December 2006

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

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.

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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.

To receive the newsletter, to send submissions or to advertise, contact us at:

Box 3263, Sherwood Park, Alberta, T8H 2T2
Phone number: 780-975-2084
Fax number: 780-416-4619
Email: info@metismatters.com
Website: www.metismatters.com

News and Advertisement Deadline: 20th of every month

Hivernant Rendezvous 2007
By Al Therrien

Waking up this morning to the ground covered in snow was a definate eye opener. Sure hope my garage sale snow blower works!

November is the month when one day is set aside to remember our veterans, peacekeepers and those serving in conflicts (war) in Afghanistan. I hope that everyone bought a poppy and wore it proudly to show our support for our armed forces wherever they are serving.

At our October Hivernant Metis Historical Society meeting in Big Valley the date was set for the 5th annual Hivernant Rendezvous. The Rendezvous will take place August 2 - 5th, 2007.

This event was originally set up to showcase the heritage and culture of the Metis people and to instill pride in our youth as to who they are as Metis and we will continue with this format.

The Rendezvous cannot be successfully run by a handfull of members. We also need input from the people who have attended this event in the past and those who would attend this up coming year. We need your comments and ideas so the Rendezvous will continue to grow and improve. With the support and input of many, we are sure to have an event we can all be proud of.

Please send any comments to Al Therrien, 824 Bayview Cres., Strathmore, AB, T1P 1E2 or by e-mail at
altherr@telus.net

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

DECEMBER 2 & 3, 2006
Arts & Crafts Sale
Canadian Native Friendship Centre, 11205-101 st, Edmonton, AB

DECEMBER 3, 2006
Wabasca/Desmarais Community Concert and Parade
Wabasca/Desmarais Community Hall, Wabasca/Desmarais, AB

DECEMBER 6, 2006
"Memorial of Hope" honoring the murdered and missing women
Canadian Native Friendship Centre, 11205-101 st, Edmonton, AB
10 am -12 noon

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

DECEMBER 9 & 10, 2006
Aboriginal Display
West Edmonton Mall, Lower Level, Edmonton, AB
Performance by Metis Child Little Jiggers, Soap Stone Carving Demonstrations, Aboriginal Artifacts

WHERE: The National Aboriginal Achievement Awards (NAAA) will be held at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium in Edmonton, Alberta on March 16, 2007.

WHAT: The NAAA requires 30 Wranglers (back-stage help/security/runners) and up to 10 Drivers, from approximately March 10, 2007 to March 16, 2007 inclusive. You must be available for the entire 7-day period. Anyone interested is encouraged to apply, however preference will be given to Aboriginal candidates. Experience with security, stage, or theatre production is a bonus, but not required. Intensive training provided.

Wrangler Job Description: Working as a Wrangler involves long hours, requires that you be alert, flexible, cooperative, and have a sense of humour. You must be available to work 8 to 12 hours or more per day beginning at 8 am on March 10, 2007. The work is physical, and requires that you be able to stand for long periods. In this position, you will work directly with the Performers, Award Recipients, Speakers, Presenters, and back-stage crew. You will receive intensive training for this position.

Driver Job Description: Drivers will be responsible for the transportation needs of the NAAA staff, management, Performers, VIP’s and Award recipients. It is a necessity to have a vast knowledge of Edmonton streets and landmarks including the airport and downtown Edmonton. You must provide a Driver’s Abstract (safe driver’s record, available from the License Bureau) with your application to be considered for an interview.

COMPENSATION: Wranglers and Drivers make $150.00 per day, flat fee rate.

WRANGLER RESUMES PLEASE SEND TO:
ELAINA MARTIN, WRANGLER DIRECTOR
128 SPRUCE ST.
OTTAWA, ON K1R 6P2
producer@westfest.ca

DRIVER RESUMES PLEASE SEND TO:
GEORGE LAMMERS, TRANSPORT COORD
SUITE 6 – 475 EDISON AVE
WINNIPEG, MB R2G 0M2
glammers@mts.net or fax #: 204-663-4528

Closing date for accepting resumes is December 20th, 2006, so please don’t wait, these positions will fill quickly. Interviews will take place at The Westin Edmonton, located at 10135, 100th street, Edmonton, AB, and will be scheduled for middle to late January 2007.

For more information on the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards, please visit www.naaf.ca .

