Metis Bare Facts

MNC and Presentation to the Senate

2009-06-16T06:03:00.001-06:00

Metis National Council

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 11, 2009

Action needed for Métis Residential School Survivors

One year after apology, vast majority of Métis Survivors still without compensation

Ottawa, ON -- Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier is calling for government action in compensating Métis residential school survivors excluded from the Indian Residential School Settlements Agreement.

While addressing a special sitting of the Senate marking the first anniversary of Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s apology for Canada’s past assimilation policies and the Indian Residential School system, President Chartier said little progress has been made in addressing the concerns of Métis survivors who’ve been denied compensation.

“When I participated in that apology ceremony, I pledged the Métis Nation was prepared and willing to do our part in Canada’s collective journey towards healing and reconciliation,” said Chartier during his address to the Senate. “I wish I could report a strong beginning to that journey during the past year, but for most Métis survivors this is simply not true.”

While a small number of Métis who attended schools recognized by the settlement agreement are eligible for compensation, the vast majority of Métis survivors attend schools not included. These schools were church-run and government-sanctioned, but for the most part were funded by Provincial governments or religious order and not part of the federally funded Indian Residential School System.

“They were run with the same assimilationist intent and methods, and today neither the federal nor provincial governments are willing to accept responsibility for what happened,” said Chartier. “This impasse over how to deal with Métis survivors personifies in real human terms the true cost of Ottawa’s persistent refusal to accept historical, constitutional and moral responsibility for dealing with the Métis as a distinct Aboriginal people and nation.”

Chartier did commend Minister Chuck Strahl, Federal Interlocutor for Métis, for signing the Métis Nation Protocol in September 2008. The Protocol commits the Federal Government and the Métis National Council to work together on a range of bilateral issues, and where appropriate it allows for multilateral discussion with provincial governments from Ontario-westward.

Chartier said Minister Strahl has demonstrated a personal commitment to move ahead with the leadership of the Métis Nation in the year following the apology, and the Métis National Council is encouraged in its work with the Minister in area of economic development.

“Promising as these initiatives may be,” said Chartier, “they do not address the long outstanding need for justice for those who those who experienced the horrors of the Métis residential school system”

President Chartier went on to ask both chambers of Parliament to call on the federal government to assert its jurisdictional responsibility for dealing with the Métis Nation, and ensure all Métis survivors get the compensation they deserve.

For more information contact Greg Taylor, MNC Communications, at (613) 296-9263 or gregt@metisnation.ca.

Monument to Métis Who Served in WWI and WWII Announced for Juno Beach

2009-06-05T23:29:00.000-06:00

COURSEULLES-SUR-MER, France, June 6 /CNW Telbec/ - A monument to Métis Nation citizens who fought during the two World Wars will be erected at Canada's Juno Beach Centre in Normandy, France. The Métis National Council's

Minister for Veterans Affairs, David Chartrand, made the announcement today while attending commemoration ceremonies marking the 65th anniversary of D-Day, the June 6, 1944 liberation of Europe by Allied Forces during World War II.

"Thousands of Métis Nation citizens bravely and selflessly answered the call to serve during the World Wars," said Chartrand. "This monument will stand in eternal remembrance to those Métis who fought, who were wounded, and who died defending their people, their country, and world freedom."

The monument will consist of an exhibit highlighting the history of the Métis Nation in Canada and a Red River Cart, a widely recognized symbol of the Métis Nation currently being constructed in the Métis Nation homeland. The Red River Cart will be accompanied by Métis Nation veterans and youth to Juno Beach in November, where they will take part in its unveiling with a dedication ceremony during 2009 Remembrance Day events.

"Métis soldiers, sailors, and aircrew made incredible sacrifices for Canada's war efforts," said Chartrand. "This monument is a long overdue acknowledgement to these brave Métis men and women."

Minister Chartrand went on to thank Veterans Affairs Canada and the Office of the Federal Interlocutor for Métis for their assistance in making the monument possible and providing resources for Métis Nation veterans and youth to participate in its dedication ceremony.

Supreme Court Application

2009-06-05T20:06:00.002-06:00

But as of today the Globe and Mail announced that Sharon McIvor will seek leave to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court of

Canada

. The reason that we believe she is seeking the Supreme Court address is because the upper court in BC amended the first decision to only include individuals that are affected after 1985 rather then the original decision which included individuals who were effected since the 1800's. Te narrowing of the parameters effects 100's of thousands of people. In addition, we believe that she is hoping that the Supreme Court may give guidance in identifying mechanisms for the Federal Government to address the racist legislation.

Globe and Mail

By Bill Curry

Ottawa — Globe and Mail Update, Friday, Jun. 05, 2009 10:44AM EDT

The Supreme Court of Canada will be asked to decide whether thousands of Canadians should be added to the federal list of status Indians, a process that will likely pre-empt the government's plans to re-write the definition this fall.

In an interview with The Globe and Mail, Sharon McIvor says she will seek leave to appeal a B.C. Court of Appeal decision in a case with major implications for native communities and the federal government.

Ms. McIvor is a B.C. lawyer who first launched her legal battle against the Indian Act just months after it was re-written in 1985 – when she was still a law student - on the grounds that it continued to deny her Indian status because of her gender.

Ms. McIvor's announcement comes just days after Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl said the government would not appeal and intended to rewrite the definition of Indian status over the summer and introduce amendments to the Indian Act this fall.

“The B.C. Court of Appeal narrowed the decision so much and gave the government license to add as few people as they possibly can,” she said in a telephone interview. But even though she and her son now have status, Ms. McIvor said she will launch a costly appeal on behalf of those who have been left out.

“I won. My grandchildren will get status because that's what this was about, but you know, there are so many people out there that have been waiting and waiting and waiting and when the B.C. Court of Appeal made the decision and they narrowed it, it cut many of these people out. It's just not fair.”

The Indian Act, which was first introduced in 1876, has not had a significant update since 1985. That rewrite 24 years ago sought to end the discrimination in the definition of status Indian as it applied to women.

However, two court decisions in what is called the McIvor case have ruled that women are still treated unfairly in some scenarios when it comes to passing their status down to their grandchildren.

Ms. McIvor successfully fought the provisions on the grounds that she was originally unable to pass on status to her grandchildren because she was a woman.

The B.C. Supreme Court first issued a ruling that would have extended status to anyone who could prove discrimination in their family tree from 1876 to 1985. Ms. McIvor said that ruling, had it not been appealed, would have added about 100,000 people to the ranks of status Indians.

The B.C. Court of Appeal then ruled in April that the current definition will be struck down by April, 2010, unless Parliament passes a new definition. That ruling found a more narrow form of discrimination, limited to the period from 1985 to the present. That ruling would likely only affect a few thousand people. However, the ruling did not recommend a way for MPs to fix the problem.

Having aboriginal status qualifies a Canadian citizen for non-insured health benefits from Health Canada, as well possible federal support for post-secondary education.

Sharon McIvor is trying to take her case to the Supreme Court

2009-06-05T19:51:00.004-06:00

On June 4, 2009 - Minister Strahl advised that the Federal Government would not be challenging the decision of the Courts of BC in relation to the Sharon McIvor court case.

Sharon McIvor's victory applauded by public-sector union

By Charlie Smith

The Public Service Alliance of Canada issued a news release today (June 4) to offer congratulations to Sharon McIvor, who waged a successful 22-year struggle to gain Indian status first for her son and later for her grandchildren.

"I am thrilled to learn that this government has finally recognized that it was futile to carry on with this systemic form of gender discrimination," PSAC president John Gordon said in the news release.

In April, a three-judge B.C. Court of Appeal panel ruled unanimously that a section of the Indian Act violated equality rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

According to the decision written by Justice Harvey Groberman, a 1985 amendment to the Indian Act was discriminatory because it denied status to a person with one Indian parent born prior to April 17, 1985, and whose grandmother was Indian and grandfather was non-Indian.

If the reverse were the case--i.e. the person's grandfather was Indian and the grandmother was non-Indian--the person would have status as an Indian under the Indian Act.

"The discrimination in this case is the result of under-inclusive legislation," Groberman wrote.

On June 2, Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl announced that the government wouldn't appeal the ruling and would amend the law. Gordon declared that his union will "remain vigilant to ensure that that the forthcoming amendments to the Indian Act reflect the spirit of McIvor’s appeal and the court’s decision".

McIvor was supported by many groups during her struggle, including the Native Women's Association of Canada.

The B.C. Court of Appeal decision described McIvor's family history, which led to a peculiar circumstance. Until Strahl's announcement confirmed McIvor's victory, some of McIvor's grandchildren would have had Indian status and others wouldn't have qualified.

McIvor had two non-Indian grandfathers. One grandmother had Indian status; the other was entitled to have status.

Both of McIvor's parents were born out of wedlock to Indian mothers, who did not have status.

McIvor married a non-Indian, which automatically deprived her of status.

That's because under the Indian Act prior to the introduction of the charter's equality-rights section in 1985, an aboriginal woman who married a non-Indian male ceased to be an Indian under the law. The children from such a union were non-Indian as well.

In 1985 after the equality-rights section came into force, the Indian Act was amended. Under the law, a child who has one Indian parent and a non-Indian parent is entitled to status unless the Indian parent has a non-Indian parent.

In September 1985, McIvor applied for status on behalf of herself and her children with the Lower Nicola Band. She was granted status two years later, but it was denied to her kids. That's because McIvor had a non-Indian parent.

She appealed and according to the BC. Court of Appeal decision, the registrar conceded that the decision couldn't stand.

But there was still a problem. Her kids obtained status by virtue of McIvor's status. Her daughter was married to an Indian, so their kids would also have status.

But McIvor's son, Charles Jacob Grismer, was married to a non-Indian. Under the law, his kids couldn't have status because they had one Indian parent and their grandfather was not male.

McIvor and Grismer launched a constitutional challenge so that Grismer would be allowed to confer Indian status to his children. In 2007, they succeeded in B.C. Supreme Court; the federal government appealed.

The B.C. Court of Appeal upheld the lower court ruling, though it narrowed the terms somewhat. And now that the federal government is not appealing, Grismer's kids--who are McIvor's grandchildren--will have status under the Indian Act.

AFN Election for National Chief

2009-06-05T10:13:00.001-06:00

2009 is an election year for the Assembly of First Nations. First Nations Chiefs from across the country will vote for the AFN National Chief at the AFN's 30th Annual General Assembly to be held in Calgary, Alberta from July 21-23. The voting begins on July 22.

The AFN Charter and election rules are available on the AFN website at: http://www.afn.ca/article.asp?id=57
(see Articles 20 -22 and Appendix "A" for relevant information).

According to rules established under the AFN Charter, nominations for National Chief are open as of May 27 (eight weeks prior to the election) and close June 16 (five weeks prior to the election).

Shortly after the close of nominations, the AFN will announce the official candidates for the 2009 AFN election for National Chief.

The proposed candidates to succeed Fontaine are:

Shawn Atleo, British Columbia regional chief.
John Beaucage, grand chief of the Union of Ontario Indians.
Perry Bellegarde, former assembly vice-chief for Saskatchewan.
Terrance Nelson, chief of Roseau River First Nation in Manitoba.

Perry Bellegarde, former Grand Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and former Regional Vice Chief for the Assembly of First Nations. www.perrybellegarde.com

Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo has made innumerous contributions to the political field within his community, amongst First Nations, and in/between local, provincial, national, and international governments. Shawn is a hereditary chief of Ahousaht Nation.

http://www.shawnatleo.com/meetshawn.htm

Grand Council Chief John Beaucage was elected to serve the 42-member First Nations of the Anishinabek Nation. John was re-elected in 2006, by acclamation, a rare occurrence in the history of one of Canada’s oldest political organizations.

http://johnbeaucage.com/biography.asp

Chief Terry Nelson An outspoken and controversial Manitoba chief is throwing his name in the race to replace outgoing Assembly of First Nations national chief Phil Fontaine. There appears to be no website with his campaign attached.

Proposed All Candidates Forum

What: All-Candidates Forum for AFN National Chief Election

When: Thursday June 4, 2009; 1:00 PM-3:00 PM Pacific

Where: Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Vancouver, Downtown 1110 Howe Street, Vancouver BC

Bill C-8: Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act

2009-05-27T08:51:00.001-06:00

http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ai/mr/nr/m-a2009/nr000000335-eng.asp

Ottawa, Ontario (May 25, 2009) - The following statement was released by the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, on Bill C-8:

“I am extremely pleased that this piece of legislation, of great importance to First Nations women and children, was not thrown aside yesterday by a Hoist Motion from the Official Opposition. Bill C-8 will now get the discussion it deserves in the House of Commons.

“There is a lot of misinformation spread about Bill C-8 by those who seek to block this reform, which is long overdue.

“The truth is that Bill C-8, the proposed Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act, provides First Nations communities the very thing they are seeking: the mechanism to enact their own culturally relevant laws without any involvement by the federal government.

“The Bill also ensures that, in the interim, as communities develop their own laws, families will be immediately protected from the legal void that has existed for too long.

“More than 100 consultation sessions were held to give organizations such as the Assembly of First Nations and the Native Women's Association of Canada ample opportunity to provide input and feedback. Numerous studies have been undertaken on the subject of matrimonial real property rights, and committees from both the House of Commons and the Senate have recommended that immediate action be taken. It is time to act.”

For more information, please contact:

Minister's Office
Ted Yeomans
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
(819) 997-0002

Backgrounder - Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act

For most Canadian couples undergoing a breakdown of their conjugal relationship, there is legal protection to ensure that assets of the marriage are distributed equitably between them. Such is not the case, however, for couples living in communities governed by the Indian Act. For either one of them, relationship breakdown could end in homelessness.

The reason is simple: the Indian Act is silent on the issue of matrimonial real property rights and provincial/territorial laws relating to this issue cannot be applied on reserves. The resulting legislative gap continues to affect women, children, and families living on reserves.

On March 4, 2008, Bill C-47, the proposed Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act was introduced. Bill C-47 has been referred to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, which is expected to begin its study of the bill in fall 2008. With the introduction of the Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act, the Government of Canada is taking practical, concrete measures to remedy an unacceptable situation that cannot be allowed to continue.

This bill follows a comprehensive, collaborative consultation process with the Native Women's Association of Canada and the Assembly of First Nations. The consultation process was overseen by the Ministerial Representative, Wendy Grant-John, who was tasked to report back with a recommended legislative solution.

After undertaking nationwide consultations and dialogue sessions and hearing from First Nation members, leaders and regional and national organizations, as well as provinces and territories, the parties entered into a consensus-building phase. While arriving at a consensus on a legislative model proved to be a challenge, some shared principles emerged as priorities. These included the urgency to remedy this situation, the need to balance individual rights and the collective rights of First Nation communities, and the need for First Nations to exercise law-making powers over matrimonial real property in developing their own community-specific laws.

Over the summer and early fall of 2007, the federal government shared and worked together with the Assembly of First Nations, the Native Women's Association of Canada, the Ministerial Representative, Wendy Grant-John, and the provinces and territories, on a draft legislative solution regarding on-reserve matrimonial real property. All of those involved in the sharing process had opportunities to ensure their views and concerns were raised, and the bill is much improved as a result.

The legislation consists of a substantive federal matrimonial real property regime combined with a mechanism for First Nations to develop their own matrimonial real property laws. The federal regime will fill the legislative gap on reserves until such a time as First Nations develop their own laws on matrimonial real property. If passed by Parliament, the bill will come into force on a day or days to be fixed by order of the Governor in Council.

First Part of Métis Rights Trial Concludes Next Phase of Trial Set To Start in Fall 2009

2009-05-26T15:44:00.002-06:00

Medicine Hat, AB (May 12, 2009) – After seven days of testimony from Métis community witnesses from throughout the province, Alberta’s first Métis harvesting rights trial – R. v. Jones, Bates and Hirsekorn – adjourned today until the Fall of 2009.

The trial involves three Métis harvesters who were charged for hunting without a license, as a part of traditional Métis hunts near the Cypress Hills and Pincher Creek in the fall of 2007. These Métis harvesters are defending themselves based on the constitutionally protected harvesting right of the Métis in Alberta. The harvesting rights of the Métis were recognized in 2003 in a landmark decision from the Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Powley.

Since May 4th, the Alberta Provincial Court in Medicine Hat has heard first-hand evidence about Métis culture, harvesting, way of life, mobility and kinship connections throughout Alberta. Métis witnesses provided testimony about locations across Alberta, including, Cypress Hills, Pincher Creek, Calgary, Sundre, Tail Creek, Grand Prairie, Rocky Mountain House, High Prairie, Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan, Lac St. Anne, Lac La Biche, Bonnyville, Elizabeth Métis Settlement, Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement. As well, witnesses testified about Métis mobility and connections to Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Montana.

“While the Métis Nation is disappointed with the Alberta Government’s denial of Métis rights, we are pleased to be moving forward on having our rights recognized in the courts,” said Audrey Poitras, President of the Métis Nation of Alberta. “Through this trial, our people have the wonderful opportunity to share our often untold story in our own voices. We look forward to having our constitutional rights recognized by the courts.”

Poitras added, “Based on this case, the Alberta Government will no longer be able to deny Métis rights exist in Alberta or take the position that Métis do not need to be consulted and accommodated on development occurring throughout this province. Government and industry need to be aware of the potential impacts flowing from Ted Morton forcing Métis into the courts.”

The trial is expected to take another 7 weeks of court time and to be finished in early 2010. The next phase of the trial is set to begin in mid-September 2009 when expert witnesses will provide testimony on the Métis of the Northwest, the fur trade, Métis genealogy and Métis culture.

Additional Métis community witnesses will also be called in the Fall of 2009, including, the MNA President Audrey Poitras, the MNA Registrar and Métis community witnesses from northern, central and southern Alberta.

For more information about the case and Métis harvesting in Alberta visit http://www.albertametis.com/MNAHome/Home.aspx

AFN National Chief “Deeply Disappointed” that Flawed Legislation on Matrimonial Real Property (Bill C-8) May Proceed

2009-05-21T11:25:00.005-06:00

http://www.afn.ca/article.asp?id=4514

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine expressed his deep disappointment today that a motion to “hoist” Bill C-8 did not receive wide support in the House of Commons.

“I am deeply disappointed that, in spite of a motion by the Liberal Party to hoist Bill C-8, the other parties did not use this opportunity to reject this deeply flawed legislation,” National Chief Fontaine said. “This is not about partisan politics. This is about doing the right thing for First Nations families. This is about our human rights.”

Bill C-8 deals with the division of matrimonial real property (MRP) on-reserve when relationships break down. “Hoisting” the Bill would take it off the parliamentary agenda. In its place the Federal government should enable First Nations to build the capacity to properly develop a meaningful process and alternate approach that respects First Nations jurisdiction and existing First Nations processes respecting MRP.

Bill C-8 has received strong opposition from First Nations, including the Native Women’s Association of Canada, the AFN Women’s Council and First Nations across the country. The Bill itself also runs contrary to the recommendations provided by the Minister of Indian Affairs’ own appointed Ministerial Representative on MRP, Wendy Grant John, who held nation-wide consultations with First Nations women and concluded that unilateral imposed federal legislation is not the answer.

AFN Women’s Council Chair Kathleen McHugh stated, “Bill C-8 does not work. All Bill C-8 does is force families into provincial courts. This is not a solution. For many families it is unaffordable and it will also force families in remote communities to endure long waiting periods before their case can be heard, if they can even make it to a court.”

Bill C-8 has serious flaws and could be subject to legal challenges because the government did not meet its duty to consult and the bill itself infringes on First Nations rights. The National Chief stated that First Nations and all those who support First Nations families and First Nations rights should be working to ensure the Bill does not become law.

“Our people did not create this problem,” said the National Chief. “The federal government created this problem by imposing the Indian Act on First Nations. The solution is not impose more flawed legislation on First Nations, but to work with us in partnership on real solutions that protect First Nations families and respect First Nations rights. This legislation and its approach runs contrary to the commitment of the Government and parliamentarians to the spirit and intent of the June 11, 2008 apology to First Nations for the Indian residential school policy. This Bill is nothing short of continued imposition and paternalism. A number of First Nations have already developed approaches to MRP that are fully supported by their communities. This is the way to go. We need capacity within our communities to deal with this important matter. It is unfortunate we may have to use our energies to fight bad legislation instead of using it to work together on real solutions.”

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.

For further information: Karyn Pugliese, Health Communications, (613) 292-1877,kpugliese@afn.ca

What happened to those National Métis Health Dollars?

2009-05-15T11:50:00.000-06:00

Well folks I think we seen a small glimpse of how Health Canada is going to deal with the proverbial health dollars.

Just to refresh your memories – there were many posts about the Métis Health dollars and it has potentially destroyed the relationship between the Board of Governors at Métis National Council. Some of the Board of Governors requested that there be regional agreements developed so that each provisional representative organization would be directly responsible for their programs, bursaries and also be able to build capacity.

David Chartrand did not want that – he wanted the 10 million dollars to be under his control and so the fight began.

Now several years later – we have the Métis National Council struggling to find a way to be accountable for the money they spent which did not go where it should have and dealing with a significant deficit as a result of their inability to be accountable. The Board of Governors has only had one meeting since February 2008 and the communication between them is non existent.
In spite of all of that …. The regional Provincial Métis Organizations are flourishing based on today’s press announcement…

http://www.mpcbc.bc.ca/pdf/MNBC%20Reg%20Coor%20Press%20Release_May%2014%202009-1.pdf

Métis in British Columbia to benefit from Health Canada’s Aboriginal Health Transition Fund

VANCOUVER (May 14, 2009) – Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) President and Minister Responsible for Health Bruce Dumont is pleased to announce the addition of five new staff to the MNBC Ministry of Health. Five Regional Health Coordinators join the team today, funded through Health Canada’s Aboriginal Health Transition Fund, under the Province’s Adaptation Plan.

The Regional Health Coordinators are geographically aligned with the five Regional Health Authorities in British Columbia. The part-time Coordinators will work with Métis Chartered Communities, Métis Nation British Columbia and the Health Authorities to establish or further build relationships, increase community capacity and facilitate improved access to existing health programs and services for Métis people across British Columbia.

MNBC President and Minister Responsible for Health Bruce Dumont expressed his excitement for this work, “Métis people in British Columbia have fell between the cracks within the British Columbia healthcare system for many years.

This program is the first of its kind for Métis people in BC. Our Regional Health Coordinators will be able to provide much needed support to each of our communities and educate health policy makers about the health status of Métis people in this Province”.

Director of Health Tanya Davoren shared Minister Dumont’s perspective, “Métis Chartered Communities in British Columbia are run by volunteers who work tirelessly to promote Métis history and culture and to develop and administer programs and services. Having paid staff available in the community will greatly increase capacity in each Métis Chartered Community and provide an opportunity for Métis people to play an active part in improving their own health
status.”

The Regional Health Coordinators commence their new role today and will be working in communities by next week. The five part-time Regional Health Coordinators join Director of Health Tanya Davoren, Program Assistant Tresley Tourond-Bouvier and Chronic Disease Surveillance Program Manager Dr Peter Hutchinson in the MNBC Ministry of Health.

Métis Nation British Columbia is the representative governing organization of Métis people in British Columbia. MNBC works on behalf of 59 445 (2006 Census) Métis people in British Columbia. MNBC was created in 1996 and continues to evolve today. MNBC has three levels of Métis Nation governance, thirty-six (36) Métis Chartered Communities, seven (7) Regional Governance Councils, and a provincially elected Board of Directors. Since 2003 the MNBC leadership has implemented a number of institutions of governance including the Senate, Métis Nation Governing Assembly, Youth representation, and Women’s representation.

Please visit www.mnbc.ca to learn more about Métis Nation British Columbia.

For further information please contact:
Tanya Davoren
Director of Health and Sport
Métis Nation British Columba
1-800-940-1150
tdavoren@mnbc.ca

Bill C-8 and the Controversy

2009-05-15T10:59:00.002-06:00

Bill C-8 and the Controversy

http://www.liberal.ca/story_15824_e.aspx

Harper government ignoring Aboriginal communities on Bill C-8

OTTAWA – Liberals are calling on the Harper Conservatives to delay the passage of Bill C-8 after the government failed to properly consult First Nations governments in the development of the bill. Bill C-8 concerns the division of real property on First Nations reserve lands when couples separate.

“We do not question the need for legislation to address the very real problems when family breakdown occurs for Canadians living on reserve,” said Liberal Aboriginal Affairs Critic Todd Russell. “However, the Conservative government failed in its constitutional duty to consult First Nations in the development of this bill.

“We believe this bill should be deferred for six months so that the government can properly consult First Nations communities on what changes they believe are necessary. The bill in its current form imposes a default law on First Nations communities, without ensuring that First Nations have the resources or capacity to develop their own codes. First Nations are rightly upset by this.”

The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) have been highly critical of the Conservative bill, arguing that the government is attempting to impose a “one size fits all” solution on a diverse group of more than 600 First Nations communities, each with its unique needs, said Mr. Russell.

“First Nations women’s groups have specific concerns with this bill, which is why the government needs to take a second look,” he said. “For example, their bill mandates that ‘verification officers’ play an active role in the development and approval of local matrimonial real estate property regimes. First Nations see this as an insulting throwback to the use of Indian Agents.

“We’re saying to the Harper government, let’s take the bill off the table so that Aboriginal communities can be properly consulted about these matters. Their concerns cannot be dismissed, and the government should take the time and the steps to do things right,” Mr. Russell said.

This is a joint press release from NWAC, AFN and the AFN Women’s Council

http://www.nwac-hq.org/en/index.html

Press Release – For Immediate Release

NWAC, AFN and AFN Women’s Council

Unite to Oppose Bill C8 on Matrimonial Real Property

Ottawa, ON (May 14, 2009) – Today the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC), the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and the AFN Women’s Council united to express their opposition to the federal Bill C8,

An act respecting family homes situatedon First Nation reserves and matrimonial interests or rights in or to structures and lands situated on those reserves.

NWAC and the AFN (including the AFN Women’s Council), all agree that Bill C8
Will do nothing to solve the problems associated with Matrimonial Real Property (MRP) onreserve; that the federal government failed in its duty to consult and accommodate the views of First Nations; and, as a result, the Bill is fatally flawed and cannot be fixed. It should not proceed to committee.

NWAC President Beverley Jacobs says NWAC held meetings with Aboriginal women prior to the introduction of Bill C47 and produced a “Peoples Report” that included a
number of solutions to address MRP. Bill C47, the predecessor to Bill C8, and this Bill,
C8, ignore all of those recommendations.

