Well, this took a bit to write. First I want to thank all you northern folk that take the time to comment on the blog, email or write me letters. I enjoy all your thoughts and appreciate the time you give them. I guess I just want to reply to and thank those of you northern Metis that took the time to write or email me sharing your feelings or comments on the recent election. I appreciate your concerns and empathise with your frustration; however I encourage each and every one of you to continue to express your feelings clearly and respectfully, ask pointed informed questions of the new board and demand direct and timely responses. Above all do not fall into despair and step away from the Metis peoples that need your strong voices and clear thinking. It is easy for us to throw our hands up and walk away, that is not the northern way and we all know it. All northern peoples whether Metis, Inuit, First Nation, early families or recent immigrates would not be in the north if we were weak or quitters. I implore you all to keep fighting the good fight, advocate against northern disparity, remain centered to the earth, and keep focused and clear. I think what we all need right about now is a good chuckle. I have started the ball rolling and challenge every one of you to come up with at least one way we may know you are a Northern Metis!
Are You a Northern Metis?
(one point for every statement you can say yes to) the winner gets to help me split a couple cords of firewood. Who could say no to that treat??..hmmm?
You may be a northern Metis if……….
--you have ever used the trunk of your car or the back of your pick-up as a spare deep freeze for more than 30 days.
--you have not only eaten moose stew but have at least 5 favorite recipes for it.
--you have chipped a tooth on buck shot whilst eating grouse, duck or goose
--you have used a power saw to cut the Sunday roast off the frozen carcass hanging in the smoke house/barn/shop/back porch/spare bedroom (yes I mean you Bannock Burner) etc.
--you actually prefer the taste of canned or powdered milk on your cereal
--you have said at least once in your life in shock…“What do you mean horrible and cruel? There is some good eating on a ……beaver/muskrat/bunny/cute little deer/bear!!
--you get a glint in your eye when you see your life partner in his/her grey wool long-johns ‘ cause that means one of two things…YAY I’m getting lucky…or shit I have to melt more snow it’s bath night
--you own two pairs of gum boots; the ones with holes just above the heel and folded over frayed tops, and your "getting gussied up and going to town pair"
You are Super Northern Metis Person and get 2 extra points if……..
--you can drive down a road and tell what kind of wood every house/cabin you pass is burning by the smell of the smoke (a 2 extra points if you know they haven’t cleaned the chimney yet that month)
Your turn
Friday, September 12, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Unofficial Poll Results
Well that was an interesting little exercise. I doubt that the results of the unofficial poll will be a very accurate predictor of the upcoming election as I did not get a large enough response. I have posted the results below just for a lark....we can see how accurate they are on Sunday! The results of the Tante Poll indicate that the following candidates will be successful in the north.
Earl Belcourt
Dave Hodgson
Rose Bortolon
Rene Therrien
Tony Goulet
Dan Pope
Melissa Swears Phung
Susie Hooper
I wish to take a moment to nag nag nag all eligible Metis voters to "get off yer duff "and get out and vote tomorrow. Remember we have the leaders we deserve. Good luck to all the candidates.
Earl Belcourt
Dave Hodgson
Rose Bortolon
Rene Therrien
Tony Goulet
Dan Pope
Melissa Swears Phung
Susie Hooper
I wish to take a moment to nag nag nag all eligible Metis voters to "get off yer duff "and get out and vote tomorrow. Remember we have the leaders we deserve. Good luck to all the candidates.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Summer is Done and Elections are Upon Us---Be Afraid...Very Afraid!
Goodness gracious flying day old bannock! What a summer it has been for this old Tanté; I spent it out in Yekooche Territory. Having survived another northern break-up (never doubt us old Metis we are as tough as nails) I spent the spring smoking and half drying beaver meat and tanned a couple of moose hides I had left in the ice over winter. Thanks to Kim Hodgson for this tip, the hair comes off slicker than pond scum if you lay the hide fur side down on the first fall ice and pull it out as soon as you can in th spring thaw! The first hide was a little stiff but it will make great mocasson soles. The second hide hung in the smoke house a wee bit longer than it should have...nuff said. The summer days in the interior were a treat, dry, sunny with cold clear nights. It reminded me a lot of the summers in the NWT along the Salt River. So I spent the spring and summer in good company, celebrated my wedding anniversary with my wonderful husband and got to spend time with family and friends (there never seems enough time). I am just now really giving some thought to the upcoming MNBC election and even more thought to an email I received from Mr. Henry in response to a request I had made of him. The last issue ties in quite strongly to his comments on my journalistic and blog attempt so I think I will address that in my next musings.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Metis Leaders or Metis Polititians?
"My (leader), you have made promises to me and to my children. If the promises had been made by a person of no standing, I should not be surprised to see his promises fail. But you, who are so great in riches and power; I am astonished that I do not see your promises fulfilled! I would have been better pleased if you had never made such promises than that you should have made them and not performed them…Shinguaconse ~ Little Pine
I have received comments that mention politicians versus leaders, or have said that the Metis Nation is too important to be left in the hands of politicians. These comments puzzled me somewhat until I started to research these issues. Well…lo’ and behold! It appears there is a vast difference between a politician and a leader. The dictionary defines
A politician as;
1) a person active in party politics 2) a schemer who tries to gain advantage in an organization in sly or underhanded ways 3) a person who influences the way a society is governed through an understanding of political power and group dynamics 4) a person who holds a political office. They may or may not have been elected.
A leader is defined as;
1) a person that leads 2) a person who rules or guides or inspires others 3) a person that is the most successful or advanced in a particular area.
Well the dictionaries definitely show us there is a difference between a politician and a leader! This might explain why so many elections boiled down to us Metis making the choice between the lesser of evils, or as is often the case regionally, no choice. It may contribute to why Metis Governance approvals are so low both inside the Metis community and with non-Metis folk. It factors into why too many Metis politicians either “vanish without another peep” or receive a golden handshake and a gentle push to “go off and spread the Metis cause to peoples that do not know who we Metis are”. This difference between leaders and politicians definitely contributes to why there are seldom clear leading candidates in provincial and federal Metis politics. The result of this difference, sadly, leaves us Metis people more cynical than optimistic about the world in which we live. Put simply, the Metis are desperately lacking truly inspiring leaders.