Aboriginal Family & Youth Support Program
RIEL INSTITUTE for Education and Learning
Now offering our program at N.A.I.T.

This Certificate offers you the opportunity to ladder up to the 2-year diploma Social Work Program
And / or
You will be qualified for employment with Social Service (helping) agencies as:
• Youth Support Workers
• Family Aide and Youth Support
• Family Support Workers
• Group Care Workers
• Child and Youth Care Workers

If you are interested in the Social Services
Helping field CALL NOW or APPLY IN PERSON!!!!!

201, 10212 Princess Elizabeth Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5G 0Y2
Phone 471-8472 fax 471-7876 e-mail riel@nait.ca

Many Voices, Many Journeys: An Anthology of Stories by Aboriginal Teachers
The Canadian Teachers’ Federation invites Aboriginal teachers to submit stories, poetry, plays or essays for an anthology entitled Many Voices, Many Journeys.

We hope that this anthology will highlight issues, concerns, challenges and successes of Aboriginal teachers in Canada. It may also illustrate

the diversity of Aboriginal teachers, provide information and help to educate non-Aboriginal people, provide a historical perspective, and encourage potential Aboriginal teachers.

• The entries should be based on personal experience and may be in the form of a story, essay, poem or play.

• Length of submission should be between 1,500 and 3,000 words (submitted electronically if possible).

• Possible basis for the writing may include a personal educational experience, teachings of a mentor, influence of a powerful teacher, a significant life experience, a barrier or obstacle overcome, etc.

Submit to: Noreen O’Haire, Director
Professional and Developmental Services
Canadian Teachers’ Federation
nohai@ctf-fce.ca

If you have any questions regarding your submission, please call 613-232-1505, extension 128, or e-mail: nohai@ctf-fce.ca

Prominent Builder Donates Million Dollars to NorQuest College
Support to help prepare Aboriginal adult learners for Alberta’s changing workforce

Landmark Group of Builders has donated $1 million to NorQuest College to enhance educational programs for both Aboriginal and immigrant students. It’s the largest community gift in the College’s 41-year history.

"Providing Aboriginals and new Canadians with quality programs and services translates into important workforce solutions for Alberta," says Reza Nasseri, CEO of Landmark Group of Builders.

Nasseri made the announcement at a special ceremony on October 3, 2006, to an overjoyed crowd of faculty, staff, students, and friends of the College. The building magnate, who emigrated from Iran in 1964, knows all too well the many challenges that face newcomers to Canada.

"Opening doors to education for the people who need it most is something NorQuest does extremely well, and we’re committed to ensuring the College has the support it needs to enhance these important initiatives," Nasseri asserted.

Nasseri founded Landmark in 1977, which produced fewer than ten homes in its first year. Today, Landmark Group of Builders has constructed more than 6,000 homes in Alberta and has donated more than $2.5 million to educational institutions and social agencies through the company’s Community Care Program.

"Landmark’s generosity creates opportunity for NorQuest students by advancing two of our key initiatives in the areas of Aboriginal Academic Development and Intercultural Communication," said Dr. Wayne Shillington, President and CEO of NorQuest College, who presented Nasseri with a key to the College—a symbol of how Landmark has unlocked so many doors for so many students.

"Both groups of students have very different needs," adds Shillington. "Expanding our programs, improving student access, and customizing workplace solutions for employers will help to strengthen Alberta’s increasingly diverse workforce for the 21st century."

Nasseri is calling on other Alberta companies to donate to NorQuest, reminding fellow employers that NorQuest graduates will help to fill huge holes in Alberta’s workforce.

Since 1965, NorQuest has been a leader in providing adult language training, academic upgrading, Aboriginal programs and business and health careers to a diverse group of adult learners. One in five NorQuest students is Aboriginal and 60 per cent of its students come from outside Canada, representing more than 125 countries.
To learn more about NorQuest’s Aboriginal programs and services, including Academic Upgrading and career training, visit www.norquest.ca or call (780) 644-6000 to register.