“Aboriginal women, who we met with and who were directly affected by the lack of legal recourse of MRP, stated over and over again that their voices needed to be included in the creation of any legislation,” said NWAC President Jacobs. “They also highlighted non-legislative solutions for the short, medium and long term. We need to ensure that the voices of the women that we talked to are heard and that their solutions are implemented. The resources are needed to implement the non-legislative solutions as soon as possible.”

AFN Women’s Council Chair Kathleen McHugh agrees that there was no effective consultation process. She added that Bill C8 also ignores the recommendations of the Minister of Indian Affairs’ own Ministerial Representative on MRP, Wendy Grant John, who tabled a report stating that unilateral imposed federal legislation is not the answer.

The organizations are in agreement that Bill C8 is a one dimensional approach to a
complex problem that does not address the real issues in communities.

“All Bill C8 does is force families into provincial courts. This is not a solution. For many families it’s unaffordable and it will also force families in remote communities to endure long waiting periods before their case can be heard,” said the Chair of the AFN Women Council. President Jacobs agrees, and states that, “I am also deeply concerned that Bill C8 will put women who are experiencing family violence at further risk by forcing them to wait long periods for justice without adequate social supports, services or shelters.”

National Chief Phil Fontaine added that it is unlikely that the strict parameters imposed on First Nations will allow communities to create solutions that reflect their traditional laws, cultures and realities, including geographic remoteness, lack of access to the court system, inability to afford lawyers, overcrowding and multiple family homes and a lack of emergency shelters.

“A number of First Nations have already taken a proactive approach to this issue and have worked with their communities to develop rules and policies related to MRP. Under
Bill C8, the flawed federal approach will be imposed on First Nations and these existing
Community based solutions could be struck down and replaced. This is not democratic, it is inconsistent with the values of First Nations and Canadians, and only serves to do more harm to First Nations families,” said AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine.

The AFN and NWAC believe that the legislation attempts to pit the individual rights of women against the collective rights of First Nations people. Both organizations expressed disappointment with this tactic and do not support this approach. President Jacobs, the National Chief and Chair McHugh stressed the importance of acknowledging and respecting the role of women and mothers in First Nations families, communities and Nations and ensuring that their voices are sought and accommodated within the context of this role.

The Native Women’s Association of Canada and the Assembly of First Nations, including their Women’s Council agree that Bill C8 should be scrapped in favour of a new approach. This may include non-legislative measures such as local dispute resolution processes and community based solutions. The urgent need for housing, counseling services and emergency shelters on reserve must also be addressed.

NWAC President Jacobs added “Aboriginal women, girls and children continue to be subjected to violence and are often forced to leave their homes and communities to be safe. Aboriginal women have consistently stated that they want safe communities where they, their children and future generations can live. Above all else, any resolution needs to ensure that this happens.”

The resolution of MRP matters requires collaborative efforts between the federal government and First Nations. Solutions must address the root causes of the poor socioeconomic conditions faced by First Nations couples that contribute to MRP issues.

The Native Women’s Association of Canada is an aggregate of 13 native women’s organizations and is the national voice of Aboriginal women in Canada.
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.

The AFN Women’s Council ensures the perspectives of First Nations’ women are included in all AFN policy directives and activities, as well as ensuring that the AFN is an effective advocate on behalf of First Nations women.

Statement - Bill C-8: Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act

http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ai/mr/nr/m-a2009/nr000000328-eng.asp

Ottawa, Ontario (May 14, 2009) - The following statement was released by the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians:

“Today, the Liberal Party moved a motion that will effectively kill Bill C-8, which is designed to protect the rights of women and children living on reserve. I am deeply disappointed that the Liberals would be prepared to prevent the passage of Bill C-8 and leave untold numbers of First Nations women and children without the protection of the courts at a time when they most need it.

The proposed legislation would provide legal protection to both members of a common law or marital relationship in the event of a breakdown of their marriage, divorce or death. Bill C-8 responds to national and international calls for action and change. The bill is the result of over 100 extensive consultation sessions held throughout the country. It is shameful that the Liberals are trying to derail a bill that would provide a solution to an intolerable legislative gap.

Bill C-8 is a landmark piece of legislation. For the first time ever, the Government is taking significant steps to provide First Nation leaders with the opportunity to develop their own culturally appropriate laws. The federal government would no longer be involved. First Nation leaders will only be accountable to those most directly affected by the law, namely their own constituents.

The proposed Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act fills the legislative gap by providing women, children and families with immediate protections and rights. Delaying its passage will only exacerbate the ongoing injustice facing some of the most vulnerable members of Canadian society.”

For more information, please contact:
Minister's Office
Ted Yeomans
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
(819) 997-0002

First part of Métis hunting trial ends

2009-05-13T06:46:00.000-06:00

First part of Métis hunting trial ends

http://www.medicinehatnews.com/content/view/99578/65/

ALEX MCCUAIG
amccuaig@medicinehatnews.com

After seven days of testimony from Métis community members in a Medicine Hat provincial courtroom filled with maps, the first session in the trial of three men accused of hunting without a license has come to an end.
Métis witnesses from Lac la Biche, Bonneyville, Manyberries, Medicine Hat, Pincher Creek and other Alberta municipalities described how they and their families have hunted in the province for decades. Many could trace their backgrounds to 1885 North West Rebellion battlefields such as Duck Lake, Batoche and Cut Knife.

Garry Hirsekorn, Ron Jones and Bruce Bates all currently stand charged with hunting without a license.

While the three self-described Métis men on trial have admitted to hunting without a license during a protest hunt in late 2007, they are arguing they had the constitutional right to do so.

The Alberta government contends the three accused do not meet the conditions of the Powley Decision — a Supreme Court ruling which gives a legal framework for identifying who is Metis and therefore where they can hunt.

In 2003, the Supreme Court ruled that Metis across Canada have the constitutional right to fish, hunt and gather food without a license.

However, in January 2007, the Alberta government restricted harvesting rights to areas within a radius of eight recognized Metis settlements and 17 communities.

None was south of Edmonton.

Outside the courtroom, the men’s lawyer, Jean Teillet, said the goal of the trial is to see the accused’s aboriginal rights acknowledged.

“On one level it is about proving Métis have hunting rights. On another, it’s about getting some recognition for Métis people in Canada.”

Teillet said the government has no problem giving that recognition in the same way they do other ethnic groups but, “the idea the Métis have aboriginal rights to use the land in a different way, they resist that.”

She expects if the men win their case, the province won’t look to appeal due to the fact higher court decisions will have a binding effect on other provinces.

The Crown attorney arguing the province’s case, Thomas Rothwell, said the prosecution is about the issue of Métis rights in southern Alberta.

“It’s the central issue and the court will have to make a ruling on that. When the ruling comes out we’ll study it carefully.”

Four more sessions are scheduled between September and January with a decision expected to be rendered by May 2010.

The Tar Sands and the Impact on the Aboriginal Community

2009-05-12T20:47:00.001-06:00

For Immediate Release-Regulate the tar sands and uphold treaty and human rights to water

http://indigenist.blogspot.com/2009/05/for-immediate-release-regulate-tar.html

For Immediate Release

Community Groups Send Strong Message to Feds:

Regulate the tar sands and uphold treaty and human rights to water

May 12th, 2009 (Edmonton, AB)- The House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development begins its formal hearing on the impacts on Water by the Tar Sands Extraction today in Edmonton. Concerned community members, union representatives, non-government organizations and First Nations have gathered together outside the Hearings to send a strong message to the commissioners of the hearings.

“Water is sacred to the Aboriginal people of the land and we want a voice!,” said Alice Martin, an Aboriginal grassroots community member from the Fort McMurray region.

“The Federal government has a fiduciary responsibility to uphold its treaty obligations and consult on a Nation to Nation basis with First Nations, regarding infrastructure projects built within their traditional territories,” said Eriel Deranger Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation member and Rainforest Action Network Campaigner.

Since March 2009 the Environment Committee has been discussing water and the tar sands, the process however has excluded the voices of many communities impacted by Tar Sands extraction in particular the Unions, the up-grader communities, farmers, grassroots First Nations, and those living in the development zones.

“Tar Sands development is more than just the mine sites, it is the whole infrastructure needed to refine the tar sands into usable crude. This includes the lines of pipe, and the development of Upgraders, far beyond the boundaries of Alberta, which have huge consequences for water and the fertility of the land.” explains Barb Collier a farmer from Alberta's Industrial Heartland. “The federal government needs to know that their decisions to regulate tar sands is going to have far reaching impacts right across this country.”

“Tar Sands are not just contaminating the Athabasca River, they are contaminating the whole Athabasca/Mackenzie watershed; a watershed which is estimated to house 1/5th of Canada’s fresh water resources!” emphasizes Harvey Scott a representative of Keepers of the Athabasca Watershed Council, “With an estimated 11 million liters of toxic chemicals leaking daily from the tailing lakes, there is definitely a federal responsibility to ensure action is taken on tar sands to uphold both treaty and human rights to water are respected.

Today’s events are supported by the Indigenous Environmental Network, Council of Canadians, Sierra Club Prairie Chapter, Greenpeace and the Rainforest Action Network, highlighting the growing coalition effort byFirst Nations, provincial community groups and national organizations to draw attention to the devastating impacts of tar sands development.

Adding to today's event, there will be a public forum at 7pm at the Trans Alta Art Barn where Fort Chipewyan Chief Allan Adam and Francois Paulette - Member, Fort Fitzgerald First Nation will be leading a discussion around the impacts of the tar sands

For more information, or to arrange interviews, please contact:

Connie Bresnahan, Keepers of the Athabasca Watershed Council - (780) 816- 0654 athabasca.bio.soc@hotmail.com

Eriel Deranger, Rainforest Action Network and Member of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation - (587) 785-1558 ederanger@ran.org

Metis Trial moved to living room

2009-05-12T16:24:00.001-06:00

Medicine Hat News

May 12, 2009

Trial moved to living room

ALEX MCCUAIG
amccuaig@medicinehatnews.com

In a scene not likely to be repeated in Medicine Hat court history, a judge, stenographer, clerk, News reporter and four lawyers crowded into a witness’ small living room to hear testimony Monday afternoon.

It was a fitting scene for the trial of three Métis men charged with breaking provincial hunting regulations that has so far focused on history while trying to make it as well.

In Monday’s hearing, Métis elder Henry Aaker, 79 – testifying from his home due to a medical condition – told the court how his home was once part of a thriving community called Saratoga Park.

The house – hidden away as much as a home could be in a city of 60,000 – lies along a bike trial which follows Seven Persons Creek between Dunmore Road and Scholten Hill.

In an almost surreal scene, the court entered the four metre by seven metre home surrounded by a corral in disrepair, abandoned garden, several vehicles and sheds.

“You said four (people) not 44,” said Aaker in a comical moment as the courtroom entered his home.

Depending on the source, the home is the last of a “half-breed colony” or squatters community which once had at least 20 to 30 homes stretching from Dunmore Road to the South Saskatchewan River.

In the cramped living room with the walls filled with family photos and First Nations as well as Western artwork, Aaker testified with a bowl of potato chips and glass of cola in front of him.

He testified that he moved to Saratoga Park from Montana when he was three weeks old after his parents split up.

The lawyer for the accused, Jason Madden, asked Aaker what life was like growing up in Saratoga Park.

“A picnic,” he responded.

“Everybody had a lot of fun.”

He went on to describe group social events within the community that included music played with violins, guitars and banjos while people danced the jig. He told the court about being married in a nearby church and went to Elm Street School.
Aaker said at the Elm Street School there would be numerous fights with other children.

“Kids would get smart and pretty soon you’d be battling it out,” Aaker said.
“Smart about what?” asked Madden.

“They’d be calling you half-breeds. After they got a few lickings, they’d smarten up.”

Madden went on to ask what had happened to the other homes in the area.
“When the people died off, they would come in with a bulldozer, clean it up, bury the stuff and that would be the end of it,” Aaker responded.

“Why would they do that?” Madden asked.

“I don’t know.”

Pointing towards the top of Scholten Hill, Aaker testified that is where he used to hunt and said he trapped weasel, mink and muskrat along the nearby creek. He also described fishing in the South Saskatchewan River and recalled his mother used to gather native vegetation for medicinal remedies.

“When you went hunting, did you get a licence?” asked Madden.

“No, why would I want a licence for,” Aaker responded.

“Did you ever get charged?”

“No, they never caught me.”

Madden asked if Aaker spoke an aboriginal language.

“Yea, English,” he responded before saying he could speak the Métis language Michif – a mixture of Cree and French.

Lead attorney for the province Tomas Rothwell declined to cross-examine Aaker.
The first session of testimony in the trial is expected to end today with several more witnesses from the Métis community.

Two more sessions concentrating on historical documents are expected before the end of the year

To All you Métis Mothers Have a Very Terrific Day

2009-05-10T20:59:00.001-06:00

As the Matriarchs of our community – Thank you for all you do.

In honour of Mother’s Day I have borrowed an article written by Lorraine Freeman about Louis Riel’s wife and the commitment she made as a Métis woman to the future of our nation.

Marguerite Monet dit Bellehumeur Riel - A Metis Mother of the Battle of Batoche

"Her faith so deep and her righteousness are a beauty to be held.Ah... she is a tender creature,Always attentive to her duty.I have the privilege of knowing that her love is unfailing.When she loves, she loves through and through.Her gaze beckons on me."Louis Riel
Marguerite was born January 15th, 1861 at White Horse Plains (St. Francois Xavier) to Marie Malaterre and Jean Baptiste Monet dit Bellumeur. Marguerite's mother and father were from Metis hunting families. Marguerite spent her childhood at Fort Ellis (St. Lazare, Manitoba). Her family later moved to Montana when the Buffalo herds grew scarce.

When she was twenty years old, (1881), Marguerite was introduced to Louis Riel by her father; Louis who was quite taken with the young lady, would later ask for her hand. They were married by "custom of the country." The prairie marriage was preformed in March of 1882, at Carroll, Montana, by Father Damiani-a Jesuit from St. Peter's Mission, Montana.

Marguerite had her first child, a handsome son named Jean Riel, who had the eyes of his mother, on May 9th, 1882. Their second child, Marie Angelique, a pretty blonde little girl, was born September 17th, 1883.

Marguerite was known to be soft spoken, quiet, patient and is also said to have been petite and quite attractive. She took on the all responsibility of a plains wife: Gathering fire wood, cooking, cleaning and struggling on very little money and food. She was alone most of the time with her children, while Louis was fighting for rights of their people. Louis had a most devoted wife who worshipped him but feared the harm that could befall their family at the hands of his enemies.

In June 1884, Marguerite, Jean and Angelique accompanied Louis to Batoche, Saskatchewan, in spite of the looming conflict. She was at her husband's side during the battle of 1885 until Riel surrendered May 15th, to Middleton's scouts. Cold and hungry. Marguerite and her children hid in caves near Batoche while awaiting word from Louis. Instead Louis' brother Joseph appeared and took Marguerite and her children to live with Riel's mother in St. Boniface, MB.

Weakened by the events of Batoche and her husband's imprisonment, premature birth and death of her third child added to her grief. Marguerite's suffering continued with Louis' execution for his involvement in the Red River Resistance of 1869. When in May, 1886 she died of tuberculosis the final blow was dealt to a greatly diminished existence. She was buried beside her beloved Louis Riel in St. Boniface.

Marie Angelique died of diphtheria in 1897 just before she was to turn fourteen years old.Jean married Laura Casault, a daughter of a Québec family. Jean died July 31st, at the age of twenty-six from injuries resulting from a buggy accident. Jean and Laura had no children.

Accused Métis hunter takes stand

2009-05-08T06:55:00.000-06:00

Medicine Hat News
May 8, 2009

http://www.medicinehatnews.com/content/view/98223/27/

Accused Métis hunter takes stand

ALEX MCCUAIG

One of the three men accused of breaching hunting regulations as part of an effort to establish Métis hunting rights in southern Alberta took the stand in his own defence Thursday.

Ron Jones told the court of the hunting expedition north of Brooks in January 2008. He described it as part of a Métis action plan after the disillusionment with the aboriginal group’s Interim Harvesting Agreement with the Province of Alberta.

Jones told the court the hunt in January 2008 was to provide food for a feast with the remainder of the meat given to a single father.

The province’s lawyer, Tomas Rothwell, asked Jones if he thought his rights were being assaulted, If his rights to learn or educate his children in another language were being challenged, and if the disillusionment with the Interim Harvesting Agreement actually took away his rights.

“If you can take away one, you can take away the rest,” Jones responded.

Rothwell then produced a copy of the Edmonton Journal from Feb. 17, 2008 which documented the hunt in an article titled Launching the Western Rebellion. That article stated that he had never hunted in the area and showed a picture of him discussing his plans to notify conservation officers once he has taken an animal.

“Where you shot the antelope was actually quite close to CFB Suffield?” asked Rothwell.

“The (CFB Suffield) fence was about a half mile away,” answered Jones who worked in the area and on the base with Alberta Energy Company.

At the end of the cross-examination, Judge Ted Fisher asked Jones, “Did you have the belief, before or after, (conservation officers) would allow you to keep that animal?”

“I wouldn’t have bet on it,” responded Jones.

Jeannette Hansen, director of the Miywasin Society – an aboriginal friendship centre in Medicine Hat – told the court of her formative years in the city.She testified that her mother had denied her own Métis status due to experiences in a residential school.

Alberta Métis go to court in their 'hunt for justice'

2009-05-07T14:14:00.002-06:00

Alberta Métis go to court in their 'hunt for justice'

THE EDMONTON JOURNAL

May 07, 2009

Monday, May 4, the trial of three Métis hunters began in provincial court in Medicine Hat, as a part of the Métis Nation's ongoing "hunt for justice" in this province.

This trial is not just about these three Métis hunters. It is about Alberta's more than 45,000 Métis securing our rightful place in a province we are proud to call home.

The defence that will be put forward by our lawyers will show that Alberta Métis have a shared history, identity and culture.

We are not little communities or "dots on a map" that Sustainable Resource Development Minister Ted Morton can draw arbitrary circles around. We are a distinct aboriginal people with constitutionally protected rights that must be respected throughout Alberta.

This trial marks a significant and disappointing change from the longstanding respect the Alberta government has shown the Métis people of this province.

In the past, leadership and co-operation guided Alberta's approach on Métis issues. Instead of resorting to the courts, we developed "made-in-Alberta" solutions. Rightfully, Alberta was recognized as a national leader on this front.

Now, this well-earned reputation has been tarnished in the eyes of the Métis and many others.

In the end, it's going to be the Alberta taxpayer and the Métis who pay the bill for Morton's mistakes and flawed policy. Instead of using taxpayers' money to help Albertans weather these tough economic times, hundreds of thousands of dollars will be wasted in the courts.

Of course, Morton will not personally repay the Alberta taxpayer or the Métis when he is ultimately proven wrong. Likely, by that time, he will no longer be the minister responsible.

We are confident we will ultimately be successful in our "hunt for justice."

The facts of history and Canada's Constitution are on our side. As well, we are a proud and resilient people who are united in wanting to see this through for our grandchildren and the generations of Métis yet to come. Through this tribulation, we also take some solace in knowing that we continue to have many friends in the Alberta government and throughout this province who are just as disappointed with the current state of affairs as we are.

It is truly unfortunate that Morton has been allowed to usher in an era of mistrust and litigation that will only end up costing all Albertans, Métis included.

This new adversarial approach will undoubtedly cause delays to projects and developments across Alberta where the government refuses to consult with us. Instead of avoiding these types of situations by working together, we will be in the courts creating uncertainty for government, industry and the Métis.

The most frustrating part of this whole experience is that when the litigation is all said and done, we will be right back at the situation we are in today -- a place where we need to work together to create a "made-in-Alberta" solution. At that time, we hope to have our old friend and partner -- the Alberta government -- back at the table and willing to work with us in order to develop the solutions together.

For more information, visit: www.albertametis.com.

Audrey Poitras, President, Métis Nation of Alberta, Edmonton

Posting by Unhypentated Canadian about Patrick Brazeau

2009-05-07T14:10:00.002-06:00

Thursday, May 07, 2009

We Dropped The Ball On This One Stephen!

Don Martin: Patrick Brazeau should have stayed a 'senator-in-waiting'

Posted: February 03, 2009, 10:44 AM by Daniel Goldbloom

It's hard to imagine how such a thoroughly damaged resumé could've survived the supposedly ruthless scrutiny of the Prime Minister's Office, particularly when the job is a 40-year guaranteed Senate gig with an annual salary of $130,000 plus perks.

But the allegations, investigations and accusations against newly-appointed aboriginal Senator Patrick Brazeau, 34, are piling up in such a frenzy that it's quickly put the unelected Senate under a negative light, and must surely embarrass Canada's other six native senatorial representatives.

Consider the growing list of Brazeau indiscretions conveniently overlooked by the PMO, but unearthed by reporters in fairly short order.Brazeau had to be arm-twisted to give up his six-figure job as chief of the Congress of Aboriginal People, lest it be seen as double-dipping on the taxpayers' tab. That Conservative-cheerleading organization is still under investigation by Health Canada for its use or misuse of $260,000 in public funds including $16,050 in suspect payments to Brazeau or his sidekicks.The man described in his bio as a loving father of three is darn close to qualifying to be a deadbeat dad with the mother of one offspring telling CTV that Brazeau hasn't seen or properly supported his 14-year-old son in eight years.

Brazeau's been seen tooling around Parliament Hill in a new Porsche SUV, has hired Ottawa staff who were reportedly hitting the sauce hard during work hours at his former congress job and is still fending off refuted allegations of sexual harassment at a human rights tribunal.If this is the calibre of individual Stephen Harper had in mind when he set out to reform the Senate, well, it's enough to make you yearn for those days when they filled the place with backroom bagmen.

It's clear that Patrick Brazeau should've been kept a senator-in-waiting a bit longer to clear his name — or save taxpayers from a bad appointment.

ONTARIO RIGHTS PANEL SAYS FEDS MUST HEAR SENATOR HARASSMENT CASE

The Métis Nation and the Alberta Government or is it David and Goliath?

2009-05-06T20:39:00.001-06:00

The Metis Hunt for Justice continues. In Alberta, the previous leadership (Premier Klein) was willing to try and negotiate a deal with the Alberta Metis to ensure that the implication of the Supreme Court decision was implemented. The era of government negotiated work ended with Mr. Klein's retirement.

The new era of a provincial leader that is completely controlled by one of his cabinet ministers began. Ted Morton, an American born MLA, believes in the abolishment of Aboriginal rights and the assimilation and genocide of the Metis. He has brought in policies that went even against the recommendations of MLA Report and arbitrarily drew circles on a provincial map and made a policy that marginalizes where Metis can practice their harvesting rights. The circles that were drawn on the map exclude many historic Metis communities in Alberta including Cypress Hills. In fact - his circles completely exclude anywhere in southern or western Alberta.

The historic documents completely demonstrate the significance of the Metis in the development of this province but the Alberta government would like to ignore any part of that history. Their own government records clearly demonstrate the history of the Metis and there is evidence of the contemporary Metis existing even today in those areas and that they have never extinguished their rights.

The Metis Nation of Alberta has on many occasions attempted to meet with the Alberta Government to negotiate changes to the policy to no avail. They have been forced to use the courts to protect the rights of the Metis for future generations.

The Metis Hunting Case began on Monday in the courts in Medicine Hat.

Lethbridge Herald

http://www.lethbridgeherald.com/content/view/55194/26/

Hunting court case

Written by Alex McCuaig SOUTHERN ALBERTA NEWSPAPERS

It’s expected to be one of the longest trials in Medicine Hat provincial court history with hundreds of witnesses as well as thousands of documents and, according to one constitutional law expert, it will just be the beginning.

Garry Hirsekorn, Ron Jones and Bruce Bates are facing charges of breaching provincial hunting regulations and, according to their lawyer, will likely admit as much in the trial, which began Monday.

However, what’s at issue will be far larger — who is considered Métis in this province and where can they hunt. Proceedings have been scheduled over several sessions through the end of the year.

The Alberta government under Ralph Klein fell in line with the Supreme Court’s 2003 Powley decision which recognized Métis’ right to hunt and fish for food and provided a legal test to determine exactly who can legally be recognized as Métis.

In 2004, the Interim Métis Harvesting Agreement was enacted which allowed members of the aboriginal group to hunt on Crown land and without licenses.March 2006 saw the release of a seven-page report on the issue from the MLA Committee on Métis Harvesting. The three-MLA committee identified concerns about the interim agreement from fish and game associations, First Nations as well as the Métis themselves.

The MLA report recommended a negotiated settlement firstly but, “alternatively, a unilateral approach could be instituted whereby the Alberta government would set out criteria under which it would implement a policy to govern,” the report stated.

This would include identification of Métis communities, those who practice gathering rights and the scope of Métis harvesting.

“Alberta has always been a leader in recognizing Métis culture and society, and we want to negotiate a new agreement together — one that balances the rights of the Métis people with wildlife conservation,” said Ron Stevens, then minister of justice and attorney general, in a press statement dated April 27, 2006.

“This report provides us with the guidelines to do that.”

In the same release, Pearl Calahasen, then minister of aboriginal affairs stated, “Alberta's approach has always been to negotiate agreements and to avoid litigation with aboriginal people whenever possible. The government is not taking unilateral action on Métis harvesting and will be entering into negotiations.”

In January 2007, the Court of Queen’s bench set aside the conviction of Kipp Kelley, a Métis hunter prosecuted for illegal trapping. In that decision, the judge found the Interim Harvesting Agreement “not legally enforceable.”

In July of that year, the agreement ended and was replaced with a policy that restricted harvesting rights to areas within a radius of eight recognized Métis settlements and 17 communities — none south of the Yellowhead Highway.

In response to this, Métis began in late 2007 what they call the “hunt for justice,” a series of protest hunts conducted throughout southern Alberta including the Cypress Hills, Pincher Creek and Brooks areas.

“This will be on our plate for years to come,” said Greg Clarke, director of the Centre for Constitutional Studies in a telephone interview from Edmonton.The aim of the trial is to force government to accept Métis’ constitutional rights that allow them to hunt outside the regulations.

