Metis Nation of Ontario - Press Release Election Results

OTTAWA (May 13, 2008) – Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Chief Electoral Officer, Lawrence Gladue, today announced the final results for the 2008 elections of the MNO’s three province-wide governing institutions: The Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario- (PCMNO); the Métis Nation of Ontario Youth (MNOY); and, the Métis Nation of Ontario Veteran’s Council (MNOVC).

The final count of ballots for the MNO Provincial Election 2008 was held yesterday, May 12, 2008 and the following individuals won the contested positions:

MNO Executive:

Sharon McBride, Vice-Chair

Provisional Councillors of the Métis Nation of Ontario

Region 1: Theresa Stenlund
Region 7: Pauline Saulnier (incumbent)

The following candidates were acclaimed:

Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Executive

Gary Lipinski, President
France Picotte, Chair
Tim Pile, Secretary-Treasurer

Provisional Councillors of the Métis Nation of Ontario

Region 2: Cameron Burgess (incumbent)
Region 3: Marcel LaFrance
Region 4: Ann Trudel
Region 5: Maurice Sarrazin (incumbent)
Region 6: Jo-Ann Wass
Region 8: Charlie Fife
Region 9: Peter Rivers

Post-Secondary Representative,

PCMNOAnita Tucker (incumbent)

Métis Nation of Ontario (MNOY)

Joni Labbé, Region 4

Métis Nation of Ontario Veteran’s Council

Elmer Ross, Senator

The following offices are vacant (no nominations or incomplete nominations)

PCMNO Youth Representative

MNOY Regional Councillors: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9

MNOVC President, Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer, Women’s Representative, and Youth Representative.

The date and time for the election for the vacant positions will be announced following the completion of the MNO Elections.

MNO Electoral Code, Article 9.1 states:

If after the close of nominations there are offices that are vacant, the Chief Electoral Officer shall, by May 15th, announce in writing that elections to fill any such vacancies will be held at the next Annual summer assembly.

For further information:
Katelin Peltier
MNO Manager of Communications
Tel: 613-798-1488 ext. 108
Cell: 613-859-7130
E: katelinp@metisnation.orgwww.metisnation.org

Metis Mothers

TODAY METIS MAMA WOULD LIKE TO WISH HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ALL THOSE METIS MAMAS ACROSS THE HOMELAND! THANK YOU FOR KEEPING THE CULTURE STRONG AND TAKING CARE OF THE FUTURE GENERATIONS.

Resonse to an Anonymous Contributor

• An Anonymous Contributor left this comment on our site:
  
  Something is really wrong here. Our Federal Government representatives over in Nicuraga while at home we are having real issues with our Homeland. Losing our hunting fishing areas to development.
  
  As reported on the Another site Some of us don't even have HOUSING!!!!
  
  So what the F is our Governments doing over seas... when the work needs to be done here at home. I think BC and Alberta needs to leave the MNC and tomorrow would be too late.
  

As for the Housing story that you present:

We did check this APTN clip out … it was once again a further demonstration of the reason why APTN is not a reliable news source – no investigative reporting skills and even less credibility. Sean Amato who is APTN’s Alberta Correspondent would be more skilled at “Fantasia” then he is at reporting newsworthy information in an unbiased and appropriate manner. Much of the information that gets aired from Alberta is like the "Aboriginal Enquirer" and exploits individuals much like it did for the poor family that was portrayed on this news clip. There are many Aboriginal families in the north who have been negatively impacted by the industrial revolution that seems to have consumed Fort McMurray. There has been much talk about the negative impacts. The Provincial and Federal governments have hosted Task Forces and other reviews that were to address issues related to housing in these communities. The outcomes of many of these initiatives have not had many results for the people of Conklin, Trout Lake, Anzac and others.

Yet – we have had Métis Region One collecting funds through contractual agreements that would mitigate the damages to these communities. We understand from reports from the Ken Bourque and the now suspended Rick Boucher that they are receiving a million dollars a year to assist these communities from a contract with industry. Why are these dollars not being utilized to assist the Métis community who has been devastated by the industrial explosion in their back yard?

The Métis Locals in the north have been working as a collective so that industry can work with the northern communities instead of filtering money outside of their area and not have any accountability back to these Metis people. Bill Loutitt, Margaret Scott, Jumbo Fraser and Ron Quintal from the "Wood Buffalo Core Metis Locals" tell a story about how Region One representatives do not deal with the issues of the north and do not consult them to assist any of the Metis families who have lost a way of life and the ability to exist in communities that have suddenly had everything exasperate in costs.