Life in the RCMP...Could it be Right for You?
My name is Michael Labossiere and I wrote this article to explain why I chose a career with the RCMP and hope that I can convince others to consider a career with our organization. I was raised in London, Ontario with two brothers. My parents were very involved in our development and encouraged all of us to be the best we could be in everything we tried. My parents clearly outlined what was acceptable behaviour and what was not. I had a very defined sense of what was right and wrong from an early age. Like my brothers, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to attend university and completed my studies in 1986 with a degree and two years of post graduate work. It was now time to think about what I wanted to do with the rest of my life knowing that I wanted to be able to give something back, provide some service to my country. Two areas really hit home... teaching and going the RCMP. Teaching because I enjoy instructing and the RCMP because of it’s long history and tradition. I chose the RCMP as I was ready to work and did not wish to spend several more years in university receiving my teaching accreditations. I also wanted to be a part of this proud organization. Growing up in Ontario, I saw the RCMP as men in trench coats guarding the Prime Minister or officers in red surge on the musical ride. I knew not what I was getting into.

I spent my first six months at the Training Academy in Regina where I learned about law, the use of force, firearms and other police topics. I was provided with a RCMP kit which included the standard uniform pants, shirts and of course the red surge, high brown boots and breeches. I still remember the first day I had on my red surge uniform and how proud I was to wear it.

My first posting was to Cranbrook, British Columbia and this really opened my eyes as to what I signed on for. The responsibility placed on me was far greater than I had contemplated previously. I was making life or death judgements on a regular basis. I loved the work and really enjoyed dealing with people. I became very involved with the Cranbrook community and developed friendships that I still maintain to this day. I had plenty of support from my detachment management and from my co-workers. I knew I had made the right career choice.

After Cranbrook, I chose to transfer to Burnaby, British Columbia, to gain experience in policing in an urban environment. I followed this with a transfer to the National Security Investigations Section where I was exposed to undercover operations, coordinating surveillance operations and monitoring the criminal extremists operating in our Province. From here I was promoted to manage the BC Hate Crime Team where I was responsible to ensure the effective identification, investigation and prosecution of crimes motivated by hate or bias. I followed this with a change in duties to an administrative unit at our Provincial Headquarters where I was exposed to the inner workings of our organization. This provided me with an excellent understanding of how I fit into the larger picture of our organization. I then accepted a promotion as a Watch Commander for a large municipality in the Lower Mainland responsible for the managing thirty police personnel in responding to calls for service. I was subsequently recruited back to our Provincial Headquarters to address a gap in service and it was nice to know my knowledge, skills and abilities were recognized.

My story is typical of many of the personnel in our organization...one has the ability to move around to different duties and locations within Canada to suit one’s desires. The flexibility of our organization, the supportive environment from both supervisors and peers, and the challenges and rewards has made my work in our organization truly an enjoyable experience. I am proud of my Metis heritage and proud to serve Canada through the RCMP. I have no regrets from the day I signed on until the day I retire knowing that I have made the right career choice. The motto of the RCMP is “Maintiens le Droit” which translates to keep the right/uphold the law. I chose the RCMP because I feel good every day I come to work knowing that I am making a difference and that I am doing something right for society. Would you be interested in a career like this?

Minister of Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development
By Honourable Pearl Calahasen, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

The Yuletide season reminds us all, Christians and non-Christians alike, to rejoice. It is a time to acknowledge and give thanks for all of our blessings, and to recall in the spirit of unselfish love that tolerance, respect and real understanding are the foundations of our communities.

On behalf of the provincial government, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in Alberta a safe and very merry Christmas and a festive season filled with great joy.

Free gifts
During this time of family gatherings and special occasions, it is important to remember to give to your community through blood donations. Blood donations are processed into a variety of blood components.

Each donation can save the life of as many as four people - people with leukemia, cancer, anemia and those undergoing surgery for illness or serious injury. Your donation will help ensure an adequate supply for both children and adults who are patients during the Christmas season.

Second Quarter Update
The province's strong fiscal outlook has allowed the Alberta government to commit an additional $930 million to Alberta's Capital Plan. This is in addition to the $1.76 billion previously announced in August. Of the total $2.7 billion in new funding, $895 million will be allocated in this fiscal year, bringing the 2006-07 allocations for capital to $5.1 billion. The remaining $1.8 billion will be provided for capital commitments primarily over the next two years.

We are increasing allocations to our Capital Plan to help address the needs created by unprecedented growth and to add to support of communities across Alberta. The additional capital spending announced with the second quarter update includes support for post-secondary facilities, schools, roads, housing, public transit, community-related facilities and Water for Life projects.

