I was asked and have meant to write about Métis Nationalism and how do we get there? The debate of being a Canadian probably fueled this argument but debate is good. It helps us to understand our beliefs and has us ensure that we truly support and understand those beliefs.
As a young girl growing up - a young woman in our community - I listened to many of our past leaders, sometimes with great admiration. People like Stan Daniels, Harry the Dog Daniels, Jim Sinclair, Yvon Dumont, many of the mothers of Metisism like Maria Campbell, Emma Larocque and Tantoo Cardinal, the grandmothers and grandfathers back home who all spoke with the passion and understanding that is only a result of our shared experiences. Some of these individuals have lived and continue to live their life fighting for the Métis Nationalism that has been bred in us.
The stories of our fore fathers like Guillaume Sayer, Cuthbert Grant, Louis Riel, Gabriel Dumont, Pascal Breland, James Brady, Malcolm Norris, Adrian Hope and many more have helped us to stay committed to the conceptual ideology of Métis Nationalism.
Nationalism is defined as a feeling of community among a people, based on common ties of their descent, history, culture, language, and religion. Harry Daniels once said, “Métis nationalism is Canadian nationalism – We embody the true spirit of Canada and are the source of Canadian identity. The birth of the Métis Nation is at the crossroads of the Old and New Worlds where the European and Indian peoples came together. Our country is the home of people from all over the world. Their blood flows in our veins as does that of our Indian cousins. We have taken the best of both worlds to build the Métis Nation. Our home is Canada.”
The Métis since the 1800’s have fought sometimes with armed resistance for their land, property and human rights. Historically we were called the Road Allowance people because we did not own title to our land but in spite of the challenges there has always been a growing sense of political and social activism. Many of the Provincial Representative organizations and communities since the late 1700’s have had objectives that strive to better the political, social, cultural and economic life of the Métis. They have tried to address issues of poverty, lack of education, lack of employment, displacement and land and hunting issues. They have also been about preserving the heritage, language and culture of the Métis people. They have talked about the right for to be self determining and self governing.
The trick to all of that is the debate about are we a sovereign state? How are you a nation within a nation? I do not see this as challenging as maybe some do because historically we have demonstrated that we can work for the betterment of Canada while keeping our unique identity, heritage and value system. We are an asset to the mosaic of Canada and having our own Nationalism does not take away from Canada as a country. There are many nations within this nation and the greatest lesson we can learn from that is to understand, value and respect our differences. We have worked not to be victims of an ever changing world but survivors of it.
Our strength as a Nation of people has always been and still is the Métis people themselves. We have generally worked as a collective with a commitment and will to build our nation.
Right now we have some problems – but not to the point where are ideology of who we are can not be overcome. I truly believe that in these days of what we see some of our political leaders doing – for themselves – gives us at a community level the opportunity to reengage and bring back what is important as a Nation. The Métis National Council was formed in the early 1980’s so that the Métis people would have an opportunity to have a voice at the National level during the debate for the Canadian Constitution. They were about developing processes to ensure that Métis people had participation in moving forward with self government and self determination. They were never about being the program delivery from Ottawa. That was suppose to be the regional organizations who remained involved in bringing forward the programs and opportunities for the community.
If we are to rebuild or develop a new National organization, it needs to be based on a democratic, fair, accountable and responsible government that values honesty, integrity, transparency, self reliance and self sufficiency. It needs to be focused on the collective and individuals rights of the Métis people where the heart of the Métis culture can be preserved along with their rich history, language and that the future of our young will be able to identify with our proud heritage.