Those who seek power and influence in politics are “plump and shiny” with ambition but, “toothpick scrawny” with leadership qualities. This has nothing to do with their desires to “do-good” and forward the Metis cause. I do not question their intentions to want to help, but as Dad always says “the road to hell is paved with good intentions”. All political candidates intend to fight a clean fight; “no mud slinging” they all declare as they announce their candidacies. That is until the first buffalo-chip smacks them clean in the face or they are challenged by a little old Elder from the back of a room. Then it is every candidate for them self as the muck slinging and back room deals start to be struck. Every candidate says how their campaign will be different and how they intend to reform the system. That is until they realize that the system is what pays for their good intentions. Our public offices and our provincial board rooms are rich with ambitious do-gooders but poor with leaders with the strength to ignore the interference that distracts from achieving their vision. I suggest there are a number of ways for us Metis voters to sort the wheat from the chaff; if we realize that political ambition is the pursuit of power with the hope that once you get there, you can do something with it. Okay that attitude has not been working for the Metis on any level; maybe it is time to look for LEADERS not politicians! I invite the reader to consider the following points when we wonder if we are voting for a leader or a politician:
1) Leadership is having a vision of a better world and doing whatever it takes to achieve that vision, even if sometimes it means pursuing a position of power to help advance your vision more efficiently and effectively.
2) Leaders have the courage to be unpopular with those that disagree with them. The politician wants to befriend as many people as possible.
3) Leaders say what they think. The politician will say what they think others want to hear.
4) Leaders have a vision of the future that inspires the grass roots Metis. Politicians have goals that motivate a few (though more can be "motivated" if the politician can afford it).
I know we have true leaders among the Metis. I issue two challenges that only the true leaders will succeed in or pass.
The first challenge is for a leader who runs for a Metis governance position. I dare you not to look at a single poll or listen to popularity thoughts expressed while you are running. Don't worry what some poll tells you to say, just tell us what you believe and we'll decide if we want to share your vision of a Metis Nation. I dare you to ignore your competitions jabs and his/her stances and posturing. I dare you to surround yourself with Metis committed to your vision, and not just the Metis that carry a “brand-spanking-new” citizenship card and can vote for you. But please listen to, and speak for all the Metis; the Metis Veteran that chooses not to apply for citizenship in, and align with a governing body. The Metis Woman that was denied her citizenship card because she had been adopted out to a non-Aboriginal family by the government when her Mom died. Remember and surround yourself with the Metis children that have no vote but in whose hands our future is held. Our Metis heroes mythical, past and present; Nenabush, Louis Riel, Marie Campbell, Steve Powley, Cuthbert Grant, Captain William Kennedy, Gabriel Dumont, Madeleine Welkey Dumont, and Pauline Johnson (to list just a few) didn't take the public temperature before stating what they thought, nor was what they said always popular. They spoke the truth as they saw it and they stated their convictions with courage. I challenge future leaders to do the same.
The second challenge is for the current leaders. I dare you not to always nod and agree with whatever nonsensical political stance, platitude or petty argument the majority of your governing board or CEO is taking. I dare you to challenge and expose gag-orders, veiled threats and offers of personal gain when they are offered. This bully posturing is not about leading the Metis Peoples but quite simply about fear, ambition and the grab for a cut off the top of the resources to be delivered to the people. I dare you to stand on record, report your position and your vote and alliances back to the people that elected you. There is no legal obligation to vote as all the other director’s vote, nor is there an ethical requirement to always chant the resource driven “sound bite” of the day, so why do you do it? At every opportunity, restate your vision and tell your community the steps you are taking, the partnerships you are forging and the changes you are making to realize that vision. We Metis People may not all have a lot of book learning, but we are an incredibly savvy and intelligent people and we will support your vision and your leadership if it is genuine and not driven by personal ambition. Only you know what kind of leader you are, strive to better yourself for your people. Remove your personal need and look to the need of your people. Courage is all it takes.
Inspired by an article by S. Sinek “Ambition versus Leadership” 2008 and by comments and emails I have received from Northern Metis Matters Blog readers stating the need for Metis leaders not more Metis politicians.
I have received comments that mention politicians versus leaders, or have said that the Metis Nation is too important to be left in the hands of politicians. These comments puzzled me somewhat until I started to research these issues. Well…lo’ and behold! It appears there is a vast difference between a politician and a leader. The dictionary defines
A politician as;
1) a person active in party politics 2) a schemer who tries to gain advantage in an organization in sly or underhanded ways 3) a person who influences the way a society is governed through an understanding of political power and group dynamics 4) a person who holds a political office. They may or may not have been elected.
A leader is defined as;
1) a person that leads 2) a person who rules or guides or inspires others 3) a person that is the most successful or advanced in a particular area.
Well the dictionaries definitely show us there is a difference between a politician and a leader! This might explain why so many elections boiled down to us Metis making the choice between the lesser of evils, or as is often the case regionally, no choice. It may contribute to why Metis Governance approvals are so low both inside the Metis community and with non-Metis folk. It factors into why too many Metis politicians either “vanish without another peep” or receive a golden handshake and a gentle push to “go off and spread the Metis cause to peoples that do not know who we Metis are”. This difference between leaders and politicians definitely contributes to why there are seldom clear leading candidates in provincial and federal Metis politics. The result of this difference, sadly, leaves us Metis people more cynical than optimistic about the world in which we live. Put simply, the Metis are desperately lacking truly inspiring leaders.
Those who seek power and influence in politics are “plump and shiny” with ambition but, “toothpick scrawny” with leadership qualities. This has nothing to do with their desires to “do-good” and forward the Metis cause. I do not question their intentions to want to help, but as Dad always says “the road to hell is paved with good intentions”. All political candidates intend to fight a clean fight; “no mud slinging” they all declare as they announce their candidacies. That is until the first buffalo-chip smacks them clean in the face or they are challenged by a little old Elder from the back of a room. Then it is every candidate for them self as the muck slinging and back room deals start to be struck. Every candidate says how their campaign will be different and how they intend to reform the system. That is until they realize that the system is what pays for their good intentions. Our public offices and our provincial board rooms are rich with ambitious do-gooders but poor with leaders with the strength to ignore the interference that distracts from achieving their vision. I suggest there are a number of ways for us Metis voters to sort the wheat from the chaff; if we realize that political ambition is the pursuit of power with the hope that once you get there, you can do something with it. Okay that attitude has not been working for the Metis on any level; maybe it is time to look for LEADERS not politicians! I invite the reader to consider the following points when we wonder if we are voting for a leader or a politician:
1) Leadership is having a vision of a better world and doing whatever it takes to achieve that vision, even if sometimes it means pursuing a position of power to help advance your vision more efficiently and effectively.
