Tánt Kelley posted on a BC Métis website: http://northernmetismatters.blogspot.com
“…I have received comments that mention politicians versus leaders, or have said that the Metis Nation is too important to be left in the hands of politicians. These comments puzzled me somewhat until I started to research these issues. Well…lo’ and behold! It appears there is a vast difference between a politician and a leader.
The dictionary defines
A politician as;
1) a person active in party politics 2) a schemer who tries to gain advantage in an organization in sly or underhanded ways 3) a person who influences the way a society is governed through an understanding of political power and group dynamics 4) a person who holds a political office. They may or may not have been elected.
A leader is defined as;
1) a person that leads 2) a person who rules or guides or inspires others 3) a person that is the most successful or advanced in a particular area.
Well the dictionaries definitely show us there is a difference between a politician and a leader! ...
….This difference between leaders and politicians definitely contributes to why there are seldom clear leading candidates in provincial and federal Metis politics. The result of this difference, sadly, leaves us Metis people more cynical than optimistic about the world in which we live. Put simply, the Metis are desperately lacking truly inspiring leaders.
Those who seek power and influence in politics are “plump and shiny” with ambition but, “toothpick scrawny” with leadership qualities. This has nothing to do with their desires to “do-good” and forward the Metis cause. I do not question their intentions to want to help, but as Dad always says “the road to hell is paved with good intentions”
This Métis person offers up some challenges and gives us food for thought. I encourage you to visit the website and read the entire post. Whoever she is – thank you. My question is – which ones are the leaders and which ones are politicians?
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Leaders or Politicians?
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15 comments:
Dear MetisMama:
I would like to complement you on your excellent Blog.
As a former senior support staff member of the Louis Riel Capital Corporation who worked there at the time Mr. Clare Pieuk was dismissed, I'd like to correct several very serious errors in Derryl Sanders' comments posted yesterday on his site.
Unfortunately, I now work for a goverment agency so must remain anonymous.
"Open Message to MetisMama:
I don't know if you ever check out Will Goodon's blog. Goodon doesn't have much good to say about Clare Pieuk. From my experience and by what he has shown, this guy seems hell bent on doing no good for the Metis people or the Metis political process. Again from experience, he is only utilizing your blog or thoughts, to further what many feel is his anti-Metis everything agenda. As you read, he gleans everything he knows with regards to Metis politics, off your site, mine and any others who will choose to write about our leaders or organizations...and also notice there is never much of anything positive in his views. He got fired from the Louis Riel capital Corporation for what was reported as just cause, started a website that was anti-MMF, wrote something irresponsible and opened himself up to this CyberSmokeSignals lawsuit. Terry Belhumuer who is also one of the CyberSmokeSignals/MMF Defendants has also distanced himself from the off kilter Pieuk. He IS NOT a friend of the Metis I know here in Manitoba...and I know many. My site reports on the MMF vs CyberSmokeSignals lawsuit because it is newsworthy for this and the other blogs. Free speech in the blogging world is the bigger question that I am concerned about. On that basis, I feel the lawsuit was a waste of the MMF's time."
Here are the facts:
(1) Chairman of the Board at the time Alphonse Ducharme, Board Member Leo Campbell and General Manager Clare Pieuk became increasing concerned with what they considered the wanton disregard and abuse of the LRCC's bylaws by MMF Directors, Muriel Parker, Elbert Chartrand and Leah LaPlante. Some examples:
(i) Far too many Board of Directors Meetings(at least monthly). Each Member was paid all travel and living expenses plus a $350 per diem. Total cost to the Corporation was a minumum of $5,000-$6,000. The sessions were timed so MMFers could serve on Federation Committees thus earning additional fees
Unless there are compelling circumstances, Corporate Boards normally meet quarterly. This was clearly a breach of their fiduciary responsibility
(ii) The Corporation's mandate is to provide loans to Manitoba's Metis and Non-Status Indian citizens. In 1999, the MMF were selling $5,000 bronze statues of Louis Riel to raise funds for their land claims challenge. One was purchased by LRCC's Board with virtually no discussion. Next time you see a picture of David Chartrand's desk have a close look at what's on it
(iii) During December, 1999 the MMF purchased a large headquarters building at 150 Henry Avenue and was, therefore, looking for income generating tenants. Tremendous pressure was brought to bear by LRCC's MMF Directors to move. However, Messrs. Ducharme, Campbell and Pieuk resisted because:
- The existing space was totally inadequate
- There was no signed lease, therefore, the exact amount of the monthly rent was unknown, however, it would have likely been more
- Politics and loans never mix. These three gentleman were well aware of the Federation leadership's reputation and saw the wisdom of horizontal separation
