Metis News and Stuff: January 2008

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Trapper's Tavern, Thompson's Hottest Nightclub

Quick plug here for my friends over at The Trapper's Tavern located in the heart of downtown Thompson, Manitoba. This place is definitely TH

E place to be on the weekends in the Nickel City, as manager Toby Laviolette and his staff have created an entertainment hotbed in the north. The place has great rooms, service and you c

an catch the finest club bands from all over the province Thursday to Saturday nights. Chances R have made this club a "must do" on our schedule....one of the most enjoyable regular gigs on our list. You gotta love the beverage room's ambiance...the walls are adorned with approximately 40 moose heads on the wall. The one that caught my eye, was the moose rack made into a chair !!
The Adventures North dining room features the finest angus beef in Thompson and you can

get in on the Super Bowl action at the club this weekend, as Toby is putting on the feed bag and the fun for this weekend's tilt...here's a promo for Eli and the Giants kinda sappy, but what the heck....Super Bowl ;The start of the MannING Dynasty.
This weekend, from Winnipeg...The Fabulous Fat Band ; MySpace.com - Jules

New Faces Needed In Metis Leadership

Metis Bare Facts has posted an article you have to check out ;
The weather is cold and the time has come for stay...
A lot of great insight into the inner workings of the Metis National Council. MBF also asks the question ;
Where are all the up and coming young Metis leadership hopefuls ??

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Tuesday Thoughts

I heard it three times yesterday....this is the calm before the storm. I was waiting and watching last night and got up this morning to see next to nothing for snow accumulation. The wind is pretty bad, but nothing that a hardy Winnipegger can't handle. Rural areas and highways have taken a hit, but in the city, all is windy andwell.
The Kelvin community centre is first and foremost on my mind today. No, I don't feel the need to save the aging building, the reason Kelvin was on my thoughts was this ; Incorrectly targeted home invasion lead police to grow op.
This particular home invasion was the reason we moved from the area where we once lived. My family was also subjected to the terror and violence of a home invasion the cause ? A group of people getting the wrong address. The emotional scars are there forever. The reason I bring up Kelvin in relation to the home invasion, was these three youth who targeted the wrong home on McLeod, all came from the North Kildonan area, an area where extra curricular activities for children are aplenty. In this area of EK we have Chalmers Rec centre, Valley Gardens centre, Gateway C.C. Bronx Park, East end resource Centre, Youth for Christ centre, the renovated YMCA. In addition, there are many other reputable sport clubs/programs in the EK-Elmwood vicinity. Losing Kelvin C.C. would be a blow to the area, but there are many other centres to choose from. Chalmers C.C. is only a 10 minute walk from Kelvin.
These clubs have always been there yet, why would three young kids with the world at their feet, decide to break into a house to steal pot ? One of kids charged in the EK home invasion reportedly live in the Eaglemere district where houses are worth over $ 200,000 !! There is even a 50 member Facebook page dedicated to freeing one of the accused home invaders !!
So is saving a Community centre the do all end all for the problems plaguing our youth and the law abiding citizens ?? No. More parental attention to a childs extra curricular activities would be a start. I will state strongly that all the community centres in the world cannot supplant a parents influence as the strongest form of guidance a child will have.
So to Ron Chartrand and The Manitoba Metis Federation ; Instead of hiring buses to take the EK area kids to St. Norbert (less C.C s there) just to piss off a city councillor, listen to parents who don't have the wherewithal to send their kids to sports programs........maybe you should open up your budget to kids who wish to join a sports club or a league. The transporting to the areas that are foreign to them, is no help whatsoever to the problems our disadvantaged Metis kids are going through. Would transporting the kids to St.Norbert or Charleswood bring that sense of community to our youth, or put an end to the senseless crime that is plaguing our city ?? I know my Metis kids wouldn't be interested.
It's not that there is a lack of programming or things for our kids to do; Can most afford the fees and costs associated with sports and recreation ? That is the issue,and that is what the MMF should focus itself on. Case in point : I'm still awaiting a response from the MMFs youth dept. for football fees for my son, a whopping $350.00. Six months still no answer, yet they are willing to squander money to rent buses. The clubs in E.K. are there MMF, just put your money where your rhetoric is.......place more resources into helping kids participate in arts programming and sports. The $ 100,000 you might spend busing the youth, can be better utilized to buy sports/arts supplies or to help lessen the cost to join a C.C. sports team.........Oh yeah, oh yeah !!........The New England Patriots are only one more win away from perfection. The Super bowl is only days away and this New England-New York Giants matchup should prove closer that the sports pundits are predicting. I say a 35-27 Patriot win. What to watch once football season ends ?? wahhh !!.......Heard MMF CEO David Chartrand briefly during the Metis Hour X Two broadcast last weekend and he is still railing on the Winnipeg city councillors that voted against the MMFs proposal....get over it Davey and put the cash into the children's future, not buses. I'm sure the Indian and Metis Friendship centre could use the resources. Chartrand also put out word that the Metis Nation of Alberta will see more challenges before the MNC election takes place in February.....Look out Audrey, here comes David, Rick and Trevor !!......this from deposed MMF board of director Darrel Deslaurier ; Glorian Yakiwchuk was paid a salary of $ 60,000 to act as the Manitoba's provincial health liaison for the Metis National Council...who is Glorian you wonder ?? Why, none other than the health portfolio minister's girlfriend. Who was the health minster ? Who else but old Davey. It nauseates me to see nepotism alive and well within the MMF corp.......MMF democracy update ; over two months now and still no official word on Deslauriers dismissal as well.......Deslaurier will take up some more space here......He stated that in his position as Chair of the housing portfolio, he was not made privy to any of the discussions or planning regarding the Manitoba funded program involving the construction of ten houses in rural Manitoba. The MMF was granted almost $ 1,000,000 for this initiative. Deslaurier states that he believes three people draw a salary from that fund and those include Don Roulette, Lloyd Pelletier (former MMF housing dept. manager) and Aurele Dumont. Pelletier's sons have received house building contracts from the fund. I have tried to find an article on the MMFs website that details this housing plan, to no avail. These ten houses are apparently shrouded in secrecy. Deslaurier said earlier last week that 250-300 Community housing manger corporation housing stock, sit empty. Where then where is the need for these 10 units ? A call has been placed to various NDP MLAs and an update should be forthcoming. Deslaurier has attempted to have his concerns heard through Stan Struthers but as of yesterday he has received no return call.........There are now 668 comments that have gone unpublished...why ?? Some of the comments tell of marital infidelity and personal details regarding MMF officials. This is not TMZ you know........The Conservatives are losing polling points recently and unless Prime Minister Harper opens up the lines of communication regarding the media and the public, the numbers might go down. There was the kerfuffle over the Afghan detainees recently and yesterday, I believe the Prime Minister took all those concerns into account and was up front about the detainees situation. I must reiterate that the public does have a need and a right to know what happens regarding government policy and taxpayer dollars.......
A great event is upcoming in the Metis world. Liberty local will be hosting it's Metis Night on February 16th. This event showcases youth dancers and Metis musicians. I have had the pleasure of performing at one of these Metis nights and I can tell you if you want to have some good old down home fun, mark that date on the calendar. Tickets are only 12 bucks.........is anyone openly declaring their candidacy for The Metis National Councils President post ?? Probably not.
Quote of the Week goes to David Chartrand, talking about the MNC and the courts ;
"The court order confirms what we have always said: that the duly-elected provincial councils and boards, chosen and elected by the people, have the right and responsibility to represent their constituents at the MNC Assembly and Presidential Elections. Democracy by the people has been upheld."
Chartrand should try practicing the rhetoric he preaches, Darrel Deslauriers dismissal by reason of corporate law, is most certainly not democracy by the people.