The APTN blames Audrey Poitras for someone living in poor housing in the north – the only housing program that the Métis Nation of Alberta had was lost this year when Trevor Gladue and his friends did not support the Framework Agreement. The money through Framework hired an individual, who is now laid off as a result of the “Framework Agreement”. This individual worked with the various Métis people in Alberta to try and get them access to the necessary resources through the Alberta Government to deal with poor inadequate housing. Rather then blame Audrey – maybe Trevor’s friends need to talk to the 'Dissidents' who have high jacked the Métis issues in Alberta for their own political gain.

What is new at MNC?

There is a new foundation and focus coming to the Métis National Council. Gary Lipinski is now the new President of the Métis Nation of Ontario and based on the news releases – he has hit the ground running. The Métis Nation of Ontario has worked and developed some very significant relationships with the provincial government in Ontario and appear to be strengthening their relationship with the various Métis people at the community level.

Tony has taken on some new challenges in his retirement. He has started a new organization which he is the President of. He will be working on developing opportunity for the Indigenous people of the Americas. In fact, he is working on an initiative to bring cell phones to the Indigenous people of Guatemala right now.

Clem is busy on his International interests and is trying to find support for the people in Nicaragua.

British Columbia is busy with community consultations in their various regional boundaries. They will work at letting the people determine their progression into the future, including whether they continue with the Métis National Council. Based on their communication with the Métis National Council – answers to their questions would go a long way to indicating to the Métis in BC that their participation is welcome. They are also busy strengthening their relationship federally and provincially. There has been indications that they have successfully negotiated bilateral agreements that will move the Métis Nation of BC forward regardless of what they end up doing.

Through the Manitoba Métis Federation we have heard that there have been regional meetings. Based on David’s Presidents report they are filled with Métis people in Manitoba who are singing and dancing with happiness. David is apparently meeting with the Ian Potter the Assistant Deputy Minister, FNIHB Health Canada. The Board of Governors at their meeting passed a resolution that indicated they were willing to try and negotiate a new agreement with Health Canada if the issues of the past contract breach could be resolved. That is now up in the air because the forensic audit is not complete and the Assistant Deputy Minister is rumored to be leaving his present position. The Board of Governors at their meeting clearly did not support the continuation of the existing agreement and wanted to begin working on the development of bilateral agreements with each of the Provincial organizations. This is probably really important for some of our provinces because in the past Manitoba has gotten the lion’s share of the funding that comes into MNC while often BC and Ontario received the crumbs. Government in a bilateral process would develop a funding formula that would have indicators that would determine the percentage of funding that would be equally shared amongst the provinces based on the formula much like the existing Métis Human Resource Development Agreement is negotiated.

On to Alberta – well not much needs to be said about the issues happening there – the ongoing political dog eat dog world is highlighted in many blogs and the only real dogs that have been torn apart is the Métis people in the community. As has been reported on this blog and others -Rick Boucher is suspended and the division of the political allies are shifting. There is to be a Provincial Council meeting next week to resolve issues. There will probably be a great deal of attention focused on that blogs after the meeting. In the meantime the candidates are lining up and the people who have been mortal enemies in the past are trying to convince each other they should now be allies in the future.

In Saskatchewan – we have heard that there is work being done to try and recover from what has been a long political battle in their province. They are trying to reestablish relationships and working at putting their governing structure back together. There is a split on the provincial council that they are working to overcome. If they stay focused on the issues of commonality they just may be the role model for how to overcome our differences.

As Métis people in our community – we need to work on staying focused on the issues and not getting caught up in self serving political agendas. Even one of the blogs are becoming an obvious campaign head quarter for some of our more challenged. I do caution individuals on something that is being presented recently - one of these forums has become a means of trying to suck individuals into financing them. Many blogs have been around for many more years then Metis Mama and they are not seeking your money to share or give insight into the world of issues that are of concern to you. Before you buy into putting your hard earned money to forums or sites with their own political agenda - make sure that they represent an organization that reflects your priorities and that the money is not going to one or two private pockets.

Our nation needs to focus on the things that are paramount to our future – like engaging our youth so that they are not completely alienated from their culture. We pray that some of our young people who have sought a future of understanding our contemporary communities but remembering their past will step up and begin to get involved so that the future of the Métis Nation is not lost in the future generations.

An Interesting Article in the Toronto Sun about our Aboriginal Veterans

An article that makes you wonder... Just for info to add to the article. If you want to follow the story of the Juno Beach, Vimy Ridge, Menin Gate Veterans ceremonies go to the fall of 2005 and early 2006 archives of Trevor Gladue's Metis Matters Newspaper. Trevor and his wife were - Ed Borchert's helpers on this tour - not that they were veterans, youth or bureaucrats .... must have been a hanger on.

David is with the Duck Bay Dancers at the Vimy Ridge vacation. This event not unlike the others had far more Metis Politicians and others....

