the roots to finally get them loose. I was reminded what hard work clearing land is when my son Vincent began clearing a place for his house in Buffalo Lake. Nowadays a good Cat operator can come in and clear the land in an hour which used to take days and even months to do.

There were many bad years for the farmers when I was growing up. The farmers couldn’t make a go of it because of the low price of grain. One year, my Dad told me with a lot of bitterness, that he got 28 cents for a bushel of wheat when he took his grain to the elevator in town. These were the" depression years". In 1939, when war broke out in Europe many young men joined or were called to fight in the Second World War. In a recent interview with Harvey Mennie, Army Veteran stated, “There was no work and nothing else to do.”

The depression left a mark on our hearts and minds because we had to watch everything we did. We never threw anything away because we never knew when we would need it or could give it to someone else. Everything we could do to make things last longer would save us from buying new. I remember darning socks! My grandmother showed me how. I bet the youth of today don't even know what that means.

There was a lot of sharing and giving in those years. Ordering something new from the Eaton’s catalogue and waiting for the brown paper parcel to arrive at the post office was greatly anticipated. I always hoped that my new dress would fit and be nicer than the other girls because they ordered from the catalogue, too! Hard times but good memories.

I have been asked by the Government to represent the Metis Nation of Alberta on this MSC. As well, a panel has been formed from this MSC to hold public consultations this fall to hear from Albertans on oil sands development. A series of open information meetings have been scheduled for various locations around the province to give Albertans a say in how the oil sands should be developed. So far, we have traveled to Bonnyville, Ft. McMurray, Peace River, Edmonton, Calgary, Wabasca and Ft. Chipewyan.

I find this work to be very important for the future of Alberta, and as a Metis, it is equally important that we participate in these public consultations. This is our opportunity to discuss issues of the environment, economic opportunity, housing, and education, just to name a few.

There are two phases in this process. Phase one will consist of an initial public consultation where feedback will be used by the MSC to develop recommendations for a vision for oil sands development and principles to assist in guiding future policy directions.

During the second Phase, the MSC will incorporate the Panel information and other feedback to develop policy recommendations for implementation of the vision and principles.

With the support of the First Nations leadership on the MSC, we also pushed, and secured a component of phase two where the findings of the MSC will be validated with First Nations and Métis groups who participated in the consultation to ensure that the recommendations presented to the Ministers of Energy, Environment and Sustainable Resource Development in June 2007, accurately reflect what was heard from the First Nations and Métis who participated in the consultation.

Should you want more information on this process, I encourage you to visit the website www.oilsandsconsultations.gov.ab.ca, or by dialing 1-877-644-4695.

Trevor Gladue
MNA Provincial Vice President
100 Delia Gray Building
11738 Kingsway Ave
Edmonton, AB T5G 0X5

780-455-2200
1-800-252-7533
tgladue@metis.org

Cultural Advocate Leaves us with Fond Memories
By Terry Lusty

We all have our little treasures. In Alberta’s Metis community, one of those was Georgina Donald. That’s all changed now; she’s gone but not forgotten.

On Sept. 14, Donald quietly passed away, but not before leaving her indelible stamp with the community she loved so dearly, in particular her many years of involvement and devoted service with the Friendship Centre movement.
Born in Calling Lake and raised in Athabasca, Donald moved to Edmonton in 1949 and married her husband, the late Ross Donald, two years later. The relationship lasted until his passing, 49 years later (2000). The two brought six children (Beatrice, Wayne, Dennis, Lyle, Joanne, Brian) into the world and, they in turn, honoured her with 26 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren.

With the development of the Canadian Native Friendship Centre in Edmonton in the early 1960s, Donald became a staff member, rising through the ranks until she was the executive director, and then retired in 1995 after 32 glorious years. In that time-span, she brought unsurpassed music and dance, specifically the Metis dancing of her people, as she along with Moise White established the Junior Dancers that almost every young one who came along would, at one time or another, be associated with. Indeed, she started a trend that is yet ongoing in the realm of Metis jigging and square dancing. Her pupils became champions and many went on to compete and win at the highly sought-after Back To Batoche contests and others.
Later, in the 1990s, she and her son, Lyle, organized the Edmonton Metis Cultural Dance Society, now located on 124 St. just north of 107 Ave.

In all the years that this writer knew her, she was not one to make enemies. On the contrary, she was loved and admired by many and always had that little wee smile accompanied by a twinkle in her eye for anyone who happened to cross her path. She judged talent competitions and was always somehow or other involved at the community level as she helped weave the cultural fabric of her Metis ancestry, which she always wore so proudly.