2) Leaders have the courage to be unpopular with those that disagree with them. The politician wants to befriend as many people as possible.
3) Leaders say what they think. The politician will say what they think others want to hear.
4) Leaders have a vision of the future that inspires the grass roots Metis. Politicians have goals that motivate a few (though more can be "motivated" if the politician can afford it).
I know we have true leaders among the Metis. I issue two challenges that only the true leaders will succeed in or pass.
The first challenge is for a leader who runs for a Metis governance position. I dare you not to look at a single poll or listen to popularity thoughts expressed while you are running. Don't worry what some poll tells you to say, just tell us what you believe and we'll decide if we want to share your vision of a Metis Nation. I dare you to ignore your competitions jabs and his/her stances and posturing. I dare you to surround yourself with Metis committed to your vision, and not just the Metis that carry a “brand-spanking-new” citizenship card and can vote for you. But please listen to, and speak for all the Metis; the Metis Veteran that chooses not to apply for citizenship in, and align with a governing body. The Metis Woman that was denied her citizenship card because she had been adopted out to a non-Aboriginal family by the government when her Mom died. Remember and surround yourself with the Metis children that have no vote but in whose hands our future is held. Our Metis heroes mythical, past and present; Nenabush, Louis Riel, Marie Campbell, Steve Powley, Cuthbert Grant, Captain William Kennedy, Gabriel Dumont, Madeleine Welkey Dumont, and Pauline Johnson (to list just a few) didn't take the public temperature before stating what they thought, nor was what they said always popular. They spoke the truth as they saw it and they stated their convictions with courage. I challenge future leaders to do the same.
The second challenge is for the current leaders. I dare you not to always nod and agree with whatever nonsensical political stance, platitude or petty argument the majority of your governing board or CEO is taking. I dare you to challenge and expose gag-orders, veiled threats and offers of personal gain when they are offered. This bully posturing is not about leading the Metis Peoples but quite simply about fear, ambition and the grab for a cut off the top of the resources to be delivered to the people. I dare you to stand on record, report your position and your vote and alliances back to the people that elected you. There is no legal obligation to vote as all the other director’s vote, nor is there an ethical requirement to always chant the resource driven “sound bite” of the day, so why do you do it? At every opportunity, restate your vision and tell your community the steps you are taking, the partnerships you are forging and the changes you are making to realize that vision. We Metis People may not all have a lot of book learning, but we are an incredibly savvy and intelligent people and we will support your vision and your leadership if it is genuine and not driven by personal ambition. Only you know what kind of leader you are, strive to better yourself for your people. Remove your personal need and look to the need of your people. Courage is all it takes.
Inspired by an article by S. Sinek “Ambition versus Leadership” 2008 and by comments and emails I have received from Northern Metis Matters Blog readers stating the need for Metis leaders not more Metis politicians.
Break-up Reflections #2
Break up (noun)The act or an instance of breaking up, as a division, dispersal, or disintegration. The discontinuance of a relationship, as a marriage or a friendship. The cracking and shifting of ice in rivers or harbors during the spring. A loss of control or composure. In the north it is also the time when logging grinds to a halt because transportation becomes difficult or impossible due to the roads turning to a quagmire of muck that surrounds pot holes large enough to hide your obnoxious fat Auntie in.
hmmmm....yup that sounds about right, well all except the discontuance of a relationship. For those of us that live in the "bush" it also means being stuck in the "bush" as roads wash out or the bottom falls out of them completely making them impassable for motor vehicles. Being cabin bound with even the dearest of companions 24/7, well 22/7 can put a real strain on a relationship. After about 2 weeks you get that crampy feeling in your jaws from trying to force your gritted teeth into the semblance of a loving smile. This is usually not successful and does not fool your loved one as you end up looking like a somewhat mad, protein deprived social worker (the kind that make you sit in circles clutching a feather and sharing your inner feelings). This look is NOT conducive to long romantic struggles through the slop your front yard has become.
However, the slop the front yard has become does force closer companionship on you as a loving couple. Hand holding, hand tugging and indeed full body heaving is often needed during these strolls when you become stuck in the slop to the very top of your gumboots. Ahhhh...I hear snickers from the gentle southern readers!!! Snicker not oh uninformed and breakup virgin types. I can assure you that gum boot stickage is no laughing matter. Imagine if you will the gentle blankets of snow that Mother Nature has tucked the north under all winter long. This seamless deep expanse of pristine beauty has retreated shyly with the coming spring. The merry sunbeams of March have gently tickled out buried treasure. Now allow your mind to summon up what treasure this may be in the middle of a remote Rez. For Mother Natures creatures share this wondrous space with us; pack dogs, sled dogs, dog dogs, the rare and incredibly tough feral cat and of course there is the left over bounty of the winter buffet. Moose bones, carcasses from pelt animals the dogs did not get to, oil cans, old chains from saws, burnt rice pots, the list is long and I am hesitant to continue this recitation of treasure as I do not want to arouse that most ugly of emotion, envy, in the southern readers soul.
This is not a landscape you want to navigate in one gum boot and one wool sock! Well, not unless your tetanus shots are up-to-date and you are blessed with incredibly weak or none existent squeam genetics. So I must stand on record (or any other handy object that will allow me to get to the woodshed without actually touching the ground) and declare that a northern break-up does not meet the definition the handy dictionary gives us. It cements relationships, sometimes to the point of a intervention with a bucket of water to wash the muck off. It allows us to trust and reachout for our partners and friends. Finally it allows us to become "bushed" and so explore our "mad-as-a-sack-of-badgers" inner northern soul. I am going to brave the muck and head for a cuppa at the nice white lady teacher's house. The Elders say she is getting a bit odd and has been muttering to herself and won't open the door to anyone. On that note "bushed" will be the topic for my Breakup Reflections later in the week.
hmmmm....yup that sounds about right, well all except the discontuance of a relationship. For those of us that live in the "bush" it also means being stuck in the "bush" as roads wash out or the bottom falls out of them completely making them impassable for motor vehicles. Being cabin bound with even the dearest of companions 24/7, well 22/7 can put a real strain on a relationship. After about 2 weeks you get that crampy feeling in your jaws from trying to force your gritted teeth into the semblance of a loving smile. This is usually not successful and does not fool your loved one as you end up looking like a somewhat mad, protein deprived social worker (the kind that make you sit in circles clutching a feather and sharing your inner feelings). This look is NOT conducive to long romantic struggles through the slop your front yard has become.
