Metis News and Stuff

Dizaines For Batoche Development Ltd. Gets $ 464,000

2009-06-09T01:22:00.003-05:00

Almost half a million dollars has been provided to a co-operative to preserve the Batoche historical site and promote Métis culture and history.The Dizaines for Batoche Development Co-operative Ltd., a coalition of Métis and community organizations, will lead the Batoche and Area Future Development Project.

A federal government press release said the objectives of the Dizaines include ensuring that Batoche remains an icon of Métis culture and history, promoting increased tourism and creating job opportunities for aboriginal people.The project received funding of more than $391,000 from the government of Canada, $40,000 from the government of Saskatchewan and additional funds from Tourism Saskatoon and Sagehill Community Futures Development corporation.

The funding totaled almost $464,000.

Batoche was declared a National Historic Site in 1923. It is about 70 kilometres south of Prince Albert.

Funds aimed at promoting, preserving Batoche

Elizabeth Metis Settlement Partners In Oil

2009-06-09T01:13:00.002-05:00

We lost 45,000 jobs here in Alberta.......EI applicants here in Alberta have increased by a whopping 116 % and even the beloved Calgary Stampede has Tourism insiders bracing for Stampede slump as reservations for travel groups is way down. This news will not only benefit the Elizabeth residents, but the local economy will also feel the extra dollars in all of the offshoot business.
Which would prove a point....investing in the Metis is a good thing !!!

Twelve kilometres from the northern Alberta town of Cold Lake, a small Métis community is opening its land to industrial oil processing, in hopes the novel partnership will help fund construction of more homes and sewers.
The 1,005-member Elizabeth Métis Settlement has partnered with a subsidiary of Vancouver-based Sonic Technologies Solutions Inc. to build a heavy oil upgrader on its land.
The upgrader is tiny and unproven commercially, and the community does not yet have access to a raw supply, or even know whether it will make money off the deal.
But among Alberta's Métis, there is hope that this experiment will provide a new template for using industry to finance a broad slate of infrastructure needs..........Métis pin big hopes on tiny Alberta upgrader

MMF Wins Round Two Against Cybersmokesignals; Belhumuer Buckles, Pieuk Next ?

2009-06-06T02:33:00.006-05:00

The ongoing saga of the now defunct Cybersmokesignals.com and the very costly Cybersmokesignals vs The Manitoba Metis Federation Inc. lawsuit has taken an expected turn. Former website owner Terry Belhumeur, has issued a full and complete apology to the MMF, thereby acknowledging that what his website published was no more than a lot of imagination and a bunch of hogwash. Belhumeur, who was once one of the most vocal opponents of the current MMF leader David Chartrand, even took a parting stab at http://www.cybersmokeblog.blogspot.com/ and its' webmaster Care Pieuk, saying his website was hurtful to all Metis people. Pieuk and Belhumeur were to a certain extent, partners with www.cybersmokesignals.com .
The trial which has cost the Metis countless and as of yet unpublished, thousands of dollars, has been finally scheduled for spring of 2010.
Here is the apology in its' entirety ;
March 17, 2009

Manitoba Metis Federation
150 Henry Ave.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3B 0J7

Attention David Chartrand, President

Dear President Chartrand ;
Re ; Manitoba Metis Federation Inc. et al vs Terry Belhumeur et al, Queens bench file no ; C1 05-01-41955

