Metis News and Stuff: May 2006

Monday, May 29, 2006

Metis Students Feel The Effect Of Election Scandal

Seven hundred Metis students in Saskatchewan went for a week without money from the federal government for their education and job training.
And some say they fear their future funding could be in jeopardy since Metis Education and Training of Saskatchewan Inc. (METSI) lost its federal government funding due to political instability in the Metis Nation-Saskatchewan (MNS).
"My schooling came to a complete and utter halt. I'm still sitting at home, waiting to go back to school," said Trina Miller, 32, a single mother of four from North Battleford. Miller, who is in SIAST's commercial aviation program in Saskatoon, couldn't pay her tuition in time to begin the flying part of her course.
METSI, an agency of the MNS, administered about $10.5 million a year from the federal government to sponsor 700 Metis students for education and workplace training. On May 16, METSI found out its contract with the federal government, which expired March 31, would not be renewed.
"Service Canada did not renew the contract with MNS/METSI due to the risk associated with a history of financial irregularities, ongoing MNS/METSI police investigations and previous criminal convictions," said Normand Bergerson, spokesperson from Service Canada, a federal agency that provided METSI's funding.
Service Canada has established an interim agreement with Deloitte & Touche to continue to fund students currently enrolled in training, but the cheques arrived a week late during the transition period.
"I missed two days of school because I didn't have enough gas and I wasn't able to bring my daughter to day care because I wasn't able to pay on time," said Christina Gobeil, 27, who is taking food and nutrition management at SIAST in Saskatoon.
Service Canada is looking for another organization to oversee the provision of the education and work programs for Metis students in Saskatchewan, Bergeron said. It will put out a call for proposals to select a replacement for METSI.
Students such as Gobeil and Miller hope the issue is quickly resolved.
"I agreed to all set requirements. I haven't missed a single day, I haven't been late for school once . . . and I'm in the top third of my class academically," Miller said. "We're not asking for a handout, we're asking for a hand up. We want the opportunity to help ourselves."
The MNS has been under close scrutiny since the uncertainty of its 2004 election results. Several people involved were charged with fraud, while two have pleaded guilty to tampering with ballots.
samacdonald@sp.canwest.com

British Columbia Metis Reach Agreement In Principle

VICTORIA -B.C.'s Metis people have a new legislative assembly and senate, and now an agreement in principle with the provincial government to extend the national deal signed last November in Kelowna.
The Metis Nation British Columbia, representing an estimated 40,000 people in B.C., signed a "r

elationship accord" Friday with B.C. Aboriginal Relations Minister Tom Christensen. While it contains no specific financial commitment from the province, the accord commits both sides to achieve results in improving health care, housing, education, employment, Metis identification and data collection.
Bruce Dumont, president of the Metis Nation British Columbia, said the agreement is an important symbol for a group that has historically had little public recognition.
Provincial Metis representatives met in Richmond this past March to establish a new legislative group called the Metis Nation Governing Assembly, complete with a speaker and a senate that will play a ceremonial role.

Rickey Williams, The Bombers and Troy Westwood

The Canadian Football League, which has no mandatory drug testing, has become a haven for those seeking another chance

after failing the NFL`s drug tests.
The Toronto Argonauts, for example, have signed Rickey Williams, the Miami Dolphins star running back who failed four NFL drug tests to a one year contract. The Canadian team`s roster has a total of 14 former NFL Draft choices.
'Maybe we have had more high-profile players than other teams, and maybe it has shed a little more media attention our way,' Greg Mohns, the Argonauts` director of player personnel, told the newspaper. 'But this league has always been about giving guys a second chance.'
One player told the Times that without the CFL, he would probably be working a warehouse job or even doing something illegal. He now earns about $50,000 per season, has five children and is thankful for the chance to rebuild his life.
In the case of Rickey Williams, the Argonauts feel he would make them an instant favorite to win the league`s championship, the Grey Cup, the report said.
Some in the Canadian media have criticized CFL teams for signing up players with substance abuse problems.

