Metis News and Stuff: March 2008

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Grassroots News No Friend To The Friends Of Fort Garry

I like when I get to research a bit. I ran across this article in latest issue of Grassroots News. In the article, Grassroots writer Marty Gold takes aim at the Manitoba Club, Winnipeg Free Press writer Gord Sinclair and the efforts of the Friends of Fort Garry. He decries the Friend's spin doctors and the use of taxpayer money for this project.
Here are a few excerpts ;
Especially ask the Friends who belong to the Manitoba Club. Ask them if they think the people of Spence or Magnus or Elmwood would be ‘insulted’ by a ‘stingy’ $1.5 million offer by Doer to support their projects. While community centres closed and neighborhoods were told there was no money for foot patrols, the Friends insisted the provincial and federal government fork over $9 Million tax dollars to preserve the view out the back door of their private club.
more ;
No one believed a word in the Free Press afterwards, as the paper tried to pressure Councillors while keeping the name of one of the 37 Friends — the man who signs their paycheques, owner Bob Silver — out of the stories. Finally even Freep city hall reporter Bartley Kives couldn’t stand it and wrote a column critical of the Friends’ tactics and distortions, which was wielded against the Friends cause in the debate.
Sinclair whined “I can forgive the mayor and city councillors who voted against the Friends… The divisive vote wouldn’t have been necessary if Premier Gary Doer had come up with the $4.5 million the Friends said they needed, instead of a stingy, insulting $1.5 million… ”Winnipeg has always been about the money.” Regrettably, that’s never been truer than today. Just ask the Friends.”
I'll bet you money that the next issue of grassroots will not be as unfriendly towards the Upper Fort Garry plan, now that a major Grassroots advertiser (MMF) has thrown their money and support behind the deal. Manitoba Metis Federation CEO David Chartrand would not tolerate this type of insubordination.
I'm up to something with these last few posts. ; )
Here's the grassroots news article in its' entirety ;
City Hall rejects media spin of Millionaires’ pet project
Marty, what say you know ?
The MMF is not only using tax dollars, but also money that could conceivably go towards Magnus and Spence Street Metis members.
You and Grassroots News still feel this way about the Upper Fort Garry plan ? I thought not.

Saturday, March 29, 2008

MMF Donation Puts Upper Fort Garry Over The Top and Other Metis Tidbits

Well, I don't know where he manages to come up with the cash, but Manitoba Metis Federation CEO David Chartrand and the board of directors have given the Friends of Upper Fort Garry

a $1,000,000 dollar donation towards the preservation and development of the historic site. During his weekly address, the CEO has indicated the agreement has not yet been finalized but he said something to the effect that now that this partn

ership has been set, the MMF can now go after the resources to meet the financial obligations. Metis Bare Facts has been doing some posting about the Fort Garry issue, much of which begs the question "where is he getting the cash ? I would surmise that the donation is a multi-year deal and the CEO stated during his address that no MMF programs will be affected financially through this new initiative. So what's to say ? I guess we could just say kudos to the MMF President and his board. So I will. Congratulations on helping to preserve this historic site that means so much to all Metis and indeed, all Manitobans. This is the kind of stuff that has to be applauded. The President

also said that part of this agreement with the Friends will include an interpretive centre that had already been talked about, but now with the MMF's involvement, there will now be a Metis Museum on the site. Today he also announced an increase of $ 50,000 to the bursary/scholarship funds from the Human Resources Development dept., bringing the annual total to $ 550,000. Universities also match those funds dollar for dollar bringing the total to lofty $ 1,100,000..........The Jack Park (MMF board of director) story has apparently been put to rest. To give you a little background, Park is an MMF board member who was recently from first hand reports sent packing by the owner of the Selkirk Tavern, Michael Bruneau(MMF member and owner of the Westbrook Inn). In a conversation I had with the manager of the Westbrook (terrific night spot) Robin Hewitt confirmed that Park has been fired and she was making a application to become a Metis so she could access Louis Riel Capital Corporation funds as she was buying the Westbrook. She stated Mike was aiding her in the purchase. An MMF employee stated awhile back that Jack looked very stressed out around headquarters when the story broke here. He now says that all appears well with Park. Wonder if LRCC cash had anything to do with that....anyways, the Park firing and theft from the Selkirk Tavern is history. He will not be charged with the misappropriation of $ 40,000. Mike is apparently now offering through an NCI fm radio advertising spot, $ 75,000 available in available financing(through LRCC?) to buy one or more of his clubs ; I'm just bringing up the questions that have arisen with the Park issue. Knowing Bruneau the way I do, nobody steals money from him and gets away with it..........