To continue with Nation building we need to construct a structure that develops and implements a constitution that treats all Métis equally across the Nation. The basis of developing social harmony and economic growth across the entire nation – not just the three historical provinces – will have us valuing the historical perspective that our past leaders fought for which was to be treated equally and fairly. Democracy – will have us all being a part of the nation and having a say in the direction that the Metis Nation takes in the future. I look forward to the time that our institutions and structures bring together our elders, our past leaders, our future leaders and the people of the community in a process that values and respects the collective interests of the Métis Nation. The elected leaders need to be transparent and focused on the needs of their people not their personal agendas. I believe that if we all take our responsibility seriously … we can make some of our past leaders very proud of where we take what they began.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
What does Métis Nationalism Mean To Me?
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30 comments:
You wrote; “having our own Nationalism does not take away from Canada as a country” My question is; “How a Nation such as Canada can survive if everyone is spilt up into their own little nations?” Now you answer the idea of Metis nationalism with; “There are many nations within this nation and the greatest lesson we can learn from that is to understand, value and respect our differences” – The truth to these “nations within this nation” is that they work to provide for the strength of Canada as a whole – yes they have their cultures and traditions, but they put being Canadian above all this. It can’t work for the Metis or any other Aboriginal group when they want special “inherent rights” apart from the rest of the country and use the excuse of wrongs done to their ancestors as the reason they should have these rights. Patrick Henry said “United we stand, divided we fall. Let us not split into factions which must destroy that union upon which our existence hangs. These other nations in Canada bring their uniqueness and try to weave it into the fabric of Canada. It is when they try to be different (a nation within a nation) is where we get problems. Now this goes for all people who come here, Muslim, Sikh, Chinese, etc. When you try to live your former way of life in spite of the growing fabric of the host nation, then you come up against resistance.
I agree with you when you wrote; “We have worked not to be victims of an ever changing world but survivors of it.” That is Metis strength and pride, and should be taught to all or our people. But when we preach and teach “Nationalism” we are in fact teaching treason to our country. Our ability to be survivors of this ever changing world will give us the advantage we need to continue to be true Canadians with a rich heritage, knowing that our people helped to form this country into what it is. To want to be unique and have the so called “inherent rights” does nothing but alienate us from the rest of Canada and brands us as whiny cry babies.
Look at the successful Metis, and FN’s, they didn’t get where they are by holding on to their history, or by wanting to be a “Nation within a Nation”. They got that way by hard work. Work is hard. Ask anyone who works. Getting up at 7 a.m. to get to work on time is hard, especially in winter. Working with idiot bosses is hard. Working on beautiful sunny days is hard. Working until closing time when you're tired and hungry is hard. Working when you would rather be at the beach is hard. Working when you'd rather sleep is hard. Working after you've said goodbye to your children is hard. Going to work by car or bus is hard. Coming home after a hard days work isn't any easier. Shoehorning errands into a word day is hard. But they did it. They did it because they got a pay check. And that let them buy things. And it let them improve their lives. It allowed them to send their children to university to get better jobs than they had so they wouldn’t have to work as hard. Except they will, only it will be hard in a different way. Because, you know, work is hard. But it seems our people are willing to wait by for the “lottery” of government programs, and land claim issues, and residential school settlements, etc. Oh yea and the dream of being a “Nation within a Nation”.
You wrote, “If we are to rebuild or develop a new National organization, it needs to be based on a democratic, fair, accountable and responsible government that values honesty, integrity, transparency, self reliance and self sufficiency.” – apart from being an illusion, this thought can never even find root let alone grow into existence. First of all, the word democratic is defined depending on your view of democracy. Remember it was a democracy that crucified Christ. The other words, fair, accountable, responsible, honesty, integrity, transparency, all exist in a perfect world, and last I looked our world isn’t perfect. Words I feel our “Metis” are going to have a hard time living up to. Self reliance and self sufficiency, now those are obtainable by our people, but they are going to have to work hard and do it for themselves, without government hand outs.