I have no problem with a guy getting a second, third or fourth chance, but I sure hope Williams decides to keep his pot smoking out of the glaring eyes of the media. We have our own failed drug tester here in Winnipeg. Onterrio Smith was suspended by the Minnesota Vikings last year for carrying a "Whizzinator" onto a plane. The item is used to fool the drug testing process. With the word "whizz" in the mix, one could easily determine how Onterrio planned to beat a drug test..lol. I am a recovering alcoholic, during the years that I was drinking the message relayed constantly to my children was that drinking was not a good thing, the two players can do the same with fans....I too was in that "denia

l' phase for years. The presence of these two players and other known reformed addicts that play in the Canadian Football league create a unique and unenviable position for the owners of the clubs. The CFL could restore some of the tarnished drug image they are currently experiencing by simply sending Williams and Smith into the respective communities to speak to youngsters on the evils of drugs. "Over the past year, I have grown so much as a man as far as taking on more responsibility with my kids and becoming a family guy and having sit-downs with my mom and my grandmother, and trying to stay out of the limelight," Smith told the Free Press. "I took things for granted and kind of lost my hunger along the way. "I figured out football is what I want to do and this is my life, and I'm going to push at it for however long as I can." have they quit smoking pot who knows and really cares ?? Just don't spread their pro-pot message to the impressionable youth and I think everyone will just enjoy the playing ability of these two extremely gifted athletes......1,800-2,000 yards rushing by both of them and most of Toronto and Winnipeg will be praising the efforts of the general managers of both teams......Arena Football Just Don't Cut it.....Only a few more weeks and the CFL football season will commence !!! The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have upgraded the talent in the secondary and have benefited greatly with the Ottawa Roughrider dispersal draft. GM Brendan taman is trying everything to save his job by taking a more hands on approach to everything on and off the field. . the Bombers WILL make the playoffs this year. I make a bold prediction of a 10 win season and a playoff berth for the Blue and Gold...no I haven't smoked anything today...lol......Bomber kicker Troy Westwood is heading into what might be his final year of his illustrious career and should have no problem retaining his job. Westwood's career in music has been skyrocketing and he has discussed the possibility of retirement in favor of a full-time mu

sic career. I wish Troy the best in whatever he decides. This man is a quiet, albeit classy member of our proud team and sure bet for a future hall of fame induction. I did a gig with Westwood last year and I can say this guy keeps it "real"......Watch out for Andrae Thurmon, ex Green Bay Packer, this guy showed flashes of brilliance in the National football league and the team' offensive production will only improve with this guy. Winnipeg's first pre-season game is this Friday June 3rd, when the Montreal Alouettes come for a visit.....Personal Note....... My sons Derek and Joseph are playing for the Kildonan East footbal club this year. The Kildonan team is an expansion franchise in the Winnipeg High School Football league. my sons are in their 3rd year of organized football.

Friday, May 26, 2006

Chief Electoral Office Responds To Metis News And Stuff

Brian Anderson of the Manitoba Metis Federation Electoral Office has given me the reasons for the dismissal of the challenges to candidates Dave Chartrand and Alan Fourre right to run. The Dumont challenge was not accepted due to late filing of the challenge. He states the document had to be filed by the 19th of May as opposed to the 21st. Mr Charette filed his challenge too late. Any issues that relate to Glorian Yakiwchuk and Priority Financial, are now relegated to future Presidential debates.
In regards to the Fourre challenge, the CEO assistant tells me that Mr Fourre did indeed owe money, but the travel monies were owed to The Pas region, not the Manitoba Metis Federation Inc. Thereby nullifying the challenge by the person who still remains anonymous. The police investigation is of no concern to the CEO, nor should it be. The office did its job by denying the Fourre challenge.