However, the slop the front yard has become does force closer companionship on you as a loving couple. Hand holding, hand tugging and indeed full body heaving is often needed during these strolls when you become stuck in the slop to the very top of your gumboots. Ahhhh...I hear snickers from the gentle southern readers!!! Snicker not oh uninformed and breakup virgin types. I can assure you that gum boot stickage is no laughing matter. Imagine if you will the gentle blankets of snow that Mother Nature has tucked the north under all winter long. This seamless deep expanse of pristine beauty has retreated shyly with the coming spring. The merry sunbeams of March have gently tickled out buried treasure. Now allow your mind to summon up what treasure this may be in the middle of a remote Rez. For Mother Natures creatures share this wondrous space with us; pack dogs, sled dogs, dog dogs, the rare and incredibly tough feral cat and of course there is the left over bounty of the winter buffet. Moose bones, carcasses from pelt animals the dogs did not get to, oil cans, old chains from saws, burnt rice pots, the list is long and I am hesitant to continue this recitation of treasure as I do not want to arouse that most ugly of emotion, envy, in the southern readers soul.
This is not a landscape you want to navigate in one gum boot and one wool sock! Well, not unless your tetanus shots are up-to-date and you are blessed with incredibly weak or none existent squeam genetics. So I must stand on record (or any other handy object that will allow me to get to the woodshed without actually touching the ground) and declare that a northern break-up does not meet the definition the handy dictionary gives us. It cements relationships, sometimes to the point of a intervention with a bucket of water to wash the muck off. It allows us to trust and reachout for our partners and friends. Finally it allows us to become "bushed" and so explore our "mad-as-a-sack-of-badgers" inner northern soul. I am going to brave the muck and head for a cuppa at the nice white lady teacher's house. The Elders say she is getting a bit odd and has been muttering to herself and won't open the door to anyone. On that note "bushed" will be the topic for my Breakup Reflections later in the week.
The Role of Metis Women in the Nation Today
“As Métis, we value the contributions of our grandmothers in our culture. Women are the very heart and strength in supporting our children, our elders, our families, communities and our Nation.” …April McLean-Collart; 2006 http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2006CS0035-001235.htm
This is a fine sentiment and one to which we can all agree in spirit. Does the Metis Nation value our contributions as Metis women? Is our place one of honour and respect within the Nation and does that reflect in our reality as Metis women? I would argue that sadly it is not and does not. No one can argue that the role of Metis women is as Ms. McLean-Collart forwarded; as Metis women we are pleased and honoured to act in this traditional role of strength and support. Where the spirit falls short of the reality is in the systemic misogyny all too apparent in the Nation today. It was only in 2007 that the Metis women of BC were given a voting presence on, and acknowledged by, the board of directors.
11.1 Draft Resolutions #1 – Friendly Amendment to Draft MNBC Electoral Act
Following the reading, moving and seconding of Draft Resolution #1, in response to a point of
order, it was confirmed that the proposed amendment was to the draft Electoral Act, which had
received first reading and would be considered for adoption later at this meeting.
It was MOVED (Annette Maurice) and SECONDED (Kelley Wolfenden)
WHEREAS pursuant to Article of 12 of the Constitution of the Métis Nation British Columbia
(MNBC) the elected representative of the Métis Women's Secretariat is a member of the MNBC
Board of Directors; and
WHEREAS pursuant to Article 29 of the MNBC Constitution the elected President of the
Women's Secretariat is a member of the MNGA; and
WHEREAS Articles 37 and 41 of the MNBC Constitution provide for the election to an office of
the Métis Women's Secretariat; and
WHEREAS Article 38.1 of the Draft Electoral Code provides that a recount is available for a
Candidate for the office of Métis Women's Secretariat and the procedure in subsequent provisions
of the Electoral Code expressly or impliedly applies to the position of the office of Chairperson of
the Women's Secretariat.
www.mpcbc.bc.ca/pdf/2007AGM_minutesdraft.pdf
Where did the systemic misogyny prevalent in our Nation today come from? In 1870 an Act was raised to encourage assimilation. This Act was called An Act to Encourage the Gradual Civilization of the Indian Tribes in the Province and to Amend the Laws Respecting Indians. This Act set up a procedure to "enfranchise". The arrival of Europeans to North America forever changed the lives of Aboriginal peoples. In all pre-contact Aboriginal societies, women had different social roles from men but were equally respected and even revered. With the Europeans came entrenched gender-based biases that deeply and negatively affected Aboriginal women and their roles in their communities.
Gender-based discrimination toward First Nations women was formalized in 1868, when legislation was enacted decreeing that Indian status could only be passed through the male line. As a result, when a First Nations woman married a non-Indian man, she and her children lost their Indian status and their entitlement to many benefits. In the case of Metis women, this process was accomplished during colonization and ostracizing Metis women; who up until the "White" women arrived were a necessity for trade, sustenance and in many cases survival. Changes to the Indian Act in 1869 allowing bands to enfranchise Indian women who married out (creating the process for defining "Indian" and legitimacy through descent of the male line only), the Battle of Batoche and the Scrip process begun in 1871 in Treaty #1 saw the Metis Nation being directly attacked by the Federal government. This was the beginning of the Metis Nation being "enfranchised" from the Indian Act and beginning the process that resulted in Metis People seeing themselves as The Forgotten People of Canada. It wasn't until 1982 that the Metis Nation was once against recognized as an Aboriginal People of Canada. However, the damage was done and the effective entrenchment of divide and conquer is our largest hurdle in these modern times.
This gender-based discrimination was used as a technique of assimilation until 1985, when changes to the Indian Act, known as the Bill C-31 amendment, were finally implemented-the result of a challenge launched in 1971 by Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, an Ojibwa activist. The success of that challenge permitted reinstatement of the First Nations women and children who had lost their status.
