6 Decades Later and Human Rights

State of the World’s Human Rights a Report from Amnesty International

The press release can be found at http://www.nationtalk.ca/modules/news/print.php?storyid=9984

The 2008 report can be found at http://thereport.amnesty.org/eng/Homepage

60 Years of Human Rights Failure -- Governments Must Apologise And Act Now

28 May 2008 (London) Amnesty International today challenged world leaders to apologize for six decades of human rights failure and re-commit themselves to deliver concrete improvements.

“The human rights flashpoints in Darfur, Zimbabwe, Gaza, Iraq and Myanmar demand immediate action,” said Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International, launching AI Report 2008: State of the World’s Human Rights.

“Injustice, inequality and impunity are the hallmarks of our world today. Governments must act now to close the yawning gap between promise and performance."

Amnesty International’s Report 2008, shows that sixty years after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations, people are still tortured or ill-treated in at least 81 countries, face unfair trials in at least 54 countries and are not allowed to speak freely in at least 77 countries.

“2007 was characterised by the impotence of Western governments and the ambivalence or reluctance of emerging powers to tackle some of the world’s worst human rights crises, ranging from entrenched conflicts to growing inequalities which are leaving millions of people behind,” said Ms Khan.

Amnesty International cautioned that the biggest threat to the future of human rights is the absence of a shared vision and collective leadership.

“2008 presents an unprecedented opportunity for new leaders coming to power and countries emerging on the world stage to set a new direction and reject the myopic policies and practices that in recent years have made the world a more dangerous and divided place,” said Ms Khan.

Amnesty International challenged governments to set a new paradigm for collective leadership based on the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“The most powerful must lead by example,” said Ms Khan.

• China must live up to the human rights promises it made around the Olympic Games and allow free speech and freedom of the press and end “re-education through labour”.
• The USA must close Guantánamo detention camp and secret detention centres, prosecute the detainees under fair trial standards or release them, and unequivocally reject the use of torture and ill-treatment.
• Russia must show greater tolerance for political dissent, and none for impunity on human rights abuses in Chechnya.
• The EU must investigate the complicity of its member states in “renditions” of terrorist suspects and set the same bar on human rights for its own members as it does for other countries.

Ms Khan warned: “World leaders are in a state of denial but their failure to act has a high cost. As Iraq and Afghanistan show, human rights problems are not isolated tragedies, but are like viruses that can infect and spread rapidly, endangering all of us.”

“Governments today must show the same degree of vision, courage and commitment that led the United Nations to adopt the Universal Declaration of Human Rights sixty years ago.”

“There is a growing demand from people for justice, freedom and equality.”

Some of the most striking images of 2007 were of monks in Myanmar, lawyers in Pakistan, and women activists in Iran.

“Restless and angry, people will not be silenced, and leaders ignore them at their own peril,” said Ms Khan.

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. Amnesty International’s Report 2008, the organization’s annual global assessment of human rights, published on the 60th anniversary year of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, covers 150 countries.
2. The report highlights the following trends:

• Targeting of civilians by armed groups and government forces with impunity;
• Pervasive violence against women;
• Promotion of torture and ill-treatment as acceptable modes of intelligence gathering;
• Suppression of dissent and attacks on journalists and activists;
• Lack of protection for refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants;
• Denial of economic and social rights; and
• Evasion of corporate accountability for human rights abuses.

3. Amnesty International noted the progress made over the last six decades, in particular laws and institutions on human rights, growing support for an end to the death penalty, prosecution of some cases of war crimes and crimes against humanity by international tribunals and national courts.

4. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations on 10 Dec 1948.

5. Re-education through labour is a system of punitive detention imposed by the police for up to four years without charge, trial or judicial review in China.

The Government is trying to address some of the disparity in the areas of human rights in Canada - the Government has passed the third reading on Bill C-21 to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act.

http://www.nationtalk.ca/modules/news/print.php?storyid=9984

Statement by The Honourable Chuck Strahl in Relation to Bill C-21, An Act to Amend The Canadian Human Rights Act

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(May 28, 2008) - The following statement was released by the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians related to Bill C-21:

"I am very pleased that Bill C-21 - our government's legislation that extends real human rights protections to all members of First Nations communities - received Third Reading and passage by the House of Commons today and is now before the Senate.

Bill C-21, an Act to Amend the Canadian Human Rights Act is the culmination of a concerted effort by the federal government, Aboriginal groups and individuals, and Parliamentarians to bring an end to a legislative gap that has shamefully left many First Nations people without full access to the Canadian Human Rights Act for 30 years. Our government believes that delivering real human rights to First Nations peoples, as this Bill does, is much more important and tangible than any aspirational document.

I would like to thank all parties who were involved in this historic process. I am confident that Senators will give this bill the priority it deserves.

Through the hard work and dedication of numerous stakeholders, we are now significantly closer to ensuring that all Canadians have full access to fundamental human rights protections.

For more information,

please contact

Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl

Josee Bellemare

Press Secretary 819-997-0002

or

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

Media Relations 819-953-1160

Good Day - We are Back

Sorry we have been away on a bit of a holiday for the past week and have just now been back to review the comings and goings.

A press release was issued yesterday from the Métis Nation of Alberta as follows:

http://www.nationtalk.ca/modules/news/article.php?storyid=9946 or at
http://www.albertametis.com/MNAHome/Home.aspx

MEMORANDUM TO: Métis Citizens and Harvesters
FROM: Audrey Poitras, President, Métis Nation of Alberta
DATE: May 27, 2008

RE: Update on Métis Nation’s ‘Hunt for Justice’
__________________________________________________________________I
I am writing to provide Métis Nation of Alberta citizens an update on our ongoing Métis rights ‘hunt for justice’ in Alberta.

The MNA continues to actively defend all of our harvesters who have been charged by the Alberta Government, while following our MNA Harvesting Policy.

We have over 17 Métis harvesters charged now, with this number increasing each month. The Alberta Government has charged Métis Elders, entire families, single mothers, community harvesters and Métis youth. Moreover, we have charges from across the province – Lac La Biche, Valleyview, Breton, Fort MacMurray, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Cochrane, Hinton, Red Deer are just some of these locations.

Our Métis lawyers – Jason Madden and Jean Teillet – have advised me that the Deputy Chief Judge of the Alberta Provincial Court has now designated one Judge – the Honourable Judge John Maher – to case manage (i.e. oversee) all of the Métis harvesting cases. Based on this development, all of the existing Métis harvesting cases and all future cases will be moved to Edmonton (Sherwood Park) and overseen by Judge Maher there.