- LRCC maintains highly confidential financial information on individuals and businesses with whom it deals. The space at MMF headquarters was improperly secured
(iv) In January, 2000 the MMF LRCC Board Members called an emergency meeting to deal with the oposition to the move. There again the Corporation's bylaws were blatantly ignored. It was held the next day contrary to the requirement 7 days written notice be provided. At the time Leo Campbell a Waterhen, Manitoba cattle rancher was in the midst of his calving season and couldn't simply get up and leave. The session went ahead without him
(v) The aforementioned January 19, 2000 meeting was held at LRCC's Corporate Board Room. David Chartrand and his then Executive Director Don Roulette simply showed up without prior authorization by Chairman Ducharme
President David Chartrand completely disregarded a facsimile he was shown from Aboriginal Business Canada (embedded within Industry Canada - founded LRCC and is responsible for overseeing the Corporation's operations) requesting a review of the move's merit first take place as set out in the bylaws before a final decision was made
A legal opinion by LRCC's corporate attorney who recommended the same so as not to jeopardize possible future funding was also disregarded by David Chartrand
His words to us were,
"We own this organization. The MMF will not be embarrassed by not having it in place in time for the official opening or our new headquarters building. The movers will be arriving at 1:00 p.m. today, staff is to begin packing immediately
With those words, Messrs. Chartrand and Roulette exited the Board Room. Needless to say, except for the MMF LRCC Directors the rest of us felt like someone had just broken into our home and unlawfully evicted us
(2) In early February, 2000 Chairman Ducharme opposed the appointment of a new LRCC Director (Bernie Vermette) because he was being fast tracked into the organization by circumventing the bylaws. MMF Vice-Presidents Elbert Chartrand and Muriel Parker worked as a tag team. The former moved Mr. Ducharme be terminated while the latter immediately seconded it
In the case of Leo Campbell his appointment was due. It was simply not nenewed. Later the remaining MMF LRCC Directors asked him to re-join the Corporation. He refused on the basis he couldn't work with Directors who did not respect the organization's bylaws and procedures
In the case of Mr. Pieuk, he was initially asked to resign by new Chairman Harold Johnston but refused. As Mr. Pieuk later told me(can still remember his words), "...anyone who knows anything about labour law will realize that's the hallmark of a weak case. If you're so sure you're right you fire on the spot. Resigning also negates the possibility of a wrongful dismissal lawsuit..."
Mr. Pieuk also mentioned after he refused Muriel Parker used the excuse he had exceeded his loan approval authority by $5000,however, this raised more serious questions
To provide the Corporation with ongoing flexibility between Board of Director Meetings, its Chairman, any sitting LRCC Director and the General Manager could approve loans up to $30,000.
In the case at point, Elbert Chartrand was telephoned to see if he would be in town to review a $30,000 loan application (earlier the applicants had been advanced $5,000 required as a downpayment sign of good faith in a parcel of land on which they were negotiating to purchase). He was not only unavailable but didn't even bother to inquire about the specifics
Leo Campbell was going to be in Winnipeg for medical treatment so kindly served as the requisite Board of Director with Mr. Ducharme chairing the meeting. So it was not Mr. Pieuk's exclusive decision to make. After the fact, I was told the three were in unanimous agreement the funding should be approved
So you see MetisMama, other than Mr. Pieuk I was the only one who worked at the Louis Riel Capital Corporation when these events transpired - not Derryl Sanderson nor Will Goodon on whom he relies for his "information."
Although Mr. Pieuk is non-Aboriginal, regardless, I hold him in very high regard for how he helped me and what he's done for our Metis community. I can tell you government officials consider his Blog one of the most informative and are constantly monitoring it.
When I read such distorted, incorrect reports on Mr. Pieuk's situation at LRCC I can only conclude Derryl Sanderson is very biased and discriminatory. The question is why?
Sorry I Can't Sign My Name
Does Frank Godon have a blog?
For those that wonder if Frank has a blog - I understand that he use to but does no longer. He posts as Krazy on Dust My Broom.
To Frank Godon,
Since you spend so much time posting on other blogs why not set up your own?
If you used to have one why did you shut it down?
Why do you post on Dust My Broom as Krazy?
Metis Mama,
There was a rumour circulating at the time much the same thing happened to Sue MacLean Managing Editor of Pemmican Publications an LRCC neighbour and another "arms-length" MMF affiliate. Only difference was she and her assistant locked the front door and wouldn't allow anyone from the Federation to enter.
Pemmican is funded by government grants receiving no money from the MMF. Even though it paid for its telephone and fax service, the Federation somehow found a way to have its telephone and fax service disconnected.
For two weeks Sue MacLean and her assistant were able to literally barricade themselves in Pemmican's offices. Finally, an emergency Board Meeting was held approving the move (even though come of the minutes had been doctored).