Alberta's infrastructure spending is unmatched in Canada at more than three times the per capita average of other provinces in Canada.

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
Building10800 – 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB.
T5K 2B6

Help!!
A small request going your way: Would anyone having a photograph of Edmonton’s very first Native Friendship Centre (1960’s), a house on 108 Street and 103 Avenue, please contact me at the Friendship Centre (phone 479-1999) or at Metis Matters (phone 780-975-2084 or email us at “info@metismatters.com”). I am trying desperately to obtain one that we could use for future reference. Thank you so much!

River Cree Casino
Say, the newly opened $168 million-dollar River Cree Resort and Casino on the Enoch First Nation Reserve is doing a booming business. It’s located on the western edge of Edmonton, just off of the Whitemud Freeway at Whitemud Drive and Winterburn Rd. What a marvelous facility. It’s just like being in Vegas (except for the weather).

Veterans and Warriors
Yet another Remembrance Day celebration has come and gone. Fittingly, veterans and present-day militia men and women pay homage to those who paved the way for us, many of whom put their lives on the line or were willing to do so. Most of the people and events recognized relate to World Wars 1 and 11 as well as Korea, Afghanistan, and other Middle East countries.

In its wake, however, innumerable memories flood my mind, memories that beg to be heard. You see, my friends, we have all sorts of warriors on all kinds of fronts and at various stages of history. I would ask that you review the following list, figure out who you know, who you don’t know and why. I’m not expecting readers to recognize all the names but they are individuals deserving mention, individuals who have served their country or community in such a manner that they can, indeed, be regarded, recognized and recorded as dedicated Aboriginal “warriors” and/or “activists” of our times. Other than military or service people, the following list includes warriors through the arts – writers, singers, actors and so forth as well as politicians, demonstrators, etc.

Many have heard or know of such historic personalities as: Geronimo, Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, Red Cloud, Gall, Bigfoot and Yellow Jacket in addition to Joseph Brant, Tecumseh, Pontiac, Louis Riel, Gabriel Dumont, Big Bear, Poundmaker, White Cap, Wandering Spirit, Red Crow, Bulls Head and Assiyiwin. But, there are so many more!

Following in their footsteps were the likes of Tommy Prince, Alex Decoteau, Joseph Dion, James Brady, Malcolm Norris, and John Samson. Then there’s Robert Smallboy, Russell Means, Dennis Banks, Leonard Peltier, Anna Mae Aquash, Howard Adams, and Nelson SmallLegs. In more recent times, we have Frank Calder, Joseph Gosnell, John Samson, Stan and Christine Daniels, Maria Campbell, Harry Daniels, Buffy Ste. Marie and Dee Brown as well as Harold Cardinal, Eddy Bellerose, Ed Burnstick, Eugene Steinhauer, Joe P. Cardinal, Jim Sinclair, Dorothy MacDonald, James Washee, Billy Two Rivers, Duke Redbird, Mike Mitchell, Alanis Obomsawin, Ellen Gabriel, Max Gros Louis, Joe Mercredi, Marilyn Buffalo, Joe Blyan and Willie Littlechild.

We further salute the survivors of Indian Residential Schools, the abusive homes of adoptive, foster and relatives’ families, those placed in orphanages, institutions, social service care, and conflict situations such as Oka, Gustafsen Lake, Old Man River Dam, Lubicon Lake (a.k.a. Little Buffalo), British Columbia logging protests and so forth. Last but not least, the women who have been victims of Vancouver’s notorious east side streets, northern B.C.’s “Highway of Tears,” the wicked streets of Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton and far too many other places to name here.

To these and so many more we pray for you and your families; we salute you, we respect you, we thank you, we honour you.

Merry Christmas
Here’s wishing each and every one of you a superb Christmas season. Please travel in safety and do not drink and drive.

For me Christmas dreams began as soon as the Eaton’s catalogue arrived. I was the first to grab it when it was brought home. It was heavy, with shiny coloured pictures and full of everything you wanted to see and especially everything you wished for at Christmas. There was a whole section on the dolls – the baby dolls that would wet their pants, dolls with movable eyes and eyelashes, the dolls as big as my little sister with a pretty dress and slip, little white shoes and little socks...

So day and night I studied the pages of beautiful dolls and how much they cost. I would have loved any one of those dolls if they appeared under the Christmas tree. I wished and wished for the doll I had picked out. My mother had a way of hiding our presents so well that I never knew where she hid them but a beautiful shiny-faced doll was always there on Christmas morning.