This is a positive development because it has alleviated the pressure the MNA has had in having to arrange for agents to make court appearances for our harvesters, as the various charges come up in court locations across the province. As well, all of the matters moved to Edmonton will be adjourned, pending the outcome of our test case, so we will not have to proceed with defending cases across the province. Equally important, Judge Maher is attempting to make the management of these charges as efficient as possible, so we are able to have our day in court sooner rather than later.

Currently, our legal counsel is attempting to arrive at an agreement with the Crown on what charges will proceed as a consolidated ‘test case’. Since the Alberta Government is taking the position that there are absolutely no Métis rights in central and southern Alberta, we have confirmed that we will be combining existing cases out of the Cypress Hills region and Lethbridge.

We are also attempting to consolidate charges we have from the Calgary and Buffalo Lake areas into the ‘test case’. Presently, the Crown is resisting this, since it will likely ensure than any decision will have to deal with a larger Métis community, rather than simply a localized one around Medicine Hat. However, since including the charges from the Calgary and Buffalo Lake areas will not increase the amount of evidence that will have to be presented or the court time needed, we are hopeful an agreement to include these charges will be reached.

It is also important to note that our Métis rights ‘test case’ will also directly challenge Ted Morton’s unilateral and arbitrary Métis Harvesting Policy currently in place that is in place in northern Alberta. Ted Morton’s policy attempts to limit Métis harvesting practices, customs and traditions to 170 kms circles around select “Métis communities”. If we are successful in our ‘test case’, Ted Morton’s arbitrary circles would disappear.

As well, a key part of our research and legal argument in the ‘test case’ will be that Métis are interconnected throughout northern, central and southern Alberta and that Métis have historically and continue to harvest throughout Alberta, as a part of our way of life. Therefore, a win in the ‘test case’ will be a win for all Alberta Métis. This approach is similar to what other Métis governments have done in pursuing their test cases. For example, the Métis Nation of Ontario took the Powley case out of Sault Ste, Marie as a test case, the Manitoba Métis Federation took the Goodon case out of southwestern Manitoba for all Manitoba Métis, etc.

As more information on our ‘test case’ becomes available, I will continue to provide MNA citizens with updates. As well, a more detailed update will be provided to Métis citizens at the MNA Annual General Assembly in August.

Finally, please remember to review the MNA Harvesting Policy before you go out harvesting, and, if you are charged, please ensure you forward all information to the MNA Head Office to the attention of Robert Lee, so we can ensure we are aware of all existing charges and ensure your charges are consolidated with the other cases in Edmonton.

Sincerely,
Métis Nation of Alberta
Audrey Poitras
President

Alberta-MNA Framework Agreement Ratified and Métis Consultation Policy to be Developed

http://www.nationtalk.ca/modules/news/article.php?storyid=9641

Edmonton, AB (May 16, 2008) – On Monday May 12, the MNA Provincial Council met in Edmonton. It was the first formal meeting of the Provincial Council since the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench upheld the MNA Judiciary Council’s suspension of Region One Vice-President, Rick Boucher. All 13 MNA Provincial Council members were in attendance.

At the meeting, the Provincial Council dealt with many pressing issues of priority to Métis citizens and the Métis Nation as a whole, including the ratification of the seven year Alberta-MNA Framework Agreement and its subsidiary funding and linedepartment sub-agreements.

“I am pleased that we were able to move forward together in order to begin dealing with issues that really matter to Métis children, families and communities in Alberta. By ratifying our new Alberta-MNA Framework Agreement, we can now ensure that all MNA offices are able to receive their annual funding in a timely manner this year. As well, we can now resume our important work with the Alberta Government on priority issues like housing, economic development, child and family services and education,” said MNA President Audrey

Poitras.Poitras added, “I am also pleased that the Provincial Council unanimously agreed to move forward on developing a Métis Consultation Policy in order to ensure the Crown begins to fulfill its duty to consult and accommodate Métis rights, interests and way of life in the province. Similar to how we consulted our people on developing our Métis Harvesting Policy, we will hopefully soon be able to undertake province-wide consultations on the Crown’s duty to consult and accommodate and develop a Métis Consultation Policy.

”The next Provincial Council meeting is scheduled for June 9, 2008.For additional information contact:

Marilyn Underschultz
Ph: (780) 455-2200

Self Government is an interesting concept and it does need a close examination

A few examples of self governance – or peoples interpretation of that – has been in the media over the past week.

The Senate of Canada is reviewing a Bill in the Upper House called Bill S234. Senator Gill presented the Bill and Senator Watt seconded it. It is an act that will establish an assembly of the aboriginal peoples of Canada. http://www.parl.gc.ca/LEGISINFO/index.asp?Language=E&Session=15&query=5432&List=toc The bill is at the second reading level and is a Senate Public Bill. Obviously, if you take the time to read the bill – it is some peoples interpretation of self government. It will encompass a body that will consist of all Aboriginal people and will have the ability to work with government. As a third order of government – some might say.

Now we could look at setting up a sign that says – MMF Inc. is your Local Métis government. That is what Mr. Chartrand is putting forward as an ideology of self government – if you are an incorporated entity – you just put a sign up in the community that declares you are part of the governance of the community. http://derrylsanderson.blogspot.com/2008/05/anonymous-has-left-new-comment-on-your.html We are being advised that this costs the better part of a half a million dollars. Imagine what some of those Local Métis communities might be able to do with that much money.

Now for some this could be even humorous –Maybe Wal Mart could put up a sign in your community that says “Our Local Walmart Government Welcomes You!” They at least are a great deal closer to controlling the local governance of the communities where they operate then the MMF is.

We need our symposium on true Métis Nationalism more then we think – our future is going to depend on better ideas then either of these.

Sharing a Story - A Young Metis Man

I hope sharing this story - will help create awareness and encouragement for young Metis people in the homeland. It is through courage that this young man shares his story to help others - much like others he encountered have helped him.

We would like to gratefully acknowledge the article is courtesy of Bloodlines Magazine, Red Road HIV/AIDS Network HIV AIDS Network.

A New Lease on Life

It was shocking, at 18, to learn that I had a terminal health condition. Learning that I’d contracted the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), that leads to AIDS, was the hardest thing in my gay youth. Now, 18 years later, how I see this health condition has changed considerably.

I’d heard about AIDS but had thought it was a regional disease in Africa. Nothing like this could ever happen to me because I was young and lived in a developed country. I thought wrong.

It started with my annual health visit on December 18, 1989, at a local clinic in Calgary. My doctor, who is kind and well-spoken, asked me if I would like to be tested for any sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). He explained the pros and cons of being tested and pointed out that I was at high risk of getting blood-borne illnesses because of my age and sexual orientation. I consented to the tests.

