Now we are looking at real economic stimulus... I did not even realize that the Ministers in our present economic state have been reduced to trying to do press releases over $39,000. In fact, this must have been such a fast paced negotiation because they forgot to consult with the Metis veterans across Canada. The Metis and Aboriginal Veterans organizations are struggling to access funding and to meet thier priorities - hopefully they too will be able to access funding.
Ottawa, Ontario (April 6, 2009) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, and the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today announced a partnership with the Métis National Council to launch a web site that will allow the Canadian public to gain deeper awareness of the role played by Métis veterans during the First and Second World Wars.
“I am delighted that Métis veterans will finally have a venue through which they can tell their stories of heroism and sacrifice,” said Minister Strahl. “This is an important step forward, not just for the veterans and their families, but for all Canadians. These are stories that we all need to hear.”
“This project will pay tribute to the dedication and bravery of Métis Veterans who have served our country during wartimes,” said Minister Thompson. “Their courage, sacrifices and accomplishments are a source of pride to their families, communities and all Canadians.”
The web site will provide a virtual library through which Métis veterans will be able to share their photographs, stories, remembrances and the lessons they learned through their war experiences. It will also give Métis veterans information on program and services supports.
The Government of Canada is providing approximately $39,000 that will be used to create a content management system that will enable the Métis National Council (MNC) to store and disseminate data and research in real time, and to transmit knowledge to others using electronic data, graphic models, audio and video streaming mediums. The system will provide the MNC with a compelling and user-friendly tool to advance the interests of Métis Veterans.
For more information, please contact:
Minister's OfficeNina Chiarelli
Canada Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
(819) 997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
(613) 992-7468
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
Richard Roik
Director of Communications
613-996-4649
http://www.metisnation.ca/pdf-02172009/Métis%20Nation%20Veterans%20Web%20Portal%20Release%20--%20FORMATTED%20Apr%20%206%202009.pdf
Clem's Release:
Métis National Council
350 Sparks St., Suite 201
Ottawa, ON K1R 7S8
www.metisnation.ca
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2009
Métis Nation Veterans Web Portal Announced
Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier is welcoming the Federal Government’s commitment to helping share the stories and celebrate the contributions of Métis Nation veterans. Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Federal Interlocutor for Métis, and Greg Thompson, Minister for Veterans Affairs, today announced funding for the MNC to develop a new web portal dedicated to Métis Nation veterans.
"The Métis Nation Veterans Web Portal will be a one-stop resource for information important to Métis Nation veterans and their families," said President Chartier. "It will also be a place for all Canadians to learn more about the sacrifices Métis Nation veterans have made for their people and this country over the last 125 years."
Métis Nation veterans will be able to share their stories of war through the web portal, and Métis Nation citizens and all Canadian will be able to post messages of thanks and remembrance to Métis Nation veterans. In addition, the Métis Nation Veterans Web Portal will host information on benefits and services available to Métis Nation veterans, and it will also have information to assist those who have not received all the benefits available to other Canadian veterans.
"This web portal is an invaluable resource for Métis veterans to share their experiences with the Métis Nation, in particular Métis youth, and all Canadians," said David Chartrand, Minister of Veteran Affairs for the Métis National Council. "While we recognize this as a positive first step, there is still much work to be done in order to ensure that all Metis veterans receive the benefits to which they are entitled".
The Métis Nation Veterans Web Portal will feature photos and videos of Métis Nation Veterans and will have a continuously updated list of commemoration ceremonies being held across the Métis Homeland, Canada and around the world. The web portal is expected to go on-line in mid-April, and will be linked with the Métis National Council website at www.metisnation.ca.
For more information contact Greg Taylor, MNC Communications, at (613) 296-9263 or gregt@metisnation.ca.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Ministers Strahl and Thompson Announce Partnership to Launch Métis Veterans Web Site
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2 comments:
Why not set up a free Google Blog you could accomplish the same.
As commented on MN&S
Yep - our Metis veterans go through hell, don't get the recognition or compensation the other veterans got, and this is big news for the MNC - to tell their "stories". A lot of good that does them. Another site to get lost in all the others. I bet if you add up all the money that has been given for this media project and that media project, and all the "calling home" ceremonies thats been performed they could have given every Metis Veteran the same compensation thats been given to the First Nations veterans.
This is just more greedy bastards taking advantage of the Metis Veterans names and fight for compensation to line their pockets. My father (one of the better known Metis veterans) when told of this "web site" said they (MNC) can take this web site and shove it up their ass. I bet you will find the same sentiment among many of the last remaining veterans.
My father stated that these stories makes them look like they should be pitied not compensated. These men are proud of what they accomplished during the wars. They don't want pity - they want to given what every other veteran received, not this bullshit the MNC is trying to pass off as some big accomplishment.
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