Thank You to the Grassroots People

Many years ago after the death of Louis Riel – there appeared to be a movement that continued with the grassroots people. The great depression was in Alberta – the Métis had been oppressed and the only thing that was left was sharing stories amongst the families and friends in quiet corners of wood burning heated homes and passing the passion of the Métis people across the homeland.

Four men in the early 1900’s started to see the need to move the Métis agenda forward. With nothing more then their belief, passion and will – they went door to door to share the issues that were common to the Métis cause. Community meetings began and people were motivated to see more for the Métis. James Brady, Malcolm Norris, Peter Tomkins and Joe Dion created a petition that was signed by more then 500 Métis people from across Alberta. They presented the Métis land petition to the Alberta government.

Malcolm Norris was called “Dynamite” because of his tireless pursuit for justice for the Métis and his ability to agitate and speak to his cause with passion and vigor. The Métis grassroots were motivated to move the Métis agenda forward. With the ability of these men to strategize and motivate a large meeting was hosted in July 1932 that was the development of the first Métis council in Alberta.

76 years later we want to see the grassroots people take back their organization. These past leaders have demonstrated for us that even though we are saddened by the lack of ethics by a few – the passion for what is right and just still exists.

It is important to realize that we could become apathetic or complacent but our forefathers taught us the fight for social justice is the right thing to do. We need to take up the cause and remove the secretariat (MNC) that is blocking our way. Robert Doucette reported to the Star Phoenix on Monday that, "At the end of the day, we're not working for politicians. We're working for people," Doucette said.

Doucette said he'll be pushing for changes to the way the MNC president is elected. A system of delegates casting votes is outdated, he said, and technology is available to give all Metis people the chance to vote for their national president. He also wants the MNC to adopt a rule that no president can serve more than two consecutive terms.

"We have a lot of gifted people out there who can do a lot of great things for Metis people," he said.

Let us stand behind the leaders who will move us from the mess that exists and create a Nation that stands on the shoulders of its’ people not forgets its’ purpose and role. The words in the media were about working together regardless of the issues that resulted in the present situation – but the action of Clem Chartier to this point was to give David back complete control of MNC (Less the money because there is none.) and not even talk to the other Board of Governors or calling a meeting to bring the organization back together. Much has happened – Nothing has changed and words are not worth anything after this weekends events.

Clem would like to talk about the great support that he recieved but lets' be honest - even with all the games, buy outs and deals - YOU WON BY ONE VOTE! Not like an overwhelming show of confidence considering you had 100% of the vote the first time you ran.