This was close to Christmas and I decided to spend the holidays with my adopted family in Winnipeg. When I got back to Calgary, an urgent message on my answering machine said to contact my doctor’s office immediately. The receptionist told me that I had an appointment the next day with a community health organization. Making my way to that appointment I began to feel uneasy. The elevator seemed to take forever. I started to sweat and breathe shallowly.

A receptionist welcomed me and asked me to take a seat in the waiting area. The walls were littered with health information on HIV and AIDS. That few minutes that I sat in the reception area seemed an eternity.

Eventually I met Michael; the health officer of what I finally figured out was an AIDS Service Organization (ASO). He invited me into his office and offered me a seat. After a few pleasantries and a few procedural matters, he told me that I had tested positive for HIV.

My world collapsed. My chest felt heavy and the room began to spin. I got up, kicked the garbage can and rushed out of Michael’s office. I ran down the stairs, got into my car and said to myself “whoever gave me this sickness, I forgive you”. I don’t know why I said that, but I believe that it was my saving grace and prayer.

My first phone call was to my adopted parents. My mother answered the phone and when I disclosed, she called me a liar and hung up. She never spoke to me again. My next call was to my roommate Brett. He rushed home from work to meet me. I explained my new health status and asked him not to share it with anyone. He agreed. Because of my experience with my adopted mother, it was a few years before I told anyone else.

I spent those first years feeling numb and socially isolated. I know now that I was reacting to the stigma around AIDS. My panic about having HIV led me down a road of self-destruction and hatred towards everyone, including myself. I used drugs and alcohol to numb the pain and anxiety.

After a few months of not dealing with the issue I moved to Montreal, where no-one knew me. I changed my name and tried to become someone else. That lasted for a few months and then I was back into drinking and using drugs. By divine intervention I was introduced to Jane, a social worker with AIDS Community Care-Montreal (ACCM), who has a heart of gold. After my first visit with her we decided together that I would make an appointment with an HIV specialist to start working on my immediate needs, which included adequate living space and better nutrition.

Eventually, after we’d established some mutual trust, Jane suggested that I volunteer for ACCM. After mulling over the idea for a couple of weeks I decided that helping out was better than sitting at home staring at the bare walls in my apartment.

My first task was to be part of the Black and Blue Festival, an annual AIDS fundraiser at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium hosted by the Bad Boy Club Montréal. This event brings together DJs of all music genres from around the globe and fifty thousand people who come to hear them. Shortly after the event, Jane told me that the FARAH Foundation, an HIV/AIDS agency dedicated to educating the general public about infectious diseases, was looking for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) to put faces to stories of the deplorable health conditions experienced by PHAs. Did I want to share my story? I decided I did.

I made my speaking debut at McGill University on March 31, 1993 with 120 soon-to-be medical doctors. Trembling, I took the stage, introduced myself as a PHA, gave an overview of what had happened to me, and sobbed uncontrollably. After answering a few questions I encouraged them to learn more about the condition and to act with compassion when dealing with PHAs. I got a standing ovation and much encouragement to keep sharing my story. Since then I have done more than 200 speaking engagements and workshops in schools and organizations across Canada. It gave me the acceptance I needed to jump start my life. I made a solemn oath to myself that I would speak for those who cannot speak for themselves and educate youth about safe sex practices and the ramifications of drug and alcohol abuse.

I now understand that I went through what’s called the five stages of grieving; denial (This is not happening to me!); anger (Why is this happening to me?); bargaining (I promise I will be a better person if…); depression (I do not care anymore); and finally acceptance (I am ready for whatever comes).

Learning how to live with this disease was not easy, but I persevered and it’s paid off. Not only did I learn to conquer my fears of living with this disease and to live again and, I learned the value of life. Recently I found my birth parents, who accept me unequivocally for who I am. Today, I am a confident, ambitious adult. I work full time, attend Athabasca University and continue to share my story my personal and professional lives. It’s wonderful to finally feel again and it’s wonderful to be part of global community that’s full of promise.

Now for Some of the People Interested in Being the Leader of the Metis Nation of British Columbia

http://www.earlbelcourtforpresident.citymax.com/page/page/4913131.htm

Introducing Earl Belcourt

There are a number of reasons why I will be running for President of the Métis Nation BC. None more important then balancing the scales of fairness to our inherent right of self government.

Through self governing initiatives our people will one day take control of our destiny - putting to an end over a hundred years of suppression, discrimination, and control!Our Nation will put in place a future for our youth, our people, our Elders.

How do we do this? Through our collective experience and integrity as aboriginal people. Many of us have dedicated years of unwaivering and enduring service to the Métis people in British Columbia and Canada. Personally, throughout those years I have always considered myself a grassroots person with grassroots values - learning more from my mistakes than successes.

Métis communities throughout BC have made significant gains, all must be commended.

Sometimes changes facilitate progress and all Métis people benefit from progress within their communities.

The thrust of this website is to continue to gainer insight from the grassroots people and communities. This valuable information will aid in putting together an effective, realistic, and collective workable election platform - with a vision for continued success within all Métis communities.

Sincerely,
Earl Belcourt

Spring is in the air – maybe it means better thoughts by our leaders and the Appreciation of the Metis Community People

There are some very good things that appear to be a happening in the land of the Métis – we have some hope.

At the MNBC – there appears to be a comprehensive process of regional meetings throughout British Columbia that has Métis people input from across the province in setting the priorities and direction for the MNBC provincial board. They are up for election this coming September and the newly or re-elected council will have a mandate that has been established by the communities.

In addition, there has been an indicator that they have set meetings with Minister Strahl to move forward with the Métis agenda in B.C.

Also, there is work addressing the issues of Métis Children and Families in BC http://www.mpcbc.bc.ca/pdf/pr_news26.pdf. MNBC is hosting the Métis Children and Family Service Forum to review the current state of Métis Children and Family Development and address the existing delivery of Métis Child and Family Services in relation to the Provincial Government strategy in British Columbia. The ultimate objective is for Métis community leaders and the MNBC Board of Directors is to openly discuss the current MCFD delivery model that considers a strategy that represents Métis community needs and service delivery issues in the area of Métis children and family services.

In Alberta, we received some notes on the progress of issues that relate to the provincial board. There apparently was a provincial council meeting this past Monday and they have now approved the Framework Agreement and all the provincial and federal funding contribution agreements for this fiscal year. We were advised that they even directed the negotiations around a new relationship for Métis Health with the Métis National Council. Rick Boucher has been suspended as per the decision of the Métis Judiciary Council and the decision by Justice Binder where it clearly indicated that he has been a detriment to the Metis Nation. He may chose to appeal the decision of the Alberta Court of Queen’s bench but to date there has been no indicators of the existence or nature of any appeal.