Westbrook Inn This Weekend

Been a bit of a dry spell

for gigs the past few weeks. Three weeks with no work, but a glut of phone calls later and the next few months look pretty good.
The "Home of Country Music", The Westbrook Inn, is the venue for three shows nightly starting at 10:00pm Thursday. All aspring singers and musicians can also "Jam with band" on Saturday from 4-8pm.
Come by enjoy the Westbrook's fine hospitality and you have the chance to win $ 1,000 Saturday !! You want to talk Metis politics ?? I get 45 minute breaks...lol
We're also going to try and shoot some video this weekend for a youtube upload.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Break Out The Bubbly !! We hit 100,000 !!

Well......

A huge word of thanks to all the visitors new or returning, Sometime yesterday, Metis News and Stuff hit the 100,000 mark !! This from my Clustermaps counter ;

Running total of visits to the above URL since 12 Jun 2006: 100,184

Keep visiting and sharing.

There will be big news this week on the Community Housing Managers of Manitoba .

---------------------------------

*Deposed (I like that word)MMF BOD Darrel Deslauriers is reporting that Rosemarie McPherson has been phoning him quite regularly. The Metis womens advocate is known to be a close allie of David Chartrand. More to follow....

It Pays To Be On CEO Chartrand's Good Side

MetisMama has left a new comment on your post "
6,200 Grants...5.6 Billion Dollars":
I have had a chance to look at the issues related to the money that is received at MNC and the report can be somewhat deceptive. That is not to say that there appears to be an amazing amount of resources that have been given to the organization and there is money issues – as to how many individuals received contractual dollars with no commitment to actually do anything. But this is what I can determine from some of the numbers that were posted here
$9,825,000 received from Health Canada is actually a multi year agreement. A review of the audit would have to be done to determine how much of this 9 million was actually delivered to the MNC in the 2006/07 Funding Year.
The same is for the $3,200,000. These resources are part of a multi year agreement.
The issue comes in as to the number of questionable contracts that were delivered from these resources:David’s common-law wife, Glorian had a $60,000 per year contract.
Measurables were to rub the Health Minister (David’s) shoulders and ego.
Ray Laliberte one of the past Directors of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan received a contract that was even larger then Glorian’s but it was rumored that he had to share his with Dwayne Roth.
Mavis Taylor another elected representative and good friend of Clem’s received $17,000.00. Metco Ventures, Rick Boucher received $577,000 and we have all heard the stories around this money.This also does not account for the money that was expended on David and his family’s holiday (oops, I mean meaningful participation in health conferences) in Australia and Brazil. The lions share of the health dollars were actually given to MMF and that is also left to be seen as to where those resources were spent. Doing a quick review though makes you wonder how they are able to sustain the program of suing each other. I would say that Clem and David have spent a large percentage on court rooms battles suing their Métis people and not moving the Métis agenda forward.
On the positive side – as a Métis grassroots person – our families and friends love us without having to buy their love or commitment.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

MNC Presidential Poll

I have installed a new poll on the sidebar of the site that asks the all important question ;
Who will be elected next Metis National Council President ?
Please take part in this poll.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Kelvin C. C./Metis Curlers Prevail !!

News that I have neglected for a few days ;

MMF Winnipeg Region VP Ron Chartrand was in the news this week ;

Councillors hope for last-minute reprieve for Kelvin rec centre

and then the aftermath ;

City councillors reject East Kildonan community centre plan

Although I applaud the MMF for it's initiative, it was a matter of too little too late. Kelvin C.C. has been in the news for many months now and the MMF was no where in sight when the community started their move to keep the aging centre operational. in addition, their proposal only kept the centre afloat financially for two years.....who takes over the funding then ?

Nonetheless, good attempt.