“These are the sorts of cases that require a lot of historical research and witnesses who are professors of history. They are very unusual provincial cases for that reason . . . I would be surprised if it ended at the provincial court level.”Clarke said he is skeptical of the purpose of such trials, calling them long, drawn out, expensive and inefficient.

“If it were to be possible to see the Métis Nation of Alberta, the provincial and federal governments sit down and negotiate a framework — that already recognizes Métis rights — we wouldn’t need to use this onerous way of making public policy.”

The fact that there was an interim harvesting agreement lends credence to the Métis’ claim, he added.

“They had a framework in place with the Alberta government that the Alberta government chose to alter. It’s the government’s prerogative to do that but when they negotiated this framework with the Métis and then chose — presumably without negotiation — to rescind that policy, that is a political issue.”

Clarke went on to say that the unconstitutionality of the law may be hard for the Métis to prove but that doesn’t mean the Constitution won’t uphold the aboriginal group’s rights.

He said to expect the Métis to call on Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution as a defence for their actions.

“That’s the section the courts, over time, have begun to develop as they relate to Métis peoples in Canada,” he said.

The men’s lawyer, Jean Teillet, agreed.

“That is where the big part of the trial will come in,” she said.“We have to prove there is a historical Métis people on the land who hunted in Cypress Hills.”

The second part of their constitutional challenge will require the accused to prove Métis have continued to hunt in the Cypress Hills, said Teillet.

“In Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario, a lot of what we have heard is that people have been raised to hunt in secret. I’ve heard Métis say that when they were kids they thought moose were nocturnal animals because they always hunted at night.”

Teillet said individuals in attendance at the trial will be receiving a history lesson about Métis who lived in this area.

“(There will be) thousands of historical documents — 5,000 to 10,000. And there will be community witnesses in the first two weeks talking about their practices, what their dad did and what their grandmothers told them.”

Trial begins for Métis

2009-05-06T20:35:00.001-06:00

Medicine Hat News

http://www.medicinehatnews.com/content/view/97015/27/

Trial begins for Métis

ALEX MCCUAIG

The three men accused of breaching hunting regulations as part of the Métis “Hunt for Justice” campaign made a four-block march Monday morning down to the Medicine Hat Courthouse, surrounded by 40 supporters.

Garry Hirsekorn, Bruce Bates and Ron Jones took part in hunts near Cypress Hills, Blairmore and Suffield respectively beginning in late 2007. The aim was to establish recognized gathering rights in southern Alberta for Métis.

The province’s lawyers are contesting that the men do not meet the conditions of the Powley Decision – a Supreme Court ruling which gives a legal framework for identifying Métis.

However, the men’s lawyer Jean Teillet said, “Powley has morphed.”

She said she expects to prove not just the hunting rights for Métis throughout Alberta but a huge swath of the country stretching from the Great Lakes to the Rockies.

“The Métis have a history of hunting throughout the northwest ... the lands in question are the lands traditional hunted by the Métis of the northwest.”

Alberta Justice aboriginal law attorney Thomas G. Rothwell said any suggestion that denying these hunting rights is a rejection of Métis couldn’t be any further than the truth.

“You may be Métis but you may not be part of a rights bearing community. Individuals may say ‘what is the point of being Métis, that is what my culture is about?’ That is what we are here to decide.”

The criminal aspect of the case took less than an hour with an agreed statement of facts entered into evidence and a guilty verdict rendered pending the constitutional challenge.

The majority of the day was spent with Teillet and Rothwell going back and forth over case law on whether the province must disclose a report on the Métis.

Teillet argued the report commissioned for the province by Heather Devine be made available to the defence while Rothwell countered that the document did not have to be released under government privilege.

Judge Ted Fisher set aside his decision on that matter until Monday at the latest.

A total of 40 witnesses are expected to take the stand over at least three sessions that will run until the end of the year.

Audrey Poitras, president of the Métis Nation of Alberta, is expected to testify Tuesday.

Alberta Metis hunters battle province in court

2009-05-06T20:24:00.002-06:00

Calgary Herald

http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Alberta+Metis+hunters+battle+province+court/1556879/story.html

Alberta Metis hunters battle province in court
Riel descendant calls case 'pathetic'

By Darcy Henton, Edmonton Journal
May 2, 2009

Alberta's Metis people and the provincial government will square off in court in Medicine Hat on Monday for Round 1 of a historic battle that could be waged for decades over the province's interpretation of Metis hunting rights.

Six years after the Supreme Court of Canada ruled Metis have a constitutional right to fish, hunt and gather food, Alberta Metis say they have been forced to go to court to achieve full recognition of those rights.

Three Metis hunters who shot deer and antelope in southern Alberta are on trial for illegal hunting in the first of what is expected to be a series of cases involving more than 25 hunters.
The Medicine Hat case is expected to be tried intermittently over seven weeks spread over the course of the year.

Other Metis hunters who shot wild game in other parts of the province are slated to go to trial in stages after the first case is resolved.

Metis Nation of Alberta president Audrey Poitras said her 45,000 members may have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to assert rights Canada's top court has already ruled they have.

"There's absolutely no reason why we should even be in court," Poitras said. "We had an agreement that worked. If there needed to be changes, we had clauses in the agreement to do that."

Metis lawyer Jean Teillet said the province's insistence on prosecuting the charges in each region separately rather than bundling them into one provincewide case is a waste of court time and taxpayers' money.

"The way the Crown has this lined up, we'll be at this for the next 20 years," said Teillet, who won the landmark Powley case from Ontario in the Supreme Court of Canada in 2003.

She said she would be "very surprised" if she cannot prove there were Metis people in the Cypress Hills who have always hunted there.

"The evidence is overwhelming," said Teillet, a direct descendant of Metis leader Louis Riel. "It's like de-fending the fact the sun sets in the west. It would be funny if it wasn't so pathetic."

But Darcy Whiteside, spokesman for Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, said the department is confident it is applying the top court ruling correctly.

"The information that we have indicates that in southern Alberta, there was no Metis community that would meet the Powley requirement."

© Copyright (c) The Calgary Herald

Senator harassment case to go to fed rights panel

2009-05-06T20:15:00.001-06:00

News Talk Radio

Wed, 2009-05-06 19:02.

By: Sue Bailey, THE CANADIAN PRESS

OTTAWA - Ontario's human rights tribunal has ruled that a sexual harassment complaint involving Senator Patrick Brazeau must be heard at the federal level.

At issue was whether the matter involving the federally incorporated Congress of Aboriginal Peoples - which Brazeau led until being named to the Senate five months ago - should be handled by the provincial panel.

A four-paragraph ruling issued April 23 with little notice says the congress argued it must be dealt with under the Canadian Human Rights Act - not Ontario legislation.

"The parties are agreed, although for different reasons, that this tribunal has no jurisdiction over the application and the applicant has taken steps to have her complaint dealt with under the federal act."

It can now proceed before the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

Lawyer Michael Swinwood, who represents the woman behind the complaint, says she will decide "imminently" on next steps. She is considering suing Brazeau and the congress, he said.

"We're quite concerned about the way the matter has been dealt with all the way through from the perspective of the organization - which would include our friend Senator Brazeau.

"I'm really talking about issues surrounding the complaint itself, and how they were handled internally at the time the complaints were made."

Brazeau declined to comment Wednesday.

He has confirmed the dispute involves inappropriate text messages and phone calls. But he has repeatedly tried to distance himself from the case, stressing that the human rights complaint formally named the congress - not him specifically.

Brazeau and his lawyer have also said an investigative report by mediation firm ADR Chambers cleared him of any wrongdoing. The report has not been publicly released, Brazeau says, to protect the identity of the complainant.

At 34, Brazeau - an Algonquin member of the Kitigan Zibi band in northwestern Quebec - is one of the youngest appointees ever to the upper house. He made waves as leader of the congress by openly endorsing the Harper Conservatives and repeatedly attacking the accountability of native chiefs across Canada.

Brazeau blamed enemies in "the native establishment" for a wave of bad PR in the weeks after his Senate appointment.

In addition to the official human-rights complaint, another young woman who worked for the congress went public with allegations that Brazeau condoned heavy drinking during business hours - a charge he denied.

There were also uncomfortable questions about a Health Canada draft audit that forced the congress to better account for how it spent about $200,000.

He was also criticized for attempting to hang on to his job as head of the congress while also serving as a senator. He ultimately conceded that, along with the optics of collecting two publicly funded six-figure salaries, keeping both jobs could pose a conflict of interest.

He chose the Senate.

Brazeau, a father of four, also had ready explanations for missing $100-a-month child-support payments to his estranged eldest son from a previous relationship.

And he dismissed suggestions that his crafted image as a poverty-fighting aboriginal leader was tainted by his arrival on Parliament Hill in a 2006 Porsche SUV. The vehicle was bought used before he got the Senate nod from Prime Minister Stephen Harper, he said at the time.

Awwhhh ... Now here is the cry from the bully ...

2009-04-30T14:56:00.002-06:00

Following is a press release from the little bully who did not think that Metis Residential School survivors were important enough to bother even taking one when he had the chance....

And don't forget that had Mr. Clem Chartier and Mr. David Chartrand lost their attitude about being superior ... Phil Fontaine continued to encourage and support them to participate in the negotiations around compensation and reconciliation. It was David and Clem that refused to participate.

For those that don't know ... this has meant that many of the Metis residential school survivors have not received compensation. Some were not registered and recorded due to the issues that related with administration of the Residential Schools. The churches and organizations were compensated for First Nations students so they were tracked. Metis students were not applied for so they were often treated like the servants of the facilities and not registered.

There are some survivors who are even in the old pictures of the school but not in the registries. Some were identified as day students. Not that the day students did not get the same beatings, sexual violations and emotional and cultural abuse ... but once again because there was no voice for them throughout the discussions ... there is not acknowledgement of their abuse.

The other piece that I would tell you is that at least David sees compensation in a different light. He would like the Metis Residential School Survivors to consider having the money they would receive placed into a Manitoba Metis Federation account for the collective use of the President. Who knows maybe our Metis survivors would not mind one more act of abuse being perpetrated on them - financial abuse?

The press release is as follows:

MNC Disappointed with Métis Survivors Exclusion from Vatican Apology

http://mmf.mb.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=591&Itemid=2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2009

Métis National Council Vice-president David Chartrand is welcoming the expression of regret from Pope Benedict XVI for abuses suffered by First Nation survivors of Catholic-run residential schools, but says he’s disappointed Métis and Inuit survivors were not included.

“I hope First Nations survivors can find some healing from this genuine statement of sorrow from Pope Benedict XVI,” says Chartrand. “A similar gesture of reconciliation would be of great comfort for the many Métis survivors who suffered in Catholic-run residential schools.”

Pope Benedict XVI made the statement of regret during a private audience with AFN National Chief Fontaine, First Nation elders and survivors. Vice-president Chartrand was invited by Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine to represent the Métis Nation during the visit to the Vatican, but was not part of the private audience.

Vice-president Chartrand, along with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) President Mary Simon, met with Archbishop the Most Reverend James Weisgerber, President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, to voice their concerns over the exclusion of Métis and Inuit survivor from the Pope’s statement. Archbishop Weisgerber has offered to press the Vatican for private audiences for Métis survivors and another for Inuit.

“I am heartened by the support from Archbishop Weisgerber,” says Chartrand. “I believe he has a sincere desire to help heal the pain residential schools caused for Métis survivors and the entire Métis Nation.”
Vice-president Chartrand says the MNC will continue to work with Archbishop Wesigerber and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops towards reconciliation. To that end, Chartrand and ITK President Simon offered a joint invitation for Pope Benedict XVI to visit Métis and Inuit communities in Canada.

For more information contact Frank Coyle, MMF Communications at (204) 586-8474 ext. 374 or fcoyle@mmf.mb.caThis. e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , Greg Taylor, MNC Communications, at (613) 296-9263 or gregt@metisnation.ca..

The MNC represents the Métis Nation in Canada at the national and international level. The Métis Nation’s homeland includes the 3 Prairie Provinces and extends into Ontario, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and the northern United States. There are approximately 350,000 – 400,000 Métis Nation citizens in Canada, roughly a quarter of all Aboriginal peoples in the country.

Métis hunting trial to begin Monday

2009-04-30T07:51:00.000-06:00

ALEX MCCUAIG

Medicine Hat will be the venue for a trial with ramifications for Métis in Alberta and across Canada as three men are set to challenge the constitutionality of hunting charges against them.

Two of the three – Ron Jones and Bruce Bates – are facing charges of hunting out of season while a third man, Garry Hirsekorn of Medicine Hat, is accused of hunting without a licence.

All three were part of a group who took part in 20 protest hunts conducted in Alberta in late 2007 and early 2008. Their trial is part of what the Métis have dubbed, “hunt for justice.”

Though the hunts have stopped, they have only begun the expected year-long trial, which begins on Monday, that will seek to establish Métis rights in the province, according to the group’s lawyer Jean Teillet.

Speaking in a telephone interview from Vancouver, Teillet said this case will be held as a benchmark whether the government will pursue charges against others.
“Our defence is that there is a Métis right to hunt across the province,” she said.
“It is fair to say what we are trying to do is get away from the idea of invisible boundaries that demarcate parts of Alberta.”

In support of the men, Métis leaders are calling on members from across their community to join them at 4 p.m. on Sunday for a celebration feast at Medicine Hat’s Veiner Centre. They are also calling on members to attend this “historic trial.”

The proceedings begin at 9 a.m. on May 4 at Medicine Hat Provincial Court

Aboriginal People receive an Expression of Sorrow from the Pope

2009-04-30T07:43:00.000-06:00

Firstly – I am not a residential school survivor – generations that went before me were mostly spared the experience. We did have a few cousins and more distant relatives that were affected but most of them remained loyal to their Catholic faith until their passing.

I have been to many of the activities, conferences and meetings where there were residential school survivors. To hear the atrocities that resulted from a generational genocide of a people from policies that created the struggles of some of our survivors would shake the very core of anyone’s beliefs. It has altered my own but that is not what this is about.

Firstly, I do believe that whether you are a fan of Phil Fontaine’s or not – you have to acknowledge that during his leadership he has worked diligently to try and address and have the Residential School issues acknowledged and understood. For Canadians – they have become more aware of the issues that resulted from the residential school experience. For our survivors there has been a great deal of effort towards acknowledging their struggles in an attempt to help them find healing.

I do hope that some of them do find healing in the apologies that were made. I also pray that the programs and compensation that is a part of the work of the Truth and Reconciliation pieces bring further progression towards a place of peace.

Now folks I want to deal with the Métis politics of this story – because as much as the event is significant – Métis politics is always a place of its’ own expression.

Phil Fontaine invited other Aboriginal leaders to come and participate. The Inuit leader, Mary Simon went to the Vatican City, Jim Sinclair – one of our past Métis leaders was invited to attend and then Clem was invited. As many of our Métis people here have come to know – Clem will not participate with the AFN or Phil Fontaine in most things. He is generally invited to participate and if AFN is the hosting organization – Clem normally ignores the invitation.

In fact folks – one of the reasons that Métis and the issues related to most of them have not been addressed through the Residential School initiatives is thanks to Clem not participating. This time though he sent our infamous David Chartrand. Now there was room for two Métis – so our infamous leader could have taken a Métis residential school survivor. Now that would have made sense that a Métis Residential School Survivor joined the other Métis Residential School survivors to gain audience with the Pope.

Well my Métis friends – we did not take a residential school survivor – we took our well paid Métis contractor – Mark Leclair. I am trying to make sense of these things so what I am speculating is that due to the behaviour of the Métis bully – David Chartrand - he needed to take his main henchman and himself to get a special blessing – so he may repent for his bullying and find his way to the pearly gates some day.

Now just to be clear – when the Pope gave private audience to the Aboriginal delegation for the 30 minutes that they got – David was not invited into the private meeting. Maybe he will have to do some more repenting to find St. Peter.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and a Million Dollar Donation

2009-04-28T06:20:00.002-06:00

Frank Godon provided me with a comment relating to a story that was released last week. Now as you read the story and the editorial comments - I will tell you that I am not providing an opinion related to what the First Nations in Manitoba are doing relating to their money. There is always criteria related to how gaming dollars can be used and that is generally detailed much earlier then these announcements are made.

The one thing that I would like to bring forward is the waste of tax payers money that all governments are guilty of why crying for money to deal with the social ails of society on the other hand.

In Alberta last week - we came to understand that the Alberta Government did not hesitate to spend 25 million dollars on an ad campaign to promote Alberta as a travel destination. They then put forward a picture of a beach in the UK as a means of promoting Alberta. There are beaches, majestic mountains and some of the most breath taking scenery in the world here but Britian's beaches were what was used.

In Edmonton - we have a municipal government that has continously advised the Federal and Provincial governments the ever ending need for resources to address the social problems that we have. On the other hand they are busy putting forward bids for the 2017 Expo. They are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on making the bid and have asked the Province for millions of Alberta tax dollars to continue on their trek to try and get the bid through.

We can't seem to find the dollars to deal with homelessness, pot holes, snow removal, police services, and other matters that seem essential to many but we have the resources to chase a bid - not even knowing if we stand a snow balls chance in hell of getting the bid.

We could also go to examples of other Aboriginal leaders prioritizing things like endless civil law suits against individuals to spend their limited resources on while whining that they do not have any funding - but somewhere these decisions get made by elected individuals that do not consider the reality of the situations that affect the common grassroots people.

The link to the story is:

http://www.canada.com/Manitoba+First+Nations+donate+museum/1519462/story.html

Manitoba First Nations donate $1M to museum.

WINNIPEG- The Canadian Museum for Human Rights received a $1-million boost Tuesday from the First Nations in Manitoba.

The donation was made on behalf of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the South Beach Casino and Resort.

``The First Nations stories and themes throughout the museum will share the true history and stories of our people,'' said assembly Grand Chief Ron Evans in a news release Tuesday.

``This is a great opportunity for us as First Nations to educate the citizens of the world, not only on the historical injustices that we continue to endure, but also the resilience of our people, the teachings we can offer related to peace and justice, and the great progress we have achieved in protecting and advancing our rights.''

The museum, which will be constructed in Winnipeg, is the brainchild of the late Izzy Asper, the founder of Canwest Global Communications.

The mission of the museum will be to explore human rights and commit to taking action to combat the forces of hate and oppression.

``The Canadian Museum for Human Rights has always been envisioned as a journey of hope,'' said Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights campaign chair, Gail Asper.

``Indeed, the very mission of the museum is to promote respect and we believe that educating and enlightening visitors with the stories of First Nations people will help achieve that mission.''

To date, there have been more than 4,500 donations made by the private sector to the museum. All three levels of government have given a combined $160 million contribution to the project.

The total cost of the project has been pegged at $265 million. Construction is expected to be completed by February 2012.

© Copyright (c) Canwest News Service

After this piece of news was announced on April 21 an editorial/blog was released at:

http://www.cjob.com/blogs/ExcuseMe/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10029486

Excuse Me

Posted 4/22/2009 8:00:00 AM

Interesting, The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs cut a cheque for a million bucks and handed it over to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

Excuse me? Doubt that the chiefs had to buy their way into the museum. When it comes to human rights and a museum highlighting the struggles aboriginals will qualify as charter members, believe me.

The donation came in part from the South Beach Casino and the Grand Chief says it’ll give them a chance to tell their story.

Wait a minute, we know the story, we’re hearing it every day but unfortunately it’s been going in one ear and out the other and the chiefs themselves make that point.

The Chiefs made their donation in the morning and later in the day the same chiefs stuck a hand out demanding government financial relief from the flood waters.

The chiefs had a million bucks gained through the easy-come-easy-go method of gambling revenues and instead of handing it over to help their people in a time of need they make a deposit on membership in a human rights museum.

They just don’t get it do they? They do not know how to spend their money in a manner which will most benefit their own people. They complain about the state of their housing, they’re hard pressed to find safe drinking water, they have kids on the reserves with no future, they have people who don’t know where their next meal is coming from, and they take their casino money and give it to a museum.

And then the audacity of hearing their so-called top aboriginal leader step to the podium down there in Ottawa and complain that the onus is upon others to bail them out.

And therein lies the problem…..Indian Affairs says the government gives First nations money each and every year and it is up to them to decide how to spend it.

Believe me, the examples are everywhere, they do not know how to spend nor where to spend.

The museum donation is just one of those examples.

A million bucks won’t do much in the big picture but the optics and the cheque would provide a small dose of relief right now at a grass roots level where it is most needed.

Wonder if they bothered to ask the people of Peguis if they could have used a million bucks right now?

I’M CJOB NEWS DIRECTOR VIC GRANT

3rd Indigenous Leaders Summit of the Americas

2009-04-28T06:15:00.001-06:00

April 24, 2009 – Indigenous Leaders celebrated a highly successful 3rd Indigenous Leaders Summit of the Americas (3rd ILSA) in Panama City, held on April 14th to 15th, 2009. Approximately 120 leaders representing Indigenous Peoples from across the Americas, including youth and women, met and issued a Declaration and Plan of Action addressing the theme “Implementing the Rights of Indigenous Peoples of the Americas for Present and Future Generations.” The co-chairs of the 3rd ILSA Summit were Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) President Beverley Jacobs, Grand Chief Edward John (representing the Assembly of First Nations) and Panamanian Indigenous leader with the Kuna General Congress Héctor Huertas.

The Declaration set out the vision for the advancement of the human rights of Indigenous Peoples throughout the Americas, including self-determination; rights related to lands, territories, waters, and natural resources; the protection of traditional knowledge and intellectual property; Indigenous women’s and youth rights to participate on an equal basis and many others. The Plan of Action sets out concrete activities for realizing these rights and making a difference in the lives of Indigenous Peoples throughout the hemisphere that require strong partnerships with member states of the Organization of American States (OAS).

NWAC President Beverley Jacobs noted that, “The energy of the 3rd Indigenous Leaders Summit of the Americas highlights the commitment of Indigenous Peoples to overcome the past and present challenges and to secure a future where sustainable ways of living are promoted and protected and socio-economic conditions are improved. Through this vision, Indigenous Peoples truly enjoy human rights recognized in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as well as many other international laws and standards.”

Unfortunately, the environment at the V Summit of the Americas was not one that facilitated the critical development of partnerships with States. Rather, the delegation of Indigenous leaders experienced exclusion. Despite numerous requests by the leaders to attend the State Summit, no such invitation was extended by any government. Nor was it possible for the Indigenous Peoples to participate in the Civil Society Summit or other parallel summits leading into the V Summit because the government of Trinidad and Tobago would not accommodate the 3rd ILSA on site. The result was that the Indigenous leaders, representing millions of Indigenous Peoples from across the Americas, were not even considered “delegates” unlike members of civil society, youth, business and private sector delegates. Further, a last minute decision by the National Secretariat to increase the number of delegates from civil society from 10 to 40 individuals in the Forum with Ministers was not extended to Indigenous Peoples.

At a substantive level, this exclusionary attitude is also reflected. The V States Summit Declaration of Commitment fails to address Indigenous Peoples, despite the theme “Securing our Citizens’ Future by Promoting Human Prosperity, Energy Security and Environmental Sustainability.” Initially, there were three brief references to Indigenous Peoples in the area of health, education and the draft American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. In the final Declaration of Commitment, only two paragraphs refer to Indigenous Peoples, one which supports “voluntary” corporate social responsibility best practices, involving dialogues between the corporate sector, governments and Indigenous “groups”, and one that commits to the adoption of the American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Speaking about the process and the State Summit Declaration, Grand Chief Edward John voiced his disappointment: “We saw the V Summit as an opportunity to work in partnership with States of the Americas for the betterment of our people and securing a future where Indigenous Peoples are treated with respect and equality. But if our experience at the V Summit is any indication of the States’ intentions, we have a long way to go. Indeed, the V Summit represents a step backwards for recognition of Indigenous Peoples. At the IV State Summit in Mar del Plata in 2005, Indigenous Leaders were given the respect we deserve and had an opportunity to speak directly to Heads of States.”

The efforts of Indigenous Peoples to create a less discriminatory world for their communities will not be waylaid by this recent step backward. We, the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas, suffer persecution due to the fact that we are Indigenous. This persecution includes murder, displacement, and violations of our human rights by States. As pointed out by the Co-Chair (3rd ILSA) Héctor Huertas, Indigenous leader from Panama, "We have a clear vision of the path to follow and we will continue meeting with the OAS and its Member States in order to ensure that they comply with their international obligations in relation to Indigenous rights and their implementation in these American States. We will be vigilant that the VI Summit be a space to measure the true fulfillment of the States’ commitment against violence and discrimination towards Indigenous peoples.”

-30-

These co-chairs can be contacted through the following media:

Joshua Kirkey, Communications Advisor
Native Women’s Association of Canada
(613) 722-3033 ext. 231, mobile: (613) 290-5680
E-mail: jkirkey@nwac-hq.org.

Gina Cosentino, Government Relations
National Chief’s Office, Assembly of First Nations
613-241-6789 ext. 356
gcosentino@afn.ca.

The First International Metis Rendezvous Gathering

2009-04-14T16:37:00.002-06:00

August 28, 2009

International Peace Garden

The festival for the weekend is free but there is a $10.00/car load fee to access the International Peace Garden. In addition to this – there is one evening event at the Berdick Performing Arts Center – Dinner and Show for $25/person. The meal will consist of buffalo roast with all the trimmings. If you only want to go to the show – the cost is $15/person. There is limited seating for this event.

We will continue throughout the next months remind you to continue to go to Métis Fest’s website at: http://www.metisfest.com/.

There is an International Committee; International Performers and all good things willing – International crowds.

Dan Gooden, Canadian Co-organizer has expressed the following:

“We as Metis/michif people will finally get a North American Gathering point to connect with OUR relatives we know are out there but have not been able to meet or greet yet!“

“The Peace Garden Horticultural staff have agreed to grow, at the front entrance to the Gardens - a Metis Infinity Flag that measures 12' x 20' also one side angled off the ground about 4 to 5 feet for all 150,000 tourist to view this summer!”

Go Metis Pride Go!

This looks like a true International Gathering Point where being METIS and sharing in our proud culture and heritage is the only objective.

COME ONE - COME ALL

This festival is for the North American Metis/Michif to create Memories, Friendship, Entertainment, Excitement, and to meet family from across the Métis Homeland on both sides of the border!

Keep viewing the website www.metisfest.com for updates, the performers list is still being updated regularly.

To enter the International Peace Garden you will not need a PASSPORT, being Canadian or American, as long as you return to your Country of origin when you leave the Gardens.