Way to go Ron Chartrand, vice President of the MMF Winnipeg Region for the affordable housing initiatives announced during the region's annual meeting ;

Affordable-housing plan launched for Metis families. Low-income Métis families may soon be able to apply for affordable housing in Winnipeg, the Manitoba Métis Federation announced Saturday. . I think my kids might be a little too old for my family too apply for the houses, but any movement towards more affordable housing for we lower income families is a good thing......anything going on with the requested audit of the Métis National Council by Winnipeg MP Rod Bruinooge ?....a reliable MN&S source phoned this week to say that a lady named Grace says there is money missing all over the place at the MMF. Prove it I say.

I swear, David is kicking the crap out of any dissent, here or anywhere across Metis country right now. I know he has family and friends are employed in every area area of the MMF; he and Clem run the MNC according to Metismama, and yet we can't do a damn thing about it.

Oh well, back to the same old drawing board again.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Big Spring Tea & Craft Sale

Métis Club of Winnipeg

Dumont Local Presents
Spring into Spring Tea & Craft Sale
Saturday, March 29th, 2008

Métis Club of Winnipeg 406 McGregor Street
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fun for everyone, Cake Walk, Crafts, Silent Auction, Penny Auction, Hourly Prizes and Live Entertainment
Craft tables available
Admission: Silver Collection for live entertainment
Contact: Beryl Bouvette @ 233-5377

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Appropriate Video For This Post

Thanks to all those who asked where the hell I was.
We're back. With the new gig I have, research time is very limited so I have no freakin' clue as to what the hell is going on in Metisland, but I'll catch up. The google alerts as most are aware, are only a smidgen of the news that's out there(gotta check out all the Metis blogs tonite).
There has been some event listings that have been sent that I will post later.
It's good to be back.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

This Is Getting Nauseating

The Chief Executive officer of the Manitoba Metis Federation David Chartrand , has again released a Louis Riel referenced, Paul Martin praising, hide the head in the sand "President's message".

Check out the message unusually high on rhetoric and as usual, short on substance. Read where he mentions the failed Aboriginal Health and Human Resources Initiative and how the MNC is undergoing a much needed forensic audit. J/K

Here's the link : President's Message

Urban Metis Issues To Be Discussed

MANITOBA METIS FEDERATION INC
WINNIPEG REGION ANNUAL GENERAL METING
MARCH 15, 2008
Registration: 8:00AM
Meeting: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
St. Boniface College, 200 rue de la Cathedrale
West Gym – Room 1553
Let Your Voice Be Heard
Seeking all members of the Manitoba Metis Federation Inc. Winnipeg Region to attend !!
Issues
-Housing, education and training
-North American Indigenous Games

-Metis youth involvement
-Strengthening locals
-Local Management Board elections
Lunch provided
Free Parking
Art Auction
No entrance fee
EVENING ENTERTAINMENT
7:00PM – 11:00pm In Theatre Room
featuring local talent from across the province'
All proceeds raised will benefit Metis athletes attending the North American Indigenous Games hosted by the Cowichin Tribes, Duncan, British Columbia August 2 – 10, 2008. $10 entrance fee.
For more information contact Deidre, at 589-4327 ext 222 or send us an email at wpgregion@mmf.mb.ca
Winnipeg Region Office
412 McGregor Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R2W 4X5
Web: http://www.winnipegmetis.ca/

Randy's Back

Hello.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

The Wisdom and Talent of Elders

Some of the most interesting, informative, and insightful contributors I have spoken to over the past few years has to be the elderstatesmen/women, involved with the Manitoba Metis Federation. These people have not only provided news, but also some wisdom that will always stay with me. So to all the Metis elders...courtesy of Charlie Fife, here is a clip of whom Charlie refers to as "one of the last of the James Bay Fiddlers'. This video is absolutely wonderful. The spoon playing brings back memories of my dad and the fiddle playing of Henry Lacquette; those kitchens were the best party rooms !! Now If only I could find a good Jimmy Rodgers-type Metis yodeler video.
Here is Cree Fiddler James Chee Choo and Daisy Chee Choo from James Bay on spoons, Metis Musicians Charlie Fife and friends on Guitar at Centennial United Church in Oshawa....can I hear an "hey boy cripe that's good"!!