I write to you and the board of directors of the MMF in regards to this lawsuit. At all times since its' inception, I have had ownership and control of the website cybersmokesignals.com. Although I did not produce or post the funding petition, I did have the power to erase the post as soon as I seen it. I should have deleted the petition and erased the password to prevent Mr Pieuk from causing you and the board of the MMF any more harm. Furthermore I should have immediately returned all materials I received regardless of the manner of which I received them to their rightful owner which was and is the MMF.
I wish to state that I have no knowledge of any facts nor do I have any evidence that would support the allegations contained in the election funding petition. Without limiting the generality of the previous sentence, I specifically have no knowledge of nor evidence of the following ;
(a) The board illegally authorized campaign spending by you or unlawfully spending public monies.
(b) of large sums of monies intended for appropriate purposes being spent by you on campaigning.
(c) of MMF needlessly spending vast amounts of money for inappropriate travel and accommodation for you and some board members, and,
(d) of unnecessary board travel being authorized for public relations purposes to support you as a candidate.
I retract all allegations contained in the election funding petition. I have also had no contact with Mr Pieuk in the last couple of years other than our meetings in court, nor have had any input into his website which I feel is hurtful to all Metis people.
I wish to apologize to you and the members of the board of directors and the Metis people for any embarrassment, hurt and inconvenience the publication of the election funding petition has caused you.
yours truly,

Terry Belhumeur
more....
Cybersmokesignals.com Litigation
Apology issued to the MMF

Square Dance Lessons In Calgary

2009-06-06T02:06:00.001-05:00

Metis Vets To Be Honoured In Normandy

2009-06-06T01:49:00.005-05:00

A monument to Métis Nation citizens who fought during the two World Wars will be erected at
Canada's Juno Beach Centre in Normandy, France. The Métis National Council's Minister for Veterans Affairs, David Chartrand, made the announcement today while attending commemoration ceremonies marking the 65th anniversary of D-Day, the June 6, 1944 liberation of Europe by Allied Forces during World War II.

"Thousands of Métis Nation citizens bravely and selflessly answered the
call to serve during the World Wars," said Chartrand.
The monument will consist of an exhibit highlighting the history of the
Métis Nation in Canada and a Red River Cart, a widely recognized symbol of the
Métis Nation currently being constructed in the Métis Nation homeland. The Red River Cart will be accompanied by Métis Nation veterans and youth to Juno
Beach in November, where they will take part in its unveiling with a
dedication ceremony during 2009 Remembrance Day events.

New City, New Job, Less Blogging

2009-04-14T10:09:00.004-05:00

Well, today is the day MN&S readers.....I'm off to a new life in Calgary.
My last day of work is today. After one-plus challenging years at CanadInns, adios. (more on CanadInns later)
The challenge of learning all about Calgary and Alberta is a very exciting prospect. Then there's the Metis Nation Of Alberta and its' fine above board organization. I have been networking on Metis politics and issues with Alberta members for a couple of years now , so I hope to meet some of you. The Flames are in the playoffs, I have a few gigs and a CD project lined up (thank you Deano) and work looks very good.
On my way out I just want to say thank you and so long to a lot of people who I have met through the blog, Metis politics and music ;
Thank you and see you soon to ;
Russ and Patrick Mousseau, Roddy Chartrand, all of the 60 or so musicians I have hired over the past ten years, most notably Tom and Clint Dutiaume, Casey Donaldson and Arnie (Noopy)Nolin...not only good musicians, but fine people, dust my broom and darcey, see ya soon, many workers at CanadInns Transcona, Lino, Carol, Pat, Cara, Scott and the fine staff at Aaltos and Tavern United, some Chances R fans, Roddy again, Corrine, Lee, Tammy and hundreds at my favorite club, The Westbrook Inn, Robin and Greg Hewitt, The MMF, PRI and Jay White, Yvon Dumont an the Metis Club, my wifes square dancing group.
Last but definately not the least, to all Manitobans who have helped make MN&S the number one web site for Metis News search on google.
There's so many more but I have to do some last minute cramming for the move.
MN & S is on hiatus for a bit.

New Metis Party In The Province

2009-04-10T14:28:00.003-05:00

Looks like a winner of a music festival is being planned for August 28 - 29 - 30 2009 at the beautiful International Peace Garden . Canadian Co-organizer Mr Dan Goodon and American Co-organizer: Mr Gene (chick) LaFromboise have teamed up to create the inaugural METISFEST a festival that will be focused on Metis music and culture. Performers include KRISTA REY , Ryan Keplin , Taylor Dayne Falcon the Winnipeg Metis Infinity Steppers and many others.