We do not know if things are perfect yet – but what I was advised is that they are talking and dealing with the issues at their Provincial Council meeting. That was certainly more progress then the last meeting in March or the previous one in January. They will now have to work on a plan to mitigate the damages from the loss of last years core funding.

In Saskatchewan, President Doucette has been working with his provincial council to restore the confidence of the Métis people and the provincial and federal government in addressing the past few years of disarray in Saskatchewan. This week in Saskatchewan they participated in a Roundtable Conference on First Nations and Métis Consultation and Accommodation. The news release that came up from the conference is available at: http://www.nationtalk.ca/modules/news/article.php?storyid=9485. The provincial government of Saskatchewan has committed to developing the capacity to have the Métis in Saskatchewan to work on the development of the policies that will have them acknowledged in the Duty to Consult. We have also been told about the council working on the strengthening of their governance structures by engaging regional meetings to begin healing the damages of the past political turmoil.

In Ontario the newly elected Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO), yesterday unanimously endorsed delaying the Métis Nation of Ontario Annual General Assembly (MNO AGA) until the Fall of 2008. http://www.nationtalk.ca/modules/news/article.php?storyid=9518 It sounds like the new council wants to work with the community and strengthen a grassroots approach to building a stronger nation.

We look forward to the common theme that we see beginning in the homeland – where the Duty to Consult – starts with the leaders consulting with Metis communities. There is hope as long as true consultation and work towards the engagement of the community is a part of the movement of the Métis Nation moving forward.

As we work toward the strengthening of the provincial entities – Métis Mama is still busy working on the forum for Métis Nationalism. We will soon be contacting the individuals who have requested involvement in the conference/meeting that will be hosted this summer. Stay tuned for more details.

Metis Nation of Ontario - Press Release Election Results

OTTAWA (May 13, 2008) – Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Chief Electoral Officer, Lawrence Gladue, today announced the final results for the 2008 elections of the MNO’s three province-wide governing institutions: The Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario- (PCMNO); the Métis Nation of Ontario Youth (MNOY); and, the Métis Nation of Ontario Veteran’s Council (MNOVC).

The final count of ballots for the MNO Provincial Election 2008 was held yesterday, May 12, 2008 and the following individuals won the contested positions:

MNO Executive:

Sharon McBride, Vice-Chair

Provisional Councillors of the Métis Nation of Ontario

Region 1: Theresa Stenlund
Region 7: Pauline Saulnier (incumbent)

The following candidates were acclaimed:

Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Executive

Gary Lipinski, President
France Picotte, Chair
Tim Pile, Secretary-Treasurer

Provisional Councillors of the Métis Nation of Ontario

Region 2: Cameron Burgess (incumbent)
Region 3: Marcel LaFrance
Region 4: Ann Trudel
Region 5: Maurice Sarrazin (incumbent)
Region 6: Jo-Ann Wass
Region 8: Charlie Fife
Region 9: Peter Rivers

Post-Secondary Representative,

PCMNOAnita Tucker (incumbent)

Métis Nation of Ontario (MNOY)

Joni Labbé, Region 4

Métis Nation of Ontario Veteran’s Council

Elmer Ross, Senator

The following offices are vacant (no nominations or incomplete nominations)

PCMNO Youth Representative

MNOY Regional Councillors: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9

MNOVC President, Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer, Women’s Representative, and Youth Representative.

The date and time for the election for the vacant positions will be announced following the completion of the MNO Elections.

MNO Electoral Code, Article 9.1 states:

If after the close of nominations there are offices that are vacant, the Chief Electoral Officer shall, by May 15th, announce in writing that elections to fill any such vacancies will be held at the next Annual summer assembly.

For further information:
Katelin Peltier
MNO Manager of Communications
Tel: 613-798-1488 ext. 108
Cell: 613-859-7130
E: katelinp@metisnation.orgwww.metisnation.org

Metis Mothers

TODAY METIS MAMA WOULD LIKE TO WISH HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ALL THOSE METIS MAMAS ACROSS THE HOMELAND! THANK YOU FOR KEEPING THE CULTURE STRONG AND TAKING CARE OF THE FUTURE GENERATIONS.

Resonse to an Anonymous Contributor

• An Anonymous Contributor left this comment on our site:
  
  Something is really wrong here. Our Federal Government representatives over in Nicuraga while at home we are having real issues with our Homeland. Losing our hunting fishing areas to development.
  
  As reported on the Another site Some of us don't even have HOUSING!!!!
  
  So what the F is our Governments doing over seas... when the work needs to be done here at home. I think BC and Alberta needs to leave the MNC and tomorrow would be too late.
  

As for the Housing story that you present:

We did check this APTN clip out … it was once again a further demonstration of the reason why APTN is not a reliable news source – no investigative reporting skills and even less credibility. Sean Amato who is APTN’s Alberta Correspondent would be more skilled at “Fantasia” then he is at reporting newsworthy information in an unbiased and appropriate manner. Much of the information that gets aired from Alberta is like the "Aboriginal Enquirer" and exploits individuals much like it did for the poor family that was portrayed on this news clip. There are many Aboriginal families in the north who have been negatively impacted by the industrial revolution that seems to have consumed Fort McMurray. There has been much talk about the negative impacts. The Provincial and Federal governments have hosted Task Forces and other reviews that were to address issues related to housing in these communities. The outcomes of many of these initiatives have not had many results for the people of Conklin, Trout Lake, Anzac and others.

Yet – we have had Métis Region One collecting funds through contractual agreements that would mitigate the damages to these communities. We understand from reports from the Ken Bourque and the now suspended Rick Boucher that they are receiving a million dollars a year to assist these communities from a contract with industry. Why are these dollars not being utilized to assist the Métis community who has been devastated by the industrial explosion in their back yard?

The Métis Locals in the north have been working as a collective so that industry can work with the northern communities instead of filtering money outside of their area and not have any accountability back to these Metis people. Bill Loutitt, Margaret Scott, Jumbo Fraser and Ron Quintal from the "Wood Buffalo Core Metis Locals" tell a story about how Region One representatives do not deal with the issues of the north and do not consult them to assist any of the Metis families who have lost a way of life and the ability to exist in communities that have suddenly had everything exasperate in costs.

The APTN blames Audrey Poitras for someone living in poor housing in the north – the only housing program that the Métis Nation of Alberta had was lost this year when Trevor Gladue and his friends did not support the Framework Agreement. The money through Framework hired an individual, who is now laid off as a result of the “Framework Agreement”. This individual worked with the various Métis people in Alberta to try and get them access to the necessary resources through the Alberta Government to deal with poor inadequate housing. Rather then blame Audrey – maybe Trevor’s friends need to talk to the 'Dissidents' who have high jacked the Métis issues in Alberta for their own political gain.