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Heartbreaking

Nothing more to say other than many prayers

to the relatives, friends and the community of Pukatawagan on the tragic passing of these babies

.
Native chief's grandchildren killed in fire
CTV News: Murray Oliver with details on the cause
Fire kills 3 children at Pukatawagan

Monday, March 10, 2008

Monday Musings

Good morning all.....lets get right to it....A huge word of thanks to Manitoba Member of Parliament, Rod Bruinooge. I know the wheels of government turn very slowly at times, so after all the emails and documents you have received it appears as though The Metis MP, has taken a stand on the Métis National Council , and I'm certain the MNC President and its' governors are none too pleased. The actions by Mr Bruinooge, who is also the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians, speak volumes to the efforts of grassroots Metis, to get some financial accountability and transparency in place with the various Metis orgs. You must go to Metis Bare Facts and check out some of the financial documents she has posted. To Rod Bruinooge; on behalf of all grassroots Metis citizens across the country who truly need the financial aid that you allot the Metis students, entrepreneurs etc, a big Thank You !! The resources that the Metis require are real ; It is our leaders who appear to deem it necessary to spend much of the cash on consulting contracts, administration fees and travel. Rumors abound that a meeting with the Congress of Aboriginal People's Manitoba representative Walter Menard, with the feds will take place today......The Manitoba Metis Federation was allotted $976,122 and reportedly received the funds prior to March 31, 2007. The MMFs AHHRI web link was just setup a couple of weeks ago. Why the wait ?........MMF President/CEO David Chartrand made his usual everything is OK radio address this weekend and I'm absolutely sick and tired of hearing him continually deceive the Metis in Manitoba......I have been quite sick this weekend and have just been maintaining the blog, but here's a story I missed out on this weekend ;
Local french Métis community rally in support of Upper Fort Garry . Noble attempt and we must applaud the efforts of this group. A lot of cash is still needed to get this plan approved by City Council........The city of Winnipeg and Mayor Sam Katz have done a "solid" for the Aboriginal youth with the alloting of $ 1,000,000 to help with youth sports programming. Nothing to keep the kids on the straight and narrow path like sports and recreation.......You all know how pro First nation rights I am, so this story on the Attawapiskat First Nation and the ensuing comment by Minister Chuck Strahl took me by surprise;
YouTube used in fight for new school. In a television interview Minister Strahl stated that his own kids had to endure portable classrooms while they attended school. The only difference, and a huge difference at that Mr. Strahl, is that a school is usually the ONLY place for recreational purposes on a reserve. The school also doesn't even have an adequate library. I hope this gets settled soon.
www.northernmetismatters.blogspot.com
is another Metis blog site that has popped up. The grassroots people's Metis movement is growing in leaps and bounds. That is not all for today, but I have a meeting and will be back......I'm back.....Just a few more smatterings of news.......Metis Women Of Manitoba was reportedly granted $ 5,000 from Alberta and Metco ; Why ?........Five more sleeps until the Winnipeg regional meeting. David Chartrand will be in attendance at this meeting so anyone with some questions for the embattled CEO, show up on Saturday. I wonder if Rod Bruinooge will be in attendance ?....There will also be a concert later that night, featuring many local Metis performers. A very admirable initiative will also occur during that concert. Winnipeg region will be recording the concert for a future compact disc recording and the proceeds from the CD sales will be used to help out the athletes for the upcoming Indigenous Games. I am scheduled to be one of the performers that evening and am so pleased that I can lend a voice to the effort for a great cause ; more on the concert later in the week...the weathers' good here in the 'peg(finally) so enjoy. As for you Easteners, I feel for all the snow you got this weekend. A lot a backs must be sore after almost a metre of snow dropped on your region. To MMF BOD Elbert Chartrand; have an enjoyable trip to Las Vegas next week.