The only down point was when Ron Chartrand told the press, after the motion was defeated, the MMF would consider busing youth to other areas of the city...in particular, the areas that the opposing councillors represent. The sour grapes attitude was unnecessary and cast a negative light on an otherwise healthy exchange with the city politicos.

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Congratulations to two talented Metis curlers ;

Arnold and Nathan Asham helped their team secure a spot in the upcoming Brier. Arnold has come out to many of my gigs in the past, so kudos to you buddy. Congrats Arnold !!

Asham shines at MCA bonspiel

Proof in the paper Winnipeg Sun, Canada - Arnold, who owns Asham Curling Supplies, got a little misty-eyed as he read out excerpts.

In addition to his curling abilities and entrepreneurship, Asham also is the founder of Canada's #1 square dance group, The Asham Stompers.Here is a link to his curling supply company ;

Welcome Asham Curling Supplies

Metis Nation Of Ontario Hunting for Support

Well, it appears Ontario's natural resouce minister is getting on side with Metis hunters and the Metis Nation of Ontario ;

Friday December 21, 2007 marked a historic day for the Metis Nation of Ontario. The Hon. Donna Cansfield, Ontario Minister of Natural Resources met with the MNO Executive at MNO headquarters, somethin

g that has never been done before.
This meeting signals the beginning of a new era in the MNO/MNR relationship, one that comes after years of litigation over the Metis right to hunt and fish for food. It comes at a time when the Government of Ontario has decided not to appeal our last court victory in R v. Lemieux, Lemieux and Laurin.

The MNR is now honoring the MNO/MNR Harvesting Agreement, which was entered into in 2004.

Good work Mr Belcourt.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

6,200 Grants...5.6 Billion Dollars

From the offices of National Chief Patrick Brazeau and the
Congress of Aboriginal Peoples website ;
In a spirit reflective of its determined pursuit towards accountability, transparency and

responsibility in federal Aboriginal affairs, the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) recently posed the question, “Where Does The Money Go?”
In so doing, it set off on an undertaking that led to the examination of 6,199 federal grants and contributions to 2,054 recipients across thirty federal departments and agencies. Every grant that CAP have been able to uncover, is listed in this report;
(Available in PDF Here)
You can find out how much The Manitoba Metis Federation receive from the feds, The Metis Nation of Alberta, Manitoba Metis Federation Southwest Region Inc. and so on. Every First Nation 's cash allotment is also available to view on the link.....bear in mind, this is just a snippet of the core funding from some of these agencies. take for instance the MMF..they also receive funds from MCFS, Community Housing Managers and other grants and service delivery agreements.
Here are some funding numbers from The Metis National Council....now you can see why selecting the next President on February 23-24 is so important.
Metis National Council INAC 2
$923,795.00
Metis National Council HC 2
$3,200,000.00
Metis National Council CH 3
$450,855.00
Metis National Council INAC 1
$1,020,000.00
Metis National Council CH 1
$120,000.00
Metis National Council CH 4
$47,000.00
Metis National Council HC 4
$714,050.00
Metis National Council HC 4
$9,825,000.00
Metis National Council INAC 4
$1,304,750.00
Metis National Council EC 4
$193,775.00

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Metis Leader Promotes Healthy Living

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, today with ParticipACTION celebrated the launch

of WinterActive 2008 by leading a group of local community residents and grade school students in a snowshoe relay race at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ontario. The event was kicked off with a demonstration of traditional Metis sport by Tony Belcourt, President of The Métis Nation of Ontario."Winter is a wonderful time to get together with our families or friends and take part in fun activities that also benefit our health, whether outside in the snow, or indoors where it's warm," said Minister Clement. "With today's launch of WinterActive 2008, our Government is encouraging Canadians to participate in events and activities across the country and to be more physically active, make healthier food choices and live smoke-free"

"The Metis Nation of Ontario takes a holistic approach to health and understands fully that that physical activity is fundamental to sustaining the emotional, spiritual aspect of our overall health," said Mr. Belcourt. "The MNO encourages a lifestyle for our people which includes physical activity, as that has been part of our very existence through voyageurs and fur trade to today. We commend Minister Clement for launching the 2008 Winter Active program and will certainly promote it amongst our people and in our communities"

As part of this year's WinterActive, Minister Clement also announced a campaign for Aboriginal communities that will also focus on encouraging physical activity, eating healthy, and living smoke-free. This campaign will highlight First Nations, Inuit, and Metis traditions and will be tailored to meet the specific needs of Aboriginal people.Canadians from every province and territory can learn more about WinterActive and are eligible to win a variety of unique prizes by visiting http://www.winteractive.ca/.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Metis National Council Election Update/Four Posts Today

http://www.metisbarefacts.blogspot.com/ have provided us with some insight into the Metis provincial governors meeting that took place on Thursday. The meeting was held to discuss the 2006-07 financial reports for the Métis National Council , in preparation for the MNC Assembly

that is to be held February 23-24. There might be some new info on the Metco ventures/Boucher/Chartrand ill-fated decison, after the report is accepted.

Look for another update today, as there was to be a conference call involving the governors, regarding the final approval of the financial report that was completed by; Bernie P. Shore 6-160 Hargrave St. Ph: 943-4833. Coincidently, Shore is also the accountant for the Manitoba Metis Federation .

And FYI, according to the MNC constitution, anyone can run for President !!