There is Camping for tents, motorhomes or campers.

Rooms and Motels are available on site.

For information – bookings - tickets or any other questions contact:

Dan GoodonCanadian Co-organizer

http://www.metisfest.com/

metisfest@mts.net

877-437-8733

204-218-0090 cell

Clock ticking on legal definition of 'Indian'

2009-04-14T06:33:00.002-06:00

This article is interesting to the Métis in the sense that the National definition has its’ own issues around interpretation. This is evident on how each governing member has taken a nationally accepted definition and have altered it by putting forward policies to interpret what they believe was the intent of the discussions and debate leading to the approval of the definition.

This has resulted in individuals who live in other provinces not being eligible for membership/citizenship in other governing jurisdictions. Some of those interpretations are a result of the very individuals that are being raised in the BC Courts. There are some provinces that have over many years accommodated the individuals who no longer apply for ‘Status’. This may have happened for many reasons – much of what I believe is a situation where individuals who have lost their place by racist, sexist government policies that have tried to assimilate Aboriginal people for centuries. The individuals who are of Aboriginal descent and have been displaced due to the Indian Act are attempting to maintain their – Aboriginal heritage. To fit within the definition of Aboriginal within the Canadian Constitution they need to fit within one of the three identified groups.

These issues are as old as life itself – nations of people – even though they are displaced from their lands – they don’t just stop being – because they have been bullied out of their inherent ethnic heritage. They don’t take on the ethnic being of another nation. All we need to do is look at the issues in the Middle East to see the centuries of war that resulted from individuals who do not assimilate or disappear.

There are more issues in the defining of the Métis that need resolution – but it should be the Métis that are setting the parameters. Many of the issues related to the definition would have been resolved if the work to come up with the National definition would have resulted in a National Registry that was coordinated amongst the various jurisdictions. It will be curious to see if the Government and Courts set us up to start dealing with the outstanding issues related to who is Métis – or if the courts and government get to set the parameters of what they think the membership is.

BILL CURRY
The Globe and Mail
April 13, 2009 at 8:39 PM EDT

OTTAWA — Parliament has less than a year to craft a new definition of “Indian” before Canadian native policy risks tumbling into chaos as the existing rules for determining native status are thrown out by the courts.

The clock is ticking after the B.C. Court of Appeal set the tight deadline for the minority Parliament. It's a ruling that has experts in native law scratching their heads, wondering how such a contentious issue can possibly be resolved in time.

Some lawyers say the ruling means hundreds of thousands of natives are now 12 months away from losing status entirely. Conversely, writing a new definition that complies with the Charter of Human Rights could mean a dramatic increase in the number of Canadians eligible for status.

“It's going to be a mess,” said Winnipeg lawyer Norman Boudreau, who represents natives living in Treaty 1 territory. “If you take that a step further, if you no longer have Indians, then some reserves will no longer be in existence because the reserves are set aside for Indians. So if there's no Indians any more, then the reserve itself falls by the side as well.”

Mr. Boudreau is among the many legal experts both outside and inside government currently grappling with the potential implications of this month's B.C. Court of Appeal ruling, in what is known as the McIvor case.

Mitchell Taylor, who represented the Crown in the case, disputes the interpretation of Mr. Boudreau and others. He said natives would not lose status if nothing happens by the deadline. However, new individuals would not be able to register if the definition was struck down, he said in an interview.

“That's obviously an unacceptable situation and something would need to be done,” he said. Mr. Taylor said there are several options available over the coming 12 months, including a request for a deadline extension, a new law in Parliament or a potential appeal to the Supreme Court.
A spokesman for Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl said the government is considering its options.

The outcome will have a significant impact on native communities and families, who have long struggled with social divisions created as a result of the Indian Act's definition. The existing six-part definition is a complicated one, based on family ancestry as well as several side-arrangements.

An expansion of the definition would also have an impact on the public purse, as status Indians currently qualify for federal coverage of non-insured health benefits such as prescription drugs and can apply for postsecondary assistance.

In the case at hand, Sharon McIvor and her son Jacob Grismer claim that in spite of amendments made to the Indian Act in 1985 aimed at treating men and women equally, the act continues to discriminate against women. They point out that, unlike men, women cannot pass down status to their grandchildren in certain cases.

From 1868 until the Indian Act was amended in 1985, Indian women who married a non-Indian lost their status, while Indian men who married a non-Indian were able to keep their status and bestow status on their wives.

In a June of 2007 ruling, the B.C. Supreme Court agreed that the 1985 changes did not do away with all discrimination in the act. That ruling called for status to be extended to anyone who could show that somewhere in their pre-1985 ancestry a woman had lost status through marriage.

This month's B.C. Court of Appeal ruling said the lower court went too far, and that Parliament must fix only the problems with the 1985 amendment. However, Mr. Justice Harvey Groberman candidly wrote that he's not sure what MPs could have done in 1985 to fix the complicated definition.

“I am even less certain of the options that the government might choose today to make the legislation constitutional,” he wrote.

But while Judge Groberman's concerns appeared to be narrow, lawyers say they are surprised by his solution: striking down key parts of the act's definition of Indian within one year.

The 2006 census found 698,025 Canadians self-identified as “first nation,” a term used by people who are likely to have Indian status. However 1,172,790 describe themselves as aboriginal, which includes 50,485 Inuit, 389,785 Métis and first nation. An expanded definition of Indian status would likely incorporate some of the people who are Métis or aboriginal but do not currently qualify for federal services.

Statistics Canada also found that between 1996 and 2006, the aboriginal population grew by 45 per cent.

Some Easter Thoughts

2009-04-12T13:24:00.001-06:00

There are many topics that one could write about but the interesting parts are always – what is too much; what is too cynical; what is too personal and do you let everyone know that things are not always what they appear to be.

As I have been doing this for a bit now – there are times when I wonder what it will achieve? Then issues are raised that I believe need attention. People need to know and sometimes based on editors, media and political correctness – not all gets told. Journals and media outlets try to set their coverage of issues based on selling advertising. If things seem obscure or not of interest to everyone – they do not get attention.

There is a great deal of public discussion by many about the number of print medias that are disappearing because they can no longer keep up and keep their business viable. As more of us get access to the internet and as our lives get busier – we don’t have time to sit around and float through hundreds of pages of newsprint to find what interests us. We will go to the internet or television and identify mechanisms to catch our interests and funnel out the things that do not seem to be relevant to our lives.

My question though – What will happen to those who don’t have access or knowledge about the internet? How will individuals who have no affordability access the internet? Where will there understanding come from? These questions come to mind when I look at the Métis veterans that are in our community. Many of them are older now – they came into our world when people still traveled on rough roads, sometimes by horseback and central heating was a wood or coal burning heater. They lived in an era where the DIY [Do It Yourself] bathroom remodel was digging a hole for a new outhouse.

Now we are being funded by government to create awareness amongst our Métis veterans about potential supports that may be available to them. In fact President Chartier describes the “The Métis Nations Veteran’s Web Portal will be a one stop resource for information important to Métis Nation veterans and their families.” Have we become so removed from who are community is that common sense has lost its’ place in what we do – or we have come to a place where we just don’t care what might be important to the people that we represent because we buy into a government agenda to get the all mighty dollar?

I do wish all of our Métis people and everyone from across the homeland the “Hoppyist Easter”. We were just trying to see if it was just our thoughts or maybe I under estimate the ability of our veterans to learn about and make new technologies available.

Just a quick entry

2009-04-08T22:46:00.000-06:00

I saw a blog that talked about an Aboriginal man speaking to a non-Aboriginal person about traditional hunting and fishing in the US. The non-Aboriginal person was disgusted that the Aboriginal man was using a spear gun in the ocean and traveling in a speed boat. He asked the question about how traditional is that?

Now firstly, I am humored at the thought that people may think Aboriginal people when practicing their right to hunt and fish would be traveling in a canoe with a spear to eat their traditional foods.

Every culture has traditional ways of life but they don’t necessarily practice them with the same tools that they used in the 1700’s – so why would Aboriginal people? Now imagine if to maintain traditions we would still be running around wearing hides, furs and clothing that would set many on their morale high ground about the slaughter of animals to provide us with our necessities of life. Practicing the right to hunt, fish and harvest to eat and provide our communities with the things that were our customary way of life does not mean we need to be living with the limitations of technology that were available in the 17 and 18 hundreds.

Just a thought – but when Europeans practice their traditions or eating their traditional foods are they limited to the technologies of the past? They are not traveling across the prairies in Chuck wagons – why would we be?

BC Appeal court orders amendment to part of Indian Act

2009-04-07T20:04:00.003-06:00

This is long overdue. Many First Nations people have been impacted by legislation that discriminates and puts First Nation women at an even greater disadvantage then any other group. The descendents of these women have the right to claim their inherent place and heritage. Sharon McIvor has been a courageous fighter and through a walk of perseverence she has been able to demonstrate a fight for fair human rights for all the generations who have been impacted by the legislation.

Tue. Apr. 7 2009 5:42 PM ET

The Canadian Press

VANCOUVER -- The B.C. Court of Appeal has given the federal government a year to amend sections of the Indian Act it says violate equality provisions of the Charter of Rights.

In a unanimous ruling, the court found that two sections of the act continue to discriminate against aboriginal women who married non-aboriginal men and, crucially, their children when it came to conferring Indian status.

The Appeal Court found that 1985 amendments to the Indian Act designed to conform to the newly minted Charter's equality rights actually discriminated against some people who should be able to claim Indian status.

The ruling stems from a longstanding dispute involving Sharon McIvor of Merritt, B.C., and her son Charles Grismer.

McIvor lost her Indian status when she married a non-aboriginal man but after 1985, she fought for 20 years to regain status for herself and her son.

She and Grismer challenged a provision that barred Grismer from passing on Indian status to his children from a non-aboriginal spouse, something he would have been able to do had his father -- instead of his mother -- been aboriginal.

Background Article:

http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/editorial/story.html?id=48a6212d-c539-4cba-8d5f-4a57f5feeec9

The long, hard road of Sharon McIvor

She has fought for two decades for her and her children's rights under the Indian Act. Despite a court victory, her fight isn't over yet

Daphne Bramham
Vancouver Sun
Friday, November 09, 2007

The Native Women's Association of Canada and several B.C. women's groups describe it as one of the most important equality rights cases in Canada, affecting an estimated 300,000 people who were improperly denied Indian status.

It began in 1985 when Sharon McIvor was a law student. She had no idea that her battle to reclaim her birthright and that of her descendants would drag on well into the first decade of the 21st century, or that it would likely end up in the Supreme Court of Canada.

A descendant of Lower Nicola Valley band members, McIvor applied within months of 1985 amendments to the Indian Act to be registered as a status Indian along with her children.
Both McIvor's grandmothers were Indians, but her grandfathers were not.

The amendments were ostensibly supposed to remedy the gender inequity of stripping Indian status from women and denying it to their children if they married non-Indian men. Men who married non-Indians not only retained their status, but their wives and children were registered as status Indians.

But the amendments simply put off the gender discrimination by a generation. Women who married non-Indians and their children got status, but the women's grandchildren did not, while the grandchildren of Indian men and non-Indian women did.

Sixteen months after that first letter, McIvor received a reply from the government. She could be registered as a status Indian, but her children could not.

On May 29, 1987, McIvor wrote another letter asking that the decision be reviewed. It took 21 months for a response. In February 1989, she was told that the initial decision had been upheld.
McIvor launched her court challenge that year, but her case wasn't heard until October 2006, 17 years later.

B.C. Supreme Court Justice Carol Ross agreed with what McIvor has been saying all these years -- the 1985 Indian Act's section that determines who is given Indian status contravenes the Charter of Rights and Freedoms as well as international conventions on human rights, women's rights and children's rights.

In June 2007, Justice Ross declared the section "of no force and effect" because it "authorizes the differential treatment of Indian men and Indian women born before April 17, 1985, and matrilineal and patrilineal descendants born before April 17, 1985."

In a sharply worded, 144-page judgment, she said that by drawing a distinction between male and female ancestors in determining who can be registered as a status Indian, the section offends the basic notion of human dignity.

The judge wrote that the section implies that "one's female ancestors are deficient or less Indian than their male contemporaries. The implication is that one's lineage is inferior. The implication for an Indian woman is that she is inferior, less worthy of recognition."

Because the government had used every tactic possible to delay the case getting into court for 17 years, Ross refused its request to have two years to find a remedy.

It was a sweeping victory. The favourable decision stunned McIvor, who is now a 59-year-old grandmother, practising law part-time in Merritt and teaching law, indigenous studies and political science at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology.

"I actually didn't trust that we would get a good decision," she said this week. "I've acted as counsel in other cases, similar kinds of cases involving women's equality and I haven't had any good decisions . . . . It's just so totally unbelievable that we won."

But it was only the first round. The government has vowed to appeal.

Set aside just how offensive it is to any reasonable person's expectation of a speedy hearing that it took so long for McIvor's case to be heard.

What is so depressingly evident throughout the 144-page judgment is just how badly we have mistreated -- and continue to mistreat -- aboriginal women and their children. It started when the colonial government lumped all aboriginal people together and misnamed them Indians.

In its determination to "civilize" aboriginal people, the Indian Act of 1850 imposed and entrenched a strictly patriarchal system. Even though many first nations were matriarchal societies, the "civilizers" stripped aboriginal women of their equality and property rights and overturned centuries-old hereditary systems.

The 1857 Act to Encourage the Gradual Civilization of Indian Tribes that "enfranchised" men over 21 who met specific criteria, not only stripped them of their Indian status, but that of their wives and children as well.

The 1869 Indian Act went further. It is the great-great-grandfather of the discriminatory system that was continued into the current act. Women who married non-Indians lost their Indian status. Women who married outside their own tribe were stripped of their band status, which meant if the marriage failed they could not return home.

All of the subsequent revisions and amendments to the Indian Act have failed to correct those inequities.

They have continued even though the Canadian Bill of Rights was passed in 1960; and even though in 1982 the United Nations Committee on Human Rights found Canada was in violation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights for effectively denying Indian women access to their culture, religion and language.

"It seems to me," Ross wrote, "that it is one of our most basic expectations that we will acquire the cultural identity of our parents; and that as parents, we will transmit our cultural identity to our children."

It was the judge's empathy for and understanding of what it must be like to be excluded as McIvor and her children were from their culture that most impressed McIvor.

"It was lonely and painful to be excluded from the Indian community," McIvor said when she testified. "My family and I suffered various forms of hurt and stigmatization because we did not have status cards."

They were excluded from the traditional hunting, gathering and fishing as well as from traditional marriage, funeral and healing ceremonies.

They were not allowed to live on reserve land or go to Indian schools and they did not qualify for health and dental benefits or free post-secondary education.

On Oct. 16, 2006 -- the day McIvor's case finally went to court -- the government suddenly found a reason to recognize her son, Jacob Grismer, as a status Indian.

He was "ecstatic" to finally be recognized for what he is, McIvor said, even though the official documents didn't arrive until this past August.

McIvor started this fight for herself and her children. They now all have Indian status. But McIvor vows to continue the fight in the appeals courts for her grandchildren, aged 16 and 14, who do not have status and were not even born when this battle began.

Aside from the personal toll of having to lay bare one's entire life before bureaucrats, lawyers and judges over a period of more than 20 years, this case has cost McIvor tens of thousands of dollars in legal expenses. And it's not over.

It's almost certain to go to the Supreme Court of Canada, which will take at least three years and a minimum of a quarter of a million dollars.

Time and money are no problem for the government. It has deep pockets; McIvor does not.
"It would be horrible to lose because I can't mount a defence," she says.

McIvor estimates that legal costs for the B.C. Court of Appeal will be about $120,000 and that's only because she is doing some of the legal work herself and her lawyers, Robert Grant and Gwen Brodsky, aren't charging her anywhere near their usual fees.

It will cost at least that much to prepare for a hearing at the Supreme Court of Canada. Canada's court challenges program has covered a portion of McIvor's costs so far. But the Conservative government eliminated that program last year.

It's added another burden and further insult to McIvor, who is fighting not only for her family, but for thousands of others like her.

dbramham@png.canwest.com

Sharon McIvor fund

The Supreme Court of B.C. decision is available at: http://www.courts.gov.bc.ca/Jdb-txt/SC/07/08/2007BCSC0827.htm.

The Native Women's Association of Canada and Vancouver Rape Relief and Women's Shelter are sponsoring a reception on Wednesday between 7 and 9 p.m. at Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, to honour Sharon McIvor and help raise money for her legal costs.

For information on how to donate to the fund, contact mcivorfund@
rapereliefshelter.bc.ca.

Cheques for the Sharon McIvor Case Fund made out to

Heenan, Blaikie, in trust for Sharon McIvor can also be mailed to Rob Grant at Heenan, Blaikie, Suite 2200, 1055 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, V6E 2E9.

© The Vancouver Sun 2007

Ministers Strahl and Thompson Announce Partnership to Launch Métis Veterans Web Site

2009-04-07T08:01:00.003-06:00

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.

"Shell In Court Over Alleged Role In Nigeria Executions"

2009-04-07T07:46:00.007-06:00

This article was found on the Aboriginal News Group. As we stop at the Shell station to gas up - maybe our social coconscious should have us asking what some of these large multinationals are involved in across the world with other Aboriginal people.

by Nick Mathiason

The Observer Guardian.co.uk

Sunday 5 April 2009

Ken Saro-Wiwa swore that one day Shell, the oil giant, would answer for his death in a court of law. Next month, 14 years after his execution, the Nigerian environmental activist's dying wish is to be fufilled.

In a New York federal court, Shell and one of its senior executives are to face charges that in the early 1990's in Nigeria they wer complicit in human rights abuses, including summary execution and torture.

The Anglo-Dutch company, if found liable, could be forced to pay hundreds of millions of pounds in damages. No multinational has ever been found guilty of human rights abuses, although two previous cases saw major claims settled outside court. Saro-Wiwa became famous as a campaigner on behalf of the Ogoni people, leading peaceful protests against the environmental damage caused by oil companies in the Niger Delta. There was worldwide condemnation when, along with eight other activists, he was hanged by the Nigerian military government in 1995 after being charged with incitement to murder after the death of four Ogoni elders. Many of the prosecution witnesses later admitted that they had been bribed to give evidence against Saro-Wiwa, who was a respected television writer and businessman.

Lawyers in New York will allege that Shell actively subsidised a campaign of terror by security forces in the Niger Delta and attempted to influence the trial that led to Saro-Wiwa's execution.

The lawsuit alleges that the company attempted to bribe two witnesses in his trial to testify against him. Members of Saro-Wiwa's family will take the stand for the first time to give their version of events among them his brother Owens, who will allege that Brian Anderson, managing director of Shell's Nigerian subsidiary, told him: "It would not be impossible to get charges dropped if protests were called off." Anderson is fighting the action.

Witnesses who were shot by military police in the Niger Delta principally to protect the building of Shell's oil pipeline will allege that Shell, by paying the police to protect its interests, was complicit in acts of violence.

Speaking to the Observer from Abuja, Nigeria, Sara-Wiwa's son, Ken Wiwa, said: "For 14 years we have lived with the memory of a father, an uncle, a brother, a son executed for a crime he didn't commit. We have daily reminders. It's painful to live with a monstrous injustice. To wake up one day to finally get our day in court is tremendously satisfying.

"After the injustice of the original crim against my father, having to watch legal arguments [by Shell] using the highest-paid lawyers in the world is sickening. You can't describe how painful that is to go through."

Part of the reason for the original protest was the way Shell behaved. Ogoni people made their living farming and fishing, but Shell was using open waste pits and oil pipelines criss-crossed the land. These polluting activities were put on top of a delicate ecosystem. It destroyed people's ability to sustain themselves. That's the impact of Shell and, when people tried to protest, they were brutally repressed.

In a statement, Shell this weekend described the executions of the Ogoni 9 as "tragic events carried out by the Nigerian government in power at the time".

"Shell attempted to persuade that government to grant clemency; to our deep regret, that appeal - and the appeals of many others - went unheard, and we were shocked and saddened when we heard the news. Shell in no way encouraged or advocated any acts of violence against them or their fellow Ogonis. We believe that the evidence will show clearly that Shell was not responsible for these tragic events. The allegations made in the complaints against Royal Dutch/Shell concerning the 1995 executions of Ken Saro-Wiwa and his eight fellow Ogonis are false and without merit.

"US lawyers have finally won permission to bring the case to court under the alien tort statue, which gives non-US citizens the right to file claims in American courts for international human rights violations. The court case had been set for 27 April, though last night the date was moved to 26 May.

Today the oil producing Niger Delta region is riven by intense violence and corruption. The Ogani 9 trial is seen as a way of coming to terms with the past and building a non-violent future.

"We need to know the truth," said Ken Wiwa last night. "We need to have people account for their role in the executions and the displacement of the Ogoni people, many of whom feel traumatised. It will be a relief. It will enable people to face the future. That's the most important thing. Let's account for the past, so we can move forward."

Lawyers representing Saro-Wiwa's family have not sought specific damages should Shell be found liable, but legal experts say the oil giant could face fines running into hundreds of millions of pounds.

Jenny Green, a senior lawyer at the New York-based Center for Constitutional Rights, who has played a pivotal role in ensuring the Saro-Wiwa case made it to court, said: "Mosop [the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People] was formed to stand up to multinationals and the dictatorship that acted hand-in-hand. This is a significant moment, because it says you can't act with impunity."

Federal Court to appeal dismissal of complaint against former Sask. MP

2009-04-07T07:44:00.000-06:00

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/saskatchewan/story/2009/04/06/pankiw-appeal.html

http://www.thestarphoenix.com/news/Commission+appealing+Pankiw+pamphlet+ruling/1470535/story.html

SASKATOON — The Canadian Human Rights Commission is appealing a ruling that dismissed a racism complaint against a former Saskatchewan MP.

The controversy involves pamphlets mailed by Jim Pankiw to his constituents in the Saskatoon area that contained slogans such as "Stop Indian Crime."

Last month a commission tribunal dismissed the complaint, saying federal human rights law doesn't cover such pamphlets called householders that are routinely sent by MPs to their constituents.

Ailsa Watkinson, one of several people who filed the original complaint, said she is very pleased the commission is appealing the decision to Federal Court.

"This is a very important case when it comes to speech and how the written word can be so harmful - in this case aboriginal people," Watkinson said Monday.

"The way that those messages were sent out were without a doubt in my mind harmful to any kind of co-operation within a community."

The pamphlets sent by Pankiw in 2002 and 2003 claimed aboriginals were behind higher crime rates, blackmail and terrorism.

One pamphlet, titled "Stop Indian Crime," showed a photograph of the Oka protest in Quebec in 1990. The caption under the photo described an aboriginal protester as a terrorist.

It's not clear when the Federal Court will conduct the judicial review.

The three-person tribunal ruled last month that the householder mail-outs are not subject to the Canadian Human Rights Act because they do not provide a service to the public but rather to MPs by allowing them to share their political views with constituents.

Daniel Poulin, a lawyer for the commission, said because the pamphlets aren't subject to the act, the panel was unable to consider whether Pankiw's statements were objectionable.

Pankiw said he's disappointed the commission is appealing the ruling.

He said the ongoing case is costing him time, energy and money for speaking his mind.

"I firmly stand by my assertion that there should not be special race-based privileges in our country," he said in an interview Monday.

"No tax-free status, no special hunting and fishing privileges, no lenient criminal sentences, no free education. Everything should be equal. That is the definition of egalitarianism."

Pankiw served two terms as a Reform and Canadian Alliance MP for Saskatoon-Humboldt before he left to sit as an Independent until his defeat in the 2004 federal election.

Copyright © 2009 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

A New Partnership for Métis National Council and Statistics Canada

2009-04-01T07:40:00.001-06:00

Ottawa (March 30, 2009) - The Métis National Council and Statistics Canada have entered into a new partnership to develop better and more helpful datasets about Métis Nation citizens living in the Homeland. Statistic Canada will also be helping the MNC become better able to analyze statistics and utilize them for a variety of research projects.

The partnership will focus on the 2006 Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS) and the Aboriginal Children’s Survey (ACS). Both were conducted by Statistics Canada just after that year’s national census. Developed with the help of the National Aboriginal Organizations -- including the MNC, the surveys were completed by several thousand off-reserve First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, living in urban, rural, and northern locations across Canada.

The first task to be tackled as part of the partnership will involve Statistics Canada assisting the MNC effectively analyze and tabulate the APS and ACS data. Statistics Canada will offer expert advice to ensure the MNC can make the most of the APS and ACS statistics and the corresponding analysis, in the hopes it will provide a clear and quantitative picture of the lifestyles and living conditions of Métis Nation citizens.

The second part of the partnership will have the MNC giving Statistics Canada a better idea on what additional data and analysis is needed, and will suggest what Métis topics should be covered in further Statistics Canada research articles. This process will help Statistics Canada ‘fill-the-gap’ in information available on Métis Nation socio-economic conditions.

As part of this work, Statistics Canada will be holding a series of workshops with participating provincial Governing Members. The workshops will be asking what specific information on Métis needs to be collected, and what new studies and analysis from existing statistical data would be beneficial and most useful for Métis governments.

The partnership will also bring better access to the Statistics Canada information on Métis Nation citizens over the internet. APS, ACS and a host of other tabulated statistics concerning Métis will be posted on the MNC website, available to all Métis, anytime.

This statistical information will prove invaluable to the MNC and the provincial Governing Members relationship with the Federal and Provincial governments, as well as other external organizations. With concrete, quantitative data, and comprehensive analysis, the MNC and its provincial Governing Members will be in a better position to negotiate and receive equal service on par with other Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in Canada.

If you would like more information on the Statistics Canada workshops, the Aboriginal Peoples and Aboriginal Children’s Survey’s, please contact the Métis National Council at info@metisnation.ca..

Law Society of Upper Canada Tackles Metis Rights

2009-03-30T23:51:00.001-06:00

The Law Society of Upper Canada last week hosted a special panel discussion on the continuing legal development of Métis rights.

The event, titled Métis Rights in an Era of Consultation and Accommodation — New Obligations, Opportunities, and Outcomes, was co-hosted by the law society and the Métis Nation of Ontario.

It was part of the law society's Public Education Equality Series.Panellists were to share their views on the advancement of Métis and aboriginal rights, and self-government issues regarding resource development.