What is new at MNC?

There is a new foundation and focus coming to the Métis National Council. Gary Lipinski is now the new President of the Métis Nation of Ontario and based on the news releases – he has hit the ground running. The Métis Nation of Ontario has worked and developed some very significant relationships with the provincial government in Ontario and appear to be strengthening their relationship with the various Métis people at the community level.

Tony has taken on some new challenges in his retirement. He has started a new organization which he is the President of. He will be working on developing opportunity for the Indigenous people of the Americas. In fact, he is working on an initiative to bring cell phones to the Indigenous people of Guatemala right now.

Clem is busy on his International interests and is trying to find support for the people in Nicaragua.

British Columbia is busy with community consultations in their various regional boundaries. They will work at letting the people determine their progression into the future, including whether they continue with the Métis National Council. Based on their communication with the Métis National Council – answers to their questions would go a long way to indicating to the Métis in BC that their participation is welcome. They are also busy strengthening their relationship federally and provincially. There has been indications that they have successfully negotiated bilateral agreements that will move the Métis Nation of BC forward regardless of what they end up doing.

Through the Manitoba Métis Federation we have heard that there have been regional meetings. Based on David’s Presidents report they are filled with Métis people in Manitoba who are singing and dancing with happiness. David is apparently meeting with the Ian Potter the Assistant Deputy Minister, FNIHB Health Canada. The Board of Governors at their meeting passed a resolution that indicated they were willing to try and negotiate a new agreement with Health Canada if the issues of the past contract breach could be resolved. That is now up in the air because the forensic audit is not complete and the Assistant Deputy Minister is rumored to be leaving his present position. The Board of Governors at their meeting clearly did not support the continuation of the existing agreement and wanted to begin working on the development of bilateral agreements with each of the Provincial organizations. This is probably really important for some of our provinces because in the past Manitoba has gotten the lion’s share of the funding that comes into MNC while often BC and Ontario received the crumbs. Government in a bilateral process would develop a funding formula that would have indicators that would determine the percentage of funding that would be equally shared amongst the provinces based on the formula much like the existing Métis Human Resource Development Agreement is negotiated.

On to Alberta – well not much needs to be said about the issues happening there – the ongoing political dog eat dog world is highlighted in many blogs and the only real dogs that have been torn apart is the Métis people in the community. As has been reported on this blog and others -Rick Boucher is suspended and the division of the political allies are shifting. There is to be a Provincial Council meeting next week to resolve issues. There will probably be a great deal of attention focused on that blogs after the meeting. In the meantime the candidates are lining up and the people who have been mortal enemies in the past are trying to convince each other they should now be allies in the future.

In Saskatchewan – we have heard that there is work being done to try and recover from what has been a long political battle in their province. They are trying to reestablish relationships and working at putting their governing structure back together. There is a split on the provincial council that they are working to overcome. If they stay focused on the issues of commonality they just may be the role model for how to overcome our differences.

As Métis people in our community – we need to work on staying focused on the issues and not getting caught up in self serving political agendas. Even one of the blogs are becoming an obvious campaign head quarter for some of our more challenged. I do caution individuals on something that is being presented recently - one of these forums has become a means of trying to suck individuals into financing them. Many blogs have been around for many more years then Metis Mama and they are not seeking your money to share or give insight into the world of issues that are of concern to you. Before you buy into putting your hard earned money to forums or sites with their own political agenda - make sure that they represent an organization that reflects your priorities and that the money is not going to one or two private pockets.

Our nation needs to focus on the things that are paramount to our future – like engaging our youth so that they are not completely alienated from their culture. We pray that some of our young people who have sought a future of understanding our contemporary communities but remembering their past will step up and begin to get involved so that the future of the Métis Nation is not lost in the future generations.

An Interesting Article in the Toronto Sun about our Aboriginal Veterans

An article that makes you wonder... Just for info to add to the article. If you want to follow the story of the Juno Beach, Vimy Ridge, Menin Gate Veterans ceremonies go to the fall of 2005 and early 2006 archives of Trevor Gladue's Metis Matters Newspaper. Trevor and his wife were - Ed Borchert's helpers on this tour - not that they were veterans, youth or bureaucrats .... must have been a hanger on.

David is with the Duck Bay Dancers at the Vimy Ridge vacation. This event not unlike the others had far more Metis Politicians and others....

You will see Felice Gladue standing in the back row and husband Trevor is in the front row of this picture which can be found at: http://www.metisnation.ca/press/photo.html

Why should bureaucrats, officials and other hangers-on outnumber veterans 2 to 1 on pilgrimages to battlefields?

http://www.torontosun.com/News/Canada/2008/05/07/5492521-sun.html

By PETER WORTHINGTON, TORONTO SUN

Periodically, Veterans Affair Canada (VAC), conducts pilgrimages to various wartime battlefields and cemeteries where Canadians made a name for themselves.

Often, veterans who are the centrepiece of these expeditions, seem secondary to bureaucrats and officials who accompany and outnumber them, sometimes two to one.

I was invited to mark the 50th anniversary of the Korean war, and at the time it struck me as a bit odd that senior bureaucrats flew business class, while the outnumbered vets (some of them literally on their last legs) were relegated to economy class. While some of the old soldiers grumbled, most felt this was just the way things are; nothing much had changed since wartime days when they roughed it.

This July, VAC is conducting what may be the last pilgrimage by veterans to the 55th anniversary of the ending of the Korean War -- a war that ended in stalemate but which was a triumph for South Korea in peace.

ONE VET EACH

In past "pilgrimages," regiments that fought in Korea contributed three veterans each. This year they've been allocated one veteran each, which seems unnecessarily chintzy, especially when this may be the last chance for many to take part.

Complicating the arrangements is that four veterans from each of three Aboriginal and Metis organizations are attending (12 in all) -- some of whom never served in Korea. This seems disproportional, especially when 40 or so vets will be herded by close to 100 staff from VAC, including an honour guard, students and various others who'll get a free trip.

Apparently what is planned is a four-day "Calling Home Ceremony" for the souls or spirits of Aboriginals who were killed. It will be similar to ceremonies at a 2005 pilgrimage to Vimy Ridge where retired Princess Pats Maj. Ed Borchert (who once ran the gift shop at the regimental museum in Calgary and claims to be a Metis) conducted ceremonies.

At Vimy, Borchert said it was very emotional: "We felt loss, grief, elation, tears, anger, laughter and joy. The spirits came to us and cried to go home."

(The cycle of calling home the spirits of dead warriors apparently takes four years of feasts, songs and dances.)

