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November 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 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. To receive the newsletter, to send submissions or to advertise, contact us at:
Quotation Generosity
Contents:
Events
Education/Employment
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development Speaking Up, Speaking Out Métis Me Working with You Métis Interest Articles
Métis Cultural Corner
Joke of the Month Recipe
Events NOVEMBER 3 - 5, 2006 NOVEMBER 3, 2006 NOVEMBER 8, 2006 DECEMBER 1, 2006 DECEMBER 9 & 10, 2006 FEBRUARY 7 - 9, 2007 Metis Week Events Sacred Heart CHURCH OF THE FIRST PEOPLES, 10821-96 st, Edmonton, AB 11:00 am Luncheon to follow NOVEMBER 13, 2006 Tentative Metis Children's Day Edmonton, AB Contact 780-944-9288 NOVEMBER 14, 2006 Flag Raising Ceremony & Proclamation Edmonton City Hall, 1 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton, AB 12:00 - 1:30 pm Lunch & Entertainment to follow MNA Region 5 Open House Region 4 Office, 11724-95 st, Edmonton, AB 1:00 - 4:00 pm Coffee & Snacks Métis Fest Fiddle Camp The finest fiddlers, guitarists and jiggers gather to teach the Metis traditions $300 for 3 days includes 3 meals and Fiddle Jams Tues & Wed evening Sands Motor Inn, Edmonton, AB Contact 780-451-1072 NOVEMBER 15, 2006 Inglewood Building Open House Apeetogosan, Metis Employment Centre, Metis Judiciary Council 3rd Fl, 12308-111 Ave, Edmonton, AB 11:00 am - 3:00 pm MNA Genealogy Workshop Learn to complete your family tree Historial documents availale for viewing on site MNA Office, Delia Gray Building, 11738 Kingsway Ave, Edmonton, AB 2:00 - 5:00 pm Sun & Moon Gallery Opening 12225-107 Ave, Edmonton, AB 5:00 - 8:00 pm NOVEMBER 16, 2006 An Aboriginal Tribute to Premier Ralph Klein and Colleen Klein Amiskwaciy Academy, 101 Airport Road, Edmonton, AB $150.00 a Plate/ $1500.00 a Table of 10 Contact 780-451-1072 Louis Riel Commemoration Legislature Building, Edmonton, AB 11:00 am - 12:00 pm MNA Open House MNA Office, Delia Gray Building, 11738 Kingsway Ave, Edmonton, AB 12:00 - 4:00 pm 2006 Delia Gray Memorial Gala Italian Cultural Centre, 14230-133 ave, Edmonton, AB Contact 455-2200 or 1-800-252-7553 Flag Raising, Open House and Luncheon Main Street, Slave Lake, AB Contact 780-849-4654 NOVEMBER 17 , 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 18, 2006 MNA Region 4 AGM Wingate Inn, 18220-100 Ave, Edmonton, AB 9:30 am - 5:00 pm NOVEMBER 19, 2006 MNA Region 4 Strategic Planning Workshop Wingate Inn, 18220-100 Ave, Edmonton, AB 9:30 am - 1:00 pm
Education / Employment RBC Royal Eagles Raise $4000 for Amiskwaciy Academy - Edmonton's Only Aborignal High School On National Aboriginal Day – June 21, 2006, the RBC Royal Eagles sponsored a buffalo burger BBQ fundraiser at Glen Abbey Park in Edmonton to support Amiskwaciy Academy’s hot lunch program. The RBC Royal Eagles is a RBC Financial Group employee support group that works to create awareness of Aboriginal culture, provides a support system for new staff and existing Aboriginal employees, and acts as a liaison with local Aboriginal communities. Membership consists of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal staff. The RBC Royal Eagles date back to 1990; they have been sponsoring the local National Aboriginal Day BBQ for the past five years, as part of their ongoing support for the Aboriginal community. In 2005, the RBC Royal Eagles raised enough money through this one event to support half of the Academy’s hot lunch program. This year, the RBC Royal Eagles raised $2,000, which was matched with $2,000 from RBC’s charitable foundation, to help support the entire hot lunch program for a year. RBC Financial Group has a long-standing relationship with Aboriginal communities, and its support is directed to youth, training, education and economic development.