The list of speakers included Pape Salter Teillet Barristers and Solicitors partner Jean Teillet, JTM Law lawyer Jason Madden, Bob Waldon of the Métis Nation of Ontario, and Calliou Group partner Tracy Campbell.

Riel's Warriors - A Good Cause

2009-03-22T21:03:00.004-06:00

Honouring our history - our roots and the proud heritage of our ancestors only strengthens us. I wish these people success in their most admirable cause.

Descendants of Metis warriors bring history to life
Published Saturday March 21st, 2009

WAKAW, Sask. - The Jobin brothers were "scattered like rats" across the Prairies after Batoche fell.

The Canadian Press

Battle of Batoche: Ron Jobin, a former farmer from Domremy who discovered a passion for his Metis roots at around age 40, is working together with his long-lost family members to buy a tombstone for their common ancestor, who died from wounds sustained at the Battle of Batoche.

Second-oldest brother Ambroise, 34, had his leg amputated soon after the battle in a makeshift hospital in Saskatoon.

Several weeks later, he died. His body was sent back to Batoche and laid to rest next to the mass grave where his Metis comrades-in-arms all ended up.

The other four brothers, one as young as 16 at the time of the Battle of Batoche, eventually turned up in northern Alberta, Manitoba and North Dakota. They and their five sisters had kids, who in turn had children, which led to yet another group of Jobin youngsters.

This generation of baby boomers was the one to bring the battle full circle. In June, through hard detective work back through the ages and some random good fortune, the Jobins got back together at Batoche for a family reunion.

One of their first orders of business was to erect a proper gravestone for their great-uncle. The North West Mounted Police likely gave him a wooden cross, but this would have rotted away.

And this brings us to today. Ron Jobin, a former farmer from Domremy, Sask., turned amateur family historian, and Beatrice Demetrius (nee Jobin), the Metis Nation of Alberta's genealogist and researcher, have been making slow progress in fundraising for their little family project.

They estimate that two simple headstones - the other one is for Joseph Ouellette, a 93-year-old Metis warrior killed on the last day of the battle and given his own casket and grave as a sign of respect for his age - would cost between $3,500 and $4,000. They've raised some money from Jobins across the country but still fall way short of their mark.

"When you look at the history books, it seems like only two men fought at this battle. And believe me, they're my heroes too. But I wanted these other men to be known," said Demetrius, who started fundraising for Ouellette two years ago.

Demetrius and Jobin want to make sure the gravestones are in place by the 125th anniversary of the battle in May 2010.

Right now there's a group memorial for the Metis soldiers laid to rest in the mass grave and a memorial to the one Canadian soldier lying in the riverbank, but there's nothing for Ambroise or Ouellette except a simple wooden cross he put in a few years ago, Jobin said.

To hear him talk about the battle is to bring it out of the history books, to make it seem as close as it is to his heart. He described how Ambroise, who sat on Louis Riel's council, walked with a limp and was shot in his only good leg in the last round of fighting.

"If you were not Protestant, white and English-speaking, they burnt your buildings down and drove you out of the area. And I'm not knocking these people. That's the way it was back then," said Jobin.

"The last day the Metis were out of ammunition. They were shooting horseshoe nails and stones out of their muskets. It was pretty well the end."

"I know that Ambroise was wounded and one of his buddies helped him. He crawled and got help, crawled about 30 or 40 yards, into some willows. His buddy said to him, 'Stay here, they won't kill you because you speak English.'"

"I remember my dad saying that his great-uncles would say that (Ouellette) could have got away, but he wanted to get one more redcoat. Just didn't quit. Eventually the redcoats got him."

Why does it matter what happened to such a distant relative?

"It's my culture, it's my family, and I want them to find their rightful places in history. I want my Metis people to honour these men, to find out and be proud that that's their soldier, that's their ancestor, and that they should recognize these men," Demetrius said, adding that she's always encouraging distant relatives of soldiers who fought at Batoche and other battles to dig deep into their family histories.

For Jobin, it's about knowing where he comes from, something that he says people seem to suddenly take an interest in when they reach middle age.

"If it had been of interest to me in high school, my history mark would have been a heck of a lot better than it was," he joked.

But in a turn to the more serious, Jobin said that things have changed and that there are more people looking to rediscover their Metis roots. Older generations often didn't even self-identify as Metis and Jobin had a friend whose Metis dad claimed to be Hawaiian, he said.

Demetrius agrees, adding that nowadays she gets people coming into her office all the time with lists of family names or photos of family members who "look First Nations" to see if their ancestors were Metis.

"We have a lot of adoptees trying to find out about their culture, trying to find out where they belong," she said. "After 1885 there was a big suppression and it was not so cool to be known as a Metis or half-breed. So if you could be something else, then that's what you were."

"They just wanted to get out of here because they'd end up like Louis Riel, hanging from a rope somewheres," Jobin said.

To see what's changed, all one has to do is look at the bent given to historical education these days. No longer are schoolchildren taught that the Metis soldiers were rebels and criminals, as Jobin was taught when he was a student.

But Demetrius was always taught in her own family to be proud of their ancestors at Batoche, who fought not a rebellion but a "resistance," she said.

Life is about Learning Lessons – but some never learn

2009-03-17T23:18:00.002-06:00

I wish to expand on some issues that have recently been brought to my attention in the world of Métis land.

It is the hope of most of us that we can learn and expand our understanding through our experiences. I recognize that some of our community have not had the good fortune of an education but as we go through life’s experiences we hope that we are able to develop knowledge and not have to repeat the mistakes of the past. I remember my grandmothers, aunties and mother saying to us a children – “When will you ever learn?”

So maybe with this post some broader critical thinking will happen and people will develop an understanding of a few issues that seem to have popped up on some internet sites as of recent regarding the Métis Judiciary Council decision that was released last week.

Shortly after the decision was released (the following day) we seen a position from Trevor Gladue reflecting that Audrey and the Judiciary Council were denying him his rights. That they were violating his right of “Freedom of Speech”. We have since seen others come up with this that was saying and then they quote the Wikipedia version of a universal definition that is mostly premised on old european history.

In Canada – we do not actually have a Section called ‘Freedom of Speech’. In fact, the terminology of ‘Freedom of Speech’ is a part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that was passed at the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1948. The area of Freedom of Speech did not actually make a part of the articles of the Declaration – it was a part of the Preamble.

The preamble within the second whereas stated:

“Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,”

The part of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms as is stated in the Canadian Constitution states:
2(b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;

It would be important to note that 2d. of the Charter also states that there is a freedom of association.

Now back to the reason for the post….

Mr. Gladue this weekend sent out a press release that said ‘Métis Nation of Alberta’s Judiciary Council Puts Lid on Freedom of Speech”

Now while the man recently was engaged in a position working for Muriel Stanley Venne as a Human Rights Coordinator – he appears to only put out rhetoric and does not seem to know the real issues relating to Human Rights.

Our Human Rights – whether we are talking about the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms or the United Declaration of Human Rights – every right has a responsibility. With rights they are all a part of the premise that it is your right and it is clear until it infringes on the rights of others.

The Supreme Court of Canada has heard many cases in relation to the Charter of Right 2(b) under the Freedom of Expression through media. It is a right if it is not defamatory, untrue, or presents an infringement on the rights of others or causes a detriment to others. Freedom of Expression is restricted if it poses a clear and present danger to safety or other public interests that is serious.

To have an understanding of the freedom of expression people need to recognize it based on society’s other rights and freedoms. The Supreme Court Cases in relation to Freedom of Expression has tried to identify the values that it tries to protect and who is entitled to the protecion. It has also dealt with what exactly is meant by expression.

It would be nice to believe that if Trevor wants to continue to become the advocate of Human Rights that he goes to a course or program and develops an understanding of them so that when he presents ‘Trampled Rights’ in a document he has a better understanding of what his real rights are.

As for his trampled rights – we all have rights that can be suspended based on our behaviors. If our behaviors present us as a danger to society – we are sentenced and lose rights, privileges and freedoms.

When you look at the decision of the Métis Judiciary Council – they clearly outline evidence of untruths, misrepresentations, distortions and fabrications that resulted in the Métis Nation being detrimentally affected. He set out to try and create the illusion of financial irregularities and improproties while he participated in Executive meetings and engaged in decision making roles in relation to those very finances. He attempted to severe Government agreements and create extraordinary situations of foreclosures on commercial property holdings and other assets of the Métis Nation of Alberta.

Based on the decision (found at http://www.metis.org/MNAHome/Home.aspx) it was clearly demonstrated that this was an attempt for Trevor to politically personally gain in the September 2008 election. He used his position to try and generate a sense of unstable organizational finances. The government and financial institutions have worked with the Métis Nation of Alberta and have found absolutely no evidence of the allegations that were made. There is still no quarter of a million dollar deficit, funding irregularities or misappropriated funding. Trevor generated these illusions in an attempt to gain the leadership of the Métis Nation of Alberta. It was not for the benefit of Métis people in Alberta – it was just another political power struggle.

The Métis Judiciary Council’s role is to ensure that Métis leaders live up to a standard that complies with their ‘Oath of Office’ and not be a detriment to the nation. That was the responsibility that was given to them by the Métis people in Alberta and even though their task is arduous it resulted in privileges that Métis people have being suspended – much like if you were sentenced in a court.

If Trevor believes he was unjustly judged he has avenues of appeal – none of which happen when you continue to distort the truth through Press Releases.

For Clarity:

2009-03-12T17:05:00.002-06:00

The previous post is the text of a 15 page decision based on a complaint that was filed May 2008. The decision began as community meetings in Pincher Creek, Medicine Hat and Rocky Mountain House. The individuals from these communities had been getting information in relation to the MNA Board dispute, media releases, blog sites and passed on correspondence. They were very concerned and began asking questions and attending meetings.

When they realized that what was being portrayed was misrepresented information they hosted community meetings that passed resolutions to remove Mr. Trevor Gladue from his position as Vice President of the Métis Nation of Alberta. Those meetings successfully passed Special Resolutions to move forward with an action. They were advised by their community that someone needed to do something to set the record straight.

For Bev Weber and Jeanette Hansen, they would not gain personally by the effort, for them it was a matter of principle. In fact, it cost them both money and time to personally commit to using the internal mechanisms of the Métis Nation to address the concerns. They had to travel to Edmonton to participate in the hearing, pay to have the packaged couriered to the Judiciary Council, pay for hotel rooms to participate, help cover the costs of their witnesses to come and be in the hearings and have the courage to carry the process forward and have faith in the mechanisms that were established by the Métis in Alberta many years ago.

The Métis Judiciary Council [MJC] is a committee that was established over a decade ago to oversee the internal issues of the Métis Nation of Alberta. It was suppose to be the avenue of addressing internal conflicts without going to court. The MJC is made up of six individuals who are appointed or re-appointed every three years. Each of the six regions is suppose to select an individual to represent the 6 Regional Council’s on the Judiciary Council. The President of the Métis Nation of Alberta or the Provincial Vice President do not get to select anyone. The chair and co-chair of the Judiciary Council is selected by the MJC from amongst themselves. They are all volunteers who come together to work for Métis people in Alberta. The deliberations of the MJC are all specifically around the role that have been given in the bylaws.

In the matter of Trevor Gladue, the six members reviewed the complaint, participated in the hearing and unanimously agreed that the actions of Mr. Gladue were in violation of his Oath of Office and detrimental to the Métis Nation of Alberta. Two of the six MJC did not support the length of suspension that Trevor received – the other four supported the suspension being until 2015. It is the longest suspension that has ever been given out .

The person who is responsible for the matter is not the MJC, Bev Weber or Jeanette Hansen. The responsibility lies with those individuals who chose to misrepresent facts, tell mistruths and mislead the Métis people for their own political gain. There was a definite attempt at the time to upsurge the power of the President .

In politics, it is fair game to take a run against the incumbent leadership. It is even fair to have an opposing political opinion to the existing leadership or a new vision and direction that you may like to see for the Métis people, but we do not need to tear the Métis Nation down, create financial hardships or misrepresent facts to do that. In truth, the Métis people will probably have a great deal more respect for honesty and integrity for anyone who wants to lead them.

As a community person, we only hope that we can learn to work through our differences and recognize that the decisions we make as leaders often effect others in ways that are not always visible. Our community needs people who can find a way to work together – even when the decision that gets approved is not liked by them.

Transcribed Decision

2009-03-10T13:33:00.019-06:00

The following is the transcribed decision of the Judiciary Council. Please forgive any unintentional typos or formatting errors that may have resulted from this process. - Metis Mama

Decision of the Métis Judiciary Council
Docket Number: 008-02
Hearing Date: October 18, 2008

The Métis Judiciary Council (MJC) derives its authority pursuant to Article 29 and Article 30 of the Métis Nation of Alberta Bylaws. The Complaint Submission filed by M. Jeanette Hansen and Bev Weber on or about May 29, 2008 alleging:

1. Suspension of Privileges – under the Métis Nation of Alberta Bylaws we would like to bring allegation forward to the Judiciary Council for the determination of potential actions concerning the Vice President of the Métis Nation of Alberta. We believe the segment of the bylaws that the Métis Judiciary Council is required to review with regard to this matter is as follows:

Article 9.1

The Métis Judiciary Council may suspend any member’s rights other than the right to vote at an annual assembly, special meeting or general election for any conduct or act, which the Métis Judiciary Council determines is, has been, or will be, gravely detrimental to the Métis Nation or the interests of the Métis Nation.

2. In addition, due to the Oath of Office and the statement in the MNA Bylaws – we believe that the Vice President, Trevor Gladue is in violation of that Oath.

Article 13.6

Each Provincial Council member shall conduct himself or herself in a dignified manner at all meetings of the Métis Nation and according to his or her oath of office to the Métis Nation.

The MJC followed the Policy and Procedures for Resolving Disputes of the Métis Judiciary Council. These Policy and Procedures were ratified as per Article 30.1 (1) of Métis Nation of Alberta Bylaws at the 70th Annual Assembly in Slave Lake, Alberta on August 7,8, 9, 1998.

At the time of receiving this Complaint Submission the MJC was in the process of working on other Complaint Submissions and had held this Complaint as a Pending Complaint. The MJC reviewed the Complaint and determined that the Complaint Submission is within the MJC mandate, has merit and is legitimate. The Respondent was forwarded the entire Complaint Submission and was given longer than the required time noted in the Bylaws to respond to the Complaint; the MJC did not receive any response or communication from the Respondent. Following procedure, the MJC once more reviewed the Complaint Submission and determined that a Hearing would be held to adjudicate the Complaint. ‘Notice of Hearing’ was forwarded to both Complainant and Respondent; another copy of the complete Complaint Submission was included with the documents and was forwarded to the Respondent. A Hearing date was chosen that again allowed for a longer than required time frame.

PRELIMINARIES:

At the commencement of the Hearing, both the Complainant and Respondent were apprised of the process used by the MJC to adjudicate complaints and both parties were introduced to the Members of the Judiciary Council; Recorded Hearing Evidence confirms that both parties accepted the ‘Hearing Process’ and the ‘Members of the Judiciary Council’.
Complainants raised two documents for Preliminary Judgment regarding new Written Submissions recognizing that the ‘Notice of Hearing’ seven-day time limit had lapsed. Recorded Hearing Evidence confirms that the Respondent was asked if he objected to the ‘Out of Time Written Submissions’ being presented and considered during the hearing. The Respondent objected to the first document that was a new list of witnesses. The MJC determined through deliberations that it would not allow the “Out of Time” new list of witnesses’ to be submitted or considered during the hearing. However, the Respondent did not object to the second document which was the January 18, 2008 Métis Nation of Alberta, Provincial Council Meeting Minutes. It was determined that Complainants, Respondent and eligible witnesses were involved in the January 18, 2008 meeting and all would have the opportunity to speak to it. The MJC accepted this document for consideration.
Complainants also raised a Preliminary Summary Question requesting clarification as to whether the Respondent had received “Monetary Benefit” through his involvement with the Métis Matter’s publication; a publication, which through recorded Hearing evidence confirms, the Respondent informed the MJC that he and his wife had started and have since ended. The MJC, through deliberations, determined that this question was not appropriate at this time and would not be allowed.
Through recorded Hearing evidence it was identified that the Respondent was asked if he had been provided the information contained with the Complaint Submission to which the Respondent acknowledged that he had been sent two complete copies and did receive both copies of the Complaint Submission. The Respondent also stated, when asked if he had provided any written submissions or witness lists to the MJC, he replied that he “did not provide nothing.”
The Respondent opined in his opening statement, as confirmed through recorded Hearing evidence, that he felt it would be inappropriate for the MJC to rule on anything regarding the file against Mr. Boucher as it was at the time of this Hearing before the ‘Courts’. The MJC, after deliberations regarding the Boucher Decision concern, advised that this hearing was not convened to discuss the Rick Boucher Decision but the MJC was prepared to hear any public or private presentations that may reference the Boucher Complaint, which would be useful in determining the issues involved within the Complaint Submission being addressed at this Hearing.
It is confirmed through recorded Hearing evidence that the Respondent stated for the record he felt he was being taken to task for speaking his mind. Mr. Gladue felt that the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms granted him the right to speak his mind whether it is in public or private.
It is confirmed through recorded Hearing evidence that the Respondent, Mr. Trevor Gladue, advised the MJC that he intended to only present his opening statements then would be leaving the hearing to attend to personal business. It is also confirmed through recorded Hearing evidence that the Respondent was continuing without witnesses for his defense or his forfeiting the right to cross-examine the Complainants witnesses; Mr. Glade acknowledged that he had many times stated that “He was moving on”. The MJC through deliberations continue without him, the Judiciary Council would listen to the Complainants examination of witnesses and Complaint Submission, and render a decision even though the Respondent chose, of his own volition, to leave the Hearing before its completion, as noted in the Métis Nation of Alberta Bylaws 31.1 (c) and also noted in the Métis Judicial Council’s Policy and Procedures for Resolving Disputes 8.1 The Hearing proceeded and sworn testimonial evidence was heard form the following witness: Marlene Lanz; Lorne Gladue; Cecil Bellrose; Audrey Poitras.

FINDINGS:

As per MNA Bylaws Article 13.6, factual evidence shows that the Respondent, Mr. Trevor Gladue, wore to the “Oath of Office” on September 24, 2005 for office of the Métis Nation of Alberta – Provincial Vice-President. That “Oath of Office” reads as follows:

“I, Trevor Gladue, am a Métis.
As a Métis I honour with pride the blood of both my mother and my father.
As a Métis I acknowledge the rich history of my people and the courage and dedication of our leaders.
As a Métis I pledge to preserve the spirit and enhance the identity of my people.
As a Métis I accept my responsibility to put service to my people ahead of self interests, and to honour the spirit and letter of the written and unwritten laws of God, Canada and the Métis Nation.”
Through factual evidence it was determined that the Respondent was in attendance at the MNA Provincial Council Meeting on February 7, 2007 at which time the following motion was made”

“MOTION #2 Marlene Lanz moves that the Métis Nation of Alberta continue to pursue from Health Canada direct funding arrangements for Health initiatives earmarked for Alberta Métis. Seconded by Rick Boucher – Motion Carried.”

It was discovered through testimonial evidence given during the Hearing that all Provincial Council Members present at this meeting were provided the Aboriginal Human Resource Intitiative Information package.

3. Factual evidence shows that an email was sent on April 25, 2007 by the Respondent, (identifying his office Métis Nation of Alberta email address) to Ken Bourque; Rick Boucher; Joe Chodzicki; Tim Collins; Bev New; regarding “terms of reference”. The email stated – that included with the “term of reference” from the last advisory meeting at Slave Lake, and was attached a contact list for the advisory committee.

a.
The “Term of Reference” are titled “Métis Nation of Alberta Region One Provincial Advisory Committee” included were”
Mandate – to provide consultation and direction to the hiring of the necessary human resources, and developing and implementing existing policies which will reflect and open, transparent, and accountable process as reflected in the signing of the contribution agreement between the MNC and the Métis Nation of Alberta – Region One, to the Aboriginal Health Human Resources Initiative program and the Aboriginal Health Transition Fund. – Advisory Committee; Code of Conduct; and Remuneration.

b.
Factual evidence also reveals that attached to the email was a page listing all the Métis Nation of Alberta Region One – Provincial Advisory Committee Members of which the Respondent, Mr. Trevor Gladue, Provincial Vice President, Métis Nation of Alberta, is listed as holding the official position of the Métis Nation of Alberta “Provincial Representative”.

c.
Supporting factual evidence also reveals that a publication – ‘Métis Matters’, on July 2007, Page 5, ran an editorial entitled “Working with You” By Trevor W. Gladue, (in the official capacity as) Provincial Vice President, MNA, in which Mr. Gladue wrote: “This process is being guided by a Métis Nation of Alberta Provincial Advisory Committee (MNAPAC)”.

4. Part of the Complaint Submission evidence contained a letter to the Honorable Premier of the Province of Alberta, dated November 2, 2007, indicating that there is a grave financial situation at the Métis Nation of Alberta. The letter, written on Métis Nation of Alberta letterhead, says that although there have been many attempts to call a Provincial Council meeting, Ms. Poitras has unilaterally approved over forty thousand dollars in funding to her lawyer with regards to a Judiciary Complaint Submission by Ms. Poitras against Rick Boucher. The letter identifies part of the MNA Bylaws by identifying that all parties before the Judiciary Council are allowed to be represented by a lawyer at their own expense, again indicating that the MNA President is using public funds to address her personal concerns. The letter requests that the Government of Alberta conduct a Forensic Audit of MNA finances. The Respondent, Trevor Gladue, indicates his official position within the MNA as Provincial Vice President, was the first signatory of the letter followed by six other MNA Provincial Council members. The typed-copied individuals on the letter were Minister of Justice, Minister of International and Intergovernmental Aboriginal Relation (IIAR) and an Assistant Deputy Minister. Also, a hand written addition to the letter indicated a copy was forwarded to Audrey Poitras, President MNA.

a. Factual evidence confirms that the Government of Alberta responded in a letter dated December 12, 2007. The letter directs that the Government has found no legal grounds which would require a forensic audit of the MNA financial records and the Provincial Government is not becoming involved with the internal governance issues of the MNA. This letter was addressed to all who had signed the November 2, 2007 letter and copied to Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Minister of IIAR, Assistant Deputy Minister First Nation and Métis Relations IIAR, and Audrey Poitras, President, MNA.

b. Sworn testimonial evidence identifies that the President of the MNA did not receive a copy of the November 2, 2007 letter, which was written on Métis Nation of Alberta letterhead, nor did the President know of the allegations contained in the November 2, 2007 letter until a Government of Alberta Justice representative sent the responding letter noted above in 4.a.; indicating they were going to forward an official response to the allegations noted in the November 2, 2007 letter. Ms. Poitras stated that she had her assistant search all documents and eventually called the Provincial Government’s Justice department to find out what letter they were referring too. When the MNA President received the official response letter of December 12, 2007, the allegations contained in the November 2, 2007 letter were made known to her.

c. Factual evidence shows that a “NEWS RELEASE” titled Métis Nation of Alberta 2.5 million in deficit: Province called in to Investigate – dated November 06, 2007; For Immediate Release. The Release identifies that Audrey Poitras, President of the Métis Nation of Alberta, authorized personal expenditures not allowed under the MNA Bylaws. The Release also indicates that expenditures are being paid contrary to the Bylaws and are over $40,000. The Release has Mr. Gladue, in the capacity as MNA Vice-President, quoted as stating “To further her own personal agenda at the Judicial Council she has used the MNA bank account; There are private expenses wrongly being taken out of the public purse. Ms. Poitras is jeopardizing our core funding from the province. Many of our regions and staff are being put at risk by her actions” The release ends with “For further information contact: Trevor Gladue, Provincial Vice President MNA 780-919-2766.
1. There is factual evidence showing that the November 6, 2007 News Release, titled “Métis Nation of Alberta 2.5 million in deficit: Province called in to Investigate” was sent to a computer Internet blog website from Métis Matters. It states “In a press release sent to Métis News and Stuff from Métis Matters, an Alberta based newspaper and website”. Through recorded Hearing evidence it is confirmed that Mr. Gladue had testified earlier that he and his wife won Métis Matters. At the end of the ‘posting’ it states “Thanks to Métis Matters (info@metismatters.com) for sending this important release.” Also included with the complaint submission evidence is the address of the following site: http://derrylsanderson.blogspot.com/ is a blog website operating out of Winnipeg, Manitoba”.