Learn Michif On-Line

Innovative website from the Métis Provincial Council of British Columbia

Ex-Metis Councillor Charged With Contract Tendering Irregularities

A former councillor from the Fishing Lake Métis Settlement in Alberta, has been charged with breach of trust after allegedly awarding a lucrative gravel hauling contract to a company in which he held a financial interest
Elk Point RCMP and the Metis ombudsman's office laid the single charge against 29-year-old Travis James Daniels on Thursday, seven months after the contract was signed on May 25, 2007.
RCMP Const. Sean McGee said the contract was worth more than $10,000 and was awarded to K & N Services. Daniels' relationship to the company is not clear.Daniels is expected to make his first appearance in St. Paul Provincial Court on Feb. 21.
Speaking of contract tendering ; Dismissed Manitoba Metis Federation board member Darrel Deslaurier was mentioning questionable tendering and hiring processes, while he was portfolio chairman of the Community Housing Managers of Manitoba . Deslauarier also stated that at any given time there are 250-300 of these affordable housing units that are unoccupied !! This department of the MMF, receives 15-16 million dollars annually from the Manitoba government.......can you say operational review ??
The NDP should.

David Chartrand's Democracy

Here is the letter that officially informed Darrel Deslauriers of his disqualification as a board member for the Manitoba Metis Federation .

Although it's tough to read, you seen it first here......discuss.
Thanks to MN&S contributor, Angele for reformatting of the document.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Dismissed BOD Deslauriers, Tees Off On MMF CEO Chartrand

I was waiting for this. Here is what is sure to the first of many comments that will be left by Darrel Deslauriers. To briefly recap ; Mr Deslauriers is an elected rep for the Northwest region of the Manitoba Metis Federation. He was relieved of his duties by the MMFs CEO and lawyers in a hushed and yet to be announced, unprecedented, undemocratic move...not by the people ;
Darrel has left a new comment on your post
"Wow !! Metis Population Boom":
CORPORATION OR GOVERNMENT CEO Chartand.
You better decide.You can't play it both ways.
It sure works well when you use your power by instructing your hand picked chair of LRCC (Mrs Muriel Parker)to foreclose on a loan and refuse to accept a loan repayment agreement(in full) ,that was put together by yourself and MMF finance chair(David's brother Elbert). But not stop at that, also take 2 small children's trust funds,my mother and adult daughters assets, my wife and my bank accounts, and start on taking my house.
AND YOU SAY YOU HELP THE METIS.
LRCC ISN'T THERE TO HELP METIS PEOPLE BUT DESTROY THEM.
All that to force me into bankruptcy so you can kick me off the board.
Was I that much of a threat to you and the Northwest VP ?
Well I'm not going away.
Darrel Deslauriers

Wow !! Metis Population Boom

Great news yesterday with the announcement that the Metis population is on the rise. Statcans is reporting that people identifying themselv

es as Metis, has jumped by 91% across the country. The number of Metis here in the city of Winnipeg has risen 58% to a whopping 37,390. 7 out of every 10 Metis in this province live right here ;
Métis pride grows with population - Edmonton Journal
Métis population growth is tops, census shows - Winnipeg FP
Native numbers zoom up - Winnipeg Sun
all 163 news articles »
What is interesting here is the Metis and citizens of Manitoba were told by the President/CEO of the Manitoba Metis Federation there were 100,000 of us here in the province after the last MMF election;
Chartrand sweeps Metis federation election
cbc.ca - Jun 30, 2006... won an unprecedented fourth term as president of the Manitoba Métis Federation. ... Chartrand said he would continue to work hard for Manitoba's 100,000 Metis.
One of my pet peeves is when CEO David Chartrand double-talks.
The number of Manitoba Metis was actually in the high 30's in '96 and 71,805 according to the 2006 census.
So does that mean that the MMF actually received more or less funding than the population numbers actually suggested ? What of the double dipping people who hold bill c-31 status and MMF membership, in defiance of the MMF constitution ?
Are their growing numbers represented in the census ?
But whatever, water under the bridge for now.....Now to a more pressing matter. With 7 out of every 10 Metis based right here in the 'peg, why the hell don't we receive funding that is commensurate to our population base ?? It is common knowledge that Winnipeg Region is grossly underfunded by the MMF. We Winnipeg region members can only hope that our rep, Ron Chartrand will do more than sit up and take notice. He has represented us poorly here in the city during his tenure, apparently paying no mind to the vast differences in funding in the MMF regions, based on per capita.
As the leader of the MMF's largest region, one would think R. Chartrand would take a more aggressive political stance in the representation of his constituents.
With the new census numbers, R. Chartrand can't avoid the underfunding topic any further.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Metis Land Claims Decision

Here are the links that will take you to Justice Alan MacInnes decision, denying Metis any claims to land ;

Queen's Bench Decision Part 1

Queen's Bench Decision Part 2

Queen's Bench Decision Part 3

Queen's Bench Decision Part 4

Monday, January 14, 2008

Voice of An Angel

Congrats Della !!

Seeing as this is a personal blog, I'm going to take some space to congratulate my wife Della, who just celebrated five years of employment with the Canad Inns hotel Corporation. Della is a manager within the hotel chain that is perennially voted as one of Canada's Best Managed companies. CanadInns was voted as a platinum member to "Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies" in 2007 and is also Winnipeg's largest hotel chain.
Pictured above from left to right; Ghada Amoud, Della Sanderson and Taras Sokolyk.