You will see Felice Gladue standing in the back row and husband Trevor is in the front row of this picture which can be found at: http://www.metisnation.ca/press/photo.html

Why should bureaucrats, officials and other hangers-on outnumber veterans 2 to 1 on pilgrimages to battlefields?

http://www.torontosun.com/News/Canada/2008/05/07/5492521-sun.html

By PETER WORTHINGTON, TORONTO SUN

Periodically, Veterans Affair Canada (VAC), conducts pilgrimages to various wartime battlefields and cemeteries where Canadians made a name for themselves.

Often, veterans who are the centrepiece of these expeditions, seem secondary to bureaucrats and officials who accompany and outnumber them, sometimes two to one.

I was invited to mark the 50th anniversary of the Korean war, and at the time it struck me as a bit odd that senior bureaucrats flew business class, while the outnumbered vets (some of them literally on their last legs) were relegated to economy class. While some of the old soldiers grumbled, most felt this was just the way things are; nothing much had changed since wartime days when they roughed it.

This July, VAC is conducting what may be the last pilgrimage by veterans to the 55th anniversary of the ending of the Korean War -- a war that ended in stalemate but which was a triumph for South Korea in peace.

ONE VET EACH

In past "pilgrimages," regiments that fought in Korea contributed three veterans each. This year they've been allocated one veteran each, which seems unnecessarily chintzy, especially when this may be the last chance for many to take part.

Complicating the arrangements is that four veterans from each of three Aboriginal and Metis organizations are attending (12 in all) -- some of whom never served in Korea. This seems disproportional, especially when 40 or so vets will be herded by close to 100 staff from VAC, including an honour guard, students and various others who'll get a free trip.

Apparently what is planned is a four-day "Calling Home Ceremony" for the souls or spirits of Aboriginals who were killed. It will be similar to ceremonies at a 2005 pilgrimage to Vimy Ridge where retired Princess Pats Maj. Ed Borchert (who once ran the gift shop at the regimental museum in Calgary and claims to be a Metis) conducted ceremonies.

At Vimy, Borchert said it was very emotional: "We felt loss, grief, elation, tears, anger, laughter and joy. The spirits came to us and cried to go home."

(The cycle of calling home the spirits of dead warriors apparently takes four years of feasts, songs and dances.)

Borchert, who retired in 1995 after 30 years service, defines the Calling Home Ceremony as a "vision of warriors brought to veterans on the wings of a Great Eagle from the Creator ... a cry from our ancestors for the spirits of our fallen warriors to be returned to their ancestral homelands."

Claude Petit, president of the National Aboriginal Veterans Association (NAVA) -- the umbrella group representing all Aboriginal and Metis vets -- isn't impressed. He even questions whether Borchert is Metis, and says in the past he has been depicted as Ukrainian and even Spanish.
"Pipe ceremonies and such are not a Metis thing," says Petit, who is Metis himself, was wounded in Korea and holds the Order of Canada for work in Saskatchewan among native and Metis people.

"Fine if First Nation vets want to do these ceremonies," says Petit. "But Maj. Borchert isn't a veteran of Korea, even though he likes to wear a buckskin jacket and the U.S. Presidential Unit Citation awarded to 2 Battalion PPCLI. I've told him this. I call him Grey Owl II, and have complained to Veterans Affairs."

Petit says most Metis are Catholics and don't intrude on First Nation ceremonies. NAVA is sending four Korean vets on the Pilgrimage, as is a Metis organization and a First Nation group. Not all are Korean vets.

PRINCESS PATS

Along with his brother, Petit joined the Princess Pats under age and stayed in the army after the Korean war. Claude was heavyweight boxing champ of the Canadian army and is an outspoken advocate for Aboriginal causes -- rarely reluctant to say what he thinks.

His reference to Borchert as "Grey Owl II" brings to mind the original Grey Owl, who was born Archie Belaney in Hasting, England, but joined the Montreal Black Watch in World War I pretending to be an Ojibwa Indian. He was a sniper, was wounded, and on discharge became a trapper in Temagame, Ont. A naturalist, he wrote critically acclaimed books and toured Britain and America as an Indian. He died in 1938 at age 50. The North Bay Nugget exposed him as a non-aboriginal. His life was later made into a movie, staring Pierce Brosnan.

Vince Courtenay, a Korean vet and publisher of Koreavet news.com, also questions a Metis staging pipe ceremonies and urges VAC to reconsider and send three vets from each of the regiments that fought in Korea.

On behalf of the VanDoos and RCR, Regimental Maj. E.A. Liebert of the PPCLI has requested VAC to "review plans and try to maximize participation of Korean veterans in Armistice ceremonies." He notes these three regiments supplied almost half the 26,000 Canadian soldiers who served in Korea, and sustained 75% of the casualties.

Petit was involved in getting NAVA vets to the Vimy Ridge pilgrimage where Borchert conducted the "Calling Home Ceremony."

Petit says: "My grandfather is buried at Vimy Ridge and I want his spirit to stay where it is, among those who died there."