Borchert, who retired in 1995 after 30 years service, defines the Calling Home Ceremony as a "vision of warriors brought to veterans on the wings of a Great Eagle from the Creator ... a cry from our ancestors for the spirits of our fallen warriors to be returned to their ancestral homelands."

Claude Petit, president of the National Aboriginal Veterans Association (NAVA) -- the umbrella group representing all Aboriginal and Metis vets -- isn't impressed. He even questions whether Borchert is Metis, and says in the past he has been depicted as Ukrainian and even Spanish.
"Pipe ceremonies and such are not a Metis thing," says Petit, who is Metis himself, was wounded in Korea and holds the Order of Canada for work in Saskatchewan among native and Metis people.

"Fine if First Nation vets want to do these ceremonies," says Petit. "But Maj. Borchert isn't a veteran of Korea, even though he likes to wear a buckskin jacket and the U.S. Presidential Unit Citation awarded to 2 Battalion PPCLI. I've told him this. I call him Grey Owl II, and have complained to Veterans Affairs."

Petit says most Metis are Catholics and don't intrude on First Nation ceremonies. NAVA is sending four Korean vets on the Pilgrimage, as is a Metis organization and a First Nation group. Not all are Korean vets.

PRINCESS PATS

Along with his brother, Petit joined the Princess Pats under age and stayed in the army after the Korean war. Claude was heavyweight boxing champ of the Canadian army and is an outspoken advocate for Aboriginal causes -- rarely reluctant to say what he thinks.

His reference to Borchert as "Grey Owl II" brings to mind the original Grey Owl, who was born Archie Belaney in Hasting, England, but joined the Montreal Black Watch in World War I pretending to be an Ojibwa Indian. He was a sniper, was wounded, and on discharge became a trapper in Temagame, Ont. A naturalist, he wrote critically acclaimed books and toured Britain and America as an Indian. He died in 1938 at age 50. The North Bay Nugget exposed him as a non-aboriginal. His life was later made into a movie, staring Pierce Brosnan.

Vince Courtenay, a Korean vet and publisher of Koreavet news.com, also questions a Metis staging pipe ceremonies and urges VAC to reconsider and send three vets from each of the regiments that fought in Korea.

On behalf of the VanDoos and RCR, Regimental Maj. E.A. Liebert of the PPCLI has requested VAC to "review plans and try to maximize participation of Korean veterans in Armistice ceremonies." He notes these three regiments supplied almost half the 26,000 Canadian soldiers who served in Korea, and sustained 75% of the casualties.

Petit was involved in getting NAVA vets to the Vimy Ridge pilgrimage where Borchert conducted the "Calling Home Ceremony."

Petit says: "My grandfather is buried at Vimy Ridge and I want his spirit to stay where it is, among those who died there."

Many veterans of aboriginal blood who served in World War I, World War II and Korea feel that in the army they were treated fairly as equals for the first time in their lives. After these wars, for many, it was a return to the reserve and the prejudices of the times.

Today, efforts are made to encourage aboriginal recruitment, as they make excellent soldiers.

"Candy" being handed out in school yards may be dangerous drug

The following was an article that was in the Grassroots News. It is important to protect our children in a an ever changing world of challenges.

Tzena Asham at the Manitoba Metis Federation wants readers, particularly parents, to be aware of a new drug which some very unsavory people are trying to get our youth and children hooked on.

This new drug is called "strawberry quick". It is a type of crystal methamphetatime (or "crystal meth") that looks like strawberry pop rocks (the candy that "pops" and sizzles in your mouth). It also smells like strawberry and it is being handed out to children in Winnipeg school yards.

There have been reports of kids ingesting this substance thinking it is candy and being rushed to hospital sick. The substance is also reported to come in chocolate, peanut butter, cola, cherry, grape and orange flavours.

Parents are strongly urged to tell your children not to accept candy from strangers, also not to accept "candy" that looks like this from a friend (who may have been given this substance and wrongly believes that it is safe candy). Children should also report any information or offers they receive about this substance to a teacher, principal, parent or police immediately.

Métis Nation of Ontario President Lipinski sets the direction for the next four years

http://www.metisnation.org/voyageur/annuals/Election_08/08_may6_moveforward.html


Tuesday, May 6, 2008 -- MNO Press Release

Moving Forward --- Together

Ottawa (May 6th, 2008) --- Today the newly acclaimed Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) President Gary Lipinski officially assumes his role following his election to Office of the President April 22nd, 2008. As a first order of business President Lipinski provided MNO Elected Officials and Staff with the ambitious agenda for the next four years.

“The MNO has, over the years, put into place a democratic and strong governance structure in order to implement Métis self-government, and the momentum needs to continue. Empowerment, communications and sustainable capacity are a few of the areas that the MNO will focus on strengthening, specifically for the MNO’s Chartered Community Councils which operate solely on a volunteer capacity.” Lipinski stated.

President Lipinski identified the need for the development of an overall, long range strategic plan for the MNO which would result in the engagement of all Métis citizens, Community Councils, the Provisional Council of the MNO (PCMNO), and the MNO Annual Assembly.

“From these discussions, we can develop a blueprint that will not only guide us, but will also grow and evolve as we do. It will also allow us to set targets and goals, to evaluate our progress and refine our plans as we go. I look forward to engaging in this process over the next 6 to 8 months with Métis citizens and fellow Métis leaders.” added Lipinski.

Another area identified was the enhancement of the ability to further assist Métis people in areas of mental health, justice, education, child and family services, housing, culture and heritage, as well as economic development.

“To better support Métis children, families and communities, the MNO must be able to offer a holistic approach to addressing Métis needs. Currently, the MNO does not have all of the tools and supports our citizens need from their government. I am committed to expanding discussions with the provincial and federal governments to assume Métis jurisdiction in areas which are essential to improving the quality of life of Métis people in the province.” said Lipinski.

“A strong team has been elected and brings an exciting mix of experience, energy, talent and ideas. With France Picotte as Chair of the Provisional Council, Tim Pile as Secretary/Treasurer, a new Co-chair, and, an enthusiastic blend of returning and first term Councillors, I look forward to capitalizing on our strengths, while immediately addressing those areas where we must be stronger.” Lipinski stated.

The MNO held Ballot-box elections yesterday, May 5th, 2008, for the contested positions of the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO Vice-Chair, Region 1 & 7 Councillors) and the Chief Electoral Officer will announce the results on May 12, 2008. For more information on the elections please visit www.metisnation.org.