Here's a bunch of links to the fest site ;

, , , , ,
Great lineup, quality organization and awesome location.

The New Race......Metipino

2009-04-10T14:03:00.005-05:00

The wife and I found out last week that we are going to be grandparents !! My son Kevin and his lady Fatima will bless us with an addition to the Sanderson clan in November. Fatima is of Filipino descent so I am telling all my friends and family that my grandchild will be a Metipino, lol
We're all pretty pumped.

Metis Vets Get A Website

2009-04-07T06:51:00.002-05:00

The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians, and the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today announced a partnership with the Metis National Council to launch a web site that will allow the Canadian public to gain deeper awareness of the role played by Metis veterans during the First and Second World Wars.
"I am delighted that Metis veterans will finally have a venue through which they can tell their stories of heroism and sacrifice," said Minister Strahl. "This is an important step forward, not just for the veterans and their families, but for all Canadians. These are stories that we all need to hear."
"This project will pay tribute to the dedication and bravery of Metis Veterans who have served our country during wartimes," said Minister Thompson. "Their courage, sacrifices and accomplishments are a source of pride to their families, communities and all Canadians."The web site will provide a virtual library through which Metis veterans will be able to share their photographs, stories, remembrances and the lessons they learned through their war experiences. It will also give Metis veterans information on program and services supports.The Government of Canada is providing approximately $39,000 that will be used to create a content management system that will enable the Metis National Council (MNC) to store and disseminate data and research in real time, and to transmit knowledge to others using electronic data, graphic models, audio and video streaming mediums.
The system will provide the MNC with a compelling and user-friendly tool to advance the interests of Metis Veterans.
This release is also available on the Internet at www.inac.gc.ca
After all these years the Tories pony up with a new flashy website.
Well at least the toothless MNC has 39,000 to work with.

White Buffalo Spiritual Society and MTEC Join Forces

2009-03-30T17:29:00.007-05:00

This was sent to me today.

I certainly recommend this training program to those who enjoy working with people. Hospitality training courses for our people are becoming more important as the Aboriginal population increases in this city.

Hotels rooms across the city are booming with Aboriginal business/cash for accommodations and hall /facilities rentals

I work in the field and notice that while more First Nation and Metis are utilizing the hotel rooms and banquet halls, the number of Aboriginals working at the hotels don't match up.

I recall one occasion, an Aboriginal group was utilizing our banquet facilities for a meeting and the group starting burning sweetgrass. There was a bit of confusion as to why and can they light this in the hall ? I was quickly able to let the staff know that sweetgrass was an integral part of the First nations traditional customs. and nothing was made of it.

Just a nice thing that someone who knew, was there.

Good Afternoon All,
Attached find a fact-sheet about an upcoming Spiritual Healing / Sustainable Tourism Training opportunity.
The Orientation / Open House is being held on Wednesday April 8, 2009. There will be two sessions on that day. One from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00, and the other from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Orientation I being held at Crossways / Young United Church.
The fact-sheet includes an RSVP/Contact telephone and email address.

Feel free to post this information, or pass it along to anyone who may be interested.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions ;
Luanne Christensen

Employment Services Coordinator, MTEC

100 - 1534 Gamble Place

Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 1N6204 957-7437 1 800-820-6832

http://www.mtec.mb.ca/

Click here to read our latest e-news

Click here for upcoming training
Click here to post a job on our free job-board

2009-03-29T17:18:00.001-05:00

Tell 'em Metis News and Stuff sent you.

Manitoba Budget; No Good News For The MMF ?

2009-03-27T11:14:00.003-05:00

I've been trying to find any reference in the recently released Budget 2009 Manitoba Finance Province of Manitoba , but on the surface, there doesn't appear any monies will be allotted for economic development, for the Manitoba Metis Federation.

President of the MMF David Chartrand seemed eagerly optimistic that the budget would provide some economic stimulus for his corporation.