Let this brief history lesson serve as a reminder for us all that without the First Nation women (your and my grandma’s and great-grandma’s) our colonial and immigrant fathers “married” there would be no Metis Nation for men to lead. We have all become complacent about the very real misogyny that exists within the Metis Nation today. I beseech the Metis women of British Columbia to inform themselves on the issues at hand. Let’s ask the hard questions not only of ourselves but our leaders. Which of our current leaders lobbied to have the voice of the Metis women and the Metis youth silenced at the board level in British Columbia? Which current provincial and federal leaders have publicly stated that Metis women will never have a voice at the negotiation tables? I would like to take this opportunity to remind my Metis sisters that we control over ½ of the vote…that’s right Metis women comprise 53% of the Metis population. Let that strength in numbers reflect at the MNBC election booth in September 2008. Make an informed decision and allow your vote to create a better future for our children, our elders, our families, our communities and our Nation.
Celebrating Metis Women Past and Present
Aboriginal women are dynamic members of this country’s fastest-growing demographic, comprising just over half of the 1.3 million Aboriginal peoples of Canada. Many of their stories, past and present, are inspiring. First Nations, Inuit and Métis women have made and continue to make outstanding contributions to the fabric of this country. But most of their achievements have gone unnoticed, omitted from many history books. In fact, their efforts are all the more impressive given the obstacles they face due to discrimination, poverty and violence-harsh realities that began with colonization.
Like Ms. Lavell, many Métis women have worked hard-and continue to do so-to bring about positive social change across Canada and around the world. The process is slow and many challenges remain, but their efforts are creating better lives and greater opportunities for women, their families and their communities. Through the oral tradition, First Nations, Inuit and Métis knowledge, culture and history are shared and passed on to succeeding generations. It is a Nation wide tragedy that this historical misogyny and division is being revisited today by the very leaders in whose hands the future of Metis women and our children rest.
Let’s take a brief look at the inspiring stories of a handful of Metis women of achievement:
Victoria Belcourt Callihoo (1861-1966) chronicled her life on the Prairies, from her early years as a young Métis woman, witness to the first treaties in western Canada, the decimation of the buffalo herds and the establishment of Alberta as a province.
Olive Dickason (born 1920) is a Métis writer and oral historian of Aboriginal life. She is a Member of the Order of Canada and a recipient of the First Nations Lifetime Achievement Award.
Maria Campbell (born 1940) is a groundbreaking Métis author, playwright and filmmaker. The heart wrenching 1973 classic, Halfbreed, illuminated the Métis experience for readers of all ages and established her reputation worldwide.
Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond (born 1963) is a member of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and a Harvard graduate. In 1998, she became the first treaty Indian and the first Aboriginal woman to be appointed to the Saskatchewan Provincial Court.
These are but a few of the Métis women of foresight, courage and compassion whose stories are igniting our collective imagination.
http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/dates/whm/2006/brochure_e.html
Links of Interest to Metis Women
Stolen Sisters
www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/AMR20/001/2004
Emerging Voices of Metis Women
http://www.metismuseum.ca/media/document.php/01269.pdf
Titameg’s Children
http://www3.yt.sympatico.ca/serena/index.htm
A Metis genealogy site that records the thousands of Metis descendants of one Indian woman.
MNBC Metis Women Representation
http://www.mpcbc.bc.ca/womens/womens.html
National Metis Women Representation
http://www.metisnation.ca/women/index.html
Native Women’s Association of Canada
http://www.nwac-hq.org/
This is a fine sentiment and one to which we can all agree in spirit. Does the Metis Nation value our contributions as Metis women? Is our place one of honour and respect within the Nation and does that reflect in our reality as Metis women? I would argue that sadly it is not and does not. No one can argue that the role of Metis women is as Ms. McLean-Collart forwarded; as Metis women we are pleased and honoured to act in this traditional role of strength and support. Where the spirit falls short of the reality is in the systemic misogyny all too apparent in the Nation today. It was only in 2007 that the Metis women of BC were given a voting presence on, and acknowledged by, the board of directors.
11.1 Draft Resolutions #1 – Friendly Amendment to Draft MNBC Electoral Act
Following the reading, moving and seconding of Draft Resolution #1, in response to a point of
order, it was confirmed that the proposed amendment was to the draft Electoral Act, which had
received first reading and would be considered for adoption later at this meeting.
It was MOVED (Annette Maurice) and SECONDED (Kelley Wolfenden)
WHEREAS pursuant to Article of 12 of the Constitution of the Métis Nation British Columbia
(MNBC) the elected representative of the Métis Women's Secretariat is a member of the MNBC
Board of Directors; and
WHEREAS pursuant to Article 29 of the MNBC Constitution the elected President of the
Women's Secretariat is a member of the MNGA; and
WHEREAS Articles 37 and 41 of the MNBC Constitution provide for the election to an office of
the Métis Women's Secretariat; and
WHEREAS Article 38.1 of the Draft Electoral Code provides that a recount is available for a
Candidate for the office of Métis Women's Secretariat and the procedure in subsequent provisions
of the Electoral Code expressly or impliedly applies to the position of the office of Chairperson of
the Women's Secretariat.
www.mpcbc.bc.ca/pdf/2007AGM_minutesdraft.pdf
Where did the systemic misogyny prevalent in our Nation today come from? In 1870 an Act was raised to encourage assimilation. This Act was called An Act to Encourage the Gradual Civilization of the Indian Tribes in the Province and to Amend the Laws Respecting Indians. This Act set up a procedure to "enfranchise". The arrival of Europeans to North America forever changed the lives of Aboriginal peoples. In all pre-contact Aboriginal societies, women had different social roles from men but were equally respected and even revered. With the Europeans came entrenched gender-based biases that deeply and negatively affected Aboriginal women and their roles in their communities.