Monday Musings

Good afternoon all and hope your days off went well. After this weekend NFL games, Green Bay and New England seem to be heading for a Super Bowl matchup, yee haw !!........The Metis National Council Presidential election campaign is heating up, and as usual, the campaigns are being conducted behind closed doors. Who is running ? Who's allowed to run? No one to my knowledge, has publicly stated their intentions to grab the top federal seat in Metis politics. I've been making queries with contacts across the country, and sources indicate that Manitoba Metis Federation President/CEO David Chartrand, is actively contacting various MNC voting delegates to gauge their support for his candidacy.
*Just a little bit of background into the MNC voting process....Each MNC member province have delegates they will send to next month's meeting in Ottawa. They, will ultimately decide who our next leader is. Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan have 15 votes at the table, while Ontario and British Columbia each have five, for a total of fifty five available votes. There are no other provinces currently with votes, or a national political voice within the MNC.
Doing a little preliminary delegate number crunching, I think Alberta will have 5 who will support a Chartrand nominee. Manitoba, where all the delegates chosen to go to Ottawa, will vote %100 in favor of anything Chartrand says (they always do...all except for director Darrel Deslauriers. Chartrand and his laywers gave him the boot....we'll get back to that later) Ontario apparently is not in favor of Chartrand and his dismissal of democratic practices, and will have five voting against Davey. So it looks at this point that Chartrand has at least twenty solid votes next month...now here's the wild card ; The Métis Nation - Saskatchewan is recovering from their election scandal and some of their elected BODs, are newbies to Metis politics. publicly, the leader of the MNS Robert Doucette promises a very open, transparent and democratic government. If the Saskatchewan Metis do their homework, they'll find that not all is as rosy and democratically based with Mr. Chartrand and his corporation, despite his smooth talking abilities. It will be hard to fathom any of these Saskatchewan delegates voting in favor of a Chartrand run for office, but the MNS BODs do seem to hold the balance of voting power.Tall order for a new government. Back room dealing and salesman-like tactics will go a long ways when people are not informed, so to all MNS delegates; please research the issues of the MNC and make an informed decision next month.........so Chartrand goes on the Metis Hour X Two radio show last weekend, and again speaks of his consolidated, all for one, stand as one, Metis brothers and sisters can you give me a hallejlulah; MMF board of directors. Democracy was mentioned during his rambling except for whoa...wait a minute !!......what about that MMF board of director Darrell Deslauriers guy that just got dismissed by Chartrand and his legal team ? This guy got canned over almost two months ago and still NOT ONE WORD from the MMF, on how a democratically elected rep can be fired, or the prospect of a Northwest region by-election. Chartrand also spoke on the upcoming MNC elections and railed against the BC, Alberta and Ontario leaders who all wanted the meeting to be held in the east...or so HE says. MN&S sources revealed, that the other provincial leaders also agreed to have it in the west and suggested Vancouver, Calgary or Winnipeg as possible host cities. Chartrand, apparently in defiance of the majority, only wanted Saskatchewan to host the meeting, so the compromise was made to hold it meeting in Ottawa............I was talking to a publisher from a major Aboriginal newspaper and we got on this topic ; why don't candidates in Metis elections let their intentions be known to all beforehand ?? We will only find out who the leader of the MNC is after the completion of the process.......speaking of elections...for the next MMF election, a Presidential candidate will have to answer he/she chose to only speak out during the campaign. Metis issues can only be discussed openly during an election ? If there is a possible Presidential hopeful for the next go round, there is no reason why you can't speak up now.......Good news is that the MMF firewood program is in full operation and elders are getting their free firewood for the winter. The MMF started this program a while back and just accessed a semi to deliver the wood, so give them a call (204 586 8474) if your finances dictate that you need a hand.......One for the middle age set ; Way to go Brett Favre or the Green Bay packers, who at 38, is playing the best football of his career. The Pack are taking on New York Giants in the NFC final next weekend...Green bay 34-17. New England goes to Super Bowl by dispensing of San Diego (sorry Toby) 42-20...have a great week

Saturday, January 12, 2008

New Website - Metis Bare Facts

The Metis blogosphere has new addition
My bad tho'......I'm actually a little embarrassed that I didn't see this already !!
Many of you have been reading the postings by MetisMama. She has been providing valuable insight in federal and provincial Metis politics......well this is the new website she created in November, dedicated to Metis issues........a belated Welcome Aboard to ; http://metisbarefacts.blogspot.com/
We have added Metis Bare Facts to the sidebar for easy access.
Why didn't I notice this you may ask ?? This site receives so many anonymous comments that I stopped clicking to check on any of the pseudonyms authenticity some time ago. Sorry MetisMama, I'm certain you will see the site get busier as the weeks go on.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Note To Self...No Gigs In Mexico Please

Most of us local Winnipeg musicians have played the Main St. bars during our careers, but hell, the Northern or the Woodbine are a cakewalk compared to what's happening to country singers and musicians in Mexico ;
Mexico's country music stars are being killed at an alarming rate - 13 in the past year-and-a-half, three already in December - in a trend that has gone hand in hand with the surge in violence between drug gangs here.
None of the cases has been solved. All have borne the signs of Mexican underworld executions, sending a chill through the ranks of other grupero musicians, who sing to a country beat about love, violence and drugs in modern Mexico.
more here ;
Who Is Killing Mexico's Musicians?
Murder of ex-manager shakes embattled Mexican music community