He was anticipating million dollars from the Manitoba government for the MMF.

Listen to http://www.ncifm.com/ this Saturday at 11 am, to hear the Presidents response to this apparent snub of the MMF.

MNS And MMF Taking Steps To Verify Membership

2009-03-27T10:00:00.004-05:00

New registry launched to combat fake Métis ID cards
Saskatchewan's Métis community is launching a new registry system to address issues about reliable identification documents.
The Metis Nation of Saskatchewan plans to issue secure identity cards to people who can show their link to the community.
Alan Morin, vice-president of MN-S, told CBC News that one of the objectives is to finally determine the actual numbers of Métis in the province.
He said the organization wants that to be based on a reliable database.
"What we're putting together, under the registry process, is an objectively verifiable process," Morin said. "Why were putting together that process is to identify our people, our citizenship."
People who register will need supporting documents, such as a birth certificate or baptismal record. The material could also include a document that resembles a family tree.
The organization has also offered to pay the fees for acquiring government records.
Some Métis have expressed support for the registry, noting that it could weed out people who have self-identified as Métis in order to access benefits.
Mike Tanton, a Métis man from Saskatoon, told CBC News the new registry should follow a rigorous verification process.
"I think if we are going to do something in terms of handing out new cards and doing a registry, that we need to do it right and to make sure we are following a lot of the guidelines," Tanton told CBC News.
"So that this is actually legitimate ID that is accepted not only by our [Métis ]government, but by the governments out there and stuff too."
Full story ;
New registry launched to combat fake Métis ID cards
Comments5
Metis Nation of Alberta seems to have a good program in place and The Manitoba Metis Federation have begun running ads in Winnipeg newspapers that indicate we all must have our genealogy/required documents, that will prove your Metis heritage, and thereby be eligible for Aboriginal rights under section 35 of the Constitution Act (1982) These documents must be given to the MMF no later than 2012.
Manitoba Metis Federation members will have to foot the bill for their genealogy records at this time. Records cost $ 35.00.
I'm having a bit of a bad day so I'll hold off on any comments regarding the MMF's membership drive. There's so much I can say, but I want to leave this province on hopefully a more cheerier note....lol. I will comment on this newest membership push by the MMF at a later time.

Saskatchewan First Nations, Metis Conducting Joint Land Use Study

2009-03-25T22:43:00.004-05:00

SASKATOON — The Saskatchewan government announced a number of grants Wednesday to help First Nations and Metis communities map their traditional territories and consult with the province about the management of natural resources.
The Cumberland House Cree Nation and Metis Local 42 — which are located in the same region roughly 300 kilometres northeast of Prince Albert — will receive $172,000 from the province to conduct a joint traditional land use study.
Traditional territory mapping allows the province to learn more about First Nations and Metis lands used for hunting, fishing and trapping, as well as ceremonial purposes. It also ensures the government knows which aboriginal groups are affected by resource exploration in a given area.
Metis Nation-Saskatchewan (MNS) provincial secretary Max Morin said the project is the first time a Metis local and a First Nation in Saskatchewan have joined in a land use study.
“The Metis and the First Nations keep track of where their people traditionally hunt and fish anyway, but a lot of them hunt and fish together. So why not do a joint study?” he said.
In a separate grant, the Big Island Lake Cree Nation, northwest of Meadow Lake, will receive $250,000 from the province to conduct its own traditional land study.
The government expects both studies will take more than a year to complete.
The province also gave the MNS $134,000 to obtain technical expertise and consult with its locals on the management of Saskatchewan’s fisheries.
Metis communities rely on commercial fishing for their livelihoods and Morin says he’s glad the province is fulfilling its duty to consult with the MNS.
“It’s been a long time coming,” he said. “We’ve established a better working relationship with the government and have accountability and transparency within our own organization so they’re more willing to work with us.”

Good work MNS.

Keep on the straight and narrow and the Metis people of Saskatchewan will follow.