President Lipinski started his political career as a councillor on the Sunset Country Métis Council Gary expressed his vision for Métis people within Ontario and gradually progressed through the political structure becoming Region 1 Councillor and in 1999 was elected as Chair of the Métis Nation of Ontario of which he held until this current election. In addition to the elected positions that Lipinski held, he also sits on various Provincial and National Committees representing the Métis People of Ontario and was an integral part of the battle for Métis Rights including the landmark Powley case concerning the right to hunt.

The Métis are a distinct Aboriginal people with a unique culture, language and heritage, and with an ancestral Homeland that centres around Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, parts of the Northwest Territories, as well as the northwestern United States. The Métis played an instrumental role in the shaping of Canada, and work tirelessly to share their culture, music, traditions and knowledge of the environment with their fellow Canadians. Today, the Métis live, work, raise their families and pay taxes in communities all across Canada.

For further information:
Katelin Peltier
MNO Manager of Communications
Tel: 613-798-1488 ext. 108
Cell: 613-859-7130
katelinp@metisnation.org
www.metisnation.org

New Metis Blog Site has started - Check It Out

Metis News

http://metisnews.blogspot.com/

We will post a link on the sidebar.

Treacherous Trevor the man who commits a sham and deception upon the Métis community and is a complete imposter.

Treacherous Trevor – sits and portrays himself as a leader but then when it is time to be accountable for the decisions he makes or the things he led he says – it wasn’t me – I didn’t have anything to do with it because it was all Rick and Ken.

I received a report that a meeting took place in Edmonton last week for the Métis people who live in the region. Trevor reported to a room full of Métis people that he did not take part in writing letters to government to stop funding or to the bank to try and stop the ability of the organization to move forward. Did he forget that he copied the Provincial Council on these documents? Did he forget he was recorded on APTN requesting that funding be halted? He indicated that all of this had nothing to do with him. We will post some of those documents – where people can see for themselves the damage he has perpetrated.

He advised everyone at the meeting that he has no pay cheque and he depends on poor Métis people to give him gas so he can carry on. Then we find out this week that he had his pay reinstated and he had even received retroactive pay prior to the weekend meeting. Maybe he did not want to let the staff that had been laid off know that so he had to pretend like he was a part of the unemployed rather then a man earning over $70 thousand a year in salary and benefits. How do you face the collateral victims of ugly politics? Treacherous Trevor does it by telling untruths and filling the community with deceitful words!

Even his own supporters did not believe what they were hearing him say. The Provincial
Council meeting that he did not participate in – he advised the crowd that he did not know how to access the call. One of his friends said that wasn’t true and confronted him at the meeting. They told the people about a conference call that Trevor hosted before the Provincial Council call and advised his six friends to boycott the Provincial Council meeting so that the MNA could not get the Alberta Government agreement. His friend told him he had a legal obligation to participate in the matters and responsibilities of the Provincial Council and that they should take the call. Obviously – the ugly politics is a better alternative. Treacherous Trevor’s only response to his friend was – I could say lots about the personal conversations we had.

Another person at the meeting asked him about the Métis Health Agreement. They asked him why he believes that Audrey needs a Provincial Council resolution to sign deals but why did he feel that Rick, Ken and himself didn’t need one. He reported that he tried to get one but the meeting he tried to pass it - lost quorum. He was then asked how that is different then the rules he was asking the other Provincial Council members to live with. The Provincial Council passed a resolution to try and access their own agreement with Health Canada – not a resolution for Rick and Trevor to get a side agreement. His only response was he wasn’t there when Rick and Ken signed the agreement and he did not have anything to do with it. There were reports at the Métis Judiciary Council Hearing that Trevor and Rick were in Winnipeg and they flew Ken Bourque in for the signing of the agreement on March 28, 2007. http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2007/28/c7809.html

We have made a request for the minutes of last weeks meeting in relation to Trevor so we can share them. When we get them – we will post them. We are also going to post the letters and Press Releases where Trevor is indicating his involvement in spite of his complete denial and not taking any responsibility for what has gone on.

Treacherous Trevor is not a leader – Rick Boucher is taking the fall for everything while Trevor claims he had nothing to do with it.

Alberta Court Upholds MNA Judiciary Council’s Decision

http://www.albertametis.com/getdoc/038dbb08-fb58-47df-8b27-1a69d3788a28/MNA-Press-Release-re-Boucher-Suspension-Upheld-FIN.aspx

Edmonton, AB (May 2, 2008) – Yesterday, the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta upheld the decision of the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) Judiciary Council to reprimand and suspend Rick Boucher, MNA Region 1 Vice President.

Justice M.A. Binder, of the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench concluded that the MNA Judiciary Council was within its “jurisdiction” in issuing its December 18, 2007, written decision that Mr. Boucher’s actions were “gravely detrimental” to the Métis Nation and suspending him until 2010.

“The Alberta Court validated what our own Métis self-government institution, the MNA Judiciary Council, correctly confirmed back in December 2007. Namely, Métis leaders are elected to serve the interests of the Métis people, not their own self interest,” said President Poitras.

The initial complaint against Mr. Boucher, to the MNA Judiciary Council, was filed in May 2007. It was grounded on MNA Provincial Council’s unanimous motion (seconded by Boucher) to pursue a direct, bilateral agreement with Health Canada for the delivery of the Aboriginal Health Human Resource Initiative (AHHRI), as opposed to entering an unmanageable, unrealistic sub-agreement with the Métis National Council (MNC) for the delivery of this federal program.

In March 2007, unbeknownst to the MNA President, and the majority of Provincial Council, and MNA Region One Regional Council, Mr. Boucher negotiated and entered into an agreement with the MNC for the delivery of the same AHHRI funding through Metco Ventures Inc., a company privately owned by Boucher, as 100 per cent shareholder, at the signing of the agreement. The agreement provided for Metco Ventures Inc. to deliver Métis health programs in Alberta, rather than the MNA.

The MNA Judiciary Council found that Mr. Boucher “made a decision to use a company he controlled to take an agreement away from the MNA”, that Mr. Boucher “owed a duty to the MNA” and that “he had no right to act on his own contrary to the motion” passed by the MNA Provincial Council in February 2007.

The MNA Judiciary Council also concluded that:

• The MNA could not operate if every Councillor felt entitled to take information obtained through the MNA and then act on their own through companies preventing the MNA from proceeding with negotiating agreements when the Provincial Council had authorized the negotiation of such agreements. …
• Provincial Council members do not have the right to act on their own because they disagree with the MNA Executives or the MNA Provincial Council. …
• People in the position of Mr. Boucher as a member of the Provincial Council harm the integrity and credibility of the entire Métis Nation of Alberta by ignoring the process for governing affairs of the Provincial Council.
  