Friday, March 07, 2008

Fireworks On Friday

The Metis bloggers are at loggerheads !! Just days after a positive article about the blogs by Nova Metis News, we Metis can't seem to play nice even in this forum !! Metis Bare Facts, Metis Mix and Will Goodon(they've always had political issues) is having a interesting debate with long time contributor Frank Godon(www.dustmybroom.com ). Go check it out the four if you wish.
The three bloggers are debating the assimilation, cultural genocide(give me a break) of the Metis.
I'll be quick and to the point with the genocide argument ; Although the governments may have tried to quash the Metis struggles, we steadfastly fought with all of our Metis might for our cause. My dad and grandpa lived through the Metis hard times, but if you were to tell them the government was attempting a Metis genocide, they would have fought to the death. We have never layed down nor will we. I realize some Metis chose to hide their ancestry due to the struggles, but there were enough fighters that would still promote the Metis way of life and that enabled us to be where we are today. The elders also kept the resistance alive in Metis minds. We never have been, nor were we subjected to cultural genocide. We fought back.
Cultural genocide according to certain writers, can take many forms.
When you want to talk about the Metis oppression comes to mind. Not genocide.
The Jews, the people of Darfur, the Somali's, that's my interpretation of genocide despite what the Metis politicos would lead you to believe.
We Metis were too proud to ever be subjected to this ridiculous notion of genocide..........I have been debating abit with Will Goodon myself...lol. Goodon is known to be a close friend to David Chartrand and Glorian Yakiwchuk. I have posed a query to him and as of a 1/2 hour ago, has refused to even acknowledge the question concerning the consulting contracts given to Chartrand's live in love interest, Yakiwchuk.
Back to the genocide issue ; When a person starts talking about cultural genocide and the Metis, suspicion immediately arises as to their motives. The writer of such diatribe usually ends up being a person whose job depends on spewing the genocidal rhetoric. Usually a Metis politico.
We had struggles, but genocide ??.....fireworks burnt out here's some news....The Local management board of the Manitoba Metis Federation will have two-three spots up for grabs at the upcoming regioal meeting. These are elected positions.
To put it plainly, the LMB is the committee that decides who gets training cash. A very important position as the LMB is going through some funding problems of their own. Due to overspending in previous years, the LMB is reportedly only able to have $ 600,000 to help out with the students training program funding..........I have had word from the MNC that some employees were trying to sound the alarm bells of financial malfeasance two years ago. The intimidation factor and employment considerations were a big part of them not coming forward. Look for more from the MNC employees in the future. they might be anonymous on the blog comment section, but their info will be important as the search for a new national Metis political body goes forward.

Thursday, March 06, 2008

Winnipeg Region Annual Meeting

The Manitoba Metis Federation's Winnipeg region will be hosting its' regional meeting on March 15th, 2008

The meeting will take place at St Boniface College, 200 Rue de la Cathedrale, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Come, get involved. Should be a very exciting meeting this year.

Look for a very important announcement concerning a Winnipeg focused, Metis-specific housing initiative, from V.P. Ron Chartrand !!

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Forensic Audit of MNC To Proceed...B.C. Jumps Ship

I was hoping for this day. Occasionally over the two years of this blogs existance, and when things don't appear to happen

quick enough, you kinda get frustrated.

It's days like this make the two years plus seem like a walk in the park.

Word from MetisMama has confirmed what many have been speculating was going to occur; The Metis National Council is indeed going under the feds accountability microscope and a forensic audit is going full steam ahead. Yeah baby !! MMF President and CEO Chartrand

and his actions as MNC minister of everything, will certainly cost him profile points. He's probably done at the national level. As for those questionable contracts from the Health fund to his common law girlfriend......MNC and MMF number cruncher Bernie Shore won't be there to shield questions from the feds.

The news just gets worse for the President of the MNC Clem Chartier. In a press release, the Metis Nation of British Columbia has apparently chosen to taken a "leave of absence" from the embattled national Metis political body.

Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) Leave of Absence

Please be advised that the MNBC Board of Directors met this past weekend with the majority of the Métis Chartered Community leaders in British Columbia to discuss the current Métis National Council (MNC) developments. MNBC discussed a number of items including the current MNC default of the Health Canada Agreement in January 2008.

View Full MNBC Leave of Absence Letter (PDF)

Countless reports from contributors here on MN&S, indicated that Clem and the President of the Manitoba Metis Federation David Chartrand, called all the shots over the previous two years at the MNC. Going to be interesting to see the fallout.......oops it's already begun with the B.C. jumping off board and the audit.

One important question ; Will this audit trail lead all the way back to Manitoba and the MMF board of directors ?

I asked awhile back about the relevance of this national organization. I didn't feel we needed two hands taking fees out of the Metis funding pot. Well, there ya go.