Riel's Poems

2009-03-25T22:28:00.005-05:00

The Rope ;
Prohet Of The New World ;

Perfume Of Truth ;

The Morning Dew ;

Metis Singer/Songwriter Named APTN Artist of The Month

2009-03-25T22:05:00.003-05:00

Here is a video from an up and coming 18 year old rocker form Ontario...good stuff Ben...Two metis thumbs up !!

Ben G - Addiction [Directors Cut]

http://www.youlicense.com/Artist/ArtistStore.aspx?ID=65289
Music Video
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=52672480
MySpace
http://www.myspace.com/bengmusic

Some Days.....

2009-03-25T21:50:00.002-05:00

So, get up this morning and discover that winter has begun all over again !!
Blowing snow, high wind gusts, and oh the driving !! You'd figure that after navigating the streets for most of their lives if not all, Winnipeggers would be a little more road savvy when these conditions arise. Some people drive 60 km/h some 15-20. Accidents were aplenty, traffic nauseatingly slow.
Then get to work and find two foot drifts around the building. Being in the maintenance department, shovelling is a part of the job....oh joy !!
So remain positive I say, thoughts of Calgary in the summer ease my mind.
Then at lunch time I get a call that was not to my liking. Some funding fell through.......more joy !! The rest of the day was not great.
I then start thinking to myself while frustration and stress are reaching a feverish levels, that hey, patience is a virtue and everything happens for a reason.
Like a move to cozier confines and warmer weather.

Friday Night Country...From Chances R

2009-03-20T18:14:00.002-05:00

Hope you enjoy these tunes. These videos are taped live from the Westbrook Inn and feature some of the finest musicians in Manitoba....Aboriginal or otherwise.

Metis Clean Up Crew

2009-03-11T13:24:00.003-05:00

This looks like a great program and worth the funding. The Northend has seen a very rapid decline and crews like this will certainly help spruce up the area. maybe a recycling program similar to what Alberta has, would also be in order
Like many Winnipeggers, David Chartrand has watched some of the city’s once-charming neighbourhoods decay.
Chartrand and Mayor Sam Katz held a news conference to announce the launch of the It’s My Community Too program. A team of seven Métis or Inuit Manitobans will receive training in grounds maintenance, graffiti removal, fence painting and repair and other aspects of neighbourhood beautification. They will then clean streets, boulevards and back alleys.
"By next year, I’m sure you will see a very different core area in the city of Winnipeg," Chartrand said.
The idea was years in the making, Chartrand said, but made possible because of help from city hall.
The city will provide equipment — trucks, trailers and smaller gear — for the first seven-person team. The MMF will pay team members "more than minimum wage," Chartrand said.
He will appeal to the private sector to donate other equipment, such as paint and brushes.
The MMF will soon take out advertisements in newspapers to hire the first team and Chartrand said he hopes to add more people by next year.
There are about 100,000 Métis people in the province, about half of them in Winnipeg.
Chartrand said the work will start as soon as possible in the North End, an area where signs of decay have spread over the years. But he was quick to add the effort is meant to benefit all Winnipeggers, not simply residents of affected areas.
"What people have got to recognize in the suburban world," Chartrand said, is that if the core of the city is neglected, the decline will spread.

Metis Nation Of Alberta Update.....First Boucher, now Gladue....Your Out !!!

2009-03-11T11:09:00.003-05:00

This news is from Metismama's website ;
Former Vice-President suspended for actions detrimental to the Métis Nation of Alberta