You wrote; “To continue with Nation building we need to construct a structure that develops and implements a constitution that treats all Métis equally across the Nation.” I have a quote but can’t find the author, anyway he says about equality the following;
“As our culture moves from Biblical foundations to mysticism and syncretism on a track of relativism we can expect freedom as we understand it to be replaced by a brave new world of equality, which will require that freedom of the individual as we know it be removed in favor of the toleration of the masses. Freedom and equality cannot coexist, to be free allows one to be unequal, the only equality in a free society is before the law and before God. Both in the French and Russian revolution equality was the goal, to achieve this those that were different were retrained by torture or death. Today we are taught to believe that equality equals freedom, this is a great foundation for slavery, for slavery is the closest thing to equality the world can produce.
We can never be treated equal, because there is always going to be someone who will rise above us. Equality equals slavery. Very good thoughts but not very realistic. Metis Nationalism can not and should not be pursued. It will cause great divisions in our country and worse conditions for our people.
ok.. where do we start... excellent vision!
Metis Nationalism and Pride in our Community is being destroyed by those with Short vision of our Nation, and wanting Quick reward.
HI Metis Mama
Nationalism to me would be
One nation for all of Canada
All Metis with proven genealogy
Be all acepted.EXCEPT that some
would not be able to say that
they are from historic home LAND
I for one is from the red river
district and that don,t make me
any better than any body else
I don,t beleive in today ,s rules
that every community and province
is a different Nation I
Personaly say that is a bunch of
hog wash THAT IS MY OPINION
WHAT,S YOUR,S
UN VYEU MECHIF FIERE RENE
Hi. I liked what you wrote. The other day a friend of mine who is now Canadian but who was born in Japan asked me to accompany her to a gathering at her community centre. I was shocked when I walked in an saw over 300 people in attendance. She called them her people most of whom were born in Japan but now live in Manitoba. She said they get together often. Everytime she walked up to someone, she kissed them. I asked her how the politics work in her nation. She said there is a BOD at the centre and a president who is also the spokes person for all Japanese people living here, should the media or anyone want info about something that's happening in their community or in Japan. I asked if when the election for DOB is over if people argue and she said never. There is a rule that when an election is over people remain friendly. I could not help but think about my people, the Metis and how they are always at odds and they have no respect for each other. Maybe we could learn a thing or two from immigrants.
Since Metis Mama and Frank Gordon seem to be the only two who go on and on about their believes. it doesnt make it so. My grandfather born in Manitoba was settled at Carmen,MB was away from his land when he came back, white settlers were living on his land. Along with four brothers he joined Louis Riel at Batoche, one brother was killed at the battle, four escaped, three died mysteriuosly before 1894. I have a good reason to stand up for my heroic grandfather and all the other Metis soldiers who fought for you and all the Metis people. My family never lived on a road allowance house as a matter a fact they worked very hard. not complainging or asking for a handout. My grandfather was known to be well off. I resent my family being labled by you or Marie Campbell who hasnt shown a whole lot of credibitlity. Especially since she continues to tell the story of the naked Metis Women at the battle in 1851, which is a farce the only account of that battle is the priests. Stop changing history.
Frank – as in most things – I am always grateful to an opposing view – it challenges me to fight harder to protect those things I value and defend the issues that I believe in. I am not sure where your quote came from but it does give one food for thought. Eleanor Holmes Norton once said, “The only way to make sure people you agree with can speak is to support the rights of people you don't agree with.”
You have brought forward the concept of Métis Nationalism as treason. Well based on the definition of the MSN Encarta treason is a criminal offense involving the attempt, by overt acts, to overthrow the government to which the offender owes allegiance, or to betray the state to a foreign power. As a TRUE Canadian as Harry Daniels quoted – what part of the piece on Nationalism did take as overthrowing the government. You ask how can Canada survive – well we have been a make up of many nations – whether English, French, Métis, Japanese, etc. and guess what – we have survived and prospered even though we have allegiances to both our culture and our country. We are not a part of a dictatorial regime – we have the free will to associate with what we want. It is a part of the Canadian constitution.