Gender-based discrimination toward First Nations women was formalized in 1868, when legislation was enacted decreeing that Indian status could only be passed through the male line. As a result, when a First Nations woman married a non-Indian man, she and her children lost their Indian status and their entitlement to many benefits. In the case of Metis women, this process was accomplished during colonization and ostracizing Metis women; who up until the "White" women arrived were a necessity for trade, sustenance and in many cases survival. Changes to the Indian Act in 1869 allowing bands to enfranchise Indian women who married out (creating the process for defining "Indian" and legitimacy through descent of the male line only), the Battle of Batoche and the Scrip process begun in 1871 in Treaty #1 saw the Metis Nation being directly attacked by the Federal government. This was the beginning of the Metis Nation being "enfranchised" from the Indian Act and beginning the process that resulted in Metis People seeing themselves as The Forgotten People of Canada. It wasn't until 1982 that the Metis Nation was once against recognized as an Aboriginal People of Canada. However, the damage was done and the effective entrenchment of divide and conquer is our largest hurdle in these modern times.
This gender-based discrimination was used as a technique of assimilation until 1985, when changes to the Indian Act, known as the Bill C-31 amendment, were finally implemented-the result of a challenge launched in 1971 by Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, an Ojibwa activist. The success of that challenge permitted reinstatement of the First Nations women and children who had lost their status.
Let this brief history lesson serve as a reminder for us all that without the First Nation women (your and my grandma’s and great-grandma’s) our colonial and immigrant fathers “married” there would be no Metis Nation for men to lead. We have all become complacent about the very real misogyny that exists within the Metis Nation today. I beseech the Metis women of British Columbia to inform themselves on the issues at hand. Let’s ask the hard questions not only of ourselves but our leaders. Which of our current leaders lobbied to have the voice of the Metis women and the Metis youth silenced at the board level in British Columbia? Which current provincial and federal leaders have publicly stated that Metis women will never have a voice at the negotiation tables? I would like to take this opportunity to remind my Metis sisters that we control over ½ of the vote…that’s right Metis women comprise 53% of the Metis population. Let that strength in numbers reflect at the MNBC election booth in September 2008. Make an informed decision and allow your vote to create a better future for our children, our elders, our families, our communities and our Nation.
Celebrating Metis Women Past and Present
Aboriginal women are dynamic members of this country’s fastest-growing demographic, comprising just over half of the 1.3 million Aboriginal peoples of Canada. Many of their stories, past and present, are inspiring. First Nations, Inuit and Métis women have made and continue to make outstanding contributions to the fabric of this country. But most of their achievements have gone unnoticed, omitted from many history books. In fact, their efforts are all the more impressive given the obstacles they face due to discrimination, poverty and violence-harsh realities that began with colonization.
Like Ms. Lavell, many Métis women have worked hard-and continue to do so-to bring about positive social change across Canada and around the world. The process is slow and many challenges remain, but their efforts are creating better lives and greater opportunities for women, their families and their communities. Through the oral tradition, First Nations, Inuit and Métis knowledge, culture and history are shared and passed on to succeeding generations. It is a Nation wide tragedy that this historical misogyny and division is being revisited today by the very leaders in whose hands the future of Metis women and our children rest.
Let’s take a brief look at the inspiring stories of a handful of Metis women of achievement:
Victoria Belcourt Callihoo (1861-1966) chronicled her life on the Prairies, from her early years as a young Métis woman, witness to the first treaties in western Canada, the decimation of the buffalo herds and the establishment of Alberta as a province.
Olive Dickason (born 1920) is a Métis writer and oral historian of Aboriginal life. She is a Member of the Order of Canada and a recipient of the First Nations Lifetime Achievement Award.
Maria Campbell (born 1940) is a groundbreaking Métis author, playwright and filmmaker. The heart wrenching 1973 classic, Halfbreed, illuminated the Métis experience for readers of all ages and established her reputation worldwide.
Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond (born 1963) is a member of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and a Harvard graduate. In 1998, she became the first treaty Indian and the first Aboriginal woman to be appointed to the Saskatchewan Provincial Court.
These are but a few of the Métis women of foresight, courage and compassion whose stories are igniting our collective imagination.
http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/dates/whm/2006/brochure_e.html
Links of Interest to Metis Women
Stolen Sisters
www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/AMR20/001/2004
Emerging Voices of Metis Women
http://www.metismuseum.ca/media/document.php/01269.pdf
Titameg’s Children
http://www3.yt.sympatico.ca/serena/index.htm
A Metis genealogy site that records the thousands of Metis descendants of one Indian woman.
MNBC Metis Women Representation
http://www.mpcbc.bc.ca/womens/womens.html
National Metis Women Representation
http://www.metisnation.ca/women/index.html
Native Women’s Association of Canada
http://www.nwac-hq.org/
Breakup Reflections
Hola! time flies by when you are old! Thank you for all the emails and requests, I finally have an afternoon to deal with them. A big hello to our friends at the Homeland Colours Blog (ya ya I know an extra "u" has mysteriously appeared in your blog title *wink*). If you look on the side bar you will notice I have added some links that explore and discuss Metis history and the significant role African Americans played in parts of the Metis Homelend. Now to the juicy stuff....Metis Health dollars and the Metis blogs that question. In the Homeland Derryl Sanderson http://www.derrylsanderson.blogspot.com/ from Manitoba continues to address some of the concerns the grass roots Metis and have expressed about mishandling of these funds at a federal level. Here in BC the MNBC has thrown their hands in the air, taken their toys and gone back to their own yard to play http://www.mpcbc.bc.ca/pdf/pr_news19_2.pdf, this unfortunately gives the impression of a wee one having a bit of sulk and pout cause he lost the game. Add to the mix that Earlene Bitterman although openly acknowledging the fear tactics leadership is silencing the People with " What has happened to the grassroots of the Métis Nation, and the free speech of the Métis nation. Many members have experienced, after inner turmoil in their Métis community, Lawyers letters from heads of Métis Organizations, silencing free speech and interference in their right to access to self governance." she goes on to decry these same peoples protective cloak of anonymity they choose to stave off attack on them or their families http://novametisnewslink.ca/editorial1.html . Come on Earlene that is hardly fair, write these people, gaurantee their confidence as other bloggers and journalists do, you may be pleasantly surprised at the validity of their claims. As for this old Northern Gal, hey...I will keep my head beneath the line of fire and contemplate the treasures the melting snow is revealing in my front yard. To the BC youth that has been commenting on Derryl's blog, feel free to contact me through this site and I will try to help you as I can.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The Rainbow People
From the very first time in the (unrecorded) history of Canada when two persons met who were the off-spring of the initial matings between Aboriginal people of Canada and immigrants from other lands, there has been a unique association which, today, we are describing as the Métis Confederacy (Dunn and Auben; 1993).