5. Included with the Complaint Submission evidence is a letter dated September 4, 2007 regarding the Framework Agreement. It is a letter, written on Métis Nation of Alberta letterhead, which is addressed to all Provincial Council Members from the Respondent. The letter indicates that the Executive Council had signed a seven-year framework agreement. Mr. Gladue states that he has a concern with the clause within the Framework Agreement: “whereas this agreement does not affect, abrogate or derogate from, or recognize or affirm any constitutional or aboriginal rights of the MNAA or its members,” The Respondent further indicates that Ms. Poitras actions will relinquish our Métis rights and that the Agreement should have been approved by all Provincial Council Members.

a. Complaint submission evidence contained a letter dated September 11, 2007 to Trevor Gladue, Vice President of the MNA, from Audrey Poitras, President of the Métis Nation, copied to all Provincial Council Members and MNA Directors, informs that a Legal Opinion is attached to the letter from a well-respected Métis Lawyer who represents the Métis Harvesting Rights among others. The opinion states that the clause Mr. Gladue has a concern with is in no way construed to be “giving away” our rights.

b. Through factual evidence it is shown that a duly called Provincial Council meeting was called and held on January 18, 2008. At the meeting many motions were raised and seconded, all regarding an attempt by some to deal with other issues instead of dealing with the Framework Agreement that was on the meeting’s Agenda. It is confirmed through sworn testimonial evidence that after much confusion the meeting was adjourned with nothing accomplished.

c. Factual evidence was presented that identifies on January 22, 2008 a letter was sent to the President of the MNA from Mr. Trevor Gladue as Vice President of the MNA, as well as a Press Release was emailed from the Respondent also on the same day. Both documents are very similar in what was stated by Mr. Gladue in the official capacity as MNA Vice President – that the president of the MNA stormed out of the Provincial Council Meeting, denying the Provincial Council an opportunity to deal with the “Financial Crisis”. The documents raise the point that the President does not want anyone to see her actions or question her motives.
d. It is confirmed through Complaint Submission evidence that the President of the MNA sent a letter on January 31, 2008 informing the Provincial Council Members that on January 7, 2008 a meeting was held with the Provincial Government advising that a resolution from Provincial Council approving the Funding Agreement was needed in order to forward any funds set aside for the MNA. The letter indicates that at the January 18, 2008 duly called Provincial Council meeting motions were made to place other items ahead on the agenda thereby creating an impasse until adjournment. Additionally, the letter indicates that some form of agreement was reached in order to help with the Regional Offices; however Region I and Region V had not met the reporting requirements to achieve the direct interim funding arrangements. The letter also indicates that Ms. Poitras as President and Chief Executive Officer had to make some hard decisions, laying off staff and removal of support to the office of the Provincial Vice President, in order to deal with the critical financial situation.
e. The Complaint Submission evidence includes a letter dated March 20, 2008 addressed to Ms. Audrey Poitras, President MNA form Honorable Minister of Aboriginal Relations, Gene Zwozdesky. The letter indicates that he is aware of the MNA internal issues that have prevented the ratification of the Framework Agreement, in spite of the Presidents efforts to resolve the issue. The Honorable Minister informs the MNA President that March 27, 2008 is the last date that the Government is willing to allow for the Provincial Council Resolution supporting the Framework Funding Agreement.
f. Factual evidence identifies that on March 23, 2008, a notice to hold a Provincial Council Meeting via phone conference was recorded through the Respondents email. Mr. Gladue responded on March 24, 2008, requesting a scan of the documentation that was being couriered to the council, this message was being couriered to the council, this message was also sent through his phone email.
g. Factual evidence identifies that on March 28, 2008 the MNA issued a Press Release. The release indicated that an attempt to hold a Provincial Meeting Conference Call regarding the resolution required for ratifying the Framework Agreement failed. The press release identifies Honorable Minister Gene Zwozdesky’s letter. It also reveals that seven Provincial Council members made themselves unavailable for the conference call, they included, the Respondent, Provincial Vice President Trevor Gladue, along with six other Provincial Council Members.
h. Factual evidence confirms that on April 1, 2008, the Respondent issued a communication, through his official MNA email address, addressed to all media outlets in the Province, indicating that the failure of the MNA Framework was the President’s fault. Mr. Gladue, identified as MNA Vice President, indicates that the majority of Provincial Council failed to receive adequate notice. The communication reveals part of the MNA Bylaws, that council members must be notified of meeting five days in advance. The Respondent, Mr. Gladue, indicates that he has limited abilities to perform the duties of his position because his cell phone has been cut off. Again, Mr. Gladue reiterates that the non-derogation clause of the Framework Agreement doesn’t recognize Métis rights affirmed by the Powley case.

6. The MJC was forwarded, through the Complaint Submission, factual evidence regarding numerous emails between the Respondent, Mr. Trevor Gladue and the Manager of Aboriginal Markets in Alberta for the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC).

a. The information indicates that the Respondent, through Mr. Gladue’s – Métis Nation of Alberta email address, contrary to established protocol, is revealing to the RBC representative that the MNA is not utilizing proper process in signing and approving financial transactions. The RBC representative indicates that the Respondent, as Vice President of the MNA, is part of the allowed individuals having signing authority as of September 26, 2005, along with the President, the Secretary, and Treasurer, of the MNA.

b. Factual evidence shows that the Respondent, through Mr. Gladue’s – Métis Nation of Alberta email address, contrary to established protocol, reveals to the RBC representative that, in part, according to the MNA Bylaws the President needs the Provincial Council approval on financial matters before any financial budgetary requirements take place, Mr. Gladue also forwards the MNA Bylaws to the RBC representative. The RBC representative advised Mr. Gladue that nothing is going to change and that the RBC is not going to interpret the MNA Bylaws, and suggests that should the Respondent, Mr. Gladue, have a complaint, that Mr. Gladue utilize the dispute process of the MNA Bylaws, namely the Judicial Council.
c. It is shown through factual evidence Mr. Gladue responds, (through his – Métis Nation of Alberta email address) to the RBC representative that the credibility and integrity of the Judiciary Council has been called into question and the Mr. Gladue will forward further documentation to support this accusation. The RBC representative informs Mr. Gladue that he will not be involved in the internal matters of the MNA and is reaffirming that RBC is not prepared to change anything.
d. Again, through factual evidence it is shown that the Respondent, through Mr. Gladue’s – Métis Nation of Alberta email address, contrary to established protocol, then alludes to the RBC representative that the MNA is going to change financial situations concerning the Métis Nation Holdings Company. The RBC representative informs Mr. Gladue that the MNA has attempted to do nothing and that the current process identified within the contracts will continue, as they always have.

REASONS:

Factual evidence shows the Respondent, Mr. Gladue was aware, through his Oath of Office, that he “acknowledge the rich history of his people and the courage and dedication of our leaders; also that he put the service to his people first and to honour the spirit and letter of the written and unwritten laws of God, Canada and the Métis Nation.” Mr. Gladue, throughout the many factual evidentiary documented press releases reassures his knowledge of the Métis Nation of Alberta Bylaws; which include Article 13.6:

“Each Provincial Council member shall conduct himself or herself in a dignified manner at all meetings of the Métis Nation and according to his or her oath of office to the Métis Nation.”

It is shown through evidence that Mr. Gladue, as Vice President of the MNA should have been aware of the MNA’s information regarding the issues surrounding the Health Agreement in which the Métis National Council was attempting to unilaterally direct. Factual evidence shows that Mr. Gladue participated in the February 7, 2007 Provincial Council meeting where, through sworn testimonial evidence which identifies that, updated information on the Health Agreement was presented and discussed and whereby a motion was made and passed that, without anyone participating, being either against or abstaining, directed the Métis Nation of Alberta to continue to pursue through Health Canada direct funding arrangements for Health Initiatives for Alberta Métis.

Although Mr. Gladue was aware of the MNA’s direction regarding the Health Initiatives, factual evidence shows that Mr. Gladue disrespected the process of governance for the Métis Nation of Alberta by participating in coordinating and representing an illegitimate “Métis Nation of Alberta-Region One Provincial Advisory Committee (MNAPAC)”, to deliver the Health Initiatives regardless of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Provincial Council directives.

Factual and sworn testimonial evidence confirms that the Respondent, Mr. Gladue, has brought an unjust negative focus from all levels of Government and Supporting Financial Institutions who are instrumental in the enhancement of Métis People. Factual evidence shows that Mr. Gladue orchestrated numerous misrepresentations of facts, on official Métis Nation of Alberta letterhead, and official Métis Nation of Alberta communications equipment, by attempting to alarm high-ranking Government Officials with misleading information alleging, “that a serious breach of By-laws has occurred”, disrespectfully suggesting that the leader of the Métis Nation of Alberta is individually determining management of the affairs of the Métis Nation of Alberta. It is also confirmed through factual evidence that Mr. Trevor Gladue failed to respectfully allow the internal Authoritative Institution, Métis Judiciary Council, due process by firstly not flowing the legitimately accepted procedures of the MNA for questioning matters of the Métis Nation of Alberta before presenting a misinterpretation of law to various levels of Government and the media in November of 2007, of which most inappropriately indicated that it was Officially from the MNA; all the while Mr. Gladue, along with six other Provincial Council members, had submitted a complaint on this issue to the Métis Judiciary Council on September 19, 2007, disrespectfully misrepresenting the facts before any ruling of the matter was determined.

Recorded Hearing evidence confirms the Respondent, Mr. Gladue, raised the defense that through the Charter of Rights – he has the right to speak his mind. Although Mr. Gladue feels he has the tight to speak his mind it does not surrender his obligation of Office of Vice President of the MNA, to put his service to the Métis people or the processes of the Métis Nation of Alberta ahead of published personal perception; nor does it forfeit Mr. Gladue’s respectful recognition to the dedication of our leaders and the respectful duties of our leaders.

It is further identified, through factual and testimonial evidence that Mr. Gladue has misled the public by formally portraying there was no Provincial Council meeting for over a year; regarding the attempt by the President of the Métis Nation of Alberta in late March of 2008, to prevent the failure of ratifying the Alberta Government/Métis Nation of Alberta Framework Agreement, that would ensure that economic support of Métis in Alberta would continue. The misrepresentation of the facts continued by failing to identify there was one duly called and attended Provincial Council meeting no less than 3 months previous (January 18,2008), this action has inappropriately and disrespectfully blamed one of the leaders of the Métis Nation of Alberta, the President.

Also, factual evidence shows Mr. Gladue has brought disrepute to the Métis Nation of Alberta by stating, through documented email messages, to a Financial Institution Representative, misleading the Financial Institution into thinking that the MNA (Executive Officer’s, of which Mr. Gladue was a part of) intended to change the banking resolutions of one of it’s corporate entities. Mr. Gladue indicted that a Provincial Council Resolution was needed to effect any change in the MNA’s financial practices. The Financial Representative reaffirmed the governance structure of the MNA, which through Mr. Gladue’s position he had been a part of for a number of years, and advised Mr. Gladue that the Métis Judiciary Council was available for his complaint.

While the Respondent, identified in recorded Hearing evidence, feels that the Charter of Rights allows him to question the Institutions of the Métis Nation of Alberta, it is his membership in the Métis Nation of Alberta, also allowed through the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, that is stated in the MNA Bylaws, Article 1-1.1 Name and Objective, he, Mr. Trevor Gladue is “To promote the cultural, economic, educational, political and social development of Métis in Alberta and Canada”. Mr. Trevor Gladue’s elected position in Office, as Vice-President of the Métis Nation of Albert, directs that he conduct himself in a way that does not bring harm to the Métis Nation (dignified manner). It is factually documented that Mr. Gladue again disrespectfully and inappropriately failed his responsibility to put service to his people, the Métis Nation of Alberta and its’ Institutions, ahead of self interest by stating to outside sources, his personal unproven opinion, “that the credibility and integrity of the Métis Judiciary Council has been called into question and the Judiciary Council cannot be effective at this point”.

Factual evidence shows at numerous times during the time frame of this complaint Mr. Gladue inappropriately and contrary to established process and protocol, utilized official Métis Nation of Alberta letterhead, official Métis Nation fax cover letterhead, official Métis Nation of Alberta electronic communication devices and his title as Vice-President of the Métis Nation of Alberta on formal documents and communications to outside sources of the Métis Nation of Alberta. These actions again have shown that Mr. Gladue has displayed conduct unbecoming his “Oath of Office” by not allowing proper governance of the MNA as is directed in the MNA Bylaws Article 18 – Duties of the Executive Officers; 18.1 The President (leader) of the Métis Nation shall: (g) be the spokesperson and chief negotiator for the Métis Nation.

Through recorded Hearing evidence it is clearly shown that Mr. Trevor Gladue allowed the Hearing to continue before witnesses were examined or allowed to be cross-examined; also through the recorded hearing evidence it is identified that Mr. Trevor Gladue left the hearing of his own volition, stating that he was “Moving On”, Although Mr. Trevor Gladue feels he is “Moving On” the actions that Mr. Gladue has displayed, as confirmed through evidence of this complaint, are a clear breach of Mr. Trevor Gladue’s duty to office and procedure. It has also been shown through sworn testimonial evidence that Mr. Gladue has brought hardship and unsubstantiated mistrust to the Métis Nation of Alberta, although Mr. Trevor Gladue is “Moving One” the Métis Nation of Alberta must now rebuild its’ credibility and gain back the trust lost as a result of Mr. Trevor Gladue’s gravely harmful actions.

DECISION:

The Métis Judiciary Council has determined, for the reasons set out above, that Mr. Trevor Gladue is in breach of Article 13 (Powers of Provincial Council) of the Métis Nation of Alberta, specifically Article 13.6 – “Each Provincial Council member shall conduct himself or herself in a dignified manner at all meetings of the Métis Nation and according to his or her oath of office to the Métis Nation.”

As an elected member of the Provincial Council Mr. Gladue has a responsibility to handle any disputes that arose in a dignified manner and took an Oath to place service to his people ahead of his own interests and to honour the spirit and letter of the laws of the Métis Nation. The actions he took outside of the forum and process of the Provincial Council including the press releases, letter to Government and to the Mets Nation’s bankers, and attacks on the integrity of the Métis Judiciary Council were actions that breached his responsibility to the Métis Nation and his Oath of Office.

The Métis Judiciary Council has also determined that Mr. Trevor Gladue’s actions, set out in the Reasons section above, are gravely detrimental to the Métis Nation under Article 9 (Suspension of Member’s Rights) of the MNA Bylaws, specifically Article 9.1 – “The Métis Judiciary Council may suspend any member’s rights other than the right ot vote at an annual assembly, special meeting or genera election for any conduct or act which the Métis Judiciary Council determines is, has been, or will be, gravely detrimental to the Métis Nation or the interests of the Métis Nation.”

The Métis Judiciary Council recognizes that there was a serious dispute among members of the Provincial Council. However, a member of the Provincial Council does not have the right to issue press releases and to write letters to Government and to the Métis Nation’s bankers suggesting misconduct of Officers of the Métis Nation and insolvency of the Nation. A Provincial Council member also does not have the right to attack the integrity of the Métis Judiciary Council simply because he does not agree with a decision it has issued. Disputes between Provincial Council members must be resolved internally using the process established under the MNA Bylaws.

The Métis Judiciary Council has also found that these press releases and letters contained information that was false or misleading and that in all of these cases Mr. Gladue failed to follow the appropriate internal procedures for questioning decisions and actions conducted through the processes of the MNA that he disagreed with. The Métis Nation cannot function if each member of the Provincial Council feels free to issue statements and write letters providing misleading or partial information in order to gain a perceived advantage in an internal dispute.

These statements and attacks by Mr. Gladue as a Provincial Council member could have seriously damaged the reputation and status of the Métis Nation in the eyes of the public, the Government, and its bankers. They also bring harm to the reputation and status of the Provincial Council by ignoring the process established and expected under the MNA Bylaws for members of the Provincial Council to resolve disputes. This conduct by an elected member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, to further his position in an internal political dispute is conduct that is gravely detrimental to the Métis Nation under Article 9.1.

ORDER:

It is therefore the decision of the Métis Judiciary Council to suspend Mr. Trevor Gladue’s “Rights” as per Métis Nation of Alberta Association Bylaws Aritcle 7.1.4 from:

(a) the opportunity to be a candidate for an elected office in the Métis Nation;
(b) the opportunity to hold an elected office in the Métis Nation;
(c) the opportunity to be appointed to the Métis Judiciary Council or Council of Elders;

The term of these rights are to be suspended effective immediately as per Article 9.2, of the Métis Nation of Alberta Association Bylaws, commencing March 4, 2009 and shall be in effect until March 4 2015 at 23:59 hours.

The Métis Nation of Alberta – Métis Judiciary Council.

All six Métis Judiciary Council members who heard evidence and deliberated the Decision were in favour of the breach of Article 13.6 and Article 9.1 of the Métis Nation of Alberta Association Bylaws. However, two of the Métis Judiciary Council members who heard evidence and deliberated the Decision were in Dissent of the term of Order and want it to be known that they wanted a shorter period of time.

The following six members of the Métis Judiciary Council heard evidence and formed the Decision on the evidence presented:

Bertha Clark-Jones – Region 1: Dissent on Term.
Oscar Lacombe – Region II.
Toby Racette – Region III.
Dale Friedel – Region IV.
Ken Shaw – Region V; Dissent on Term.
Bonnie Bell – Region VI.

Prior to release of the Decision, two members of the Métis Judiciary Council, who participated in the hearing and deliberations, have since been replaced. The two new appointed members did not participate in this Decision making process.

Former Vice-President suspended for actions detrimental to the Métis Nation of Alberta

2009-03-10T10:45:00.005-06:00

We received a contribution with the following Press Release and the MJC Decision: We will incorporate the decision but it is lengthy and will take a bit to transcribe.

PRESS RELEASE

Former Vice-President suspended for actions detrimental to the Métis Nation of Alberta

March 9, 2009 (Calgary) – In a decision issued Friday, March 5 2009, the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) Judiciary Council suspended Trevor W. Gladue, the former Vice-President of the MNA, for a period of six (6) years, for conduct deemed harmful and inconsistent with Mr. Gladue’s responsibilities as the Provincial Vice-President.

Two Métis Local Presidents from MNA Region 3, Bev Weber from Rocky Mountain House, and M. Jeannette Hansen from Medicine Hat respectively, brought the action forward against Mr. Gladue, in May 2008. The Métis Judiciary Council (MJC) heard the case on October 18, 2008.

The MJC listened to testimony from four (4) witnesses in addition to the testimonies from the two MNA Local Presidents who initiated the action against Mr. Gladue. The MJC reviewed documented evidence to substantiate the allegations that Mr. Gladue used his office and influence to: a) undermine the positions taken by MNA President and Provincial Council; b) to prevent Provincial Council from voting on key and urgent matters; and, c) to spread false, prejudicial information and a misrepresentation of facts about MNA finances to banking institutions with whom the MNA conducts its business. In addition, the MJC reviewed evidence of letters sent by Mr. Gladue to senior Government officials and Ministers alleging misconduct against the MNA with respect to its financial integrity.

In a unanimous decision, the Judiciary Council held that Mr. Gladue actions were not in keeping with his sworn Oath of Office and that his conduct was gravely detrimental to the Métis Nation and suspended Mr. Gladue as per MNA Bylaws Article 7.1 (a) (b) and (d).

Appearing only briefly at the hearing due to other personal commitments, Mr. Gladue, stated in his own defense that the Charter of Rights and Freedoms gave him “the right to speak his mind. The Judiciary Council ruled that his Charter defense did not absolve him of “his obligation of Office of Vice-President of the MNA to put his service to the people or the processes of the Métis Nation of Alberta ahead of published personal perception.”

Bev Weber, who is now the elected Vice-President from MNA Region 3 stated, “If anyone has hurt or wronged Mr. Gladue, it was he himself, by resorting to actions that supported a personal agenda without regard for his responsibilities to the Métis people and Mr. Gladue is to be held accountable for his actions.”

“Mr. Gladue has instead left a legacy of harm in his wake. The current Provincial Council now has the duty to rebuild the trust of our Nation, government, banking institutions and all those with whom we deal with in a professional capacity,” said Weber.

“This decision confirms that the process by which the people of our Nation can request a review of behaviors that are harmful to our Nation is fair and effective process and protects us from the wrongful actions taken by those we put into office,” said Métis Local President from Medicine Hat, Jeannette Hansen.

The suspension takes effect March 4, 2009 and will not interfere with Mr. Gladue’s rights to vote at MNA Assemblies or elections, but does disqualify him seeking or holding elected office in the MNA until March 4, 2015.

Backgrounder:

Decision of the Métis Judiciary Council, Docket Number 008-02

For further information:

Bev Weber at bweber@metis.org

Strong Leadership. Strong Women. Strong World: Equality

2009-03-08T16:14:00.002-06:00

The Canadian theme for International Women’s Day 2009 is “Strong Leadership. Strong Women. Strong World: Equality.”

The Status of Women through the Canadian Government says, “the theme reflects the government’s firm belief that increasing women’s participation and access to leadership roles and opportunities will help women and girls thrive, reach their full potential and fulfill their dreams, and help build a more prosperous Canada.”

Annually on 8 March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements.

Today needs to honour our Aboriginal women leaders who despite much adversity – work to represent their communities. Many of them often act unselfishly – working to the betterment of their nation. They often work with little or no resource and continue to strive to achieve the best results they can.

In a time – where so much public attention has been placed on the missing and murdered Aboriginal women of our communities – very little attention is ever given to the contributions of many Aboriginal women in their schools, jobs and families. Many Métis, Inuit and First Nation women have worked hard and have many personal and professional accomplishments to brag about.

We do not want to forget the need to deal with the atrocities of our missing and murdered Aboriginal women but we would like to see the natural leaders of our community recognized for their work.

Today – take a moment and thank them for their contributions.

Surprise – Trevor Gladue is in the News Again …

2009-03-07T22:47:00.002-07:00

On Friday evening, March 6, 2009 I happened to be watching APTN National News (West). Not that I normally take the time to watch this news source – but someone called to say they had seen Trevor Gladue being interviewed in an earlier broadcast. He was being interviewed by one of the correspondents about the fact that a decision had been released by the Métis Nation of Alberta’s Judiciary Council.

Trevor had been taken last year to the Judiciary Council by two community women who alleged that he was a detriment to the Métis Nation of Alberta for his actions. There was a hearing last fall. The decision must have been sent out to the respondents and the defendant in the latter part of the week.

Trevor announced that he was found guilty by the Judiciary Council for being a detriment and that his privileges were being suspended until 2015. This means that he will not be able to hold an appointment, employment or political position until his suspension is up. He will still be allowed to participate in community meetings, vote and practice other rights that are outside of the privledges that are identified within the bylaws.

Now to hear his interview on APTN he reacted in a manner that was much expected. He started talking about Audrey Poitras and tried to say this was an attack by her and made it sound like this was an Audrey action after the election.

As Trevor knew – this was a process that began early in the Spring of 2008 – long before the election - with community meetings that alleged he was acting in a self serving process. Audrey did not coordinate – or even attend those meetings.

The actual decision that was heard by our Quasi Judicial Review will be public. As soon as it is – we will make sure it is published or place a link to where it can be accessed.

Trial of the century begins March 1, 2010?

2009-03-07T22:07:00.002-07:00

I was looking at some news/blog alerts that came my way. I found some entertaining bits on the Cybersmoke Site http://cybersmokeblog.blogspot.com/ .

So MMF is going to trial again. I could be wrong but isn't that right around the election in Manitoba? What was specifically posted was:

Because of a publication ban on Pre-Trial Conferences covering the Manitoba Metis Federation's alleged defamation lawsuit against www.CyberSmokeSignals.com, (CI 05-01-41955) we are only allowed to tell you the following:

(1) The first Case Management Meeting will be held Monday April 6, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.

(2) The next Pre-Trial Conference (6th) has not yet been scheduled

(3) Dates have now been set for the trial. They are March 1, 2010 to April 9, 2010 (except for April 2 and 5 which are Easter holidays)

We apologize for not being able to provide you with more information.

Sincerely,

Clare L. Pieuk

It also appears like Mr. Pieuk is not an eligible candidate for the upcoming election - but the MMF will be spending more on legal fees then it did trying to persecute Yvon Dumont for a $1. Oops sorry meant prosecute.

At the rate this case seems to be going - Mr. Chartrand won't have a land claim trial to campaign on for the upcoming election but he will certainly have his share of the vexatious and silly kind. Maybe someone should do a sitcom on this stuff for APTN.

Independent Aboriginal News Group Formed to Provide Critical Analysis and Truthful Information Concerning Indigenous Issues

2009-03-07T21:53:00.003-07:00

The Intelligent Aboriginal News Service has partnered with progressive bloggers to form the Aboriginal News Group, an International association representing Indigenist blog-journalists covering Indigenous/First Nations news.

http://aboriginalnewsgroup.blogspot.com/

Mar 06, 2009 – In recognition of the socio-political disparities and biases inherent within corporate owned and operated mainstream news agencies and the under-reportage of issues that document and objectively investigate matters of human rights and genocide within the Native American press, the ANG will work to promote grassroots-produced Indigenous news material to the global news reading public via promotion of Indigenous blog-journalists who provide accurate and authoritative news, analysis and opinion pertinent to the continued Indigenous struggle for survival under existing colonialist nation-states and neoliberalism.

Human Rights Commission clears ex-MP of racism charge

2009-03-07T21:08:00.005-07:00

If you are Aboriginal and make statements at a conference you are charged with Hate Crimes – If you are a Canadian MP and write racially hateful brochure and send them on taxpayer dollars to your constituents –

there is no Crown Prosecutor charging you for hate crimes;
there is no public stripping of all his positions (he continued to be an Independent MP until he lost the next election but was denied membership in the Conservative Party and the Alliance Party); and
public citizens have to try and see solace in a system that does not have any real authority and lets him off on the technicality that it outside of their jurisdiction.

The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruled that the mailouts are not subject to the Canadian Human Rights Act because they do not provide a service to the public but rather to MPs by allowing them to share their political views with constituents. One of the pamphlets known as "Stop Indian Crime," showed a photograph of the Oka protest in Quebec in 1990. The caption under the photo described an aboriginal protester as a terrorist.

Even though Pankiw states he was cleared The [CHRT] identified that the act states that communication-related discrimination is limited to statements that are transmitted by telephone or over the Internet. It does not apply to parliamentary householder pamphlets.

No racism in Canada – is there? March 21 is designated by the United Nations (UN) as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The government funds events to have us to live in racial harmony. Just a thought – maybe equal justice – equal treatment – are a beginning for seeing a country that is racially harmonious.

======================

Human Rights Commission clears ex-MP of racism charge
By Lana Haight, Saskatoon StarPhoenix
March 6, 2009 9:01 PM

http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Former+cleared+racism+allegation/1362549/story.html

SASKATOON — The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal announced Friday it has dismissed complaints that former member of Parliament Jim Pankiw distributed racist pamphlets to constituents.

“The particular facts of the complaint just don’t mesh with the (Canadian Human Rights) Act,” said Jay Watson, who represented Pankiw at the human-rights hearings in Saskatoon in October 2008.

“They don’t ever get to the question of whether they were discriminatory, because (the act) simply doesn’t apply.”

In 2002 and 2003, when Pankiw was MP for Saskatoon-Humboldt, he distributed three “householder” brochures with slogans, including “Stop Indian Crime” and “It’s Clear Who the Racists Are.” The cost of producing and mailing the pamphlets, intended to enable MPs to stay in touch with their constituents, was covered by the House of Commons.

“All of the complainants were concerned that the householders did expose, not were likely to expose, but did expose First Nations people and people of aboriginal descent to hatred or contempt,” said Susan Gingell, one of nine people from the Saskatoon area who complained to the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

“I feel in a way that the decision was about technicalities (more) than it was about justice,” added the university English professor, whose adopted daughter is of aboriginal descent.

“Stop Indian Crime,” referred to aboriginal protesters in Oka, Que., in 1990, as terrorists. Inside, it criticized the then-Liberal government’s “two-tier justice system — essentially giving Indians a ‘get out of jail card.’ ”

In October last year, Pankiw acknowledged he was referring to Section 718-2e of the Criminal Code, which states, “all available sanctions, other than imprisonment, that are reasonable in the circumstances should be considered for all offenders, with particular attention to the circumstances of aboriginal offenders.”