Brosseau Métis Awards 1st Annual Celebration This unique event highlighted the accomplishments and the commitment of both award recipients and Award Founders. Students were acknowledged by formal presentations of Métis sashes by Elder Marge Friedel. Dignitaries and Elders offering congratulations included Senator Thelma Chalifoux, Mayor Stephen Mandel, Audrey Poitras President of the Métis Nation of Alberta, and MLA Dave Hancock who delivered a message from the Premier. George Brosseau, Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards Panel Chair, in his opening address provided a challenge to Business and Industry. ”We are hopeful that other public and private funders will step forward and join with us to expand upon the legacy of the Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards Fund.” Some key sponsors came out to enjoy the event; Suncor Energy, Imperial Equities Inc, and Atco representatives were at tables where students could network with them. Dan Calhoon, award recipient from 2002 and now an Engineer at Suncor in Fort MacMurray, joined the Suncor table to enjoy the evening. The vision for our gathering was “Investing in Our Future Together”. The achievements in education and careers of award recipients demonstrate the impact Métis people can have on the future of Alberta.
Red Deer College Guarantees Academic Entrance Awards for High School Students The Building on Excellence awards give $1000 tuition to students entering Red Deer College from high school with an average of 90 percent or better. The $1000 awards will be split into two; $500 for fall semester and $500 for winter semester tuition. Students applying to Red Deer College may provide an unofficial statement of their grades to see if they qualify for the award. “The Red Deer College Building on Excellence Guaranteed $1000 Award reflects the College’s commitment to academic distinction,” said Michael Donlevy, Associate Vice President Community Relations at Red Deer College. “We want to attract some of the best and brightest students from central Alberta and make it possible for them to study within their own community, close to family and friends.” “We’re making Red Deer College as attractive as possible for potential students who want to stay in central Alberta for their education,” said Donlevy. The new awards are part of the College’s 40th anniversary endowment established in 2002. “Its exciting news for us to offer these guaranteed scholarships which will recognize academic performance,” said Joanne Premak, Student Funding & Awards Coordinator at Red Deer College. “It should be especially attractive to those students who wish to make the maximum of their potential in the smaller classes and individual attention offered at Red Deer College.” The Building on Excellence Guaranteed $1000 Award is part of the College’s Scholarship and Awards plan which is one element of Red Deer College’s overall Strategic Plan for its future – Building Communities Through Learning. For more information on scholarships and awards, visit www.rdc.ab.ca/funding_and_awards.
Chaundra began her post secondary education at the These achievements are testament to our Metis Youth's capabilities along with other milestones in this young Metis woman's long list of accomplishments. Chaundra completed her Bilingual High School Diploma in June 2000 in During this same time, Chaundra found time to volunteer at Metis and Heritage events in the community and abroad. Her parents Gilles and Dawna Allard formed a Metis Cultural Society based out of Chaundra has always taken her place to assist in communities where she resides knowing that individual actions can impact positive change for many others. When Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit New Orleans in August 2005, Chaundra immediately signed on to assist those in need and became a certified Red Cross Emergency Worker. She was already volunteering as a teacher assistant in an Oklahoma City public school Grade One class, a fulltime student, and doing part time paid work in order to cover expenses yet she managed to fit in up to 10 hours a week as a Red Cross relocation assistant volunteer. In order to achieve her goals, Chaundra was often far from her family and friends. I believe the love, support and pride she saw in the faces of her family and Metis elders when she set and achieved goals as a youth contributed to her resiliency and courage to overcome many obstacles and temptations in future years. Chaundra's is a message of encouragement for all who work providing numerous opportunities for youth to build confidence, learn self-discipline, and pursue excellence in their chosen goals. Our future is in good hands with youth role models like Chaundra.
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development
Crystal Meth Task Force An extensive and unique plan to battle the scourge of crystal methamphetamine in our communities has been received by the Government of Alberta.
After consulting with Albertans, the Premier's Task Force on Crystal Meth recently presented government with a detailed, ground-breaking strategy to fight the increasing problem of crystal meth use across the province.
There are 83 recommendations in three predominant areas: prevention; healing and treatment; and enforcement. Additional suggestions involve a province-wide approach that includes support for Aboriginal communities, improving services and assessing results. Government will now determine the best approach to implement the recommendations of the Task Force, which was co-chaired by Premier Ralph Klein’s wife Dr. Colleen Klein.
A handful of recommendations can be adopted more easily and quickly like website prevention strategies, leadership in drug education, street and drug intelligence teams, detoxification and treatment and evaluation and measurement. These measures will enhance work that is already underway.