Thursday, January 10, 2008

History of Metis National Council Under Chartrand/Chartier Rule

MetisMama has left a new comment on your post
"MNS President Wants The Peoples Trust":
Clem and David's Leadership at Métis National Council
Firstly – Clem was the President of Métis National Council and under his leadership let me inform you of just a few things that led to where we are today. Firstly, prior to his leadership the Métis National Council worked towards challenging and winning the recognition of Métis rights in the Supreme Court of Canada. The Métis National Council was given recognition not just in the area of hunting but in the areas of looking at the future of Métis youth in accessing education, Métis issues related to health, etc. The various levels of government were funding the Métis organizations through the Post Powley funding to have us working and negotiating with provisional and national governments to move the Métis agenda forward. Yes there was a change in Federal government that started to see these areas become more challenging but there was also a change in the Métis National Council leadership.
In the beginning the BOG had Audrey as the Vice President, Tony as the Treasurer and the Board of Governors was a united body when Clem originally took over. The first hurdle that had to be overcome was that the then Saskatchewan leadership was in question. There were criminal investigations into the election irregularities that were evident. The government of Saskatchewan released a report and the federal and provincial governments completely pulled all funding that was accessible to the Métis in Saskatchewan. The Federal Government refused to meet or continue negotiating with the Métis National Council if Saskatchewan sat at the national body and would continue to receive resources through MNC.
Several of the Board of Governors including Audrey, Métis Nation of Alberta's President, requested that the MNC suspend the authority of the leadership of Saskatchewan at the MNC table till they resolved the issues of the legitimate leadership of Saskatchewan. Clem and David would not support this and the beginning of the fight started. In fact, Clem and David attempted to get involved even when the government developed a committee to assist the Métis in Saskatchewan to have a new election and attempted to get the Métis people of Saskatchewan to not allow a new election. Clem was supporting the past leadership of Saskatchewan that was in question. In fact, there were claims that Clem and David were funneling money to some Métis leaders out of Saskatchewan under bogus contracts through the health dollars that MNC was receiving.
Alberta and British Columbia advised the Board that they would not continue to participate at the BOG table until the issue of Saskatchewan was resolved. David became the only real active Board of Governor and became Vice President, Minister of every portfolio.
Clem is not a people person and he would sooner travel to Guatemala, Bolivia and other points abroad then stay and participate at First Ministers meetings and negotiate with the government of Canada on the home front. During his leadership the other Board of Governors were often sent to represent our interests in Ottawa – even though we were paying for Clem's rent there. Clem and David stopped having Board of Governor meetings and quit allowing the other BOG members to participate in the decisions of the MNC. Government was watching and enjoying the fact that the once powerful National body was no longer a problem and coming a part at the seams because of in-fighting.
There are many questions that need to be asked of Clem and David but will they get asked? There is financial accountability that is necessary because there has not been an annual meeting for the Métis National Council for the better part of three years. The past two fiscal years have not had the financial statements presented to the assembly of the MNC and we are a few months away from the close of this fiscal year.
In my view, during Clem's leadership we have gone from being a united National organization that was being acknowledged as one of the best to being an organization that hardly is existing. Clem is a good Aboriginal rights lawyer with a passion for the court room battle – this does not endear him to the qualities of a good leader.
In my opinion he lacks political passion, future vision, charisma and personality that is required for us to begin moving forward. Under Clem's leadership with David as the man influencing him there will be nothing left and our grandchildren or great grandchildren will have to start over.
In fact, ask Clem or better yet ask Phil Fontaine from AFN why the Métis are in the position they are in for the Residential School fiasco. Many of our Métis people are being denied access to the remuneration due to decisions that Clem made. Where was the Métis representatives at the national table to ensure that the benefits of Métis people impacted by these schools was considered?
I believe that one of our only hopes is if the upcoming assembly brings forward a leader that can build a team, has vision, lacks ego and cares and works for the future generations of Métis people – not his own glory or existence. Are you out there – we need you to run on February 23, 2007 in Ottawa?

Dion Brings Out The Big Guns On The Prairies

Bob Rae, Ken Dryden, Ralph Goodale all stopped by Saskatchewan this week in support of a candidate the area's residents apparently don't want in the riding of Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River.;
High-profile Liberals back Beatty
I'll bet the Liberal leader Stephane Dion thought "Saskatchewan is hockey country, Dryden should be good for a few votes"
Metis leaders Jim Durocher has been the most vocal opposition to the Dion appointment and continues to rally support for David Orchard's cause.
The big Red Liberal machine has no power on the prairies, so expect this to be just another embarassing situation for the hapless Liberal leader.
Here's a few more links to this story ;
Northern Liberals fighting mad
Dion plays to win with Orchard snub

MNS President Wants The Peoples Trust

Refreshing statement from the leader of the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan ;
MNS leader plans on reforms
President Robert Doucette talk

s on efforts toward being "the most accountable aboriginal government in Canada" Godspeed Mr. Doucette.
Message to MNS delegates that will be attending the Metis National Council's election next month ;
In your first year of public service you will part of creating a "new" Metis National Council.
You might have people lobbying for their particular candidate and so on. Please follow the lead of Doucette and do what's right for the people, not for personal gain.
There are strong indications coming out of Saskatchewan that the MMF CEO David Chartrand, is sending feelers to see if he has the support to run for the MNC leadership position.
If this is right I want all voting delegates to keep in mind what has transpired under David and Clem's leadership at the national level ;
1) They took an honorable man in Yvon Dumont, to court and lost, costing the MNC over $100,000.
2) During Clems reign as President, since there was no requirement under the MNC constitution to call a BOG meeting, Clem and David stopped having Board of Governor meetings and lessened the effect the other BOG members had to fully participate in the decisions of the MNC. It is reported that as VP, Chartrand essentially took over the MNC's control.
3) Again took the Metis members to court, (MNC) to decide an issue that should have been taken care of internally.
4) Metis across the country left out of any residential school settlements even though many Metis attended these church run schools.
5) The MNC is in limbo right now until an election. Clem and David must be held accountable because as supposed leaders of the MNC, it appeared they displayed disdain to all who questioned their policy decisions. All of this dissension was created was due to their lack of leadership ability. A good leader would have been able to solve this issue amongst their other provincial reps, not the courts.
6) Both supported the now disgraced former leader of Saskatchewan, Dwayne Roth.
Need I go on ?
MNC delegates will vote for a new leader in Ottawa, Feb. 23-24.

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Alberta Metis Students Gain Funding

Audrey Poitras and the Metis Nation of Alberta have recently announced some much need funding for Metis students ;
$2M fund to help MacEwan's Metis students .
Any monies that can be put towards educating our youth, is always a positive investment.