We received a contribution with the following Press Release and the MJC Decision: We will incorporate the decision but it is lengthy and will take a bit to transcribe.
PRESS RELEASE
Former Vice-President suspended for actions detrimental to the Métis Nation of Alberta
March 9, 2009
(Calgary) – In a decision issued Friday, March 5 2009, the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) Judiciary Council suspended Trevor W. Gladue, the former Vice-President of the MNA, for a period of six (6) years, for conduct deemed harmful and inconsistent with Mr. Gladue’s responsibilities as the Provincial Vice-President.
Two Métis Local Presidents from MNA Region 3, Bev Weber from Rocky Mountain House, and M. Jeannette Hansen from Medicine Hat respectively, brought the action forward against Mr. Gladue, in May 2008. The Métis Judiciary Council (MJC) heard the case on October 18, 2008.
The MJC listened to testimony from four (4) witnesses in addition to the testimonies from the two MNA Local Presidents who initiated the action against Mr. Gladue. The MJC reviewed documented evidence to substantiate the allegations that Mr. Gladue used his office and influence to: a) undermine the positions taken by MNA President and Provincial Council; b) to prevent Provincial Council from voting on key and urgent matters; and, c) to spread false, prejudicial information and a misrepresentation of facts about MNA finances to banking institutions with whom the MNA conducts its business. In addition, the MJC reviewed evidence of letters sent by Mr. Gladue to senior Government officials and Ministers alleging misconduct against the MNA with respect to its financial integrity.
In a unanimous decision, the Judiciary Council held that Mr. Gladue actions were not in keeping with his sworn Oath of Office and that his conduct was gravely detrimental to the Métis Nation and suspended Mr. Gladue as per MNA Bylaws Article 7.1 (a) (b) and (d).
Appearing only briefly at the hearing due to other personal commitments, Mr. Gladue, stated in his own defense that the Charter of Rights and Freedoms gave him “the right to speak his mind. The Judiciary Council ruled that his Charter defense did not absolve him of “his obligation of Office of Vice-President of the MNA to put his service to the people or the processes of the Métis Nation of Alberta ahead of published personal perception.”Bev Weber, who is now the elected Vice-President from MNA Region 3 stated, “If anyone has hurt or wronged Mr. Gladue, it was he himself, by resorting to actions that supported a personal agenda without regard for his responsibilities to the Métis people and Mr. Gladue is to be held accountable for his actions.”“Mr. Gladue has instead left a legacy of harm in his wake. The current Provincial Council now has the duty to rebuild the trust of our Nation, government, banking institutions and all those with whom we deal with in a professional capacity,” said Weber.“This decision confirms that the process by which the people of our Nation can request a review of behaviors that are harmful to our Nation is fair and effective process and protects us from the wrongful actions taken by those we put into office,” said Métis Local President from Medicine Hat, Jeannette Hansen.
The suspension takes effect March 4, 2009 and will not interfere with Mr. Gladue’s rights to vote at MNA Assemblies or elections, but does disqualify him seeking or holding elected office in the MNA until March 4, 2015.
Backgrounder: Decision of the Métis Judiciary Council, Docket Number 008-02
For further information: Bev Weber at bweber@metis.org
Six years.....wow.
At least now MNA President Audrey Poitras can let the dust settle on the issue and move on to more progressive issues that the MNA have on its' plate.

Metis Country Music (and maybe the blog) Headin' West

2009-03-11T10:40:00.005-05:00

Things are going to be quite exciting this week for the band. I am leaving in about two hours to perform at the grand opening of the new Painted Hand Casino in Yorkton Saskatchewan. I played at the previous venue, but this should be something special. My partner on the what is a twin-bill of country entertainment will be none other than Brother Jukebox himself, Mark Chestnutt. We'll be there for two nights, then Chances R and myself ship off to the Westbrook Inn for what should be a memorable show.
After ten years of playing that venue (which is my favorite place to play), this will be last show as a Winnipegger at the home of Manitoba Country music.
Gonna be some emotional times this weekend.
After the call I got this morning, its' official......We're moving to Calgary.
Gulp.
I'm truly excited to be going west, love the city and its' wonderful scenery, buildings and cleanliness. They seem to pay people to recycle out there. Good stuff. I have made preliminary contact with the Metis Nation of Alberta and look forward to getting involved with the organization in the future.
I'm excited.
Anyone in the Calgary area looking for a country band for your event, give me a call or e mail.
See you future fellow cowtowners in mid-April..............J.J. Lavallee has been out in Toronto for the last two days performing for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs at the Toronto Convention centre. JJ will then be at the Stock this weekend. JJ. is a good buddy and I wish him nothing but success.
I'm still wondering if the blog should come out west as well.
I do know that if it does, I'm toning it down.
That's' another big decision.