For three days in October, the three-person tribunal heard evidence from four of the nine complainants, and from Pankiw. Lawyers representing Pankiw, the Canadian Human Rights Commission and the House of Commons presented arguments in the case.

On Friday, the tribunal released a 13-page decision, dismissing the complaints because the householders weren’t goods or services, nor were they notices, signs, symbols, emblems or other representations. The federal act, unlike the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, does not cover articles, statements or publications.

“Not all discriminatory conduct is caught by the (Canadian Human Rights Act),” said the ruling.

Pankiw was relieved, but not surprised by the decision.

“This is a very good decision for all Canadians, because censorship did not win the day,” he said. “The truth is not a crime.”

Pankiw says this decision closes a chapter, but not the book, on his public life. He is prepared to keep spreading his message that special race-based privileges have to come to an end.

“I don’t know why it’s me that has to carry this load,” said Pankiw, who added he had considered running for a Senate seat, but that won’t happen, now the prime minister has appointed senators to fill the upper chamber.

Pankiw was first elected to the House of Commons in 1997 and was re-elected in 2000. He lost his seat in the 2004 election.

Much to Mr. Brazeau and Mr. Harper's delight the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal seems to be a very ineffective mechanism for dealing with Human Rights Complaints. See the Article in the Ottawa Citizen called "Harper Must Help Resolve Rights Case"

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Harper+must+help+resolve+rights+case/1217649/story.html

The MMF must be short on things to do.... while of course Murray Trachtenberg gets very wealthy

2009-03-03T13:36:00.002-07:00

I was checking out the Cybersmoke Blog Site today....

Specifically the articles on:

http://cybersmokeblog.blogspot.com/

The Manitoba Metis Federation's alleged defamation lawsuit! and The Red Baron's back! and Murray Trachtenberg and the Law Society of Manitoba!

Now I was wondering.....

How many of those MMF Board of Directors are still willing to be named individually on the lawsuit with Terry Bellhuemer and Clare Pieuk? They seem to slowly be dropping off – one by one. It also begs to be asked – being the MMF is named and then independently each of the plaintiffs is named – if Murray loses this one – are the plaintiffs, individually willing to pay the costs that may be awarded to the respondents?

Between Murray’s bill and the great unknown on a lawsuit that already seems to have gone no where endlessly while the cheque register is ringing for the lawyer – I would advise each of the MMF Board – DO THE SAFEST THING – FILE YOUR LETTER OF DISCONTINUANCE – this could get expensive.

Just a thought.

Hypocrisy in the World

2009-02-24T15:32:00.002-07:00

I had to spend some time putting down what I see as hypocrisy in the world.

I have no particular view about Jews, Palestine’s or any of the races that seem to be addressed under what is perceived as inciting hatred. In fact, I probably could only tell you that racial profiling is not one of the better qualities that the human race often has. I am not sure – but as a young person we heard words – that even though we did not know there meaning were as racially motivated as any. One for sure comes to mind. I kept hearing the term for many years about the ‘DP Bastards’. Now frankly, as a child I had no idea what a DP person was or for that matter what a Bastard was. I did not know why the people were referred to in those terms but I did know that as a child I would witness these subtle forms of insult that were never said directly to a person’s face but always behind their back.

Now not that we were not afforded our own racial profiling and because we were children and it was not seen as hateful they would tell us things directly to our face like, “Stop acting like a little Indian” or “look they are like dirty little halfbreeds.” As a young child I was taught I was a halfbreed – because at the time the politically correct term of Métis was not prevalent – so I thought it meant we were not suppose to be dirty and for what ever reason – you did not want to be an Indian. Even more to the point – our houses were kept immaculately, the laundry on the clothes line was always made to be whiter then anyone else’s and the outhouse was scrubbed till the boards were white and smelled like pine because we did not want to be ‘Dirty’.

I raise this for two reasons:

Firstly, my beliefs around racial profiling and trying to identify people through some negative context as a race or religion – is probably formed from my own experiences or brushes with racism when I was young.

Secondly, it is quite amazing how the world has hypocritically changed. The articles and two trials in relation to David Ahenakew and the allegation that he “willfully promoted hatred against the Jews” has shown me just how racism for some cultures is tolerable – while others are able to have the entire system respond.

Before I go any further let me make it clear – I do not support Mr. David Ahenakew’s views. It is not the first time that I ever heard such a stance – but that is not my personal point of view. I know that some media and blogs are identifying him as crazy for even thinking it – but truthfully – I don’t even know why he would be sharing those views at an Aboriginal gathering – but what I notice has gotten no press coverage is this is an Aboriginal man that was not just the past leader of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and the Assembly of First Nations but a man who had served in the Canadian Army for over 15 years where he served in Korea and Egypt, made major contributions in improving educational opportunities for Aboriginal youth in Saskatchewan, had significant roles in the United Nations and was awarded the Order of Canada for his contributions to Canadian Society. He may have had some personal or learned experience that has shaped his views on Jewish people – but they were his views.

On the other hand we have two professors named, Frances Widdowson and Albert Howard who have through a narrow minded view expressed their dislike and racial profiling beliefs in a book – all over the internet – in television and radio blurbs and that is shall we say – their view on how to make Canadians critical thinkers. There is nothing hateful about attacking issues that would racially profile Aboriginal people through these mediums but let one Aboriginal man verbally present to a small group of people his ideology on another race and we not only put him through one but two trials to defend his position.

No double standard here – is there?

METISFEST

2009-02-23T15:50:00.002-07:00

August 28 - 29 - 30 2009

IN THE MAJESTIC TURTLE MOUNTAINS AT THE INTERNATIONAL PEACE GARDENS

LOCATED ON THE MANITOBA / NORTH DAKOTA BORDER

Note NO PASSPORT is required to enter thePeace Gardens from either Canada or United Statesas long as you return to your country of origin.

"A Living History of Metis Families"

2009-02-23T11:50:00.003-07:00

"A Living History of Metis Families" Film Premieres February 24 – Free Admission

(February 19, 2009 —Thunder Bay, ON) As part of Research and Innovation Week 2009, Lakehead University is hosting a film festival that’s open to the public. Three films will be shown: the premiere of Canada Research Chair Dr. Judy Iseke-Barnes’ film A Living History of Metis Families, as Told by Dorothy Chartrand, The Lost Tomb of Jesus, and Bloodline.

In A Living History, Metis grandmother Dorothy Chartrand tells the story of her Metis families, and the political and social change that impacted Metis lives in the 1800s until today, tracking some of Dorothy’s 25 years of research in archives and HBC and church records that lead to understanding the history of her family, and the community of St. Albert, Alberta.

Filmmaker Judy Iseke-Barnes says, “This film is one piece of the puzzle in the history of women, specifically Metis women, in this country. We don’t often hear stories of how these women worked to create and sustain the community structures that were the basis of this country.”

According to Iseke-Barnes, the historical record is male dominated, and focussed on written records, as opposed to oral ones. “There is a bias embedded in the recording of history which gives more legitimacy to written records. Those often focus on men and men’s work. Oral history, by way of contrast, is a valid and under-valued window into the history of women, and the history of this nation.”

Iseke-Barnes has two more films in production, and a third one in the planning stages. The first is tentatively entitled, Leadership as Service: Lives and Roles of Metis Grandmothers, and may be released as early as April 2009. The second is an animated collection of Metis/Cree stories from Tom McCallam, (White Standing Buffalo), and has a tentative release date of the fall of 2009. The films will be sent to film festivals, the Aboriginal People’s Television Network (APTN), and the Smithsonian Institute, which has requested copies of them. Ultimately, the films will be available on DVD. More information is available at the accompanying website http://www.ourelderstories.com/.

A Living History of Metis Families, as Told by Dorothy Chartrand, premieres Tuesday, February 24, at 7:00 p.m. in ATAC 2001. There is no charge for admission, and parking on campus is free.

Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead has over 7,900 students and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Research Infosource Inc. named Lakehead University Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit http://www.lakeheadu.ca/

NAHO finds Release of Métis-specific Information A Step in the Right Direction

2009-02-23T11:36:00.002-07:00

http://www.nationtalk.ca/modules/news/makepdf.php?storyid=18015

National Aboriginal Health Organization

MEDIA RELEASE

February 23, 2009

For Immediate Release

OTTAWA, ON — The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) commends Statistics Canada on the release of its article on Métis health and well-being today. The article, entitled An Overview of the Health of the Métis Population, summarizes findings from the 2006 Métis Supplement of the Aboriginal Peoples Survey.

“We have been saying for years that there is a clear gap in information about the health and wellbeing of Métis people,” said Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay, Chief Executive Officer of NAHO. “The release of this Métis-specific information is an important step in the right direction towards closing that gap.”

The report analyzed Métis health and well-being by examining the social determinants of health – information such as demographic information, health behaviours and health care utilization.

Key findings outline many significant gaps in health between Métis and the total population, including the following:

Métis tend to have high rates of chronic disease. Just over half (54 per cent) of Métis adults report having been diagnosed with a chronic condition.
Twice as many Métis adults report asthma (14 per cent) and diabetes (seven per cent). For Canada, the rates are eight per cent and four per cent, respectively.
The most common chronic condition reported for Métis youth was asthma, at rates almost double that of Canada’s total population – 20 per cent for Métis versus 11 per cent for Canada.
“Despite these gaps in health status, there are many positive signs of the increasing well-being of Métis, particularly among youth,” said Dr. Tremblay. “While we must address the significant gaps in health, we must not overlook the positive indicators that clearly demonstrate the resiliency of Métis.

This strength and resiliency is seen throughout the Statistics Canada report, particularly in the increasing health status of many Métis youth.”

Approximately one third of Métis people reported access to traditional medicines or wellness practices. Interestingly, Métis living in urban centres are more likely to report access to traditional healing practices.

Furthermore, almost 60 per cent of Métis adults rated their health status as very good or excellent.

And, according to the report, the Métis population in Canada is growing. In fact, the number of people http://www.nationtalk.ca 2009/2/23 13:35:49 - 1 identifying as Métis increased 33 per cent in the five years since the last Aboriginal Peoples Survey in 2001. There are now 389,785 people in Canada who identify as Métis, making up 33 per cent of the Aboriginal population in Canada of 1,172,790.

Dr. Tremblay went on to say, “Sound policy, programs and services are built upon good health information. At NAHO, we will be using this new information about Métis health to inform our work.

We hope it will inform the work of provincial and federal health initiatives for Métis.”

Catherine Graham, Director of the Métis Centre of NAHO says, “This is a great day for Métis in Canada. As this and other information begins make its way to leaders, researchers and community members, we will hopefully begin to see programs and services developed in accordance with Métis needs and priorities.”

NAHO is proud to have played a role in the development of the report. A NAHO Métis Centre Research Officer, Joyce Seto, was one of the authors.

The National Aboriginal Health Organization is an Aboriginal-designed and -controlled body that works to influence and advance the health and well-being of Aboriginal Peoples through knowledge-based strategies.

For media inquiries, contact:
Colleen Patterson, Communications Officer
Tel: (613) 237-9462 ext. 559
Toll Free: 1-877-602-4445 ext. 559
Cell: (613) 863-9001
E-mail: var id='cpatterson';var host1='naho.ca';var host2='';document.write('
'+id+'@'+host1+'.'+host2+'');
For more information, visit:
www.naho.ca
http://www.nationtalk.ca 2009/2/23 13:35:49 - 2

Steven Harper's Pet

2009-02-13T20:52:00.003-07:00

Someone sent this picture of the Prime Minister's Pet named Patrick and I couldn't help but post it and share the humour.

Raising Awareness of the Problems with Generalizing a Race of People

2009-02-13T20:48:00.002-07:00

A Few Interesting Statistics:

As of 2002, Russians are the world’s leaders in alcohol consumption. The average Russian male drinks about four gallons of pure alcohol per year, which amounts to about a pint of vodka every other day. To put it in perspective, this is nearly twice what Americans consume.

As a result of this pernicious habit, the average Russian male is expected to live only 57 years. This means many Russian citizens will die of alcoholism even before they retire. While many observers hint that the problem is growing the numbers are much more blatant: the number of deaths resulting from intoxication in January – May 2002 increased by 8.1% over the figures of January – May 2001. This problem can only get worse as Russians face even more instability in their lives. The general consensus among Russians is that alcoholism is (and has always been) Russia’s biggest problem.

In June , 2007 a study was released that indicated, drinking alcohol not meant for consumption, such as that found in cologne and antiseptics, may be responsible for nearly half of all deaths among working-age men in Russia.

Scientists limited their research to the Russian city of Izhevsk but believes it represents many areas of Russia. The research suggested that despite Russia's economic resurgence in the past decade, it still faces staggering social and health problems, especially in provincial areas far from Moscow and St. Petersburg. The scientists concluded that 43 per cent of deaths amongst Russian men were caused by hazardous drinking.

Price and accessibility are major factors in the popularity of drinking cologne and other "surrogate" alcohols. They cost a fraction of what vodka costs, and are available in the kiosks and pharmacies on Russian streets.

So based on this story….we could generalize and blame the ails of Russia on the men in the community …because based on what someone might have seen…80% of Russian men who live outside of Moscow and St. Petersburg are staggering around – smelling good and dieing early and that is causing the social ails of a country. Maybe if they ban cologne and surrogate alcohols it will keep men alive and working to support their families instead of being the countries social problem.

We won’t look at any of the other environmental, social or political issues that the country faces – just drunks.

The idea of marginalizing and profiling a culture based on a few who practice social ails is ridiculous. I am sure that there are many individuals in Russia who do not spend their days laying around being drunks. Racial profiling is not beneficial to anyone that is a victim of it.

The CBC Should Be An Alert to All Websites, Blogs and Other forms of Internet Use to be responsible:

2009-02-12T21:35:00.002-07:00

As the CBC issue was raised by the Chiefs and the issue of legal responsibility gets brought into question – even though people detach and identify that they are not responsible for the opinions of others – allowing a forum to perpetuate that could make one liable. I have made some inquiries today about this very issue and find that there is a responsibility to the individuals or groups that manage these forms of media. In fact, we would not have to look far to see how time consuming and costly these types of law suits are at this time. In fact many call this malicious prosecution litigation at both the trial and appellate court levels. It is often referred to as SLAPP. So for my critics that don’t like me to synthesize what ends up here they won’t be standing beside me when I have to defend myself in court.

As for the perpetuating of racism – it is often systemic and underground but recently – even on this blog – comments seem to digress, become personal and breed a level of ignorance that is not necessary and is not supportive of the value of respect.

I received a comment today that indicated we should accept the written words that refer to natives as drunks, criminals or incapable of supporting themselves because if they see 80% of natives in this state that makes it a truth. I would say the fallacy is that anyone seen 80% of the natives like that. To prove my point I will use fact.

Based on Statistics Canada:

50% of Métis adults aged 25 to 64 have completed a postsecondary education; A college education was most common, with 21% of Métis having completed a diploma, followed by a trades certificate (16%).
Between 2001 and 2006, the percentage of Métis with a university degree increased from 7% to 9%.
In 2006, the employment rates for Métis adults of core working age (aged 25 to 54 years) was 74.6%. The non-Aboriginal population rate is 81.6%.
Unemployment rates represent the proportion of people in the labour force who are looking for work but cannot find it. At the national level, unemployment rates of Métis adults of core working age was 8.4%.

Based on just one Urban Homeless Study the statistics show the following dynamic:

22% Aboriginal Descent
72% Caucasian
6% Other Nationalities

So based on previous statements – should I now indicate that because what I see is that 72% of homeless, unemployed people are Caucasian that must mean the majority of them are a blemish on our good society and nothing but a bunch of drunks, criminals and welfare burdens.

Or maybe I would indicate what I really think – which is the Aboriginal population is about 4 - 6% of the overall population and we are overrepresented in the number of homeless people because we make up almost 20% of the homeless statistics. And even saying that will I look further to address the number of individuals who have mental health issues and a lack of investment in programming (whether they are Caucasian or Aboriginal) that would allow these individuals to have a safe environment to exist and often find themselves living out of control without access to necessary medical supports to address their health needs – mentally and physically.

Just of the sake of argument – it would be easy to sit somewhere else in the world and judge issues from a biased – right wing perspective without considering all the data that would result in fact.

The majority of Aboriginal people are employed, educated to some level of post secondary and are functioning contributing members of society. To say anything less is irresponsible. The colonialism that perpetuates the attitudes of savage – immoral and inexcusable beings is buying into falicies that do not have any statistical or factual base. One inappropriate european person – does not make for a bad race of people and neither does one Aboriginal person.

Ex-aboriginal health boss charged in $1M theft

2009-02-12T07:11:00.001-07:00

You know we often wonder why there are no audits and reviews done that would determine accountability for what we believe are issues in the reporting of government funds received by organizations. There are a couple of interesting points in this article the first being that this is an issue that started in 1999 and went on for five years - over two organizations and four years of RCMP investigating before charges were laid. It would be important to remember that this is just allegations at this point which are now 10 years since the start of this. There will still be the cost associated with the trial and justice process that may take up to another 2 plus years before there is guilt attached to the individual that is being charged.

Based on that – when might we see investigation, forensic audits or accountability of what is believed to be misspent tax dollars? Also consider the amount of resources that are spent to try and bring justice to the issue. Could be a very long and expensive wait….

Ex-aboriginal health boss charged in $1M theft

http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Canada/2009/02/12/8360571-sun.html

WINNIPEG -- The former head of a Manitoba aboriginal health agency is accused of stealing more than $1 million from the organization as well as from a reserve he once co-managed.

The RCMP say Daryl Joseph Cote, 53, of Winnipeg, is charged with two counts of theft and two counts of fraud.

Police say the charges were laid following a four-year investigation by the Winnipeg RCMP commercial crime section.

The investigation began after a complaint from Health Canada.

Cote is the former CEO of Anishinaabe Mino-Ayaawin Inc. and the one-time co-manager of the Dauphin River First Nation.

RCMP allege Cote stole more than $700,00 from the health agency between 1999 and 2004, and more than $300,000 from the First Nation between 2001 and 2004.

The health agency delivered programs and services to seven Manitoba First Nations.

Comments Part of CBC Website is under question:

2009-02-12T07:02:00.002-07:00

I know some bloggers including myself have been under criticism because some comments do not get published. Based on this Article from Canadian Press I believe that there are times when individuals may feel very passionate about something but it borders on hatred, generalizations and feeding the misconceptions that breed racism.

Even though we are criticized there are times that criticism is worth it because this particular blog was not about trying to promote those thoughts or values.

Aboriginal leaders accuse CBC of allowing website readers to promote racism

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5iX5TpB_10yt4kxunLhQu8y-Z9OSA

WINNIPEG — The CBC has failed to police its website and has given racists a forum to spew hatred, Manitoba aboriginal leaders charged Wednesday.

The Southern Chiefs Organization distributed printouts of comments left by CBC website readers in response to stories on aboriginal issues in Manitoba, British Columbia and other provinces. Dozens of the comments suggested natives were drunks, criminals or incapable of supporting themselves.

"Those (comments) definitely have no place in the public domain," said Grand Chief Morris Swan-Shannacappo.

"The world will always have racists and kooks and people who just don't know what they're talking about. But the CBC ... has provided them with a forum they can use to attack our people."
Swan-Shannacappo said he has seen similar comments on other media websites which allow readers to post their thoughts, but his organization is singling out the CBC partly because it is federally funded and should be held to a high standard of accountability.

The broadcaster said all reader comments are pre-screened by a combination of in-house and third-party monitoring agents, but admitted some comments slip through the cracks.

"Because this is a subjective exercise, sometimes those things get through," CBC spokesman Jeff Keay said from Toronto.

The CBC website allows readers to report racist or other objectionable content that slips through for a second review.

Swan-Shannacappo admitted that many comments he objected to had been removed, but said the removals sometimes take hours because they rely on public input.

The corporation is looking at ways to improve monitoring of public comments, Keay said, including a possible temporary shutdown of public comments when discussions get heated.
"If the abusive stuff starts to pile up, it may make sense to discontinue it, to let things cool off," he said.

Many of the comments that have raised the ire of the southern chiefs have come in response to news stories about aboriginal crime or tragedy.

One reader comment regarding a Manitoba aboriginal leader charged with theft and fraud said aboriginals "just want to leech from society, sell cheap smokes and drink beer."

Another reader commenting on a story about a fatal house fire on the Chemainus First Nation in British Columbia suggested aboriginals "should go out into the real world and work for a roof over their heads like the rest of us."

The southern chiefs called on the Manitoba government to step in and force the CBC to improve its monitoring of reader comments.

Steve Ashton, Manitoba's acting attorney general, called the comments offensive and racist, but said there is little the province can do. Because the CBC is federally regulated, the chiefs organization should take its complaint to the federal human rights commission, the RCMP or the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, he said.

The complaints about the CBC could serve as a warning to other media outlets that allow readers to post their thoughts on the web, said a law professor at the University of Manitoba.

"If you've got control over what messages go up ... you can be held responsible," Karen Busby said.

Busby said website comments are comparable to letters to the editor that are printed by newspapers. She pointed to a 2002 letter published in the Red Deer Advocate in Alberta that suggested gays were as immoral as pedophiles, drug dealers and pimps.

Darren Lund, a high school teacher, complained to the Alberta Human Rights Commission and in a settlement, the newspaper agreed to ban letters that discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation.The commission later ordered the writer of the letter, Stephen Boissoin of the Concerned Christian Coalition, to pay Lund $5,000 in damages. Boissoin is appealing that ruling.

Brazeau in the News Again

2009-02-10T07:36:00.002-07:00

Okay – I guess I thought I did not care about his personal laundry but now I am annoyed.

Message for Patrick Brazeau:

Firstly, Patrick this so called “Native Establishment” who is that – your 14 year old son who knows you as a dead beat. The Aboriginal community that now perceives you as a less then honest person and full of hypocrisy. Have you ever heard the term our elders taught us about “Walk the Talk”?

Could I even begin to imagine what your latest untruth would warrant in the news now? You paid 0.089% of your income from the Congress of Aboriginal People to your 14 year old son in child support payments. You could not even bother to send the crumbs sometimes – no matter what processing excuse you chose to use as an excuse. Let us be clear – you are contributing approximately $3 per day to the well being of your child. Hardly what would be needed for bus fare to attend school. He certainly could not afford the lessons necessary to achieve a black belt in Karate. You have got to be kidding me. I am not sure what the laws are in Quebec but this is crazy. You are now paying 0.072% of your Senate income in child support – if you can be bothered to submit the payments. Let’s also be honest Patrick – the salary both at the Congress and now at the Senate does not come without other financial and personal rewards. That was only the dollar income that you reported less benefits and less expenses.

Patrick – you profess to be the great Aboriginal Leader who is going to change things from the Senate for the betterment of Aboriginal peoples and the people of Canada. Well maybe your first mandate should be to change the laws of this country so that people with no integrity can’t sit in the upper house. If you were truly the Aboriginal leader you profess to be you would not need a court to tell you to be responsible for your son’s well being. You would have increased his entitlement to a life that you chose to make him a part of when you impregnated his mother. Your child’s mother should not have to be in a position where she can demonstrate what a dead beat dad you are. (O yea – I’d like to make note that I don’t imagine she sees herself as part of the “Native Establishment” that you would like to blame for all your dirty laundry.)

In my view - the Congress of Aboriginal People should be sending a letter to Harper to firstly thank him for ridding the organization of you. Now they will work for decades to recover from the mess you have left them in – but why would you care – you will hide behind the apron of the Upper House.

Just as one last message – I am not the “Native Establishment”, Frankly, I am not sure who is – but I do know I do not have a relationship with AFN or anyone else that you perceive is your enemy and further to that – you don’t need any enemies because you definitely have one that is looking you in the mirror each day.

New senator lagged on $100 child support

Harper's controversy-plagued appointee repeatedly fell behind on payments for his son

Feb 10, 2009 04:30 AM

OTTAWA–Three times in the past five years, Prime Minister Stephen Harper's most controversial new Senate appointee fell behind in support payments for a son he has not spoken to in eight years – payments that totalled less than $100 per month.

Patrick Brazeau, the 34-year-old former aboriginal leader who was appointed to the Senate in December, missed one payment as recently as 11 months ago at a time when he was earning a six-figure income.

In an interview yesterday, he said he did not want to air any personal "dirty laundry," but he acknowledged he had been late on some payments and said he would consider larger monthly payments for the well-being of his 14-year-old son now that he was earning more than $130,000 as a senator.

Brazeau, who is scheduled to give his maiden speech in the Senate today, has faced a series of allegations since his appointment, including a sexual harassment complaint and a draft audit of expenses at the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, the congress he led, which resulted in a demand that at least $54,678 in expense claims be repaid.

Brazeau's style and penchant for luxurious trappings have also raised eyebrows, particularly his 2006 Porsche SUV.

"The child support payments are basically less than $100 a month," the son's mother, Dena Buckshot, said from her Gatineau, Que., home last week.

A spokesperson for Harper last night declined to comment on a "private matter," but a litany of charges against Brazeau has raised questions about how thoroughly the Prime Minister's Office vetted the young aboriginal leader before making the appointment.

Brazeau says many of the allegations are being brought by those who are pushing back against his bid to bring more transparency to the country's aboriginal leadership.

As national chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, Brazeau was widely viewed as a smart and articulate voice for aboriginal people living off-reserve, stirring the pot with talk of abolishing the Indian Act and bringing more accountability to native governments.

The former model with a black belt in karate was portrayed as a family man and spoke eloquently in the House of Commons the day Harper apologized for abuses in Indian residential schools.

Buckshot said she dated Brazeau briefly in 1993 but broke up with him soon after she discovered she was pregnant with the first of her three children.

She said she was concerned that Brazeau's visits with their son were inconsistent, so she sought to regulate matters through the Quebec courts in 2001.

The Star cannot publish information contained in documents from Quebec family court.

As a result of that process Buckshot said she began receiving bi-weekly child support, which is now $46.90 after it was raised by 2.5 per cent at the beginning of this year. Brazeau sends cheques to Revenue Quebec and the ministry sends a cheque to Buckshot twice a month.
Revenue Quebec has suspended these payments three times – twice in 2004 and once in 2008.

"We are writing to inform you that the debtor of support has not paid the amounts required under the act to facilitate the payment of support and that the (ministry) is taking steps to rectify the situation," says a letter dated Feb. 10, 2004. "In the meantime, however, the (ministry) has had to suspend your support payments."