She played a key role in the early days of the center when it developed its annual fall festivals that drew contestants and spectators from throughout the length and breadth of the province. She was, likewise, instrumental in the centre’s involvement at the annual Heritage Days and saw to it that the center was often represented at a multitude of events and festivities. And, even after her retirement, this grand lady could always be spotted in the crowd at the centre’s annual general meetings.

On a final note, it was ever so heart-warming to see the Matriarch of Metis dance observe and clap along, smile and encourage all those young dancers who crossed her path whether they were two or 82 years of age. To her credit, she was the party responsible for many of those you see performing today, youngsters carrying on the traditions of their Metis ancestors and, in turn, handing it down to the future generations.

Georgina Donald, we salute you and thank you so much for all you contributed. Now go dance with your buddies upstairs.
Hiy-hiy, merci, musee-cho.

Expressway Named “Métis Trail” in Calgary
On Friday, September 29, 2006, approximately 150 people gathered in Calgary to participate in a ceremony recognizing the naming of the new 36 St. /44 St. N.E. expressway as Métis Trail.

The ceremony began with a procession of fiddlers, jiggers, two Red River carts, dignitaries, flag bearers and others, going up a trail beside the new expressway, “Métis Trail”. The crowd then gathered around as dignitaries from the Métis National Council, Métis Nation of Alberta, Region Three MNA, Municipal, Provincial and federal governments gave tribute to the new name of the expressway.

The speeches were followed by the unveiling of a smaller version of the sign “Métis Trail” by Region three President Marlene Lanz, and Calgary Mayor Dave Bronconnier.

Afterwards, the crowd then had lunch, and little bit of good old fashioned fiddle playing. It was a great day for the Métis, one that will be remembered by all for as long as they drive on the new expressway, “Métis Trail”.

ASANI WINS VOTES INTO THE FINAL ROUND!
The Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards is the only event where you, the fans, have the opportunity to choose which artist will be honoured in each category. Be a part of Canadian Aboriginal music history - sign up today to cast your vote. Online voting, worldwide, begins September 1, 2006.

The Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards is the first awards show of its kind. It provides an opportunity to showcase Aboriginal music to the rest of the world and to expose Aboriginal recording artists to a national fan base, music industry, and media.

Asani is an Aboriginal women’s a cappella trio from Edmonton, Alberta. Asani has received recognition for their debut CD Rattle & Drum, which received 9 music award nominations from Canada and the US, most notably a 2006 Juno nomination for Aboriginal Recording of the Year.

Asani has been nominated for these categories at the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards:

If you would like to support Asani by voting, please go to: http://www.aboriginalpeopleschoice.com and cast your vote. If you have already voted, you can sign in and vote again. If this is the first time you have received this email, you must register before voting. It's easy. Just follow the instructions.

Back to Batoche Interactive Site
The Gabriel Dumont Institute virtual museum of Canada exhibit is up and running! This site is very interactive and easy to navigate.

There are four animated guides, Elisabeth, Marie, Brandon and Joseph, to help you enjoy your visit of the site. Choose "View Flash Site" and click on "1885 Batoche" to learn in detail about the history of Batoche or click on "Back to Batoche Festival" to see how the Metis celebrate their culture 120 years after the Resistance. There are many video clips, photos and even games throughout the site. Play the Bannock Baking Game, watch the fancy footwork of Metis dancers or gather around the fire pit for stories of the past.

Let the fun begin. Visit http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/Batoche/html/about/index.php .

Open Letter from Gary McPherson
On September 12, I officially announced my candidacy for the leadership of the Alberta Progressive Conservative Party. Since 1971, successive Progressive Conservative Governments of Alberta have provided the required leadership that has made Alberta the economic envy of Canada. I plan on adding to this leadership legacy.

The 21st Century is upon us, and I think we have an even greater opportunity in Alberta to build on our economic successes. This will help to ensure that Alberta will truly remain the best Province in which to live for years to come.

To my way of thinking, Alberta and Albertans are as uniquely different to Canada as are the Province and people of Québec. In order to continue to make Alberta a better place in which to live and an even greater province than it already is, I believe that a “different” and "creative” vision is required, combined with a progressive process of thinking .

Our successes and challenges are inextricably linked to the financial wealth that has been created by our natural resources. My experience tells me that money, without vision, can sometimes just postpone, or unwittingly exacerbate society's problems and challenges. Therefore, we certainly must do things differently in order to answer this question: What do we want Alberta to become in the 21st Century?

I believe that many of the challenges that confront Albertans will be (and are) socio-economic in nature and that they cannot be resolved by money alone. These challenges demand and cry out for citizen engagement, creativity, innovation, determination, commitment and cooperation. This is before money can be put to work in an effective manner in the resolution of these challenges.