Other notable recommendations such as law enforcement and education, resources for treatment, support and after care, school policies, drug testing orders and information sharing will require further collaboration across several government departments.
Some of the suggested strategies will require policy or legislative change, and in some instances coordination with federal and municipal governments. It is worth noting that these recommendations include: mobilizing communities; support for municipal drug prevention; criminal penalties; precursor licensing; and clean-up of contaminated drug sites.
One of the six recommendations that deal with Aboriginal communities calls on the federal government to rescind a 2003 policy requiring Aboriginal people to get addiction treatment on their home reserve, even if they live off-reserve in a city or town.
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The formation of the Premier's Task Force on Crystal Meth was announced by Premier Klein about a year ago. Its main intent was to look at ways to build on the work already being done within the provincial government and to champion, review and advise on future strategies.
The Report and Recommendations of the Task Force is available by calling 310-4455 toll-free or online at http://www.stopmeth.alberta.ca
If you have any questions about
Hon. Pearl Calahasen
Speaking Up, Speaking Out By Terry Lusty Wow! Halloween is already past and gone, Remembrance Day is just around the corner and, so is Christmas! It seems like just yesterday that it was summer. Remembrance Metis Matters takes this opportunity to express its condolences to all families that have lost relatives or close friends to the war effort. With Remembrance Day on the horizon, Metis Matters would like to acknowledge all who have put their lives on the line for Canada and we salute them, each and every one. We further extend our thanks and well wishes to all servicemen and women that presently make up our Canadian forces who are dedicated to the safety and security of our nation. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Hiy-hiy. Musee-cho. Merci. Join us at the 3rd Annual Tribute Jamboree to Aboriginal veterans on Nov 11, from 1 – 5 pm at the Westmount Community Hall at 10978 127st, Edmonton. Education awards
Métis Me By Muriel Stanley Venne Preface form "Our Women in Uniform" The idea for this project began in Athabasca, just prior to Remembrance Day about six years ago. There, displayed in the window of the Métis Local office, was a beautiful photograph of Corporal Bertha Houle in her uniform, surrounded by poppies and other memorabilia - her hat!
This was so captivating! Women like her were an exciting part of my own memories as a young girl. Mary and Verna Cardinal in their army uniforms coming home to Whitford during their leave in the 1940’s, I so admired them!
In 1998, when a young university student, Marilyn Adsit walked into our IAAW office, the opportunity was offered to her to record their stories and write the proposal to the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation. Marilyn was able to travel and interview the aboriginal women who served in the Forces. She recorded their stories, created a poster with their photographs and wrote an article that was published in the aboriginal newspapers.
This sparked the desire of IAAW to find more aboriginal women who would tell us their stories and actually publish their stories in a book. This year, 2003, Gayle McKenzie enthusiastically accepted the offer of coordinating the second phase of “Our Women in Uniform”, funded by the Museum Alberta Heritage Grants Program. Gayle travelled to the homes of the women to gather and write their stories. With the editing and writing of Ginny Belcourt Todd and the guidance of the steering committee, their memories were recorded.
“Our Women in Uniform” reflects the dreams of these young women to defend their country. They give us a glimpse of their growing up, how things were during the war years, the courage it took to join up, the romance and toughness of it all. We are grateful to them for sharing an exciting part of the aboriginal women’s history of our province and our country.