The next few weeks will tell the tale, but here's my prediction ;

The MNC is toast.

I'm sure that many of the grassroots Metis will not even raise a fuss.

Monday, March 03, 2008

Chartier Takes A Swipe At Doucette and Poitras

This site has been working with two Winnipeg Free Press reporters, as the principle mainstream news outlet for this site, and it's readers concerns involving the Métis National Council and the Manitoba Metis Federation.
Someone isn't sharing with Aboriginal affairs columnist Colleen Simard.
I think someone should have gotten Simard up to speed with the true issues surrounding the MNC before she published this bit of false news and half truths. In an article that was published today in the Freep she decided to comment on MNC issues, she apparently only interviewed MNC leader Clem Chartier, It also appears she believed every word that he threw to her. Where was Saskatchewan Metis leader Robert Doucette's comment ? Audrey Poitras ? She was accused in the article of "not wanting Alberta to participate"(Clem's words) in the Aboriginal Health and Human Resources Initiative. She should have had a say. This article should of great concern to the Alberta and Saskatchewan leaders.
The Free Press columnist certainly did little research into some of the incorrect claims by Chartier. Here is Simard's article in full ;
Re-elected leader focuses on helping unite Métis
CLEMENT Chartier is back in the saddle. The former president of the Métis National Council (MNC) got re-elected in a court-ordered election in Ottawa a couple weekends ago. It's a good move towards more accountable elections.
Here's what happened.
Chartier was ousted under dubious circumstances about seven months ago. Basically, he was on a one-year extension of his term, but after several months a few MNC executive members decided to vote the extension invalid.
Chartier said his term was extended to give Saskatchewan time to clear up its issues and run a fair election. He said he was wrongly seen as a blind supporter of the Saskatchewan 2004 election, which caused big headlines for election fraud.
A handful of other issues may have also led to him getting pushed out of office. He said the president of the Métis Nation in Saskatchewan -- Robert Doucette -- viewed him as part of the opposition.
"During a period of time -- the previous three years -- he'd periodically seek my resignation," said Chartier.
He also said Métis Nation of Alberta president Audrey Poitras disagreed with the federal government giving control of a health-care program back to the Métis people across five provinces. She didn't want Alberta Métis participating.
The ongoing power struggle led to the MNC becoming a political mess, tarnished their reputation and cost them their federal funding.
Chartier got a great deal of support, however, from a local source.
The Manitoba Métis Federation and Chartier sued the MNC, Audrey Poitras, Robert Doucette, Tony Belcourt and Bruce Dumont because they removed Chartier from office.
"We ended up with a court order to have this election last October," said Chartier.
That election crumbled when the MNC Assembly failed to agree on the official delegate voting list. The Manitoba Métis Federation disputed the Métis Nation of Alberta's list of eligible voters. There were allegations Poitras replaced official delegates with Chartier leanings with alternate delegates who'd vote against him.
So the case returned to the courts, and a second election day -- Feb. 23, 2008 -- was set.
Chartier ended up winning on the first ballot. Out of 54 delegates, 28 voted for him, 12 voted for Tony Belcourt of Ontario, 11 voted for Bruce Dumont of British Columbia and three voted for Rick Laliberté, a former Saskatchewan New Democrat MP.
Chartier said his focus now is getting the Métis nation united.
"We have agreed to turn the page," said Chartier. "I have no negative feelings towards anyone who ran against me, or voted against me -- put that behind us."
He feels the outcome of all this is a positive one.
"There's been some criticism publicly, against myself and against David Chartrand," said Chartier. "And I think -- particularly winning on the first ballot -- I think that shows the people out there, the leadership was listening. I believe the position that myself and President Chartrand took -- our actions -- we've been vindicated."
He also remembers while in Winnipeg and The Pas recently, he was well received.
"People were saying 'Yes, you are doing the right thing' and 'Don't give up because you are working for basic rights' and 'We have to stand by our principles.' So I did get a lot of encouragement. I am pleased with the support I got from Métis people."
I have met and talked with Ms. Simard in the past and I would have expected a more unbiased and researched report. Sadly, this column has set back the call for accountability /transparency from the concerned MNC leaders and Metis citizens, as Simard paints a picture of Chartier being the ultimo Metis unity politico.
We Metis deserve fact based and well researched articles if Ms. Simard wishes to comment on a organization she apparently knows nothing of, and didn't bother checking on.

Metis News and Stuff