I am very confident that my accumulated knowledge, education and rich diversity of personal experiences, have given me an important and necessary understanding of Alberta's immense potential. It is this personal background and confidence that will allow me to be a serious contender for the leadership of the Alberta Progressive Conservative Party.

I can honestly say that I will be the only candidate that truly comes with a difference of person and thought. This difference includes being one of the few, if not "the only" PC leadership candidate who's campaign will be administered strictly through voluntary efforts, and without paid personnel. When this leadership campaign is over, I can assure you that Gary McPherson will have no outstanding political IOUs!

I welcome any interest that you, your family and/or your friends may have in knowing more about my vision and plans for Alberta. Conversely, I would welcome your input with respect to potential public policy ideas for Alberta if you are willing to share your ideas with me.

In closing, I sincerely believe that my candidacy for the Alberta PC leadership can, and will, bring the needed qualities for the next stage of our provincial evolution, and ultimately "make a difference" for the benefit of all Albertans!

Survivors Meetings with Churches a “First”
By Terry Lusty

A possible “first” was achieved last month when representatives of Residential School survivors and survivor groups gathered together in a united front to meet with representatives of no fewer than three of the major church groups that operated Indian Residential Schools. Organized by the National Residential Schools Survivors Society (NRSSS), all regions of Canada with the exception of the Yukon and Quebec were on and to initiate dialogue with the churches as an initial step aimed at opening a new page in history that would result in possible partnering and ongoing communication between survivors, churches and government.

The survivor group representatives first met in isolation at the Regina Inn on Sept. 20. Over the next two days, they conducted meetings at the Regina Indian and Metis Friendship Centre that involved the participation of church representatives, in particular the attendance of David MacDonald and James Scott, senior advisors of the United Church of Canada.

If nothing else, the gathering of approximately two dozen recognized the value of what proved to be an amicable meeting between the representative parties which also included the attendance and participation of the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Committee, the Anglican and Presbyterian churches, even a brief presentation by chief adjudicator Ted Hughes from Victoria, B.C. He informed those assembled that they now have approximately 50 adjudicators selected and that most of them have some legal training. He also addressed the change that will transpire when the “new IAP (Independent Assessment Process) cuts in.”

“What will remain,” he stated, “will be the sexual and serious abuse cases.” As for people who have or will file claims through the ADR process, “the ADR will continue for a year, year and-a-half after that.” Survivors will then have the choice of staying with the old ADR process or going under the new IAP. The IAP, explained Hughes, will handle about “2,500 cases a year . . . will take a lot of staff.” One estimation is 300-400 staff. Claims that have already been filed “will go to the top of the list” when the IAP begins said Hughes.

The survivor’s meeting was loud and clear on several items. One particular one was that any dealings with the churches and, hopefully, the AFN, needs to be “survivor-driven”. Consensus was reached in this regard and re-stated by church officials as well. All of them recognized and acknowledged the desire to support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which, it is said, will require about 400-500 staff across the country.

Other points involved: respect for the needs and interests of survivors, communications and information sharing, promotion of awareness and healing models and roles for public consumption, and the necessity for future round tables that, ideally, will consist primarily of survivors. Thus, the group is intent on meeting and securing endorsements from both the AFN and the government. It was a stated and accepted notion that survivors will advise the Truth and Reconciliation Commission whose input is perceived as all-important. The other important element to much of the discussions was that of commemoration projects for survivors and the dire need for operating costs/core funds for survivor groups in that most do not have any funding available to them at all.

Clothing and Household Items Needed
The Awasis Family Support Workers of Prince Charles School will accept any kind of clothing and small household items to help the parents and students of this school. We would be willing to pick up the items at your home or work. We can be contacted at 455-8101 or Gwen.LHirondelle@epsb.ca.

They Made Me Proud to be a Metis
By Charlene Michalko

My sister Shannon, who lives in the Crows Nest Pass, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 16 years ago. Her husband Paul moved their family from Fort McMurray to the Pass hoping the change in climate would be helpful for her MS. So for the last eight years, every summer, she comes home for her annual 6 week visit. Although her visits with me were usually in Fort McMurray, my recent move to Lac La Biche made it a different yet wonderful visit. Friends and relatives she hadn’t seen for years were dropping in to wish her well.

Although MS has robbed her of many physical functions it has never robbed her of her beautiful spirit and sense of humour. She enjoys laughing, joking with others and visiting. When she is with us she provides us with the joy of just being with her, it gives her the chance to visit all of her friends and relatives and also the opportunity to make new friends.