Somehow before the next Christmas my doll lost her clothes, her shoes and sockies. Once my doll was left out in the rain in the summertime and her face actually peeled off. Another time my doll had her beautiful blue eyes poked out. I always suspected that my brothers were behind this but I never really knew what happened to them.

So this Christmas I hope that all the little girls out their get the doll of their dreams.

Hello Friends,

For those who are political junkies, last Saturday, December 02, 2006 was
like a super bowl of politics. At the Federal level, the Liberal Party of
Canada held its party election. It was filled with all sorts of surprises,
as Stephan Dion came up from behind and became the new leader of the Party.
At the same time in Alberta, the race to replace Ralph finally came to an
end, with Mr. Ed Stelmach leapfrogging over the two frontrunners, Jim
Dinning and Ted Morton.

History has been made, and the lesson to be learned is never underestimate
the underdog. Way to go Premier Stelmach! I believe that Premier Stelmach
will do a fine job leading our province, and will put the interests of all
Albertans first.

As this year has finally come to an end, I would like to wish each of you a
very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May you be blessed in the New
Year with good health & happiness!

Vocals Tiny Tots
1. Mason Beaver
2. Kennidy & Taylor Crouter

Vocals Intermediate – Ladies
1. Bobbi-Jo Beaver
2. Jonis Cunningham
3. Kelsey Poitras

Vocals Intermediate – Men
1. Riley L’Hirondelle
2. Cory Poitras

Vocals Adult – Ladies
1. Danielle Desjarlais
2. Bev Napesis
3. Bobbi-Jo Starr

Vocals Adult – Men
1. Cody Sewall
2. Andy Quintal
3. Kevin Meetos

Girls 12 & under
1. Neanna Sasakamoose
2. Kelsey Poitras
3. Paige Potskin

Boys 12 & under
1. Brent Lavallee
2. Jayde Fiddler
3. Luc Gauthier

Teen – Ladies
1. Vera Nateweyes
2. Arianna McCallum
3. Chelsea Lavallee

Teen – Men
1. Cory Poitras
2. Tyler Primeau
3. Steven Prosper

Adult – Ladies
1. Carolyn Karakonti
2. Melanie Desjarlais
3. Melissa Lavallee

Adult – Men
1. Allen Boucher
2. Marco Gladue
3. Blaine Desjarlais

Golden Age – Ladies
1. Rose Aastveit

Golden Age – Men
1. Ed Poitras
2. Walter Cardinal

FIDDLING
1. Don Arcand
2. Karen Tingey
3. Cory Poitras

MÉTIS SQUARE DANCING – JUNIOR
1. Métis Child Little Jiggers
2. Opaw Div. II Dancers

MÉTIS SQUARE DANCING OPEN COMPETITION
1. Muskoday Blue Thunder
2. Churchill River Reelers
3. Opawikoscikan Square Dancers

Honoring our Veterans
By Melvin Beaudry

Louise was a first cousin of my father. A Métis woman, she was born out on the prairie somewhere north of Wolf Point-Poplar. Louise told me several times some of the horrible things she saw on the battlefields in France when short amnesties were called and both opponents were allowed to go out in no mans land to gather wounded, dying and dead.

Description: Louise (Lafournaise) Schneider (daughter of Naploeon Lafournaise and Marie Terese McGillis)

In 1914 she graduated from St. Ignatius Training School for nurses in Colfax, Washington. She returned to Ophiem and filed on a homestead in 1915. On Nov. 13, 1917, she was issued a Montana State Nurses' Certificate to work at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Havre.

Prior to that, she worked at Columbus Hospital in Great Falls and at the Ft. Benton Sanitarium in Ft. Benton. She enlisted with the U. S. Army Nurses Corps and accompanied the American Expeditionary Forces. Her orders were issued March 27, 1918.

Louise was assigned to various evacuation hospitals on the front lines in France. She was authorized two G. W. chevrons for service with A. E. F., the victory service ribbon and one bronze star for her part in the St. Mihiel Offense at Evacuation Hospital No. 16. In July of 1919 she was ordered back to the United States.

After the war, Louise continued her nursing career in California working at the veteran's hospital in Palo Alto. On October 27, 1919 she married Raymond Schneider. In 1933 she got spinal meningitis after working in the spinal meningitis ward. She was the first woman to survive this disease according to medical journals.

