Evidence of No Metis Leaders

I have waited for more then a day to hear something from the leaders of MNC in relation to the new budget that was announced in Ottawa on February 26, 2008. Nothing – and with a glimpse of the budget – we know there is no priority for Métis. This money is what is announced for the next two years. I do hope that in the future – when we repair our Nation – we too will be able to work with the Federal government in ensuring that Métis has some level of visability and focus when they are speaking about the Aboriginal people of Canada.

In fact, I am one of the people that does not believe in our Métis organizations playing in the partisan politics. I do support encouraging Métis people to vote – don’t care for who – just make an informed choice and vote! I know that some of our leaders as individuals may have strong personal political affiliations – but look what your views have cost us as a Nation. I do believe that if we have those strong political tendencies – campaign for your party, fund raise for your party, encourage on a personal level for people to support your party – but do not bring the Nation into partisan politics. Some of your fellow Métis may be Conservatives, Liberals, New Democrats, Marxist, Communist or otherwise. Our forefathers and Veterans fought for the freedom of choice – we should value that and just encourage people to vote. I believe that statement in our Constitution or Bylaws that says: No Political Affiliations means something…

Back to the point though – this is what was in the budget on Tuesday as announced by the Harper government:

http://www.budget.gc.ca/2008/glance-apercu/brief-bref-eng.asp

"Strengthening Partnerships With Aboriginal Canadians

The Government has made significant progress in supporting Aboriginal Canadians over the past two years with a new practical approach that is paying off. Advantage Canada recognized the most effective way to close the gap in socio-economic conditions faced by Aboriginal Canadians is to increase their workforce participation. Budget 2008 takes action toward this goal by:

Dedicating $70 million over two years for measures within a new Aboriginal economic development framework.

Dedicating $70 million over two years to improve First Nations education outcomes through enhanced accountability and by encouraging integration with provincial systems.

Committing $147 million over two years to stabilize current First Nations and Inuit health programs and promote closer integration with provincial systems in order to achieve better health outcomes.

Committing $43 million over two years for prevention-based models of child and family services on reserve.

Investing over $330 million over two years to improve access to safe drinking water in First Nations. "

If you check out the Assembly of First Nations, Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, Native Women’s Association, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami – they all made some acknowledgement of the issues related to the budget and their representation. Some links for some press stories related to this issue:

http://www.canada.com/chilliwacktimes/news/story.html?id=a52e80d1-988b-42e5-92ef-822c3b156559&k=60458

http://www.nationtalk.ca/modules/news/article.php?storyid=6944


http://www.afn.ca/article.asp?id=4029

http://www.itk.ca/media/index.php

I did check out all the Métis Governing Members websites and there was no mention of the budget. Maybe in the future our leaders will be a part of the significant issues that are relevant to all Aboriginal people.