Which brings me to inherent right – All people are born with certain natural, essential and inherent rights. This is recognized by the Canadian Constitution and the American Constitution. The inherent rights were mine at birth – they can not be given – they are mine as a part of who I was at birth. Aboriginal Rights usually refers to the inherent collective rights – including the Métis. If you research the Supreme Court decision around Powley – more important then hunting or fishing is the recognizable unalienable rights of the Métis people. These were rights that were ours due to the common history, life, heritage and language that Métis people share prior to European land occupation.
I would also like to address the issue that wrong doing is why I have inherent rights – I never said it was something that is wrong that generated these rights – it is because that is the way it is due to our history, our culture, our heritage, our language – can I change history – absolutely not. In fact, I am one of the individuals who does not advocate for the position of exonerating Louis Riel. We can not change history – we can on the other hand – take great pride when he is recognized as the Founding Father of Manitoba, or the fore Father of Provisional governments, or the defender of the Métis people and their inherent rights. At some point if there is someone feeling bad – that is there problem – we can not change history. I have never presented a view that because you hung Louis Riel – give us money – give us charity – or give us what ever? But I am also not asking for anyone to give me my rights – I am standing on the vision of our past leaders and standing up to say – “You are not taking those inalienable rights away from me and the future generations of Métis people.”
Frank – it is insulting when you marginalize us as a group of people. I have worked hard, my parents have worked hard, my grandparents have worked hard and my great grandparents have worked hard. Some in my community would have told you about the wealth of certain segments of my family but they also believed in their inherent rights. They believed in the Métis cause and still do – they did not and are still not looking for government handouts. They do not even work in government jobs where their incomes are sponsored by government tax dollars. As for the issue of Residential schools – that is pure hypocrisy – until you have walked in their shoes do not judge. Frank – you have advocated for your father as a Métis Veteran – who has been disrespected – devalued – as so many of our Veterans. If they were to receive compensation for what is rightfully theirs you are going to tell him – forget your pain – forget your struggles – its’ the Canadian way. That is not what I have seen you present in the past – have you changed your mind? I do not believe that the Métis Veterans being compensated – in the same fashion that other Veterans were valued would be seen as “Winning the Lottery” and I am sure that as many of them have struggled through their lives – they do not see recognition and acknowledgement of their contributions – as a “Hand Out”.
As for “moving from Biblical foundations to mysticism and syncretism on a track of relativism” – I will leave this debate for the Theologians who would argue this for endless hours. I personally – will leave my religious theories in relation to political discussions for another debate and the issues that equality equates to the compromising of the individual right over the collective existence and that will reduced us to slavery – is not the world we live in. If what we are introducing is a new system by looking to respect each other and to ensure that the Métis in BC are just as valuable as the Métis in Manitoba – let’s strive for the betterment of all. I don’t think that makes us a slave unless it is a slave to democracy.
MetisMama,
Don't know why you bother debating with Frank. He likes to argue for the sake of arguing so he can see his name in print.
MM I must say that I do enjoy your articles and in turn they do make me think. First I need to clarify to the anonymous one; please get the spelling of my name right, its GODON, no R. Now that that is taken care of now on with the debate.
Concerning treason, I wrote: “But when we preach and teach “Nationalism” we are in fact teaching treason to our country.” If we become a “Metis Nation” within the Nation of Canada, where do our allegiances lay, with Canada or with the new “Metis Nation”? We can’t have it both ways. Dictionary.com gives the definition of treason as “a violation of allegiance to one's sovereign or to one's state.” So in effect the allegiance to a “Metis Nation” is in violation of ones allegiance to Canada. Please look close to what I am saying, using the definition of Nation – “a large body of people, associated with a particular territory, that is sufficiently conscious of its unity to seek or to possess a government peculiarly its own.” I am not writing about ones culture here, or ethnicity, I am writing about Nation as it pertains to its definition. The “Metis Nation” and the Nation of Canada would be two different entities unto themselves. As Metis we would either have to serve our new “Metis Nation”, or Canada, we can’t do both. I know this dilemma personally, I have sworn allegiance to the United States, and couldn’t join the RCMP because I would have to swear allegiance to the Queen, I refused thus was refused entry into the RCMP.