MMF Looking For Spin Doctors

2009-03-09T20:28:00.002-05:00

Just when you thought things couldn't get any sillier over at head office, the MMF has an placed ad looking for people to put a positive spin on what one HRDT former employee termed as an office that was. "usually dead".
MMF Human Resources Development Request for Proposals
Closing Date March 20, 2009
Company Information
MANITOBA METIS FEDERATION INC.
Winnipeg, MB R3B 0J7
Website: http://mmf.mb.ca
Job Description
General Statement of Purpose
The Manitoba Metis Federation is seeking proposals from companies with the capacity to undertake all aspect of a marketing and communications strategy. The intent of the strategy is to raise the profile of the Manitoba Metis Federation - Metis Human Resource Development (MHRD) Department and its services and programs. The MMF – MHRD continues to deliver a very successful program which has been considered one the top HRD programs in the country. To build on that success and to move forward in its mandate it is agreed that the department must engage a comprehensive communications strategy to increase awareness of the programs and services available to our communities.The timing for the development and execution of this strategy is January 2009 to March 31 2009 which is optimal given the timing of the fiscal year end.
For details please click here to view full Request for Proposal document.
Why waste Metis members money to pay a spin doctor to promote a program that is supposedly one of the top in the country ?

Monday Metis Musings

2009-03-02T09:34:00.005-06:00

If I said it once I said it a million times...winter sucks ! I one of my earlier lives I must've been living in a tropic locale because this Winnipeg cold is definitely not me. I'm reaching my breaking point...lol. If things work out well in the next couple of weeks, This Sanderson clan will be making a drastic move west in the near future..........There has been quite a bit going on as far as Metis news is concerned and it is certainly frustrating not having enough time to post.

The Metis land claims appeal has been heard in provincial court, the appeal took nine days of the courts time and the time allotted was said to be "not the norm" for provincial appeals.

A good sign ? Time will tell.

The Manitoba Metis Federation and its' team of lawyers suffered a complete defeat while attempting to get the government to fulfill its' agreement with the Metis people. The appeal courts decision could come as early as the fall.

The judge in the original trial seemed to stomp on every argument made by the MMF, so if this appeal goes as appeals usually go, it looks like the MMF will have to get to the supreme court to have the land claims issue hashed out............The little community where my mom was raised, St.Eustache Manitoba, is in the news as the school division is deciding whether or not to rebuild the K-6 French immersion school. The current facilities are 60 years old and is deemed to be beyond repair.

So, will the government aid in the decline of a small community or will it decide to invest in the hard working French and Metis people that reside there ? Should be a no brainer.

The school must be rebuilt so to ensure that generations of St Eustache residents will continue to live and thrive in the area.

MMF President David Chartrand has been said to be involved with the upcoming meetings between the community and the government..........Genealogy requirements are getting stepped up. The MMF has set a date of 2012 for members to reapply with genealogy verification in tow. I have always been in support of settling the membership issue. Previous MMF elections have been wrought with allegations of voting irregularities. Saskatchewan Metis are just recovering from their election fiasco of a few years ago. Alberta Metis are also making genealogy a priority. As long as I don't hear that "well their documents can't be located but they self identify as a Metis" or any such argument in support of an unverifiable genealogy, I'm good with this.........Speaking of Metis Nation of Alberta, there seems to be a little more news regarding the Metco/Rick Boucher "spiel. Just to recap ; NationTalk - Health Agreement Signed Between Metco Ventures Inc ...; NationTalk - Alberta Court Upholds MNA Judiciary Council Decision ...
The agreement provided for Metco Ventures Inc. to deliver Métis health programs ... Clem Chartier, and the former MNC Minister for Health, David Chartrand,

I have a reliable source working on this and should have news in a few days. Might be much ado about nothing at this point or is it ??.........The - 10th Annual Winter Fishing Derby @ Matheson Island is this weekend and the boys in Chances R are gearing up for what will be our fifth year performing at the Derby. Thanks to Mona and the organizing crew for their professionalism in getting the event happening. This weekend is going to be a blast and tickets are almost sold out. March 7th is the date.......don't miss it !!!

