This article came out in today’s Grassroots News. It is stale dated and so the part that the Federal Budget gave no stimulus is not reported here. We have heard that the bureaucrats in Ottawa under the Minister have advised the MNC that the Minister is disappointed that there was nothing for the Métis but he would work to help them find other resources if he could. We will have to wait and see what that exactly means. Does that mean that after the Board of Governors contribute their present economic stimulus and extra dollars to pay for the 1.8 million dollar deficit the Minister will find ways to continue to support them or does that mean he will forgive them their indiscretions – wipe clean the money and not publish the embarrassing facts like they did with the Congress of Aboriginal People?
By GRN Staff
The Metis National Council took an important step in responding to a call for advice on ways to undertake economic development from the federal government by holding a Working Group Meeting at the Clarion Hotel in Winnipeg on January 13 – 14, 2009. Delegates from Manitoba and Saskatchewan fine tuned policy papers covering topics ranging from the need for a holistic approach to integrating economic opportunities and initiatives, to support services such as child care, financial institutions including venture capital corporations, and even bursaries and greater access to gaming revenues.
"To assist in the development of a new framework for economic development, we need to hear from you," said Chuck Strahl, Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians. "My Department will engage people like you across the country to seek views on how the federal government can help secure the economic well-being and prosperity of Aboriginal peoples."
The Gathering in Winnipeg was co-ordinated by Mark LeClair, Metis National Council, who was pleased with the progress which was made.
"This meeting was critical to moving forward with our stimulus package tabled with the federal government as they complete their economic development framework for the country by the end of March this year," said LeClair. "By bringing together Metis economic leaders from Human Resource Departments and Capital Corporations from Ontario to British Columbia, we achieved consensus on the package while adding some great new ideas."
LeClair added that the MNC has recommended $200 million each year for the next two years of Metis economic initiatives to be included in the new federal budget (again, please check today's newspaper as the federal budget was released as GRN went to press).
The bottom line for these "high-falootin' meetings" is the impact the discussions and decision will have at the grassroots level – for the independent, Metis who actually run a small business and create the jobs and profits which will sustain the Metis Nation economy. One such business is Bluesky Bed and Sled – a dogsled experience package run by Gerald Azure out of Churchill, Manitoba. Grassroots News asked Gerald if his attendance at the summit in Winnipeg was as un"fur"gettable as the catchy slogan he uses to market his very unique business (a bed and breakfast combined with a dog sled run).
"It is good that the federal government is finally recognizing and is willing to work with the Metis and build on what we do as individuals so that positive results can be achieved on a more massive scale," said Azure. "The meeting in Winnipeg and the package we created gives us credibility."
Azure's business has grown from two sled dogs providing 15 sled rides during his first season to 1,100 rides last year. They found a six bedroom house in Churchill and the maximum four bedrooms which are allowed to be used for rental accommodations by the town of Churchill are routinely full during the long, winter season up north.
"We not only have to work harder, we have to work smarter," says Azure. "And everything you make has to be invested back into the business. But the satisfaction of being your own boss is worth it.""We don't want the Metis to be left behind when it comes to the business end of things so we welcome the opportunity to provide practical advice to the politicians (MNC) who have to negotiate with the federal government on our behalf."
Even if that practical advice includes things like, "Bluesky Mush" is not a theme park like Disney World. I carry a rifle with me when we go out on a ride. Those are real bears and wolves out there on the trail."
Adventurous types who want to learn more about cruising the cool north on a dog sled can check out blueskymush on the internet.
No comments:
Post a Comment