As for “Aboriginal Rights usually refers to the inherent collective rights” I am not saying that there isn’t any, I am saying that it isn’t right to have such in our modern world. I believe the government was wrong to give such rights to the Aboriginal people. This makes them “special” from other Canadians. In a sense it makes them better just because they were the first people here on the land. But the main question here is, “What has all these special inherent rights done for our people?” It has caused us (and our FN cousins even more) to rely on the government for programs aim specifically at us, without allowing us to make it on our own in competition with the other people of Canada. If these rights weren’t there then we would not be in the mess we are in because we would be like all other Canadians, working toward a better future for ourselves, and our country.
“It is insulting when you marginalize us as a group of people”. You are correct that I may tend to marginalize here, but the majority of the Metis leaders I see and the people behind them are just like this. I am not directing this at any Metis who have worked hard all their lives, and in my mind live like Canadians. Metis who don’t bitch and complain that the government has to take care of them because they are Metis or have “Inherent rights”. “As for the issue of Residential schools – that is pure hypocrisy – until you have walked in their shoes do not judge.” – MM, the residential schools were not the only place these terrible things happened to our people, look at the Catholic Church also with the Priests and Nuns, I know because I suffered abuse at the hands of these ‘good Christian leaders”. But I don’t whine and complain about it and seek “money” for my pain. What happened happened. It was a bad situation but we must move on. Of course understand why and such, but nonetheless move on.
“you have advocated for your father as a Métis Veteran – who has been disrespected – devalued – as so many of our Veterans. If they were to receive compensation for what is rightfully theirs you are going to tell him – forget your pain – forget your struggles – its’ the Canadian way.” There is something here that I think you missed. The Veteran issue is completely different from the land claims, hunting, etc. The compensation was given to all veterans, first the white then the FN and now the Metis need to be compensated. If the other veterans didn’t receive it then of course the Metis shouldn’t receive it also. In hunting the rules our people and FN people want puts them above the white or other Canadians. It is the same in land claims, and any other program that is just Metis or FN specific. In my mind everyone should be treated the same but that isn’t how it is.
I threw the quote in about equality to show that we can never all be equal. I do find it amusing when Metis cry about wanting to be equal with the rest of Canada on some issues but when they are told that they need to be equal with the rest of Canada on other issues (hunting for ex) they cry foul. It seems they want their cake (or maybe bannock) and eat it to. The Metis and FN claim that its their inherent right to hunt because that what their forefathers did and that was a way of life for them. My question is, “What the hell did the other people who came to Canada do in those days for food?” The other Canadians can take the same view, “My grandfathers hunted so I should be able to do it to.” It just doesn’t make sense and in my opinion times have changed, governments have imposed rules for all people to follow because of the advances of technology, etc. We need to get with the program.
Thanks Frank - you do make me laugh - someone can start working on the next missile to explain that the government of Canada gave me nothing = including my inherent rights - but try to take them - they have spent significant money and time trying to complete that task. I do enjoy a debate.
You want another laugh MetisMama? Tell Frank he's off on another tangent. He best stick with something he knows - playing the banjo with Cousin Will.
It was you who talked about the government recognising your inherent rights.
"This is recognized by the Canadian Constitution and the American Constitution."
But I guess I shouldn't have said the government gave these rights to you, but instead they are recognizing them, which is just as bad.
Since these "rights" interfere with the abosorbsion of the Aboriginal peoples into mainstream society.
My argument here is, "That a Nation can't exist inside another Nation." No matter where or how you received these "inherent rights."
Obviously its a problem that the governments created, now they have to deal with fixing it.