One particular visit made it especially wonderful. MNA Provincial Vice President, Trevor Gladue along with our Region One President Ken Bourque and Vice President Rick Boucher came to meet and visit with Shannon. Rick graciously presented her with an assortment of Metis gifts. Gifts I know she was proud to receive.

We visited on my front deck, enjoying the day, telling stories and sharing laughs. What an honour it was to have them make that special visit and meet with Shannon. She truly enjoyed her time with her “new friends”, and they will never know just what an impact they made on her that day.

Later that evening as I was carrying her to bed, she looked around her room and stared at the gifts she had received that day. She made me bring them to her so she could see them more closely and then she said with a smile on her face, “those guys made me proud to be a Metis”. That, Trevor, Ken and Rick is what your visit to my sister Shannon did…..Thank you.

AFN Hosts National Res School Settlement Agreement Conference in Vancouver
By Terry Lusty

Close to 400 delegates crowded the Sheraton Wall Centre in Vancouver Sept. 11-13 for the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement Conference designed for frontline workers of those working with school survivors and/or their families.

The focus of the gathering included an explanation of what the agreement was all about, court and survivor approval process, independent approval process and the truth and reconciliation commission that is being established.
In addition, it delved in to such matters as money management, bank investment opportunities, Elder safety and prevention regarding advance payments, wills and estates as well as the responsibilities and ethics of lawyers.
In attendance throughout was the AFN National Chief, Phil Fontaine, and representatives from national government and service organizations such as the Indian Residential Schools Resolutions Canada, the National Residential School Survivors Society, Health Canada, RCMP, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Indigenous Bar Assoc., Aboriginal Healing Foundation, and so forth.

Fontaine spoke of the incredible progress made in negotiating the settlement agreement between the AFN, churches and government. He additionally alluded to the fact you can’t always please everyone. “If you’re looking for perfection, the perfect deal, an agreement that’ll satisfy every nation, you’ll not find it in this agreement,” he stated. “What it represents is our best efforts.” The settlement, he continued, “is fair . . . releases this enormous burden our people carry.” In short, it brings comfort and closure to an experience that was painful, shameful and difficult, he said.

He also threw out some figures regarding the CEP (Common Experience Payment) whose total budget is 1.9 billion dollars. Of the 11,440 CEPs already filed, 5,500 (48%) have been paid, 1760 are in process, 2200 are on hold and 1980 are waiting final approval. As well, the settlement accommodates everyone that was a residential school survivor – First Nations, Inuit and Metis alike. There are no racial boundaries.

Then, too, there is the ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) process, which has some shortcomings. It was too lengthy, survivors want an apology from the PM, there’s an additional 125 million for the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, 60 million for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (first of its kind anywhere), up to 100 million for legal fees, early advance payments of $8,000 each for people 65 and up and an increase from 275,000 dollars to 430,000 as the maximum for serious abuse cases. The total package is the largest settlement ever made by the federal government . Provincial governments are also being lobbied and Alberta, for example, has promised no “claw backs” (for welfare recipients or unpaid taxes). In closing, he praised the efforts of frontline workers as “important.”

During question periods, some survivors were critical of the churches for not opening up their files to survivors wanting confirmation that they were residents of certain schools. This they charged, is especially true of the Catholics who say they won’t do this because the courts have not yet finalized/ratified the agreement. That’s part of the current court hearings that are touring the country to hear from any objectors to the agreement. If the nine courts approve the agreement, a several-month waiting period will set in for people wishing to opt out of the agreement or to accommodate any appeals. Then, by spring or early summer, new claim forms will be printed and made available to survivors under 65 for the CEP. The only weak link would be if 5,000 or more survivors object, that would kill the existing agreement and everything would be right back to square one. The entire deal would have to be renegotiated and there’s no telling how that would wind up. Maybe government would completely wash its hands of it, leaving everybody with nothing. There are no guarantees this wouldn’t happen. A critical Fontaine summed it up thus, “You’re taking a mighty big chance.” To him, “It’s a fair and just settlement . . . (he’s) very proud of it.”

Despite the positives of the agreement and subsequent negotiations there are still objectors to the fact that no compensation is available for those who died in the schools, the survivors who passed away prior to May 30, 2005, or to any of the inter-generationally impacted individuals. Then, too, there are other dissenters. Lavina Lightbowen from Haida Gwaii, insists that the 3,000 dollars for every year in school is inadequate, “a slap in the face.” She and others complained bitterly that society is still wrong to not recognize the community’s own experts, those with traditional and practical experience. Sharon Small objected to healing processes by non-Native professionals who are not qualified in “the Native way of life. We have our own professionals and healers she stated. According to several delegates, those with degrees are hired or contracted over and above Natives and at much higher pay rates. Additionally, said Small, many survivors possess strength and compassion that non-Natives usually lack.