Working with You By Trevor W. Gladue, Provincial Vice President of the Métis Nation of Alberta November a Time for Remembrance Hello friends, The month of November is always a special time for me. We, as Métis, celebrate Métis Week, and as Canadians, we honor our Veterans. As you may be aware, November 16, 1885, Louis Riel was hanged for treason. Over the last several years, Métis people throughout the country have gathered to honor Louis Riel on this day. This year is no different, as there are many events being planned for Métis week, November 12-19, 2006. I look forward to traveling to the different communities throughout the province to participate with the many cultural activities. As well, the third annual Tribute Jamboree to Aboriginal Veterans will be hosted on Remembrance Day, November 11, 2006, in I look forward to seeing you out in the community! Trevor W. Gladue
Veteran Arthur Durocher Passes Away THE MIX
The first eight minute segment is rooted in tradition and each week we feature a celebrated Metis fiddler and a traditional dance troupe. There are a number of well established dance troupes performing in Metis communities in the four western provinces through the summer. These are energetic, young dance troupes (most dancers are under 30) their performances represent a rich opportunity for our cameras. The tone and pace are up-tempo. They don’t call this style of dance “half-breed aerobics” for nothing! Red River Jig, Reel of Eight, and Duck Dance are just a few examples. Voice over and short interview clips inform us of the style and the history of the particular fiddle tune and dance steps. Occasionally, we will feature one outstanding dancer from the troupe. There are regional and national jigging champions in almost every group. And while there is strong emphasis on tradition, some of the younger, teen-aged performers are bringing their own influences onto the stage in the form of hip-hop and club moves. This dance form is alive and evolving! The fiddlers are also a story resource. Playing tunes with names like Whisky Before Breakfast and Crooked Stove Pipe, they often have their own anecdotes that will add to the THE MIX. The second segment will feature a musician/vocal performer. The range of performance here is wide, with everything from traditional recording artists and singer-songwriters (Laura Langstaff) to stage and screen performers (Andrea Menard) to more avant-garde trip-hop performance (Theresa Pointe). Country, folk, blues, jazz, new rock, the standards, and classical are just some of styles we will focus on. We feature our guest in performance and then we talk to them about their background and history, their art and their dreams. Where have they come from? And where do they want to go? In a seven-minute segment we create an intimate portrait of the artist at work on stage, in the studio, and at home. The final segment is the Fresh Mix! Here we will pick up the pace with two or three shorter clips per week. The range of subjects is very broad and we will feature what’s new and what’s hot! Many First Nations performers are of mixed ancestry and that mix inspires their expression and performance. From hip-hop and rap, to classical and opera, the door is wide open! And there are talented performers of First Nations ancestry in every musical genre. As an example, Cheryl L’Hirondelle, an internationally recognized musician and performance artist, is performing her unique treatment of modern dance and traditional jigging, combined with Cree rap this year at the Banff Centre. Our cameras will be there! This segment is about artists breaking new trail and daring to go where others have not. And we will wrap the show with brief, 60 second “talk-back” segment. Our host will summarize email comments and suggestions from our audience, letting them know they are an important part of THE MIX! THE MIX is a lively and inspired half-hour of performance along with well-paced, informative background. Rooted in Metis tradition THE MIX also reaches the new frontiers that our musical artists are exploring. Watch for THE MIX in the new year on APTN.
Celebrate Alberta Aboriginal Business People with an Alberta Business Awards of Distinction Nomination Alberta Economic Development and Tourism created the Awards in 1991 during a merger of the Alberta Export Achievement Awards and the Alberta Small Business Owner of the Year Awards. In the first year, there were 10 awards presented. The original design of the Alberta Business Awards of Distinction logo was a 10-point star resting atop a pyramid. The 10-point star represented the initial 10 Awards that made up the Business Awards of Distinction and the “gears of industry”. The pyramid represented the majesty of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains leading to the prairie heartland. The Government of Alberta presented the Awards in the fall of each year from 1991 to 1995. In 1996, the Alberta Chambers of Commerce took over the management and presentation of the Awards. In that year, the awards gala shifted to February, when there are fewer events on the calendar, to allow more people the opportunity to celebrate the evening. To date, over 100 companies have been named Alberta Business Award of Distinction winners. Celebrate Alberta Aboriginal Business People with an Alberta Business Awards of Distinction Nomination. Deadlines for nominations is November 14, 2007. For more inforamtion and an application visit www.abbusinessawards.ab.ca. Aboriginal Woman Entrepreneur Award of Distinction Due to the number of entries received, entry packages cannot be returned. For more information or to submit your nomination electronically, go to: www.abbusinessawards.ab.ca. Dedication of Métis Collection in the Delia Museum The dedication ceremony of the Metis collection in the Delia Museum was done up very well with a combination of Delia Métis, the Dale Haggerty's and a most impressive effort by the Delia Historical