My hats off to any Metis who can make this work for the better of both the Metis and Canada. It sounds more like a dream than reality.
Beg to differ with you MetisMama.
Years ago (1990s)had the privilege of traveling the world more than once under the terms of a contract with the Canadian International Development Agency at a time when Quebec separatism was at a fever pitch.
Everytime I returned home after seeing how others lived I thought if only they could fully appreciate what a beautiful country with which we're blessed!
Our judiciary, Constitution and Charter of Rights and Freedoms legislation are models being copied worldwide. For example, when Russia made the transition to a free market economy during the 1970s, a little known fact is Canadian lawyers were seconded by President Gorbechev to develop the country's much needed business law infrastructure.
Or did you know our Charter of Rights and Freedoms is being emulated in several African countries?
What about former Supreme Court of Canada Justice Louise Arborg who headed the International Court of Law in the Hague, Netherlands for several years until accepting a United Nations posting to serve as its Human Rights Commissioner? Speaks volumes of our legal system doesn't it?
So you see we really are blessed. And Frank, stop your bloody whining!
Frank.
I do not see why the Metis Nation cannot be part of Canadian Nation. I may be a simpleton, however the agruement over you not being accepted into the RCMP is irrelevant to the subject of why a Metis Nation cannot exsist within the frame work of Canada.
First Nation exist within the framework of Canada.
I am a Canadian with of Metis decent with the rights of an aboriginal under the consitition of Canada. If you do not with to be know as Metis, then denounce you hertiage and move on with your life. Others may feel the government has done their ancestors wrong and would like a better future for their childern and grandchildren.
In NWT Metis have health benefits.
Alberta has Metis Settlements.
How many Metis communities have you been to?
Hunting and fishing mean nothing to me but the future of my children does.
Ernie
The RCMP clip was an example of my choice of not wanting to change my allegiance from the US to the Queen. I was trying to make the point that one cannot hold allegiance to both the Metis Nation and to Canada. You said “First Nation exist within the framework of Canada.” Yea it does but look how f*cked up it is. Do you want this for our people also? I too am a Canadian with Metis decent but I leave it at that. I enjoy the traditional festivities etc, but in the end I return home to a Canadian lifestyle, not Metis. We cannot change who we are descended from and I am proud of my ancestors and what they did to make Canada what it is, as all Metis should be. Our people used to be proud people who worked for themselves and each other, and many still do but we are starting to play the FN game of victims to get money out of our government and further alienate ourselves from mainstream Canada.
Throughout history it has proven that societies that absorb into each other become strong societies, it is when this idea of multiculturalism, and nation within nation comes about that everything gets screwed up because we have to end up trying to please everyone. It can’t happen, no matter who you are, you cannot please everyone. It is in societies where everyone is treated equal, (not equal people, for if everyone was equal then we’d all be slaves) but the treatment of equality under the law that you find stability. There is no equality under the law if Metis and FN hunt whenever they want (due to inherent rights) and other hunters (yes there are white people who are better hunters than most Metis and FN) can’t do the same thing. These special rights only provide avenues for our people to criminalize and take advantages that leave most without anything.
“In NWT Metis have health benefits.” The last time I looked everyone in Canada has free health benefits. I have no idea what you are talking about there. “Alberta has Metis Settlements.” Yea Metis in Alberta have their own FN style “ghettos”. Or should I say “Communist” style lifestyle. They have the land but have no idea what to do with it. “How many Metis communities have you been to?” I have been to just about every Metis area in the five prairie provinces, and have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly.
The future of all our children means something to everyone in Canada. Isn’t it much better to teach our children to respect our heritage, be proud of who they are and where they come from, but know that being Canadian is far more important and contributing to our country and not some ‘unrealistic” idea of a “Nation within a Nation”. Money and time well wasted.
Ernie,
Frank and you need to practice your banjos more!