8 Ontario Metis Harvesters Convicted and Fined

THUNDER BAY - Seven men and one woman, who claimed Métis harvesting rights, have been fined over $10,000 after being convicted of illegal hunting or fishing in five separate cases
.In the first case, Yvon Beaudry, 60, and his two sons David Beaudry, 34, and Dean Beaudry, 30, all of Longlac, were fined a total of $7,800. Each man was convicted of possession of an unlawfully hunted cow and bull moose.
The father was fined $300 for each count and the sons were fined $1,200 for each count.
Dean Beaudry was fined $1,300 and David Beaudry was fined $1,000 for making a false statement to a conservation officer. The brothers have been banned from hunting for two years.In the second case, Mark Roy, 30, of Red Rock, was fined $100 for failing to have his hunting licence on his person while moose hunting In the third case,
Shawna Ducharme, 36, of Longlac, was fined $600. for killing a cow moose without a licence.
Her brother, Richard Ducharme, 33, of Longlac, was fined $100 for possessing meat that his sister had shot without a licence.
In the fourth case, Harold Hein, 81, of Orient Bay, was fined $1,000 for shooting a cow moose without a licence.
In the fifth case, Gunnar Hult, 57, of Hurkett, was fined $405 for possessing 16 walleye over the limit.
In January last, court heard that on May 24, 2001, acting on complaints from the public, conservation officers conducted a search warrant of Hult's home and found the over limit of fish.In all cases, the moose and walleye were forfeited to the Crown.Although all of the defendants were members of the Ontario Métis Aboriginal Association, the court determined that this alone was insufficient to assert Aboriginal rights.On March 1, 2006, court determined that none of the eight defendants met the Powley tests for Métis harvesting rights, as required by the Supreme Court of Canada ruling of R. v. Powley.The Supreme Court set out a test that must be satisfied for a Métis claimant to prove harvesting rights.
"This test includes the requirement that a claimant demonstrate membership in a contemporary Métis community that has a distinctive collective identity associated with the Métis culture and which has people living together in the same geographic area and sharing a common way of life. This contemporary community must have continuity with an historic Métis community that came into existence in a geographic area prior to effective European control in the area, which is a date that can change from place to place across the province.Individual membership in a Métis community is based on self-identification, an ancestral connection to the historic Métis community and proof of community acceptance demonstrated by solid bond, past and present, to the community. Membership in a Métis political organization may not, in and of itself, be sufficient.Only those customs or practices that are integral to the distinctive historic and present day culture of the Métis community are protected rights and site specific aboriginal rights can only be exercised in the geographic area associated with the community."

Thursday, May 25, 2006

Aboriginal Musicians Association Helping With The MMF Election

Well, there is only just over a week to get your tickets to Randy Delaronde's fundraising bash. Metis and First Nation artists from all over Manitoba will be aiding the democratic process by donating their time and talents. The list of entertainers is impressive. Award winner Rayne Delaronde, Charlie McIvor, Former No 1 artist, Lucien Spence, Sierra Noble and so many more. It has been my pleasure, in my capacity as president of the AMA, to help get together, all of these musicians into one venue for one night. Cash bar and the party starts at 6:00 pm saturday June 3rd. See you all there !!! To all the artists who have chosen to get involved in the election process. A huge thank you in advance.

Fisher River Career Day

Thanks to the staff and students of Charles Sinclair School of Fisher River Manitoba for asking myself and my band, Chances R, to participate in your career day. Kevin Murdoch and the crew were super hosts and the youth responded wonderfully to our country/rock style. There was a jigging contest and it was great to see the number of participants. It was a pleasure to talk to the students and relate to them the ups and downs of choosing a career in music. Thank you to Paul Petkau for the pics.I have some more but I can't get them downloaded right now. Below is Gary Mousseau, Dave Choken and myself. Drummer Ray Mousseau is in the background.

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Johnny Cash is still a hit in Fisher River too...that movie " I Walk The Line" has done wonders to aid in Johnny' renewed appeal to youth. Every venue we perform at, the crowd loves Johnny songs more than ever.