Louise's husband died in 1936 and she passed away March 17, 1984 at the age of 94. She was buried with full military honors in the veterans' cemetery at the Persidio in San Francisco. Her nurses' uniform which is on display at the, Pioneer Museum was donated to the museum by her niece, Louise Lafournaise Van Buskirk of Mesa, Arizona

Good News!!! We have given our 30 day notice to vacate the building that we are currently renting and will be in our new office on January 8, 2007! Our building is coming along very well. Thank you to all the Métis members of the Region V for being a part of our Métis Nation. This building is for all of the Region V Métis members. We would like to thank all our dedicated carpenters from Hi-Tek Painting. Thank you to the men who are working on the plumbing and heating from Element Electric Inc.

The Region V office will be closed for the Christmas holidays from December 22^nd, 2006 till January 8^th, 2006. The Region V staff will be moving and anyone interested in helping us with the move please call our office. We will be setting up our offices on the 4^th and the 5^th of January. The new Region V office will be opened for business on January 8^th, 2006 on 353 Main Street N.

Our new location starting on January 8^th is 353 Main Street N, Slave Lake, Alberta. Our phone numbers and box number will remain the same. Good job to Region V President Bev New, Vice-President Peter Campion, Wabasca Métis Local President Craig Beaver, Trout Lake Métis Local President Elmer Gullion, Faust Métis Local President Victor Giroux, and the Region V Elder Lloyd Norris.

Our Métis Week celebrations turned out to be very successful. I’m sure the Region V staff gained a few pounds during this week since we had two delicious potlucks. Thank you to all the Metis members, Trevor and Felice Gladue and the Slave Lake Mayor for attending the flag raising to commemorate Louis Riel Day.

Apeetogosan Metis Developments Inc has a business development officer who is located at the Region V office here in Slave Lake. He will help people who are Metis and planning on starting up a business. Also there is an Aboriginal Youth Business Fund. If you are between the ages of 18-35, and you want to start your own business please call us. The Business Development officer can be reached at our office.

Welcome back to our career counselor. Glad you are feeling better. Our LMDU staff are here at the Region V office to help people find suitable work. Just call their office at 1-888-486-3847 or if you are in Slave Lake call 849-4660. Métis Employment Services can also deliver services to the Métis Settlements with the Region V. The Métis Employment office will also be re-opened on January 3^rd, 2006 in the new building which is 353 Main Street N.

Our next Bingo is scheduled for December 29, 2006. Once again thank you to all our volunteers.

May your holidays be filled with the love, good health, and prosperity to all of you. From Region V President Bev New, Vice- President Peter Campion and the council and staff.

2. The Fathers of the Federation - Adrian Hope, Maurice L'Hirondelle, Lawrence Desjarlais, Sam Johnston and Richard Poitras - formed the Alberta Federation of Metis Settlements in 1975, creating a working relationship between the Alberta government and the Metis Settlements.

3. In 1990 the new Metis Settlements Accord was adopted and ratified by the province of Alberta. Through the Accord, which provisioned land and self-government, the Metis Settlements General Council was born. Thanks to the Fathers of the Federation who struggled in the past so our Metis Settlements can have a future.

Joke of the Month
If Santa was Aboriginal

- At bed time, kids would leave drymeat and bannock for the big guy.

- Santa's new moccasins are made out of Dasher.

- His name would be "Santa Bear Claws" instead of "Santa Claus".

- There would be a bingo marker under every tree.

- His sleigh would need a boost every other province.

- His outfit would consist of a red flannel ribbon shirt, with matching leggings, moccasins and a beaded black belt with matching beaded rimmed hat, all to match his oversized gift bag. Underneath it all would be a beaded thong with a small delicate plume attached to the back.

1 pound ground turkey breast
1 egg white
1/2 cup oat bran
3 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp dijon mustard
1/2 green pepper, minced
3 slices of onion, minced
2 tbsp green olives, chopped
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/4 tsp each of sage, pepper, marjoram and celery salt

Mix all ingredients togethe and form into a loaf. Bake for 1-1/2 hours at 350 ° F

Nutritional benefits: Lean source of protien, low in fat and good in fibre.

Source: The Metis Cookbook, Metis Centre at NAHO