You're not a simpleton! Imagine being busted by Constable Frank of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police -Le GRC - Les Flics! He'd begin by give you a lecture on Metis rights followed by how he's getting screwed over. Then he'd pull out his banjo all at Canadian Taxpayer expense!
Anonymous
Have no idea what you are saying, must be my simpelton mentality, but at least Frank and I sign out name when we have something to say. We dont have to hide behind the safety of "anonymous".
I was once told by an elder "opinions are like assholes, everyone has one."
In the broad scope of life, who cares, we are born, we live and we die. along the way we may do some good or we may do some bad but in the end there is only one judge and jury, that is the creator.
I like many others, see money coming into the various Metis organizations for the Metis, but I don't see it going anywhere to help the Metis but then again travel expenses are advances and consultants are doing rather well too.
Sometimes people get into politics with the best intentions, but then get caught up with the greed that politics creates.
Our leaders are our leaders, yes we have to hold them accountable but we also have to give them the opportunity to prove themselves to us as well.
Anonymous - Get your history right, Gorbechev wasn't president of Russia in the 1970's - 1980's (late) but not 70's - Just because some countries copy what Canada has doesn't make it right. Not whining, just putting in my 2 cents.
WTF does anything you said have to do with Metis Nationhood?
As for the anonymous commenting on banjos (which I believe to be the same) I've never said anything about being screwed over. I comment on how I don't like other Metis whining about such things.
MM did you not get my post in response to Ernie?
Frank:
First off, the only oath of allegiance that I have ever been involved with and made a choice on was the Oath of Membership that I swore when I became a member of the Métis Nation. That really is neither here nor there because your debate on allegiance is older then me or you and has been constitutionally challenged in Britain and in the United States, where you are sworn to.
The history of swearing allegiance is a part of the days of the monarchy trying to control their subjects. It started with Queen Elizabeth the First. It was not and still is not an effective way to control large groups of people and does not work well in democracy.
In the United States, where you are so committed to, there is even more then one sovereign state. The people of Texas swear allegiance to the state of Texas and to the United States of America. Now how do they serve two sovereign bodies? In fact Frank, for many years people held and still hold dual citizenship to various countries and honor and respect the governing bodies of both.
One more point – I don’t have to swear allegiance to Canada – it is my inherent right to be a citizen of Canada.
MM you raise a very good point with the oaths of allegiance, and I agree with you to a point. As for Texas, and US, ask any Texan, and I am sure they will tell you they are RED WHITE AND BLUE Americans.
As for myself, I just carry the dual citizenship, the thing about swearing allegiance was right after I left the USMC and was still pretty gungho on being American. I have since then realized that my place in this world is Canadian. This doesn't mean that I have turned my back on the US, I will stand a fight for it at anytime, it just means that my life was shaped more by what was in Canada then what was in the US. It took me a while to realize this.
At this time I am allowing myself to become slowly absorbed by the current Russian culture, learning the language, customs, and even the street slang which has so popularly replaced a lot of the proper language here. I realize that my daughter will grow up here, and will be a product of the Russian culture, and I will have some of that myself. This doesn't make me any less Canadian because it is by choice. But when I return to Canada I may feel out of place due to my Rusianization. I can say that I am Canadian now, but as time goes on I may be so absorbed into this ever changing culture that I may not be able to say that. Just like I can't say that I am of the Metis culture, which I'm not because I live in and grew up in the Canadian culture.
I believe most Metis have been formed by the current Canadian culture but hold on to this fairytale that they can resurect their culture into a Nation. It isn't going to happen.
WTF you talking about Frank? Don't some people hold dual citizenship?
Little wonder the RCMP didn't qualify you it had nothing to do with swearing allegiance to the Queen. My God, could you imagine "Officer" Frank with a gun and taser?
Why did you choose to serve in the American military and not Canada's? Was the pay better?
If you were an immigrant applying for Canadian citizenship you'd fail the basic test they're given miserably. How many provinces are there in Canada, Frank?