Friday, May 19, 2006

Link to Dumont's Website Available

I have added Yvon's website to my links, just click on and you will be able to read the platform of our next Manitoba Metis Federation President. The Honourable Mr. Dumont will be hosting his official campaign kick-off on May 23, at 7:00pm. The kick-off will take place at Dumont campaign headquarters, 615 Selkirk Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba. For more info, you can call 589 6502. In talks with other voters this week, it seems Yvon has got support of many of the so called heavy hitters in the Metis community. You can also expect to run into Winnipeg region Vice President candidate, Ron Chartrand at this shindig. Ron and Yvon will make a formidable team, once elected. I believe Randy Delaronde will also be in attendance. Delaronde is a staunch Dumont allie, and he should prove to be effective representative in the board room. Randy is running for board member Winnipeg region and his fundraiser-social is only a few days away...Rayne Delaronde, Lucien Spence, Sierra Noble and myself are just a few of the performers who have taken an interest in the election and have chosen to help out Randy with his social. All artists are doing the gig pro-bono, and we encourage you to contact Delaronde @ 998 3807 for tickets. Social is June 3rd, the tickets are 10.00 dollars....

Monday, May 15, 2006

Unofficial List Of Candidates For Manitoba Metis Federation Elections

Well, Here it is...look it over, and feel free to comment.

Manitoba Metis Federation Inc.

Office of the Chief Electoral Officer
P.O. Box 225 RPO Corydon
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3M 3S7
Phone: 896-4141 · Fax: 896-4142

Toll Free: 1-866-841-7788

Mr. Alvin Zivot, Q.C.
2006 ELECTION
UNOFFICIAL
LIST OF CANDIDATES

The following information is unofficial. Official results will follow shortly.

Presidential Candidates

Chartrand David Provincial President
Dumont Yvon Provincial President

WINNIPEG REGION
Vice Presidential Candidates

Last Name: First Name: Region: Position:
Carrier Andrew Winnipeg Vice President
Chartrand Ron Winnipeg Vice President
Normand Brian Winnipeg Vice President
Sanderson Nelson Winnipeg Vice President

Board of Director Candidates

Last Name: First Name: Region: Position:
Anderson Jess Winnipeg Board Member
Delaronde Dina Winnipeg Board Member
Delaronde Randy Winnipeg Board Member
Engel Carla Winnipeg Board Member
McQuade Louise Winnipeg Board Member
Richard Justin Winnipeg Board Member
Riddle Claire Winnipeg Board Member

SOUTHWEST REGION

Vice Presidential Candidates

Last Name: First Name: Region: Position:
LaPlante Leah Southwest Vice President
McIntyre Leona Southwest Vice President

Board of Director Candidates

Last Name: First Name: Region: Position:
Fleury John Southwest Board Member
Goodon Will Southwest Board Member
Leforte Ken Southwest Board Member
Pelletier George Southwest Board Member

SOUTHEAST REGION

Vice Presidential Candidates

Thomas Denise Southeast Vice President

Board of Director Candidates

Last Name: First Name: Region: Position:
Desrosiers Jean Southeast Board Member
Nault Marielee Southeast Board Member
Simard Morley Southeast Board Member

INTERLAKE REGION

Vice Presidential Candidates

Last Name: First Name: Region: Position:
Buors Jerry Interlake Vice President
Chartrand Carl Interlake Vice President
Fewchuk Ronald Interlake Vice President
Flett William Interlake Vice President

Board of Director Candidates

Last Name: First Name: Region: Position:
Fleury Eugene Interlake Board Member
Gaudry Robert Interlake Board Member
Laroque Pat Interlake Board Member
Marentette Belinda Interlake Board Member
Park John (Jack) Interlake Board Member

NORTHWEST REGION

Vice Presidential Candidates

Last Name: First Name: Region: Position:
Beer Charles Northwest Vice President
Chartrand Elbert Northwest Vice President

Board of Director Candidates
:
Deslauriers Darrel Northwest Board Member
Guiboche Jr. Leon Dale Northwest Board Member
McIntyre Bonnie Northwest Board Member
Parenteau John Northwest Board Member
Veito Annette Northwest Board Member
Vermeylen Charles Northwest Board Member

THE PAS REGION

Vice Presidential Candidates

Mayer Judy The Pas Vice President

Board of Director Candidates

Bulycz Dennis The Pas Board Member
Dewar Louise The Pas Board Member
Ferland Darral The Pas Board Member
Fourre Allan The Pas Board Member
Genaille Joyce The Pas Board Member
Hanson Melvin The Pas Board Member
Hyrich Laura The Pas Board Member
Stephen Kim The Pas Board Member

THOMPSON REGION

Vice Presidential Candidates

Lagimodiere Julyda Thompson Vice President

Board of Director Candidates

Campbell Anita Thompson Board Member
Charrier Ed Thompson Board Member

Doug Flutie Retires

I knew this day was coming but I still don't have to like it...lol. Flutie was the most exciting quarterback ever to play in the CFL as far as I m concerned....and who can ever forget the Boston College hail mary pass. Thanks for the memories Doug.