Many veterans of aboriginal blood who served in World War I, World War II and Korea feel that in the army they were treated fairly as equals for the first time in their lives. After these wars, for many, it was a return to the reserve and the prejudices of the times.

Today, efforts are made to encourage aboriginal recruitment, as they make excellent soldiers.

"Candy" being handed out in school yards may be dangerous drug

The following was an article that was in the Grassroots News. It is important to protect our children in a an ever changing world of challenges.

Tzena Asham at the Manitoba Metis Federation wants readers, particularly parents, to be aware of a new drug which some very unsavory people are trying to get our youth and children hooked on.

This new drug is called "strawberry quick". It is a type of crystal methamphetatime (or "crystal meth") that looks like strawberry pop rocks (the candy that "pops" and sizzles in your mouth). It also smells like strawberry and it is being handed out to children in Winnipeg school yards.

There have been reports of kids ingesting this substance thinking it is candy and being rushed to hospital sick. The substance is also reported to come in chocolate, peanut butter, cola, cherry, grape and orange flavours.

Parents are strongly urged to tell your children not to accept candy from strangers, also not to accept "candy" that looks like this from a friend (who may have been given this substance and wrongly believes that it is safe candy). Children should also report any information or offers they receive about this substance to a teacher, principal, parent or police immediately.

Métis Nation of Ontario President Lipinski sets the direction for the next four years

http://www.metisnation.org/voyageur/annuals/Election_08/08_may6_moveforward.html


Tuesday, May 6, 2008 -- MNO Press Release

Moving Forward --- Together

Ottawa (May 6th, 2008) --- Today the newly acclaimed Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) President Gary Lipinski officially assumes his role following his election to Office of the President April 22nd, 2008. As a first order of business President Lipinski provided MNO Elected Officials and Staff with the ambitious agenda for the next four years.

“The MNO has, over the years, put into place a democratic and strong governance structure in order to implement Métis self-government, and the momentum needs to continue. Empowerment, communications and sustainable capacity are a few of the areas that the MNO will focus on strengthening, specifically for the MNO’s Chartered Community Councils which operate solely on a volunteer capacity.” Lipinski stated.

President Lipinski identified the need for the development of an overall, long range strategic plan for the MNO which would result in the engagement of all Métis citizens, Community Councils, the Provisional Council of the MNO (PCMNO), and the MNO Annual Assembly.

“From these discussions, we can develop a blueprint that will not only guide us, but will also grow and evolve as we do. It will also allow us to set targets and goals, to evaluate our progress and refine our plans as we go. I look forward to engaging in this process over the next 6 to 8 months with Métis citizens and fellow Métis leaders.” added Lipinski.

Another area identified was the enhancement of the ability to further assist Métis people in areas of mental health, justice, education, child and family services, housing, culture and heritage, as well as economic development.

“To better support Métis children, families and communities, the MNO must be able to offer a holistic approach to addressing Métis needs. Currently, the MNO does not have all of the tools and supports our citizens need from their government. I am committed to expanding discussions with the provincial and federal governments to assume Métis jurisdiction in areas which are essential to improving the quality of life of Métis people in the province.” said Lipinski.

“A strong team has been elected and brings an exciting mix of experience, energy, talent and ideas. With France Picotte as Chair of the Provisional Council, Tim Pile as Secretary/Treasurer, a new Co-chair, and, an enthusiastic blend of returning and first term Councillors, I look forward to capitalizing on our strengths, while immediately addressing those areas where we must be stronger.” Lipinski stated.

The MNO held Ballot-box elections yesterday, May 5th, 2008, for the contested positions of the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO Vice-Chair, Region 1 & 7 Councillors) and the Chief Electoral Officer will announce the results on May 12, 2008. For more information on the elections please visit www.metisnation.org.

President Lipinski started his political career as a councillor on the Sunset Country Métis Council Gary expressed his vision for Métis people within Ontario and gradually progressed through the political structure becoming Region 1 Councillor and in 1999 was elected as Chair of the Métis Nation of Ontario of which he held until this current election. In addition to the elected positions that Lipinski held, he also sits on various Provincial and National Committees representing the Métis People of Ontario and was an integral part of the battle for Métis Rights including the landmark Powley case concerning the right to hunt.

The Métis are a distinct Aboriginal people with a unique culture, language and heritage, and with an ancestral Homeland that centres around Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, parts of the Northwest Territories, as well as the northwestern United States. The Métis played an instrumental role in the shaping of Canada, and work tirelessly to share their culture, music, traditions and knowledge of the environment with their fellow Canadians. Today, the Métis live, work, raise their families and pay taxes in communities all across Canada.

For further information:
Katelin Peltier
MNO Manager of Communications
Tel: 613-798-1488 ext. 108
Cell: 613-859-7130
katelinp@metisnation.org
www.metisnation.org