MetisMama, can we move on to another topic Frank is going from ridiculous to retarded.
MetisMama,
Frank doesn't know who the f..k he is - poor fellow. Now he thinks he's Russian?
Ernie,
Speaking of a-holes, you got a bug up yours? Why are you so anally fixated with anonymity then write to a blog operated by MetisMama? Who is she, Ernie, doesn't that bother you?
So you see, Ernie, it doesn't matter, rather, it's the terrific work she's doing to advance the cause of her people for better self-governance. Far too much public money is being p....d away by the likes of Clem Chartier and David Chartrand. You just don't get it!
From reading claire pieuk's comments on his site about the banjos, i wonder if he is the anonymous poster on here referencing banjos?
Frank, I take offence to your comment that Metis Settlements are FN ghettos. I have been Peavine, Buffalo Lake, Paddle Prairie, Gift Lake and Fishing Lake. They are far from ghettos.
As far as I know the Metis havethe same health benefits in NWT as First Nations do. My point is they are equal as aboriginals and those are the things our leadership should be getting their membership.
You are a teacher are you not Frank? Please share with us how you paid for your university education and all that good stuff that goes with going to unversity these days.
Stop blaming Clare Pieuk, Ernie, I think there's a copycat operating out there.
I have enjoyed the debate – but the arguments have digressed. For the time being – we will not be posting any further insults on this topic.
Thank God. Ernie & Frank both seem to have huge ego's and make very little sense. I better sign my name as Ernie really seems to have an issue.
Carol
As for "Anonymous Clare" I won't even bother. I was reminded of what Yvon Dumont said about about getting into fights with monkeys or something like that.
Ernie, sorry if I offended you, but I feel very strongly against reserve policy and such. These 19th century ideas have no place in the 21st century and maybe not all have gone the ghetto way, but a majority have. I am still trying to figure out what the difference between FN/Metis health care and what is given to everyone else in Canada. I thought we were all given the same health care?
You are correct in thinking that Metis should be treated as equal as the FN's. And our leaders have done nothing to even look at this. But I am of the thinking that it would be better for all of us to treated as and to think of as being equally Canadian and forget this multicultural crap. With everyone having their own identity. Please realize its not just with Aboriginals, it seems every Tom, Dick, Omar, Chang, Singh, and Harry want their own identity in Canada. Also look at Quebec and it soverienty issue. Canada's f*ked up when it comes to identities.
As for my higher education, while I was in the Marine Corps, we deducted money from our pay to help with higher education, and the Corps kicked in a percentage also. I was given a service connected disability discharge so I also received education benifits for such. As for my teaching certificate, I payed for that myself.
Education benifits are easy to find. There are many programs out there. I helped my daughters look for and find some when they were looking at going to school, of course we tried the Metis programs, but since they wanted a university there was no money for them, so we never even bothered.
Except for a few "strange" comments I have enjoyed this debate. And I thank Metis Mamma for allowing such on her site. I am also apreciative of those who sign their names.
Ernie please email me fgodon@yahoo.com
Frank likes to think of himself as an intellectual but he's far from it.
MetisMama,
I strongly object to being called multicultural crap. No wonder Mr. Frank has made uncle Ernie mad.
What was Mr. Frank's service connected disablility discharge - was it mental?
Omar Chang Singh
Is is beyond me why people resort to name calling and insults when it comes to debating a subject. Now wonder the Metis are in the state that they are.
"Huge ego". lol. I am still laughing about that one. Is that the best you can come up with?
"Analy fixated". lol . Nothing wrong with having a nice ass, I would assume you don't? lol
Trying sticking to the topic and debate the issues, instead of insults and name calling. That is acting like a bunch of school yard children fighting over sand toys. No wonder the Metis nation is so messed up.
The only reason I ask about education is my son wants to attend university next year.
But keep up the childish name calling, it is very productive.
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