Memories

I remember a day – we would go to the neighbors – often our extended family – the tea or coffee would be on and we would spend the day watching the old ones tell stories – some in English – some in Michif - some a combination of both languages. The memories bring back smiles because it was the deep belly laughs of these people that would resonate through the air and make everyone laugh. As children – we did not always understand the humor but we would sit and giggle because of the infectious laugh they would share.

We were often delighted to be asked to assist the old grandmothers and grandfathers. We would work hard to please them and seek their approval. They were kind to us and would sit and smile as we would struggle to try and achieve. They seemed to encourage us with patience and understanding. We would feel very special when they would call upon us.

I know there was never a lot of money or a lot of material wealth. The things of value were generally those things that were passed down from one family member to another or the things that were made like the embroidered table cloths. I remember my grandparents as humble people but I also remember them as the first sign of advocates for the rights of people - their people. If there was a crisis in the community we would pull together and every member would help. We never walked away from family and let them struggle without support. Funny as it may seem – even when we would be rebellious, obstinate and bull headed young people – they would never give up on us. They sheltered us - protected us – fought for us.

My family were not soft spoken quiet people - they spoke the truth and fought for what they believed. They worked hard and contributed to the well being of the entire family which often extended many generations and distant cousins were like brothers and sisters to us all. They often stood shoulder to shoulder ensuring the best for all - never for the individual.

You may be wondering why this visit down memory lane – but there is a purpose. It is through this initial foundation of values and principles that made many of us who we are today. It is with sadness that I see some of our leaders not using those inherent values to build on our communities. For their own political gain – they divide our nation. They try to build a war based on lies and the feeding of misinformation in our communities.

I reviewed the words of the re-elected Clem Chartier in the press release – all words – no commitment to rebuilding our nation. He declared that in spite of what had happened he would work with the Board of Governors and bring the nation back together. Actions always speak louder then words – instead of trying to engage the BOG in a plan of working to “Build the Nation” he meets with just the President of the Manitoba Métis Federation and names him the Vice President of MNC, Minister of Social Development, Minister of Health, Minister of Finance/Treasurer and virtually the real and only leader of the Métis National Council. Clem does not make any effort to engage a Board of Governor meeting or to work with the other three Presidents. He names his good friend John Weinstein as the Interim Executive Director. Actions do speak lots louder then words. Clem is going to continue on his destruction of the Métis National Council.

To look at the bright side – it is just as well that David Chartrand and Clem will be the executive of the Métis National Council and make up all of its’ parts. The remaining governing bodies will be able to demonstrate that they had no ability to monitor or control the activities of the Métis National Council and who has complete legal liability for the corporation is Clem and David.

As for our community – we need to take the lessons of our grandparents and work together to advocate for a real Nation – one that is made up of the people – not the leaders.