When Sue finally showed up at the new MMF headquarters building she was a broken person who ended up going on extended sick leave knowing when she eventually returned she wold be fired.
I did receive David Chartrand's home and cell phone numbers but sorry - I do not feel comfortable posting them on the site.
Don't know what the previous e-mail was about but David Chartrand lives on Diamond Street in Winnipeg. There are two D. Chartrands listed in the telephone directory with phone numbers but no addresses.
Dear Legal Lady:
You seem to have a good mine for these things. How many people do you know who are smart enough to form a corporation then turn around and sue it for $300,000?
What is your considered opinion? Do you thinking overlapping ectorships involving supposedly arms-length legal entities could possibly constitute a conflict of interests?
For example, a Provincial MMF Vice-President simultaneously sitting on the Board of the Louis Riel Capital from which the Federation has previously borrowed.
I believe if someone is sitting on a lending institution’s board and approving loans to themselves is more than a conflict of interest – it is unethical and illegal. If individuals have that kind of information – call the Auditor General – these are government funded corporations who have been contracted to benefit us – not themselves.
In my view it would be a conflict of interest for them to sit on the board and approve loans for their relatives. But what I find most disturbing is the fact that no matter what a Bully David is Government does not intervene and further to that – HE GETS RE-ELECTED! Is it just me or did I miss something.
As for Darryl and Clare – I have never met either of these men and obviously – much like me – they have their fans and they have their critics. I do not hate either of them and I would have to tell you – the search for the truth and the work involved in managing one of these blogs – is like a full time job. Be grateful to them that they are willing to invest the time they do in keeping communication going – because without their commitment – we would still be living in isolation and having government wondering if we are completely inept and incompetent. Through the quest to share information we will be neither.
To Frank Godon,
Since you spend so much time posting on other blogs why not set up your own?
Had one, but don't know too much about blogging as to find the ip addresses of anonymous commenters and such and it was a hassel - so at the invitation of my friend Darcey I set up with him on DMB - So when I post stories there anyone can comment on them just like these blogs and you can use a fake name, like myself and others.
The reason I use Krazy was it started when I was living in Korea and someone mentioned on my blog that I was a krazy bastard and spelled the word crazy with a k - I just replyed yea krazy in korea I guess. I took that on other blogs and it just spilled over to DMB as Komrade Krazy.
You are more than welcome to come on over to our house (DMB) and comment on any issue I raise there. I write about Metis issues, FN issues, political issues, Russian issues, I have photos, and videos - so come on over and feel free to comment - make up a new name if you don't want to use your real one.
If you used to have one why did you shut it down?
As mentioned too much of a hassel and I liked the format that DMB has.
Why do you post on Dust My Broom as Krazy?
As mentioned it just got carried over. Most people know my real name and where I live and see photos of who I am. Which is more than I can say for some bloggers. But thats a personal thought and I believe that people have a right to anonyminity. I understand why MetisMamma has hers and I am ok with that. But if a commentor wants any weight to their comments I respect those who sign their names more than those who don't.
I hope this answers your questions and please ask more if you want.
Anonymous said...
"When I read such distorted, incorrect reports on Mr. Pieuk's situation at LRCC I can only conclude Derryl Sanderson is very biased and discriminatory."
To my knowlege (correct me if I'm wrong) but I don't think that Derryl has ever said anything bad about Clair's position at LRCC only that he was part of it at one time. Derryls comments (and mine) have been about how Clare conducts himself in the blog world.
I can say having dealt with Clare in his role at LRCC, I found him to be a very profesional individual who helped us when we were securing a loan for our restaurant business back in the 1990's. In fact I was shocked to find out that he was let go from LRCC with the amount of professionalism he brought to it.
As for his blogging, well thats another story.
Dear MetisMama,
Nice website, nice safe last posting.
Here are some considerations which may assist you in better understanding the plight of our Manitoba Metis citizens:
(1) How does David Chartrand keep getting elected? Elementary Dear Watson. He's a dictator who controls the Canadian taxpayer funded Manitoba Metis Federation treasury
Under the MMF's "constitution" as it's duly constituted, unlike legislation governing provincial and federal elections, no requirement exists holding candidates to a spending limit. Why not try finding out how much David Chartrand spent getting elected last time around? Good Luck!
From where did his funding originate? Who contributed to his campaign? Good Luck!
(2) When the federal-provincial governments fund the MMF, all monies are sent to headquarters. The Federation immediately takes a 15-17% "administration fee" before the remainder is doled out to the 7Regional Offices. Using a 16% midpoint figure, on an annual publicly funded budget of $25,000,000 that's $4 million!
Where do you figure all that money goes? Could David Chartrand possibly have a big fat political slush fund after some of that $4 million "administrative fee" has been used to pay for the headquarters operation?