Louis Riel Day Recap

2009-02-18T01:06:00.006-06:00

I have to admit this years' Louis Riel Day celebrations were a little more meaningful this year...don't know why, I just felt that way.....a real sense of pride in our former leader and the brave Metis that waged the good fight. Maybe the poems had a lot to do with it.

The Manitoba Metis Federation unveiled a collection of poems that were written by Louis Riel while he awaited his fate in a jail cell. The poems were purchased at an auction late last year that were supposedly given to a jail guard from Riel. Once again, kudos to the MMF and the various charities that helped to bring the poems home. I didn't make it for the poems' unveiling (thanks to the MMF's willingness to discuss attending as a member of the press tho') but I did go to head office and watched some of the amazing talent in our Metis talent pool. KRISTA REY continues to be a standout performer at these Metis functions. Someones gonna notice this ladies awesome vocal range in the future.

J J Lavallee, The Gaudry Boys, Al and Phil Desjarlais and The Winnipeg Metis Infinity Steppers were a few of the performers that also graced the stage. Good times that day and nice to see some old friends and kin folk.

What an awesome day to be Metis.

Hey readers......how did your Louis Riel Day go ?

Last words home

Winnipeg Sun, Canada - 23 hours ago"Ten years ago, would you believe there was such a thing as Louis Riel Day?"

After more than a century, Louis Riel's final poems displayed in ... The Canadian Press

Brandonites Take to the Outdoors for Louis Riel Day CKX

Louis Riel's handwritten poems displayed for the public

Canada.com - Winnipeg Free Press

all 60 news articles »

Racist Comments On CBC Website...Boycott The Crap

2009-02-11T20:39:00.005-06:00

Southern Chiefs Organization calls for investigation into CBC website
When bloggers go bad. The Canadian Broadcasting Corp. (CBC) is under fire from the chiefs due to some highly offensive comments made by site visitors.
One comment was said to have said ; The reason the house went up in flames in fifteen minutes was because of the amount of booze in the house.....another, from an obviously brain dead whackjob ;"Native people do not have the knowledge to look after a house. Build them a teepee seeing they were better off 300 years ago." .....Those comments, and a host of others that apparently bordered on hate crimes according to a Manitoba chief, will now be looked at by the authorities.
The comments are targeting the unfortunate families that have already endured tragedy by losing a nine year old girl in a fire on the Sandy bay First nations.
I haven't been able to reach that particular site on http://www.cbc.ca/ , but if anyone has please let us know how to access the page.
Housing crises are real for first nations. I have witnessed these living conditions firsthand and I am saddened by the CBC's publishing of the comments. These racist bloggers do noone any good and shame on the CBC...the people's network.
There still is no reference to the Chief's concerns on their website as of today.
We should all consider a boycott of CBC (I only watch the news on that channel anywho) until such time as they firstly, publicly apologize to First nations peoples, Sandy Bay and its' residents, secondly ensure comments that target any race will not be published again.
Interestingly enough, CBC does moderate its' comments.
For chrissakes MN & S has in excess of 900 comments that I have refused to publish due to offensive content...I think the bigheads over at Contains Bigoted Comments (CBC) should wake up and smell racial sensitivity.
Housing woes continue in Sandy Bay
Central Plains Herald Leader, Canada - Feb 6, 2009
SANDY BAY FIRST NATION — On the last day of January, when winds whipped across Manitoba at up to 80 kilometres per hour, Evan Roulette and family fought ...
House fire takes life of child
Central Plains Herald Leader
all 4 news articles »