Here is a story taken from AP:

"To finish up [my career] by getting back here [in New England] is very special," Flutie said at a news conference at Gillette Stadium.
Flutie, who played three seasons with the Patriots in the late 1980s, signed a one-year contract with the team on April 29, 2005, just weeks after being released by the San Diego Chargers.
He completed five of 10 passes for 29 yards this past season and converted the National Football League's first drop-kick for an extra point since the 1941 title game.
The former Boston College star finished his 12-year NFL career with 14,715 passing yards and 86 touchdowns.
Flutie, 43, is also one of only seven players in professional football to throw for more than 50,000 yards, having amassed 58,179.
His next challenge will come in broadcasting as Flutie has agreed to become a college football analyst with ABC and ESPN. He'll work in the ABC studio during Saturday's college football games and on ESPN studio shows. Flutie could also be a game analyst.
As recently as a month ago, Flutie told his brother a couple of CFL teams were still interested in his services.
Last spring, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL offered Flutie and is brother - a former Ticats receiver - one-year deals, but Flutie wanted to remain close to his home in Natick, Mass.
Drafted by the NFL's Los Angeles Rams in the 11th round in 1985, Flutie chose to play for the United States Football League's New Jersey Generals.
When that league folded, the Rams traded him to Chicago, where he played five games for the Bears in 1986.
A year later, Flutie was dealt to New England for a ninth-rounder in the 1988 draft.
He played three seasons for the Patriots before joining the British Columbia Lions in 1990. Flutie spent the next eight years in the CFL with B.C., Calgary and Toronto.
He is perhaps the greatest quarterback to play Canadian football, winning six most outstanding player awards.
"His accomplishments up there are more than legendary," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said of Flutie.
The five-foot-10-inch pivot also was named the most valuable player in each of his three Grey Cup victories with the Calgary Stampeders (1992) and Toronto Argonauts (1996 and '97).
"Like some of us," said Robert Kraft, the Patriots diminutive owner, "he was vertically challenged and he never let it slow him down."
Flutie is also well known for his "Hail Mary" pass that helped him win the 1984 Heisman Trophy as the best U.S. college player in the game.

Sunday, May 14, 2006

Yvon Dumont Outlines Complete MMF Election Platform

"Unity is crucial, but in order to build unity we need to be accountable and transparent as an organization, to gain the trust of the people we represent.” Yvon Dumont.

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That quote from the former Lieutenant-Govenor of Manitoba is priceless. Over at www.cybersmokeblog.blogspot.com , Clare Pieuk has been doing a super job covering the election, MMF lawsuits and other Metis news items. Today he has posted Yvon's entire platform, I urge all readers to visit the site and read the vision Yvon has for our people. I particularly support the references to an ombudsman department, housing issues, prescription access for the elderly, the arts, a strong commitment to strengthen the regions by decentralizing services currently administered by head office and giving the regions flexibility to make their own decisions.

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Happy Mothers Day to my mom, my wife Della, I love you both very much. To all mothers everywhere. You are all the pillars of the family. Happy Mothers Day !!

This Della and I at the AMA Gala

Friday, May 12, 2006

Friday Four Posts...First One Is Short and To The Point

Thank you to the readers who are letting me know that Murray Trachtenberg and his boys are monitoring my site....I knew this when the police showed me a photocopied story I had written. Trachtenberg is the lawyer alledgedly earning in excess of $150,000 suing 3 Metis people...all at MMF expense. I hope the squandering of Metis money comes to complete stop after June 29th. How much have you and your crew made off us thus far ?? I know your out there, leave the cash numbers info in a comment form. Thanks Murray. That smile your showing....was that pic taken right after you got an MMF cheque ?? Just asking.