Cuthand Slams Government Support for Congress Of Aboriginal Peoples

Doug Cuthand has taken a swipe at the Conservatives and their involvement with the Congress of Aborigi nal Peoples in his article Chiefs should rule the day, not Tories . I agree with Cuthand

that CAP shouldn't be the only national voice of the people, but this guy actually believes the Liberals would have followed through with theKelowna Accord .......and if he believes the Liberals are not subject to partisan politics, he look no further than Adscam and the Sponsorship scandal .

In a discussion with an Aboriginal governance graduate, he agreed that the Aboriginal leaders support for the Grits during the last federal election was wrong....the were in power for 12 damn years and then pieced together this accord that had no teeth, in order to garner the Aboriginal federal vote....and now Metis leader Jim Durochers talks of Stephane Dion using Indian agent mentality. The Liberals weak-kneed Aboriginal policy is now being discovered by many....give it up with the accord argument already.

Saturday, January 05, 2008

Liberals Employing "Indian Agent" Mentality in Saskatchewan Says Metis Leader

Another reason why the Stephane Dion and his Liberals are still no threat to win a federal election ;
Rift opens in Liberal party over appointment of NDP MLA to run in ...
The Canadian Press - The old Indian agent mentality we all know too much about," Metis leader Jim Durocher says in an angry letter to Dion, obtained by The Canadian Press.
Dion snubs supporter Orchard, appoints candidate
Dion accused of snubbing OrchardToronto Star - 8 hours ago
The Liberals were in charge for over a decade and I am more impressed with the Conservatives and their approach. Residential school suit settled, they are still financially supporting all Metis organizations across the country, and a firm commitment to settle land claims.

Metis National Council To Elect New Leader In February

METIS NATION OF ALBERTA, METIS NATION - SASKATCHEWAN, METIS NATION BRITISH COLUMBIA ;

MNC Elections in February

An agreement-in-principle has been reached by all five members of the Métis National Council (MNC) Board of Governors (BOG) and past-President Clement Chartier to hold elections for MNC President at a General Assembly in Ottawa on February 23-24, 2008. The agreement was reached in Toronto yesterday at a "settlement conference" before Justice Todd Ducharme of the Superior Court of Ontario. The settlement conference was directed by the court at the request of four of the five BOG members in December.
"The decision about when and how to hold elections for our National President was made by Métis people and not the mainstream courts and I am very grateful that our position in this matter has prevailed," said Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) President, Tony Belcourt, who was speaking at a News Conference on behalf of the four members of the Board of Governors who were the"defendants" in the court case brought by Past MNC President Clement Chartier and Manitoba Métis Federation President David Chartrand. The other members of the Board of Governors include Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) President, Bruce Dumont; Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) President Audrey Poitras; and, Métis Nation - Saskatchewan (MN-S) President Robert Doucette."We are thankful to have had a Métis Judge to facilitate our settlement conference and assist us in achieving this agreement," said MNBC President Bruce Dumont. "Our concern is to get to an Assembly as quickly as possible, hold elections and then restore the strength and value of the Métis Nation to its proper place. I am pleased that we are now able to move ahead with the full support of all five members of the Board of Governors.""To us the issue has always been about self-government and that means that we, ourselves, decide on our issues and not the courts of mainstream Canada. To go to the courts undermines all of our positions that we are a self-governing people. Keeping the decision on the issues of election of our National President in our hands and out of the courts is considered by us to be of monumental significance to the Métis Nation. I am very pleased that we worked this out amongst ourselves and that we can now move forward on behalf of the Nation," said MNA President Audrey Poitras."I'm concerned about what all of this has been costing the Métis Nation at a time when we should be focusing or directing every available dollar to fighting for our harvesting and land rights, instead of attempting to get the courts to intervene in our decision-making process," said MN-S Robert Doucette. "It is important that we work together to restore a positive working relationship amongst ourselves and to put all of our efforts into collectively addressing our issues with the federal government. To me, this agreement means we can finally get things back on the right track," added Doucette.
For further information: Chelsey Quirk, Communications Assistant, Métis Nation of Ontario, (613) 798-1488, Ext. 104, Cell: (613) 299-6085,chelseyq@metisnation.org;
Bruce Dumont, MNBC, (604) 219-0157;
Audrey Poitras,MNA, (780) 490-8188;
Robert Doucette, MN-S, (306) 343-8285; Tony Belcourt,MNO, (613) 798-1488/

I like the way the Tony Belcourt talks about the BOG deciding the course for the MNC, not the courts. It's important to note the 4 out of the 5 BOG called for this conference settlement,Guess who was not one of the five ??? Conspicuously absent from the PR is the MMF.
MMF CEO Chartrand can't be to happy with being subliminally slammed by The other BOGs in the PR, but he and Clem Chartier have only themselves to blame for trying to be the do all end all of the MNC.
To Ms Poitras and the other provincial leaders ;
On behalf of Manitoba Metis a big thank you for finally taking on this guy. Maybe we can now get some real work done at the national level.
* thanks to MN&S contributor Angele, for the heads up on this story.

Friday, January 04, 2008

Wild Card Weekend Should Be Exciting

You gotta love the salary cap the National Football League employs. Their salary management plan ensures that many teams can win it all. Since

the inception of the cap, many of these wild-card teams are threats to go all the way to Super Bowl .

This weekend should prove no different. NFL Set For Wild Weekend

The Jacksonville Jaguars take on Pittsburgh and I expect the Jaguars to win a close one over the Steelers, 27 - 21.

Tampa Bay vs The Giants and I'll take ex CFLer Jeff Garcia and the Bucs to lay out "the other Manning boy" 24-13.

Sunday sees Washington take on the Seattle Seahawks and despite Dr Z picking the 'Skins in an upset I see the Seahawks winning 34-17 . Tennessee Titans at San Diego Chargers should be no contest as you can expect LaDainian Tomlinson and the boys to move on.