The very fact of being halfbreed, or mixed blood, often set those individuals apart from their Aboriginal community, on the one hand, and from their immigrant or colonial community on the other hand. This distinction, with all of its positive and negative implications and effects, inevitably created a kind of bond, a sense of mutual recognition and, eventually, a community of interest, among and between those who bore both the distinction and stigma of being of mixed blood.
In spiritual terms, it can be said that the Métis are at the centre of a medicine wheel of the four principal races of man. This medicine wheel incorporates the four colours of the red, black, yellow and white races. The Métis are the spiritual link or bridge between the spirituality of all the races and that of the Aboriginal people.
Although Métis in Canada have been historically recognized as the "middlemen" of the colonial fur trade, it would be more accurate to describe Métis as "living treaties" between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal races. Over the decades, many Métis communities developed unique cultures, philosophies, and life styles.
As Métis, we, like other nations of people, have a spiritual responsibility to ourselves, to each other and to other peoples. In that sense we have a sacred responsibility to safeguard our knowledge and the objects and symbols of that awareness. Like other races of people, we too have our destiny and our prophecies.
In the scheme of creation, we Métis do not have one specific colour assigned to us. We are the people of all colours - the sons and daughters of spirit of the rainbow. We are, today, what all of the people on planet earth will eventually become. We are a mirror into the future for of the peoples in the creation stories of the world. We are the living spirit and reality of the prophecy of the seven fires.
The very fact of being halfbreed, or mixed blood, often set those individuals apart from their Aboriginal community, on the one hand, and from their immigrant or colonial community on the other hand. This distinction, with all of its positive and negative implications and effects, inevitably created a kind of bond, a sense of mutual recognition and, eventually, a community of interest, among and between those who bore both the distinction and stigma of being of mixed blood.
In spiritual terms, it can be said that the Métis are at the centre of a medicine wheel of the four principal races of man. This medicine wheel incorporates the four colours of the red, black, yellow and white races. The Métis are the spiritual link or bridge between the spirituality of all the races and that of the Aboriginal people.
Although Métis in Canada have been historically recognized as the "middlemen" of the colonial fur trade, it would be more accurate to describe Métis as "living treaties" between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal races. Over the decades, many Métis communities developed unique cultures, philosophies, and life styles.
As Métis, we, like other nations of people, have a spiritual responsibility to ourselves, to each other and to other peoples. In that sense we have a sacred responsibility to safeguard our knowledge and the objects and symbols of that awareness. Like other races of people, we too have our destiny and our prophecies.
In the scheme of creation, we Métis do not have one specific colour assigned to us. We are the people of all colours - the sons and daughters of spirit of the rainbow. We are, today, what all of the people on planet earth will eventually become. We are a mirror into the future for of the peoples in the creation stories of the world. We are the living spirit and reality of the prophecy of the seven fires.
Monday, February 25, 2008
A Gentle Reminder for Our Metis Peoples
The returns were much as I expected. The one surprise expressed in northern BC was that Mr. Dumont received as much support as he did. The consensus around the wood stoves and coffee shops thought he would have only the BC delegates votes. I encourage all Metis to become highly, vocally and publically involved in our political processes. Ask questions and demand answers not platitudes. Act locally, think federally. Remember that the people we put in at the local and regional level are building the voting base for the federal level. So no matter our personal feelings on the outcome of the election, we Metis voted the leadership that represented us at the provincial and federal level. Let us remember in upcoming elections that a democracy has the leadership it deserves! Let us prove to the world that the Metis deserve the best of leadership when we place our regional and provincial votes! Vote for the best candidate, encourage the Old Guard to be accountable through the me
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
MNC Leadership Race
Oh my goodness, I had taken a bit of a hiatus but the buzz about the upcoming MNC leadership has prodded me into action! What a tempest and in FIVE teapots! (Clem Chartier, Gerald Morin, Tony Belcourt, Rick Laliberte and Bruce Dumont according to Metis Bare Facts http://metisbarefacts.blogspot.com/). Following the MNBC release that Bruce Dumont was running at the federal level the blogs and coffee shops up here in the wilds of BC have been buzzing with speculation. What does this obvious internal divide mean for the longevity of MNC? Perhaps more to the point we should be questioning what this means for the Metis people that seem to be overlooked by the wallowing political behemoth we have created. I encourage all northern Metis to become politically aware, I personally know how difficult it is to get answers from regimes that operate in an atmosphere of fear, threats and gag orders but there are brave bloggers out there http://www.derrylsanderson.blogspot.com/ that will deliver validated information as they receive it and protect their sources. See these regimes or the people driving them for what they are; BULLIES! Ask your leaders hard hitting questions and do not be afraid to do so publically, in writing or through the media, respectfully insist they answer you in kind. Demand answers until you receive them, do not fall for the "I will get back to you" or the "I hear and understand your concerns" nonsense. Most importantly ask these questions at every level; local, regional, provincial and federal. Accountability in politics should play no less a role than it does in business or academics or indeed life. If you northern folks are thinking that what happens in Ottawa does not affect you, think again. Every leader we have elected from our local president, our regional director and our provincial leaders have been shaping this nation. Everyone of them! Each has a voice and a vote that has supported the chaos we see unfolding. For the record I am not denouncing or critisizing any of our leaders, I am merely asking that northern people look very very closely at them, ask them questions, demand answers. Most importantly when we as individuals or our community is offered a transparent bribe of political influence, jobs or resources delivered to the north; recognise this tactic for what it is, a red herring! Think back....have any of the previous promises been delivered? If so great you have an acountable and straight shooting leader. If not, why not? Well it is time to kick the tires and head out of the bush, the roads are all ready punching through and break up is upon us in Yekooche Territory. I would like to leave you with this thought that Brandon Whitney recently posted on his page http://homelandcolors.blogspot.com/2008/02/kwame-kilpatrick-and-wire.html "In democracies people get the leaders they deserve. Despite our complaints that our choices are limited or are specious arguments that all politicians are dishonest and can be bribed, the truth is we choose who leads us. If we are afflicted with bad leaders it is because we have chosen them over better ones." whewww ........well on that note I have babbled on long enough and want to hit the trail at day break so will close with a take care and a challenge to you northern Metis to get involved.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Hitched up the Cart and Headed to Town
Well, well, well, we had quite a snow fall in the Yekooche Territory over the last couple of days. So yours truly (in typical Metis mule headed contrariness) decided the tobacco and coffee was low, I had a training session in PG and I wanted to see my daughter. I headed off at day break in my wee old car. "Hola! crazy so sick!" as Jimmy would say. I guess that pushing a foot of snow with an old Pontiac is not all that conducive to fan belt health! So the car is being towed into the Fort and I was towed into PG. I did have the chance to see a fair amount of game on the trip though. The moose are looking real good this winter, not too thin and no ticks at all. Lots of grouse too. So the trip back out may be a productive one for the freezer. I am pretty sure that one young bull has my name and freezer model written on his butt!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Metis Governance Project - Support the Future Today
Governance is as much about skills as it is about tradition. A good example of this is the British Foreign Office. For centuries the British Government has put a great deal of effort into creating and maintaining its ability to operate on the international stage. The poet Milton who was writing in the 18th century was a diplomat. His work is part of a tradition that stretches to the present day, allowing the British to ‘punch above its weight’ in international affairs. For just this reason Britain has been a permanent member of the UN Security Council, despite its relatively small economy.