Randy Delaronde Campaign Fundraiser

The Aboriginal Musician's Association is pleased to say that we have become a part of the upcoming Manitoba Metis Federation election excitement. Randy Delaronde and his campaign team have organized a fundraising effort to aid in his ability to advertise etc. The AMA is pleased to be involved with this endeavor, and will are making available many of the artists currently represented by the association. I will state for the record that I support Randy in his attempt to win one of the two available board positions in Winnipeg. I do not speak for the AMA members, as I have only stressed the need for all members to get involved in the process. The AMA will be showcasing its' many fabulous artists during this event that will be held June 3rd, at the Indian and Metis Friendship Centre, 45 Robinson St, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Tickets are $ 10.00 and can be obtained by calling Randy @ 204 998 3807. The AMA Gala was a super success and you can expect more of the same high quality entertainment that evening.

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Saskatchewan Metis Nation Election Scandal Continues

Another person is now charged, as a result of scandal-plagued 2004 election of the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan.
Karen Lennie, 31, of North Battleford is charged with one count of forgery.
There have now been 10 people charged, since the investigation began almost a year-and-a-half half ago. Two have already pleaded guilty, and been sentenced, while another has had charges stayed.
RCMP are still investigating.

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This story just seems to get bigger by the week. President of the Saskatchewan Metis Nation Dwayne Roth, resigned last week, now this...the investigation continues ?? Wow. Funding has been cut off, except for the service delivery agreements. The Saskatchewan Metis go to the polls in the fall and hopefully things will straighten out with a new leader. We Metis in Manitoba must take great interest in all aspects of our election process to insure a situation such as is unfolding in Saskatchewan, can never occur here.

Courtroom Battle For Metis Hunting Rights Under Way

A Metis man on trial for hunting without a licence said it is "shameful" the province is fighting his right to hunt at a time when the Supreme Court appears to have entrenched it.
"The province h

as to follow the laws of the country and recognize our rights as other jurisdictions have," Will Goodon said yesterday, the first day of his month-long trial in Brandon.
Goodon was charged Oct. 20, 2004, under the Wildlife Act for hunting a duck near his family's farm. He was unlicensed and had only his harvester card, a document issued by the Manitoba Metis Federation.
The federation started issuing harvester cards to its members following a 2003 Supreme Court ruling that members of certain Metis communities in Ontario had a right to hunt and fish for food without a licence.

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Here is some background into Mr Goodon's case;

In October 2004, Will Goodon, a Manitoba Metis, walked into a provincial conservation office to discuss Metis hunting rights, produced a duck that he admitted to shooting, and was promptly charged with possession of a migratory bird without a provincial license.The event was part of a plan to bring to a head the issue of Metis hunting or harvesting rights in Manitoba, and to challenge the Manitoba government's authority to determine who is Metis. When Goodon went into the conversation office, he said he was intending to discuss the discrepancy between what's being said and what being done by conservation officers, which is to charge Metis who had a harvester's card but no provincial license."I went into the office and after our discussion I asked 'What if I had a duck in the back of my truck, would I be charged?'" said Goodon.The conservation officer told Goodon he would be charged, so he said, 'Let's get this over with,' and went to the truck and got his duck. Goodon then called MMF President David Chartrand, who had pledged to help any Metis charged with illegal hunting while in possession of a harvester card.

Thursday, May 04, 2006

Winnpeg Police Wrap Up MMF Investigation, MMF Election Poll

Winnipeg Police Media relations department spokesman Kelly Dennison, has stated the Commercial crimes unit have concluded the MMF alledegd stolen document case. There have been phone calls made to the commercial crimes division and the media relations dept. in the attempt to

find out what the police departments exact take is on the "mystery mail" story. To recap; http://www.metisvoices.com/content/view/37/1/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=299&Itemid=1
I get no response when I try to find out what the heck this was all about. I get no answers. Paul Turrenne of the Winnipeg Sun was kind enough to try to get to the bottom of the story but was also told the same thing. the case is concluded...end of comment.
The documents in question detailed payouts to Glorian Yakiwchuk, who is known to be President David Chartrand's live-in love interest. In excess of 19,000 severance pay..as political adviso