Here are Dr Z's Wild-Card Picks . Enjoy the games this weekend.....the season is only one month away from ending !!

Man Falls Forty Seven Stories And Lives !!

you believe in miracles, this has to rate as one ;

Miraculous Survival After Falling 47 Stories

A professor explains how physics came into play, in this video ;
VIDEO: Surviving a 47-Story Fall

...and another article. This fella is actually talking.
VIDEO: Man Falls 47 Stories and Survives

However you wan't to explain this incident, it is an amazing tale of survival and luck.

New Drug To Control Diabetes

With the already alarming rates of diabetes constantly rising across the country, this is an important story that I must pass on ;
Diabetes drug gives new tool
This new drug is administered orally so this would be a welcome relief to the type 2 diabetes needle users. I love to see these major advancements in the treatment of this incurable disease that is also ravaging the Aboriginal population.
B-Roll Advisory - Health Canada approves once-daily JANUVIA(TM ...
Merck Frosst says Canada OKs new diabetes drug

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Alberta Metis Hunting Problems Mirror Manitoba's

MetisMama has left a new comment on your post

"Metis National Council To Meet Next Week and Desla...":

A Letter to the Editor/Press Release published in the Edmonton Journal this past week coming from Alberta:

Métis harvesting rights ignored

Last week, Alberta’s Sustainable Resources Development (SRD) Minister Ted Morton announced changes

to subsistence harvesting licences. Essentially, these changes allow any Albertan, who is able to prove they are poor or handicapped, to be eligible for a free hunting licence anywhere in the province. Morton suggests these changes are a "goodwill gesture" to Métis harvesters. Unfortunately, like many government policies developed without the involvement of the affected Aboriginal peoples, Morton’s new policy misses the mark. Métis do not have constitutionally protected harvesting rights because we are poor or handicapped.

We have these rights because harvesting is integral to our unique culture as an Aboriginal people. Harvesting has been a historic tradition of our people since before Canada was formed. Our people continue this practice today as a means of sustaining our distinct identity and nurturing our special relationship to the land. This is why our rights are protected in Canada’s constitution.

Based on this constitutional recognition, the Alberta Government has an obligation to accommodate our rights within its fish and wildlife laws.

The Supreme Court has said these accommodations cannot be arbitrary or discretionary. Naturally, since our rights are affected, we must be involved in how these accommodations are arrived at. In order to avoid conflict and costly litigation, partnership and compromise is required on all sides.The Métis Nation has consistently shown its willingness to work collaboratively with the province to arrive at a mutually agreeable accommodation. In September 2004, we signed the Interim Métis Harvesting Agreement, which worked well for over two years. In August 2005, we agreed to renewed negotiations towards a final agreement. In May 2007, we arrived at points of agreement for a final agreement with Guy Boutilier, the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, who was tasked to lead these renewed negotiations on behalf of the Alberta government. Unfortunately, these joint points of agreement were rejected by Morton and he implemented a unilateral ‘Métis Harvesting Policy’ effective July 1, 2007. As a result, the Métis Nation is defending our harvesters against Alberta’s unconstitutional laws and policies in the courts. The Métis, as taxpayers and citizens of this province, believe in, support and abide by Alberta’s laws. However, on the flip side, Alberta’s laws must accommodate our harvesting rights to be constitutional.

Métis rights have been recognized in Canada’s Constitution for over 25 years now, but our harvesters are still treated like criminals when they are exercising constitutionally protected rights. Challenging Alberta’s laws in court is not our preferred choice, but what other option do we have when negotiated points of agreement are ignored and Métis harvesters are being charged?

Prior to last week, Morton has pushed ahead without any regard to the Métis point of view. However, implicit in his recent announcement, he has acknowledged that his unilateral policy is not working and that a province-wide solution is needed on Métis harvesting. The Métis Nation will never turn away from goodwill, if that goodwill is sincere.

As such, I will be writing to Morton to request a meeting with him. I hope his goodwill will include implementing the points of agreement that are already supported by Boutilier and many members of the Alberta Legislature.

Audrey Poitras, President,

Métis Nation of Alberta

...The provinces just don't get it.

Forensic Audit Into MNA Afffairs Denied ??

MetisMama has left a new comment on your post "
Metis National Council To Meet Next Week and Desla...":
On November 7, 2007 Trevor Gladue posted a David Chartrand made Press release about Audrey Poitras and the Métis Nation of Alberta – with a 2.5 million dollar deficit. Keep in mind that Trevor, who can not even come up with an original thought of his own indicated that he was sending a request to the Alberta government for forensic audit. Also keep in mind that Trevor is a signing authority on the very monies that he is talking about and his pay cheque and ridiculous expenses are part of what he is calling a deficit. (Hypocrisy is alive and well in Métis Politics) The truth is he provided the government with an operational document half way through this fiscal year where the MNA is awaiting payment on their annual contribution agreements. Trevor and the seven have sent letters to government for months and have not wanted the government to forward their financial commitments to the Métis in Alberta – but they do not bother to mention that in their Press Release in November and now I notice the hypocrisy continues ….Prior to the Christmas break – Trevor and his six friends received a response to their forensic audit request. The Alberta Government advised them that they have no need to complete a forensic audit and based on the history and reporting of the Métis Nation under Audrey Poitras’s leadership there is no concerns and the MNA is actually used as a model for accountability.
Trevor was also advised by the Alberta Government that inspite of his ploy – none of the Alberta MLA’s would be involving themselves in Trevor’s bid to try and undermine the existing leadership for his own political gain. I can only ask why he is not so willing to jump up and make a press release about what a fool he truly is ?
Mr Gladue and his people seem to be taking a real political beating over in Alberta. Their reported connections to Manitoba and MMF CEO David Chartrand, can't help his cause.

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