The Metis government is still young so therefore a strategy to create a working governance structure must be seen as a long term project, not a short term one. The skills to run a government are not just learned by one generation. Rather a tradition of governance must be created. Our children will be the ones to make the Metis Government project a reality, our role therefore is to create the circumstances that encourage that state of affairs. When we try to create our government all in one go we prevent our children from creating the government structure that they feel appropriate. We cut ourselves off from the wisdom of the next generation. Essentially, today’s youth is the day after tomorrow’s elders. It is their wisdom that we must nurture and find a way to draw upon.
For example today the Metis need, among other skills, good financial advice. We need accountants to organize and run our national finances. If we can find accountants among our ranks to fill that role then that is eminently desirable. If, however, we can not, then to simply place the next best qualified Metis in that position is to betray the next generation. Finance is not simply a matter of common sense. It is a skill that has, as part of its tool set, a set of complex ethics that are completely specific to that skill. Only those who are qualified have that important training. In order to create a strong Metis nation we must find people who are qualified to fill that position that are not Metis, but who are sympathetic to our cherished ideals and identity. Simultaneously we must labor ever more strongly to provide opportunities for our youth to gain the skills in that area.
If we were looking to find someone to provide comprehensive medical services to our nation we would firstly look for suitably qualified Metis to fill that role, a Doctor trained and experienced with the skills and ethical knowledge necessary to do the job. If no such Metis existed we would be foolish in the extreme to simply place the next best qualified Metis in that job. A Metis paramedic is surely a fine paramedic, but they are not a Doctor. Instead we would find a Doctor who was not Metis and then put effort into training a Metis doctor for the next generation.
This principle applies across all the skills we need to create a strong Metis nation. From environmental issues to medical issues to financial issues it is not just about creating a Metis government for the current generation. It is the future that we must provide for. As Louis Riel said “A century is but a spoke on the wheel of time”. It is high time that we remember the wisdom of our forebears so that we can ensure that the wisdom of our children can be heard through the centuries to come. It is imperative that resources are directed to our youth, that support is given our youth and that when our youth are trained they are welcome into the Nation as employees, advisors and leaders.
The Metis government is still young so therefore a strategy to create a working governance structure must be seen as a long term project, not a short term one. The skills to run a government are not just learned by one generation. Rather a tradition of governance must be created. Our children will be the ones to make the Metis Government project a reality, our role therefore is to create the circumstances that encourage that state of affairs. When we try to create our government all in one go we prevent our children from creating the government structure that they feel appropriate. We cut ourselves off from the wisdom of the next generation. Essentially, today’s youth is the day after tomorrow’s elders. It is their wisdom that we must nurture and find a way to draw upon.
For example today the Metis need, among other skills, good financial advice. We need accountants to organize and run our national finances. If we can find accountants among our ranks to fill that role then that is eminently desirable. If, however, we can not, then to simply place the next best qualified Metis in that position is to betray the next generation. Finance is not simply a matter of common sense. It is a skill that has, as part of its tool set, a set of complex ethics that are completely specific to that skill. Only those who are qualified have that important training. In order to create a strong Metis nation we must find people who are qualified to fill that position that are not Metis, but who are sympathetic to our cherished ideals and identity. Simultaneously we must labor ever more strongly to provide opportunities for our youth to gain the skills in that area.
If we were looking to find someone to provide comprehensive medical services to our nation we would firstly look for suitably qualified Metis to fill that role, a Doctor trained and experienced with the skills and ethical knowledge necessary to do the job. If no such Metis existed we would be foolish in the extreme to simply place the next best qualified Metis in that job. A Metis paramedic is surely a fine paramedic, but they are not a Doctor. Instead we would find a Doctor who was not Metis and then put effort into training a Metis doctor for the next generation.
This principle applies across all the skills we need to create a strong Metis nation. From environmental issues to medical issues to financial issues it is not just about creating a Metis government for the current generation. It is the future that we must provide for. As Louis Riel said “A century is but a spoke on the wheel of time”. It is high time that we remember the wisdom of our forebears so that we can ensure that the wisdom of our children can be heard through the centuries to come. It is imperative that resources are directed to our youth, that support is given our youth and that when our youth are trained they are welcome into the Nation as employees, advisors and leaders.
Exciting start to the Lunar New Year!
Today I decided to take the plunge into the world of blogging. This was no last minute decision, in truth I have long wanted to facilitate open, respectful discussion of northern Metis matters. However, my commitment to my job precluded discussion around a number of very sensitive issues. Some of these issues being the disparity in resource delivery as well as the lack of voice and support the northwest Metis people are burdened with in this province. As a proud northern Metis woman the north/south polarity has been a "thorn" to me since I could first understand my elders discussing it. As I matured and worked in social delivery and development in the north the "thorn" grew into a large splinter. It is my hope that this blog can act as a forum for northern people to vent, discuss, promote and advocate for our northern lifestyle and strong culture.
Exciting start to the lunar New Year!
I have made the final leap and decided to create this blog! It is something I have considered for some time however my job commitment disallowed my full particiaption in current events
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