One other hard fact raised is the rejection letters some survivors receive when they file their claims. In sum, government is telling them they did not attend a school and in some cases, those individuals don’t even exist. This, of course, has a number of survivors up in arms. Still, Fontaine assured all the delegates that the government recently “promised there will be no more letters of rejection.”

In speaking on behalf of the street people,” Clarence Dennis claimed “45 per cent of us on skid row now are Aboriginal. Of that, 95 per cent are Residential School survivors.” He asked for more help for street people, the poor and homeless. He also said that they have “to apply” to foreign nations for aid, countries like China, Bolivia, Chile, the Soviet Union, and so on.
Female hip-hop artist, J.B., performed at the conference and passed the hat, collecting over 1,100 dollars for special projects devoted to helping some women’s projects for Vancouver’s east-end streets.

The conference was a “freebie” and allowed for numerous “walk-ups,” such as people who failed to pre-register for it. Health support workers were also on hand for any “situations” (survivor’s memories, etc.) that might develop. Many in attendance renewed or made new acquaintances as well as important contacts.

Mother’s Journey: “The time between conception and the first breath”
Maria Campbell, Master Class: call for grandmothers and mothers, who are also established and/or emerging writers

Maria Campbell, Metis mother and grandmother, will lead eight to ten established and/or emerging indigenous women artists in a week-long intensive writing retreat, to take place on the west coast in May, 2007. Maria Campbell’s breakthrough book, Halfbreed (1973) has been followed by significant work in theatre and film, as well as books for children and for adults, including the beautiful and satisfying collection from Metis oral traditions, Stories of the Road Allowance People (1995). A long-time activist for women’s and Aboriginal people’s rights, a mentor and teacher to many, Maria Campbell is a Distinguished Canadian who has received many honours and awards from aboriginal, academic, and arts communities. Four of her books have been translated into four languages and published in eight countries, and two of her plays have also toured internationally.

The Mothers Writing Workshop will gather diverse aboriginal mothers and grandmothers, who already have some artistic practice in place, to focus on writing our experiences of pregnancy, childbirth, and mothering. Beginning our work immersed in oral tradition and storytelling, we will turn our focus to writing our lives as mothers. In order to maintain our ceremonial space and internal focus of energies, use of telephones and internet-access during our time together are discouraged, and childcare should be arranged separate from the workshop environment.

The Mothers Writing Workshop will be held in B.C. (location and venue to be confirmed). Writers will have the option of submitting work generated from this workshop for inclusion in a future anthology. Participants will also be invited to take part in associated public readings and events, scheduled before and after the intensive writing retreat. Travel and accommodation will be provided. Participants are encouraged to travel light: pencil and paper required. Rain gear is recommended.

Women interested in participating are invited to submit applications by October 30, 2006. There is no application form. Please write a cover letter expressing your interest in this workshop, how it may be of benefit to you in your ongoing artistic development, and submit this along with a brief author bio, c.v. (curriculum vitae), publications list, and a brief sample of your writing (any genre, published or unpublished). Please note whether financial assistance for childcare will be required at the time of application, or as early as possible; although we will make every effort to assist, provision of childcare funds cannot be guaranteed.

Electronic submissions are encouraged: Joanne.Arnott+birth.stories@gmail.com

Or mail submissions to:

Selection Committee, Mothers Writing Workshop,
110– 8700 General Currie Road
Richmond, B.C.
V6Y 1M2

Deadline: October 30, 2006

3. In the 1950' s four Settlements were dissolved. Which ones?

4. How many Metis Settlements in Alberta today? Can you name them?

1. In 1895 the first Metis Settlement was established, St. Paul des Metis was formed in the area of present day town of St. Paul. In 1905 St. Paul des Metis was terminated for public homesteading .

2. In 1932 the Association des Metis D'Alberta et des Territories du Nord Quest was formed by Metis leaders to lobby government on behalf of their people (name later changed to Metis Association of Alberta [MAA]. In 1935 the Ewing Commission funded by Alberta Government formed to investigate conditions of Alberta Metis in response to MAA's requests for government intervention. In 1938 the Population Betterment Act passed by Alberta Legislature, forming 12 Metis Settlements.

4. Currently there are 8 Metis Settlements: East Prairie, Paddle Prairie, Pevine, Elizabeth, Gift Lake, Fishing Lake, Kikino, and Buffalo Lake.