Do you think he might possibly use the inappropriate government funding mechanism (all public monies flowing to headquarters)as financial leverage against a Region which bucked his leadership - the Winnipeg Regional Office being a case in point. Funny isn't it how payments have a history of being chronically late and less than what they should be
(3) During the last MMF election, there were 3-4 pricy full billboard ads which appeared at various locations throughout Winnipeg featuring a smiling, charming picture of David Chartrand
Then what about those feel good 20-30 second television commercials which "miraculously" happened to appear on CKY, a local CTV affiliate, during the last election campaign. Although no mention was made of a general vote, nevertheless, viewers got to see yet another smiling, charming President Chartrand featured
Do you think any Canadian taxpayer dollars may have been used to fund these expensive advertisements? Try to find MetisMama - Good Luck!
Did challenger Yvon Dumont have access to this level of financial resources?
(4) On the subject of election reform. Two petitions have been organized designed to address such glaring deficencies. The first appeared on www.CyberSmokeSignals.com during January, 2004 written by Lionel Chartrand a Metis lawyer who works for Manitoba Legal Aid. At the time, he had publicly agreed and was working pro bono as CSS's General Legal Counsel
His petition is the basis of the MMF's defamation lawsuit against that site - Derryl Sanderson's Blog did not exist at the time
The second election reform petition was launched anonymously in the fall of 2007 by two salt of the earth Manitoba Metis who feared MMF retribution. Can you blame them even you acknowledge David Chartrand is a bully
Derryl Sanderson refused to support and publish their petition on the basis he didn't know who they were, therefore, those responible could be outside non-Aboriginal subversive elements hellbent on trying to bring down the MMF. They were his own people.
CyberSmokeBlog readily posted it on more than one occasion because it was aware of the identities and quality of the two individuals and what they were attempting to accomplish
(5) On the question of, why doesn't someone contact the Auditor General of Canada. Well, it has alraeady been tried - multiple times
The Auditor General of Manitoba's Office takes the position since over 95% of the MMF's funding comes from Ottawa, it would be prepared to enter into a joint federal-provincial forensic audit but the former must take the lead -burearcratese for, "After you Alphonse who will be expected to pay most of the cost!"
So you see MetisMama it's not quite as easy as you seem to imply in your comments
(6) How does David Chartrand manage to remain in power? Again, elementary Dear Watson. Two factors:
(i) He controlls the MMF's purse strings and there's insufficient accountability
(ii) Voter apathy. During the 2006 Federation election less than 6,000Metis bothered to cast a ballot. The MMF claims it has about 40,000 members. Work the math
Why so low you ask? Many see the organization as corrupt and advancing the interests of the few. Why do you think MMF is often referred to in Manitoba as Me and My Family? Do your homework and you'll see what we mean
To the credit of many of our Metis citizens, they take the attitude, I can make it on my own don't need an MMF government handouts
(7) Interlocking directorships. What about this? The same MMF Vice-President can simultaneously sit on the Federation's Board of Directors, the Louis Riel Capital Corporation and the Manitoba Metis Community Investments Incorporated
MMCII is an amorphous, grey organization no one on the outside quite seems to know what it does. For example, why don't you try to find out exactly what it does and how? Good Luck!
So you see there's much more to this than you may fully appreciate MetisMama.
Hopefully, this will help you gain a better appreciation of Manitoba Metis politics which will, hopefully, be reflected in your future commentary.
Hi Frank,
You're not a krazy bastard. Besides, your right on about Clare Pieuk being a professional classy guy.
I too dealt with Mr. Pieuk when he was at the Louis Riel Capital Corporation. He's one of the few people I've seen not afraid to stand up to David Chartrand and his bullying tactics. We Need more like him!
Mr. Pieuk also helped my wife and I get a business loan to take over a small restaurant in Manitoba's Interlake. We're both grateful to him.
MetisMama,
I do not agree with Frank Godon when he said earlier of Clare Pieuk:
"Clare doesn't give a rats ass for the Metis, he is on a personal vendetta because he was let go from LRCC."
The evidence I am seeing is saying the complete opposite. In a sense, he was standing up for us when he challenged our leaders trying to protect the integrity of one of our financial institutions.
The lawsuit he's fighting against the MMF for allegedly defaming it will also protect our right to freedom of speech and expression.
And if that were not enough Mr. Pieuk supports petitions on his Blog designed to strenghen our seriously flawed election bylaws which make it really easy for David Chartrand to get re-elected.
Then Frank Godon says, well what a profession that Clare Pieuk was when he had dealings with him at LRCC.
Is Clare Pieuk on a personal vendetta as Frank Godon suggests? Methinks not he is merely seeking justice for which I applaud him!
Sorry, Frank Godon's comments and twisted logic make no sense whatsoever.
Agree with previous reader. What is Frank Godon thinking - or is he?
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