Based on these findings, the MNA Judiciary Council reprimanded and immediately suspended Mr. Boucher from the MNA Provincial Council and from holding specific positions in the MNA until December 18, 2010. Mr. Boucher rejected the jurisdiction and questioned the integrity of the Métis Nation to govern its own affairs by attempting to have the MNA Judiciary Council decision overturned by a non-Métis court. Yesterday, Mr. Boucher’s attempts were completely rejected by that non-Métis court.

“It is now time that all members of the MNA Provincial Council focus their attention on doing what we were elected to do,” President Poitras added. “We must now come together to push forward on our Métis rights agenda and to help Métis children, families and communities.”

Marlene Lanz, MNA Region 3 President and Minister for Family and Wellness said, “I also hope the Métis National Council’s President, Clem Chartier, and the former MNC Minister for Health, David Chartrand, understand what this judgment means. They should not have used the MNC and Métis health dollars as a way to interfere in politics in Alberta. They should have respected the MNA President and the MNA Provincial Council, rather than trying to pretend they know best for Alberta Métis.”

Sylvia Johnson, MNA Region 6 President, added, “I am very pleased that we can finally put some closure on this issue. Now we need to get moving on the very necessary work that needs to be done for our Métis people to continue moving the Métis Nation forward. In my view, this was a triumph and a huge step towards Métis self-government when the Court of Queens Bench in the Province of Alberta recognized and upheld the decision of our Métis Judiciary Council.”

“It has been truly sad that some elected Métis leaders have allowed the Alberta Government to use our internal conflicts as an excuse to ignore Métis priorities that our nation is facing. Métis harvesting rights, the Crown’s duty to consult our communities, the housing needs of Métis families, the health and safety of our children and Elders. These need to be the priorities of all members of the MNA Provincial Council. Not just positioning for an election in the fall,” said Cecil Bellrose, MNA Region 4 President. “I would like to congratulate President Poitras and the Judiciary Council for remaining steady throughout this process.”

Karen Collins, MNA Region 2 President added, “While it is unfortunate that so much time and energy has been dedicated to deal with Mr. Boucher’s actions: the principle that elected Métis leadership must be accountable and act honourably on behalf of the Métis people was something worth fighting for. Métis citizens should expect nothing less than what other Canadians expect of their elected leadership.”

For additional information contact:
Marilyn Underschultz
MNA Communications
Ph: (780) 455-2200

Court Up Held Judiciary Council Decision – Rick Boucher is suspended for 3 years

The Honourable Justice M.A. Binder released the decision in relation to Rick Boucher and the decision of the Métis Judiciary Council.

Rick Boucher appealed the decision of his suspension based on the following issues:

1. Is the Métis Judiciary Council a public or private body?
2. What is the appropriate scope and standard of review?
3. Is there a reasonable apprehension of bias?
4. Was the Métis Judiciary Council properly constituted?
5. Did the Métis Judiciary Council act reasonably in refusing the adjournment request on November 25, 2007? And
6. Is the substance of the decision subject to review, and if so does it meet the appropriate standard?
   

In spite of the fact that in February Trevor Gladue reported in Métis Matters that “…Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) Member Mr. Rick Boucher vindicated in the Court. The Court ordered the Métis Judiciary Council (MJC) decision be stayed concerning Mr. Boucher's membership after evidence was presented that MNA President Audrey Poitras and the MJC Chair had ignored the principles of procedural fairness and rules of natural justice.

Justice Binder upheld the decision and dismissed Rick Boucher’s appeal. No vindication...

We will submit more details on this news as they become available but in all elements of the above appeal – the Judge ruled in favor of the Judiciary Council and the principles and institutions that Métis people in Alberta set up in their quest for accountable elected leaders and organizations.

MINISTER STRAHL HIGHLIGHTS CANADA'S PROGRESS ON INDIGENOUS ISSUES AT THE UNITED NATIONS

http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/index-eng.asp


MINISTER STRAHL HIGHLIGHTS CANADA'S PROGRESS ON INDIGENOUS ISSUES AT THE UNITED NATIONS
NEW YORK CITY (May 1, 2008) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today will highlight Canada's progress on Indigenous issues at a gathering of international delegates who attended the UN Permanent Forum in New York City.

"We are taking concrete steps to deal with issues that matter to Aboriginal peoples here in Canada," says Minister Strahl. "Our government is committed to delivering real and measurable results, and since coming to office two years ago we have done just that."

"The Government of Canada continues to address a number of key areas for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples, including fundamental human rights through Bill C-21," adds Minister Strahl. "For 30 years, section 67 of the Canadian Human Rights Act has exempted First Nations communities governed by the Indian Act from human rights protection. We believe this has gone on too long and needs to be corrected."

Canada has long demonstrated its commitment to also actively advancing indigenous rights abroad. "The UN Declaration aside, Canada will continue to take effective action, at home and abroad, to promote and protect the rights of indigenous peoples," says Minister Strahl.

Minister Strahl will also highlight a number of areas where the Government of Canada is making substantial progress including: education; resolving specific claims; safe drinking water; protection for women and children; and matrimonial property rights on-reserves. The Minister will also talk about the important step in the Government of Canada's commitment to the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement, with the naming of Justice Harry LaForme as the Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

"Canada remains committed as ever to deliver real results for our Aboriginal population. We believe in moving forward for all Canadians with results that are not simply aspirations or non-binding. Concrete action is what we are committed to delivering," adds Minister Strahl.

For further information please contact:
Minister's Office
Josée Bellemare
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable
Chuck Strahl
819-997-0002

Something a little bit interesting

The article that was released from the Government of Canada yesterday is interesting. The forensic audit began in March 2007; the audit was for the years 2003 to 2005; the total amount received was just under 6.5 million dollars for the three year period and the funding came from just one government department.

The Metis National Council is apparently being forensic audited by the Government departments - Office of the Federal Interlocutor and Health Canada. The government has not engaged an outside auditing firm to complete the audit - they are doing it internal to the departments.

Will they release the findings of their audit and make it public like they did with the Public Safety Department? Will the audit findings be in a complete comprehnsive report identifying the narrative explanation of each agreement? Will it outline all short comings even with the sub contracted resources like Metco Ventures Inc?

Just some thoughts .....

Government of Canada releases forensic audit report on funding provided for policing services in Kanesatake

OTTAWA, April 30, 2008 —The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, and the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today announced the release of an independent forensic audit report entitled: Forensic Audit of Funding Under Contribution Agreement with the Mohawk Council of Kanesatake during the period April 1, 2003 to March 31, 2005.

Report on the Forensic Audit of the Funding Under Contribution Agreements with the Mohawk Council of Kanesatake during the Period April 1, 2003 to March 31, 2005 (PDF - 550 Kb)