r; $ 2,000 pre-employment counselling cash ?? Document indicating the record of Employment only stated $ 1,800 filed to the government. I have read these papers and can confirm their contents.
The same day the story was published in th Winnipeg Sun, MMF President, David Chartrand went into a 4-5 minute name-calling rant, never once commenting on the documents' contents.. The police visited and took papers from me....I should be able to know why. President Chartrand mentioned stolen documents...this has to be clarified for future litigation possibilities. Defamation of character on a censored radio show is not tolerated in a democratic society or by the CRTC.
There is also rumors of persons being caught going through files. www.cybersmokeblog.blogspot.com Metis federation members deserve to know. Dave....don't just attack the bloggers with meaningless rhetoric.
MMF Election Poll..........Yvon Dumont or David Chartrand for President....Board Member reps from all regions....you make the call and suggestions......So far Winnipeg region VP Ron Chartrand has announced his intention to seek re-election...any other VP hopefuls out there ??? Please participate in the Poll.
IP Identification....A person writes to ask if I have any way of identifying the commentors...once again NO !!! Even if you wish to share your comment or vote by phone you can 204 995 9467 or 283 4575

Metis Nation Of Saskatchewan President, Resigns

The beleaguered head of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan is resigning.
Dwayne Roth, who was elected president of the organization in a controversial 2004 election, said Thursday he's stepping down.
"I have been planning my resignation for a number of weeks," Roth said in a news release. "I have stayed for as long as possible without salary and I can no longer afford to remain."
Roth suggests a deal has been worked out with the federal and provincial governments for a new Métis election to be held as early as fall.
The May 2004 election was called into question after numerous voting irregularities surfaced. Since then, there have been repeated calls for Roth's resignation.
Several people have been convicted of voter fraud and ballot forging. The government has also cut off funding to the MNS.Roth said he hasn't decided if he'll run in the next election. "I must first find gainful employment and get my personal finances in order before making that decision," he said. source; www.cbc.ca and www.metisvoices.com

Vice-President Ron Chartrand To Seek Re-Election

The only MMF board member to not vote in favor of sueing one of his own people has chosen his course. Current Manitoba Metis Federation Vice-President of Winnipeg Region has announced his intention to seek re-election. Ron Chartrand who has been a tireless advocate on behalf of the Metis Nation, and the only board member not to approve the Cybersmokesignals lawsuit filed by the MMF. I am in agreeance with Ron on this issue. Terry Belhumeur, Vanessa Everton and Clare Pieuk have been subjected to a frivilous suit and I trust the new leader and administration will right this wrong. V.P. Chartrand also told Metis news and Stuff that he intends to continue in his efforts to raise the profile and opportunities for all Metis people.
Ron and his 2 member board have done wonders working within extremely difficult political situations. I will state that there has been proactive personnel changes made to the local management board. These new appointees are fresh faces and have made their presence known. Previous proposals put forth to the LMB by Winnipeg region were not always received well. My hats off to the new and progressive local management board.
Ron Chartrand has also been an constant advocate for sports and recreation programs for our youth. Ron is co-chairman of the Manitoba Aboriginal Sports and Recreation Association. Mr. Chartrand has represented Metis in the city with class and honor. This fella is certainly the front runner and favorite to retain the Winnipeg Region Vice-President position.

Aboriginal Music Awards Important Announcement

The Indian Summer Music Awards Festival deadline for submissions has been extended to May 18, 2006. ALL your material MUST arrive at their office by MAY 18, 2006.
DEADLINE: May 18, 2006

MAILING ADDRESS:
Indian Summer Festivals Attention: ISMA 10809 W Lincoln Ave #101 West Allis, WI 53227

COST: $25 (US) per category

The Nomination Form is available on the MARIA website. Please feel free to contact me if you need any help.
Thanks,

Alan GreyeyesAboriginal Music Program Coordinator
Manitoba Audio Recording Industry Association
1-376 Donald Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3B 2J2Tel: (204) 975-0284Fax: (204) 942-6083
Email: alan@manitobamusic.com
Web: www.manitobamusic.com

Metis News and Stuff