She received a letter with an identical message dated Dec. 10, 2004 and a letter dated March 6, 2008 again says her support payments were suspended.

The letter lists a number of reasons why Revenue Quebec could not forward the payments – such as the debtor not having any income or the creditor not living in Quebec – but do not specify which applied to her situation.

Buckshot said gives her son the child support to use as pocket money. "I remember telling him this is how much he pays and I think (my son) was upset because he couldn't believe he drives a Porsche," she said.

The vehicle made waves when Brazeau started driving it around Parliament Hill but he said it is second-hand and he bought it before he learned of his appointment.

Brazeau said he does not want to discuss the issue of his relationship with his son.

"I'm not going to use the media from my vantage point to try and iron out this dirty laundry, so to speak," he said.

"My goal is still to develop a relationship with my son in the future, because it is true that I have not seen him in the last eight years, but the reasons for that are beyond my control and so I don't think that this is in the best interests of my son," he said.

He said he was aware some payments have been late "in terms of processing, but I have always issued cheques to Revenue Quebec in which they internally deal with forwarding the payment to the mother of my child."

He added that he has been paying the amount he was ordered to "and if there's any adjustments that need to be made in the future. ... I will pay accordingly."

Buckshot said friends and family have told her over the years to take Brazeau – who now makes $130,400 as a basic Senate salary – to court to increase his payments. She started the process when he first started working as a legal researcher at the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, but decided it would cost her too much time, stress and money.

NORTH AMERICA'S ONLY " TRUE " INTERNATIONAL METIS RENDEZVOUS

2009-02-09T14:27:00.004-07:00

METISFEST

http://www.metisfest.com/

We have added this to the sidebar links. Please watch as they add the latest news and confirm artists for the upcoming event.

We want to support our Metis community in anyway that we can. I received this comment earlier today and thought it needed its' own special post. For all those that can get out and support our Metis. I was told once that it is our responsibility to share our rich culture and heritage and that we were one of Canada's best kept secret for far too long. Here is a chance to assist in changing that:

Post from Dan Goodon read as follows:

Hello Metis Mama

We've been reading your blog over here in Manitoba for about a year now, keep up the good work and articles.

The reasoning i'm posting is to get the word of our newly formed Metis festival , henced the name " METISFEST". Held at the International Peace Gardens in the Majestic Turtle Mountains of Manitoba.

"NORTH AMERICA'S ONLY " TRUE " INTERNATIONAL METIS RENDEZVOUS "

We are very excited in getting things going and have a good buzz happening here in Manitoba but need to keep getting the word out, in your neck of our Metis Nation . Please check our website , that just started up a week and a half ago.

I looked this morning and our count was over 500 hits, very happy with the interests. It is http://www.metisfest.com/ there is info on the site to get a hold of me, if you like.

But please visit the site or even better yet, please come and visit us in Manitoba this aug 28-30 and see how we fest here.

Dan Goodon Co-cordinator Metisfest

"Where the Fiddle and The Mountain Unite"

Back to Patrick

2009-02-08T12:39:00.002-07:00

CTV has given Senator Brazeau an opportunity to respond to the allegations and stories that seem to be haunting him. There appears to be a great deal of “No Not Me” but very little to back up the claims. It would seem like a simple matter to disclose correspondence from Health Canada saying that the $200,000 plus in expenses that he now claims are allowable have been accepted by Health Canada as legitimate. In addition, it would seem like things like $7,000 plus cheques going to each of the Board Members including himself would be explained.
If the reports are sealed to protect the complainant why is the complainant asking for them to be made public and pursuing the matter to other judicial reviews? Just a few things that seem to not have answers – but also recognizing that some of the more personal things – like child support and relationships with kids is not information that should be a part of public domain in my view. Those issues need to remain with his son and he needs to be answerable to him – in my view it is not part of the package of being transparent and accountable. I do recognize that media has a way of going after all public figures and I guess it makes them a target for all their dirty laundry to be aired but personally I do not find any great satisfaction in trying to assess his personal life character based on hearing a 5 second clip on his value as a father. This segment aired on Question Period if you have time to watch. By the way - I also do not buy into the belief that we all need to drive an old rusted out vehicle because we are Aboriginal. If he is the one buying the Porsche why would we care? I do not think we expect to see our leaders driviong thier red river cart around Ottawa.

Brazeau dismisses 'personal attacks'

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090208/senator_brazeau_090208/20090208?hub=TopStories

Embattled Conservative Senator Patrick Brazeau defended himself against allegations of corruption and sexual harassment Sunday, saying the personal attacks are the byproduct of his ongoing fight against what he called the "native establishment."

08/02/2009 1:02:07 PM

CTV.ca News Staff

During an interview on CTV's Question Period, Brazeau answered questions about allegations of sexual harassment and misuse of public funds during his time as leader of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples.

Brazeau said that while he would not speculate on "who may or may not be after me," he did say the attacks on his character signal a backlash against his willingness to challenge how native leaders are dealing with the plight of Canada's aboriginal peoples.

"Many times when you attack the native establishment and you demand for more accountability, obviously I have not made many friends," Brazeau said. "And so I have always been open, transparent and always invited people to criticize my policies. Unfortunately, it's more in the realm of personal attacks now than professional attacks."

During the interview, Brazeau faced a barrage of questions about a series of allegations that critics have leveled against him since his appointment to the Senate late last year.

Brazeau, 34, is one of the youngest senators to ever be appointed to the upper house.

The father of three children has faced criticism for not having a relationship with his 14-year-old son. In Sunday's interview, Brazeau said the matter was "hurtful" and acknowledged that he has not seen his son for eight years.

"But there are reasons beyond my control for that," he said, adding that he has paid child support over those eight years.

When asked about his desire to keep his six-figure salary as head of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples while getting a six-figure paycheque as a senator, Brazeau said that he had just been re-elected in November for a four-year term with the Congress and had hoped to continue his work with the organization.

He said he consulted with the Senate ethics officer and others before deciding that keeping the job would have led to the appearance of a conflict of interest.

"I have invested a lot of time into that organization and I was looking forward to continuing the hard work I started," Brazeau said. "So whether it would have been a full-time paid position, a half salary or no salary at all, I was looking into that possibility. But the bottom line is I made the personal choice to step down because I foresaw some potential conflict of interest and even perceived conflict of interest."

In addition to the allegations that he was trying to double his salary, it also came to light that a former Congress employee launched a sexual harassment complaint with the Ontario Human Rights Commission.

According to Brazeau, the complaint is against the Congress, not him personally, and the allegations were first dealt with in a third-party investigation.

"There was a full investigation that was conducted by a third party who has expertise in dealing with these issues," Brazeau said. "And the conclusion of the investigation was that there was no wrongdoing on my part and there was no harassment done on my part."

The final report issued by the investigators, who Brazeau did not name, has not been made public. Brazeau said that even he has not read it, but understands it has been sealed to protect the privacy of the complainant.

Office drinking

Brazeau also defended his decision to bring with him to Ottawa two former Congress staffers who co-workers witnessed drinking in his office.

"The two individuals who have come to work for me at the Senate are highly qualified people, people that I certainly trust, and will have a lot to contribute not only to myself but to the Senate and for all Canadians as well," he said.

Brazeau said that one employee had seen the two drinking in his office on one occasion, after office hours, and not long before Christmas.

Following the incident, Brazeau and the Congress's board of directors established a no-alcohol-on-the-premises policy, he said.

On allegations that he and other Congress staffers misappropriated nearly $260,000 in funds, which was discovered during a Health Canada audit, Brazeau countered that the agency was merely asking for supplementary documentation to justify about $200,000 in expenses, which the Congress did.

Health Canada is currently seeking re-payment of about $52,000, Brazeau said, but the Congress is in the process of justifying those expenses, as well.

Brazeau also dismissed critics who complain he should not be driving a Porsche SUV around Ottawa when he represents an impoverished segment of the population.

He said he bought the car second-hand, and before Prime Minister Stephen Harper called him with the offer to sit in the Senate.

Metis National Council responding to call from feds for economic development advice

2009-02-08T10:37:00.002-07:00

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?

http://www.grassrootsnews.mb.ca/article.php?article_id=229

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.

Grassroots News on Chiefs and Missing Money

2009-02-08T10:02:00.003-07:00

This story was written in the Grassroots News. I have to say one thing before you read this… It is somewhat surprising that more editing staff is not being utilized at this news source…but as so many of you in Manitoba have clearly laid out … this is a David controlled paper … the advertisement for employment at the newspaper must read …No writing experience required. The article does run on and has very little focus but it does contain the information in relation to several recent news items - so I have not edited its' content.

http://www.grassrootsnews.mb.ca/article.php?article_id=223

NEWS BRIEFS – Breaking News By GRN Staff

First Nations leaders, especially Chiefs, can take some solace in the news that over $9 million was "misplaced" and not accounted for properly by staff at Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. Chiefs are often maligned for failure to comply with proper accounting procedures, and Grassroots News has become convinced over the years that, while there are some Chiefs who have abused the system, most are trying to run governments with minimal resources while trying to comply with reporting procedures that are completely overbearing and often repetitive and unnecessary. The good news is that First Nations citizens are rising up against corrupt Chiefs (sometimes against all odds because those same Chiefs who rip off the system are usually backed by the power of handouts, nepotism and the authority that goes with the office). The bureaucrats at INAC were accused of mismanagement, inappropriate use of authority, playing favorites, running their Department like a dictatorship, massive absenteeism (stop us when this starts sounding familiar). But, unlike First Nations, who can rise up and oust a crooked leader, the bureaucrats at INAC who @#$%^&'ed up all kept their jobs (two were demoted, one kept his position). Then again, what's $9 million?

The confusion surrounding whether or not all those nice, tidy little homes along Kenaston Boulevard (formerly home to the soldiers of Kapyong Barracks who were transferred to Edmonton) can be used to provide badly needed housing for low income working families, or shelter for single moms on social assistance, or even the homeless got.. more confusing.. as federal Tory bag man Vic Toews implied that the housing will not be made available to First Nations unless they drop their land claim.. but then Toews said he didn't "mean they had to drop the claim". Meanwhile, First Nations leaders, who have indicated that the houses along Kenaston could indeed be used for First Nations citizens in the past, have indicated that they are not interested in the Kapyong property for housing.. their claim is to turn the property into an urban Reserve. Most confusing to the public is the fact all this money is being spent to heat, clean, repair, mow the lawns and even paint these houses while they sit vacant year after year after year.

The fate of three multi-billion-dollar pipelines, and the role of First Nations in approving such projects, and the claim for royalties and compensation to be paid to First Nations if the pipelines go ahead, rests in the hands of a Winnipeg judge. Treaty One First Nations (1871) claim that there is a duty to consult with them before these pipelines are built and this was not done. The seven Treaty One First Nations are demanding Judge Robert Barnes order a halt to construction unless they are consulted and paid royalties and compensation. Lawyers for pipeline companies Enbridge and TranCanada, the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, and the federal government claim the pipelines have little impact on Treaty Rights and that even if consultation is required, it would be "at the lowest end of the spectrum". There are billions of dollars at stake here (in construction costs of the pipelines, the value of the sale of oil which flows through the pipelines, and royalties/compensation). Judge Barnes wouldn't say when he would reach a decision but Grassroots News wonders why lawyers for the federal government are always lined up with whomever the Indians are fighting with to gain their rights. Isn't the federal government supposed to be on the side of First Nations in protecting Treaty Rights? And, of course, what kind of justice can we expect when the game is always played by the white man's rules, in the white man's court, subject to His laws?

Meanwhile, Enbridge has given five Dakota First Nations 100 grand each but they had to withdraw their intervener status with the National Energy Board and sign a Memorandum of Understanding. This "bird in the hand" might cost them billions in the bush.

The Assembly of First Nations has asked the federal government for an $8 billion dollar stimulus that would reinstate the Kelowna Accord and add new money for thousand of new houses, upgrade water treatment systems and build new schools. National Chief Phil Fontaine had dinner with Prime Minister Harper on January 15 and said the AFN came away "pleased" with the PM's response. The new federal budget is announced on January 27th, 2009 (the same say Grassroots News is published so we have no news about what is in that budget). You can find out how much money has been set aside for First Nations by searching the internet, reading one of our daily newspapers or on the TV news. Is Phil still pleased?

About 200 students gathered at the University of Winnipeg to protest a proposed move by the federal government to transfer the administration of post-secondary funding for First Nations students from INAC to the Canada Student Loans Program (picture appears elsewhere in GRN). The federal move would mean funding for tuition, books and living expenses would be a loan, making it even more difficult for First Nations students to improve their lives through education (as if it is not bad enough that funds for post-secondary education have been capped at 2 per cent since 1996 creating a long waiting list, and don't forget that many First Nations students already take out loans to supplement their meagre incomes). Look! We can't have it both ways! The Canadian public is always claiming it wants to help improve the lives of First Nations, mostly the economic standing of First Nations, and the best way to do that is through education. Just 4 per cent of Canada's Aboriginal population have university degrees while 15 per cent of the rest of the Canadian population have degrees so "do the math". We can't make it harder for First Nations to escape poverty. Besides, education is a treaty right (and don't give us that crap about "universities never existed when the Treaties were signed so they weren't talking about post-secondary education, just K-12". Yeah, right! Give us a break! The whole word was different back then. The Treaties are meant to cover things generally, this is why health care is referred to as "the medicine chest shall always be full" and economic development is covered by "the provision of plough shares" Education is education and what was meant in the Treaties was not restricted to elementary or high school or university.

Another crowd of about 200 First Nations and Metis citizens gathered at the Aboriginal Centre on Friday, Jan 23rd, 2009 but this was a much happier lot as they were celebrating extension and expansion of the Aboriginal Aerospace Employment Initiative. And that means 200 more Aboriginal citizens will get training and employment experience in one of Manitoba's oldest and most established industries. The federal and provincial governments, along with the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD), the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg, MKO and the Southern Chiefs Organization are teaming up to sponsor the program which will provide literacy, like skills, classroom and on-the-job training leading to full-time and permanent employment. Say what you want about CAHRD and the Aboriginal Council, these guys are good at getting government grants (this latest one is worth a whopping $13.9 million in total), and they must doing something right because they are building on an existing program that must have been accountable and produced results in the past. Hey, if they are graduating people with skills in a complicated industry like aerospace, and helping Aboriginal people get permanent, good-paying jobs in one of Winnipeg's most stable labour markets, more power to them (see picture elsewhere in GRN).

And finally, about 200 students from Gordon Bell High School gathered on Portage Avenue at noon on Friday, Jan 23rd to yell "Gimme a G R E E N Gimme an S P A C E" and tell Canada Post that the large, one black square property which used to be Midway Chrysler would be better used as a sports field than a postal service outlet. The high school has been concrete bound since it opened 49 years ago but now has an historic chance to create a badly needed recreational facility right beside their classrooms along Canada's most famous freeway. This one is such a no-brainer, Grassroots News staff will lay across Portage Avenue during rush hour if the students don't get their way (well, at least the Editor will). Picture also appears in this edition of GRN.

Fort Chip cancer rates higher than expected: report

2009-02-07T22:41:00.004-07:00

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/edmonton/story/2009/02/06/edm-fort-chip-cancer.html

I believe the news and stories clearly show the position of the Government in relation to Aboriginal People

I had the good fortune to visit Fort Chipewyan many years ago. It is a very isolated mostly Aboriginal community in northeastern Alberta. If you were to consider a community that has been impacted by its’ environment – there is no greater place.

The community lies along the shore of Lake Athabasca. When I went there it was a terrain that had its’ own beauty but it came with many challenges. To give you a small glimpse of the community the hamlet of Fort Chipewyan has a small population – based on the 2006 census it had 915 people. The population in Fort Chipewyan and the surrounding area is largely made up of Cree First Nations, Chipewyan First Nations and Métis people.

The media yesterday through an Alberta Health report released alarming statistics in relation to the cancer rates of people living in this community. The Alberta report and the government is quick to say there is no proven ability to consider that this may be a result of their environment.

The Governments can look the other way – blame others and try to convince Americans of their clean oil but the people of Fort Chipewyan could tell you a story that started many years ago.

Lake Athabasca has one of the worlds largest fresh water deltas which receives water from the Peace River, Slave River and the Athabasca. The Peace Athabasca delta also has the designation of being the largest boreal delta in the world.

In 1968 a dam was built on the Peace River called the Bennett Dam. The flooding of the Finlay and Peace river valleys was a tragedy for the aboriginal people and the impacts were felt from the reservoir valleys through to Fort Chipewyan. In fact, late last fall one of the Aboriginal groups called the Kwadacha First Nation received a multi million dollar settlement for the damages that they endured as a result of the dam.

The Bennett Dam also caused the water levels in the Peace Athabasca Delta to significantly drop. BC Hydro has disputed that at different times but there has been different things attempted to try and raise the levels in the past which even include weirs.

The loss of water levels in the Delta has environmental effects on the Fort Chip people but it also has life style impacts. The people of Fort Chipewyan are dependent on the water way as a means of transportation throughout the summer and fall months of the year. It provides the community with a means to barge their supplies into the community and they also use it as a source of access to traditional food sources. When the delta water recedes the barges can not move. The boats can’t depend on it as a mode of transportation - they must rely on sustaining their lives on process foods that are preserved; they must rely on expensive transportation to bring in this less then ideal food source; they must use air travel to access the required medical services that they may need and mostly the issue of the delta is that it is one of the avenues of contaminating Lake Athabasca.

Then we start with the issue of the mining that has contaminated the water sources between Fort McMurray and Fort Chip. The tailing ponds that have been knowingly leaking and sending toxic recipes into the waterways both surface and subsurface. There have been times that notices have been sent out about warnings about the fish and wildlife source being less then healthy and that they should not be eating animals in certain areas.

I am also not indicating that the tar sands and dams are the only detriment to this community because on the north shore of lake Athabasca (Saskatchewan Side) there is the uranium mining and gold mining.

None of this is the entire story … there are the issues that there has been no investment of infrastructure to support the needs of the community in the area of education, health or programming. Often – even though many hear about the plentiful jobs available for the taking and opportunities galore – Fort Chip is to far away to benefit (you mostly must fly in and out of the community or if the waterway is open it is a 6 - 8 hour boat ride to Fort McMurray) but they are not far enough away not to be impacted.

Over the last several years the Aboriginal leaders in Fort Chipewyan have been raising the issue of the number of their family members that seemed to be contracting cancer. The death toll to cancer appeared to be higher based on what they knew and the forms of cancer were rare. In 2002/03 Dr. John O’Connor of Fort Chip began speaking out about the issues related to the patients he was working with. He was later put before a great deal of professional challenges by the Alberta Government for raising the alarm on the issue and the Alberta Government insisted that these allegations were unfounded. The Aboriginal people of Fort Chip were forced to do some of their own studies relating to the water and the fish to try and make the government take the allegations seriously. They found higher levels of various toxins in the fish, water and soil.

In the spring of 2006 - Dr. O'Connor wanted the oil industry to pay for health research that would explain the high rate and rarity of the cancers in the community. In May of 2008 the Alberta Government in partnership with Health Canada agreed to launch what they termed a "Comprehensive Review" that would have the results released in the fall of 2008.

Well here we are in the early part of 2009 and a report is released …. But comprehensive …. I would say not. Comprehensive would have had recommendations that clearly set the parameters of assessing responsibility. It would not have had the Government of Alberta still denying any environmental causes.

As Canadians we can all turn the other way – it is not our children, our elders and our community that is drinking the water – eating the food and suffering the consequences of our industrial greed. We watch governments work with industry to ignore the issues that are raised in relation to the on-going development without hesitation for the long term impacts of what this does. In fact, one of the Alberta Members of the Legislative Assembly said we should be happy that the industry is mining the oil because when he went on a site visit the stuff is just bubbling up and contaminating the water ways.

We must remember that many international and national corporations have been making billions of dollars in profits and as they try to tell you about their Community Responsibility and Relationships they would sooner look the other way and continue to ignore the facts.

The ERCB released new regulations on tailing ponds this week – this will not clean up the underground water and soil contamination that has gone on for decades.

All of this seems far too little far too late. And now…the saga continues as there is talk about another dam on the Peace River by Dunvegan. Industry keeps progressing and Aboriginal people are overlooked.

Mother by Nature - An interesting Blog

2009-02-07T13:42:00.002-07:00

Recently there has been media attention on New Brunswick about whether there should be the National Anthem in the School’s everyday because of its’ reference to God. Freedom of Religion within our charter would infer that Canada is a place where all religions are allowed to exist without imposing your religious beliefs on another. As an Aboriginal person living in Canada I do understand that the imposition of another’s values, beliefs and culture on ours has been the make up of many tragedies that Métis, First Nations and Inuit people are still dealing with today.

There is a blog called "Mother by Nature" that recently posted an item that I thought was interesting and had some very interesting views. I thought I would share it with all of you:

http://motherbynature.ca/2009/02/o-canada-thy-history-is-confused/

O Canada Thy History is Confused

So I was googling the lyrics to O Canada. Purely out of laziness, so I could just copy-paste and print instead of typing them out myself. I’m not hyper-patriotic or anything… in fact I think the recent hubbub about the New Brunswick elementary school that decided to stop singing the anthem every single day is just ridiculous. I mean, do we as adults sing the anthem every single day in our workplaces? Forcing kids to sing it in school every single day is not going to instill patriotism. At best, it produces boredom and annoyance, it stops having meaning and becomes a pointless ritual. At worst, it’s propaganda and indoctrination, pure and simple.

We should want to sing the anthem because we love our country, because we feel it to be a country worth being proud of. The cause and effect goes in that direction, not the other way around. We don’t come to love our country by singing the anthem!

Anyway, I still think it’s important that my kids know the anthem, and can sing it. So we’re going to start singing it together… maybe once a week. Maybe not that often. Whatever, just so that we learn it. And the history of it is quite interesting, so we’ll take a look at that too.

For instance, there’s the whole changing-of-the-lyrics thing. I found this great clip on youtube, which is a wax cylinder recording of a performance of the 1908 lyrics. These were not the first english lyrics, but they are the ones from which our current version eventually evolved.

Then I visited the official government heritage website detailing the history of the anthem. It was fascinating, except…

According to the listed history, a committee formed in 1967 recommended a version of the lyrics which are the ones we use today, adding “from far and wide” and “God keep our land” to replace two of the “we stand on guard” phrases.

But that did not match my memory.

I distinctly remember having to learn the new lyrics in elementary school, in the early 80s. I wasn’t even alive in 1967. What’s more, the lyrics that I remember having learnt first did not match the previous version as listed on the official website.

Leave it to wikipedia (www.wikipedia.org/) to clear it up for me.

In 1980, the song was (finally) officially adopted as our national anthem, with a revised set of lyrics.

The original 1908 lyrics went, from just before the ‘chorus’:

And stand on guard, O Canada, we stand on guard for thee,
O Canada, O Canada,O Canada, we stand on guard for thee
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee

The lyrics used until 1980 were:

And stand on guard, O Canada, we stand on guard for thee,
O Canada, glorious and free
We stand on guard, we stand on guard for thee
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee

Ahh… THAT’s what I remember. And THAT is not mentioned anywhere on the official heritage website! How confusing must our anthem’s history be, that even the government’s own history website does not get it right?

And of course, here is the version officially adopted in 1980 that we use today:

From far and wide, O Canada, we stand on guard for thee,
God keep our land glorious and free
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee

Even our modern version is not without controversy. Many Canadians object to the religious aspect of “God keep our land” — interestingly, that was one of the lines added later, and was never in the original.

There is also objection to the “In all thy sons command” line, as it is gender-exclusive. Before you go thinking “oh that’s just overly PC, we should keep it the way it is for history and tradition’s sake” — you should know that this was also not part of the original. The original line, as you can hear in the youtube clip, was “Thou dost in us command,” which was changed to the “sons” line in a 1914 revision. Considering that at that time in our history, bills proposing women’s suffrage and property rights were still being defeated in some parts of the country, it is not unreasonable to interpret this as a sexist sentiment, that women are not capable of “true patriot love.”

A proposed modern alternative is “In all of us command.” I could live with that.

The other line that raises hackles is “Our home and native land,” and this one has always bothered me. The issue is simply that this is not the ‘native land’ of all Canadian citizens. Not only is it not true for more recent immigrants, but the vast majority of the Canadian population is descended from immigrants. This is only truly “native land” for the aboriginal populations, and it’s quite offensive IMO for us white folk to loudly proclaim that this is OUR native land, after everything we’ve done to the aboriginal peoples.

In fact, when I sing this line, I make a subtle change in my head. I don’t change the words, just the meaning. This is “our home”, but we are living on “native land.”

Being President can get your children in the headlines when things go wrong....

2009-02-05T08:03:00.002-07:00

In Today's Winnipeg Sun:

http://www.winnipegsun.com/news/manitoba/2009/02/05/8271316-sun.html

The son of Manitoba Metis Federation president David Chartrand has been sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to a series of drug-fuelled break-ins and robberies.

At a sentencing hearing Tuesday, Judge Heather Pullan gave Christopher Guiboche, 24, double credit of two years for time already served, reducing his remaining sentence to one year.

Guiboche was arrested Oct. 30, 2007 after police spotted him on the roof of a Regent Avenue liquor commission, the lookout during an attempted break-in.

He was released on a promise to appear, only to be re-arrested two weeks later after robbing a North End bingo hall.

Court heard Guiboche threatened a volunteer with a pellet gun before making off with $1,000 cash.

RETURNED TO CUSTODY

Guiboche was released on bail the following January but was returned to custody three months later when his father reported he was continuing to use crack.

During an interview with police, Guiboche confessed to breaking in to the MMF'S Henry Street office on Oct. 20, 2007 and stealing $1,400 from a bank machine.

Guiboche was previously employed as a security officer at the building but was fired after he repeatedly showed up drunk for work.

"He knows he has disappointed his father and he knows he has disappointed his community," said defence lawyer Lisa Labossiere.

Chartrand described his son as a "kind, hard-working, compassionate boy" driven to crime by his addiction to drugs, Labossiere said.

"He did not know who his son was. His son was a different person."

Pullan rejected a defence request Guiboche be sentenced to time served, saying he has shown no evidence he is ready to abide by probation conditions.

After being released by police following his first arrest, Guiboche's behaviour "escalated to a shocking extent," Pullan said.

"The degree of brazenness for a man just released for a break-in is alarming."