Society's members. The morning consisted of a tipi raising and MNA Region III brought their Red River Cart to display.Lunch was served by the Historical Society with the help of Bannock Chefs Dale, Lloyd and his daughters. The dedication ceremony took place following lunch on the front lawn of the museum. There were short speeches from the Mayor of Delia, the President of the Historical Society , the Curator of the Museum and a Starland County representative. The day ended with tea and bannock and a tour of Village facilities offered by councillor Rick Faire. George and Terry Goulet introduced their new Book "The Métis" and the local Library purchases a copy for their collection. A group of Métis/Michif and residents of Delia, Drumheller, Hanna and area have recently joined together to form the "Hand Hills Michif Cultural Society". The Society's mandate and goals are to promote the Métis culture and heritage through One of the goals of the Society is to acquire lands and/or a building for a cultural centre. The first planned event is the " Delia Michif Gathering" to be held on August 3,4,5, 2007 in Delia, Alberta, with other events being considered. The Hand Hills Michif Cultural Society has a no drugs and alcohol policy for all events which are family oriented and open to other cultures. Most of the Métis involved have had experience in planning and carrying out large Métis gatherings and social evenings. The Society is also promoting Métis stage/theatre events. If you have a short play or performance, please contact the Hand Hills Michif Cultural Society. The Society invites anyone of any culture to join to achieve the above mentioned goals. Please send your name, address, phone number and/or e-mail and indicate where your experience is and how you would like to be involved to the address below. Hand Hills Michif Cultural Society,
What You Get For Being An Indian If you are an Indian you get an Indian Card from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. On your Indian Card, it says “Certificate of Indian Status.” You also get an Indian number, I guess it is so they can keep count of all the Indians in Canada. Indians also get to apply for a White Card. This White Card, when used with your Indian Card, lets you buy things on a reserve without paying tax. If you buy things anywhere else you still pay tax. If you work and your income is situated off an Indian reserve you still pay tax. If Indians own land off an Indian reserve they pay tax. If you are affiliated with an Indian Band, you get to apply for Band Membership. Band membership is controlled by the Indian Bands themselves, and what Band Indians get depends on the Band. At the very least, if you are a Band Indian you get to vote in Band elections. If you are not a Band Indian, you can’t vote, you can’t live on a reserve, and you don’t get a share of Band resources. If you are an Indian, whether you’re a Band Indian, Affiliated Indian, or a General Indian with no band, you get to benefit from Federal policy of helping Indians with health care and education. Canada doesn’t pay for all Indian health care and it doesn’t pay for every Indian’s education. The government, who seems to never get it right, doesn’t consider their Indian health or education policy to be a matter of Treaty rights. They say they help pay some health care and some education because of a policy to keep Indians a little bit healthy and a little bit educated. If you are an Indian you get to hunt and fish for food in some places. The government considers hunting and fishing for food to be a Treaty 8 right that was modified by the Natural Resource Conservation Act in 1930. Some lands are unavailable for hunting and the government prevents Indians from hunting certain types of animals. And that is about it. A Metis Indian, besides being unable to get a Metis Nation of Alberta Card, gets a little bit of health care and a few dollars in tax exemptions if they drive and smoke. If a Metis Indian qualifies, they get some education and they might get to be a Band Indian if their application is approved. Does a Metis Indian still get to be a Metis? I think so. While some people with Metis Cards are indeed Metis, having a Metis Card doesn’t automatically mean you are Metis. It just means you have a Metis Card.
Métis Week Celebrations Region V Building
Executive Director Youth Coordinator Membership Clerk LMDU Fundraising On November 24, 2006 there will be a charity Bingo at the Eagles Nest in Enilda and anyone who would like to volunteer please call Violet Campion @ (780 355-3948. All the money raised at this charity Bingo will be equally divided among the three hospitals (McLennan, Slave Lake, and High Prairie) to the Pallitive Care Units. Thank You Peter, Violet, Patsy, Labatts, Jaylee, and the rest of the family would like to send out a sincere and deeply appreciated thank you to all the people who helped with the fundraising for Peter Campion to purchase medical equipment. A special thank you to the Métis Mile Runners especially Yvonne and Darcy for spearheading this huge, successful event. Thank you everyone! It was a very emotional evening. From President Bev New, Vice President Peter Campion, council and staff. Walk with Herb
National Métis News Métis Cultural Corner Questions
Metis Settlements of Alberta Part 2
1. Which of the eight Metis Settlements has the largest population? Smallest population? 2. In total how much land do the eight Settlements make up?
3. Which Settlement has the largest land base? Smallest land base?
Métis Cultural Corner Answers 1. Paddle Prairie has a population of 1028 with Buffalo Lake a very close second at 1026 people. East Prairie has 551 people.
Joke of the Month How do you make three our of four very proper and polite little old ladies say "DAMN!"? Have the fourth little old lady yell, "BINGO!"
Recipe Natural Remedies Rhubard Cough Medicine Willow Bark
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