Autumn 2008

The Voice of the BC Métis Community

SALUTING ABORIGINAL ARTISTS!

METIS NATION BC 2008 ELECTION RESULTS

BC Hosts NAIG Games

Autumn 2008 Vol. 5, Issue 2

Proudly Printed in Canada

For a Very Special

Christmas

FEATURING Métis, First Nations and Inuit Treasures

...MNBC crested jackets, vests, shirts, ties, mugs and other items

...Books for all ages by and about Aboriginal authors

...Sashes, Aboriginal art work, Jewellry, leather vests, beading and more

• • • • • • • • • • • •Many of our items will be on consignment and

all will be featured on our website.www.kiwetin.com

Visa, Mastercard and Paypal will be accepted.For information on how you can purchase items or sell your crafts on consignment call Diane/Sandy at 1-866-558-7997

Visit ourNew

Online Store!

Absolutely Aboriginal Art, Books and Craft Storeis owned by Kiwetin Marketing & Publishing Ltd

Absolutely Aboriginal Art, Books and Craft Store

3Whispering Winds Autumn 2008

PUBLISHERSKiwetin Marketing & Publishing Ltd.

OWNERSNoël amd Diane Mineault

CONTACT USP.O. Box 1266,

Vernon, BC V1T 6N6

Phone: 250.558.7997 Toll-Free: 1.866.558.7997 Fax: 250.558.4178 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.kiwetin.ca

ISSN 1916-7490 (Print)ISSN 1916-7504 (Online)

MNBC Election Results 4Message from the Publishers 5 6President Message 8CEO Message 10 11 12

North American Indigineous Games 16

More Elections - 18 21 25Registry 28 29Maybe Métis - Part 11 31 36 37Lower Mainland Metis Culture 38 41 42 44

45 48 50 51 52 54 58 59MHRDA Best Practices 60MNBC Education 62MHRDA - 63Child & Family Service 65Youth 66Veterans 67MNBC Regional News 69A Canadian Legend 80Recipes 82

12 31 25

6Table of Contents

The Voice of the BC Métis CommunityAutumn 2008 Vol. 5, Issue 2

4 Whispering Winds Autumn 2008

HOT OFF THE PRESS...Dawson Creek Singer, Kara Michaluk, Sings her Way to Victory!

Kara Michaluk, 14 years old, was victorous on August 16, 2008 – as she sang her way to victory in the fi rst round of the 2008 Red Robinson’s Talent Showdown on Saturday afternoon at the 2008 Fair at the PNE, singing “O mio baabbion caro” from Aria from the op-era Gianni Schicchi. This is Kara’s second win in the last two years. Kara has trained with Opera Singer Keith Hall, Dawson Creek, since she was 8 years old. On September 1st Keith told Whispering Winds Publisher, Noel Mineault, “ Kara sings with the voice of an angel. Her selection was a very tough piece that a 40 year trained opera signer would have problems singing. But she did it!” Keith was so very proud of Kara, she was his protogee. They travelled many roads together and it all paid off, Kara is a winner!! Kara fi rst entered the PNE contest when she was 10 compet-ing with over 300 children. We Sadly Keith Hall passed away September 8th, 2008. This magazine is dedicated to Keith who was a great Mentor to both Diane and Noel, owners of Whispering Winds and Kiwetin Mar-keting & Publishing Ltd. Keith encouraged us every step of the way in our early years of planning and developing our company. We will all miss you, Keith.


A very special congratulations to all of those people involved in the 2008 Metis Nation BC elections!! Once again all the troops rallied around when Whispering Winds rushed to put this edition together. A special thank-you goes to everyone who contributed to this magazine. Please check our new website www.kiwetin.com! On June 15th we launched a brand new interactive website with many links to our advertisers and supporters. Talk to us about advertising and how your company can be showcased on our website too at no extra cost.

Message from the Publishers STEP for Women is a program that will help employers in B.C. get the skilled workers they need by matching them up with women who have experience in construction or who want to work in the construction industry.

STEP for Women was developed through a part-nership between the BC Construction Association and the Métis Nation BC and is funded in part by the BC Ministry of Community Services and the BC Ministry of Economic Development.

The industry needs skilled trades people and workers who want to start a career in construction. Women who have experience or interest in the con-struction trades will be matched to employers who need workers. Job Coaches will assess employment potential, coordinate work placements that match skills and experience, and provide ongoing supportfor both workers and employers.

How can I participate in the STEP for

Women Program? It’s easy to take part

and there’s no fee, employers and indi-

viduals simply call the BC Construction

Association at 250-475-1077.

Subscribe to Whispering Winds

Never miss another copy. Some back issues are still available. Subscriptions are available for $32.00 per year. Send your cheque or money order to Kiwetin Marketing & Publishing Ltd., Box 1266, Vernon, B.C. V1T 6N6. Contact us regarding bulk subscriptions.

DEADLINE for Winter issue of Whispering Winds is November 7TH, 2008. DELIVERY DATE IS December 5, 2008. We will feature holiday events, MNBC Annual General meeting, Education, Health and a new section for Artisans and Aboriginal businesses.

Publishers reserve the right to edit all material and to refuse any controversial articles that may be in confl ict with our values. Electronic images must be supplied in a high resolution (300 dpi or greater) or risk not being published due to poor output quality.


HOT OFF THE PRESS...

Final Message from the Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) Chief Electoral Offi ce

On behalf of the MNBC Chief Electoral Offi ce, we would like to thank all of you who exercised your right to vote in the 2008 MNBC General Election & Advance Poll. In addition, our Offi ce would like to thank our strategic partners in truly making this election process a collaborative effort. The involvement by our strategic partners during this election was instrumental in assisting the MNBC Chief Electoral Offi ce in administering a General Election and Advance Poll that adhered to the fair, open and democratic procedures, rules and regulations set out in the MNBC Electoral Act. Therefore, special thanks are extended to…

All of the Offi cial MNBC Electoral Offi cers (Returning Offi cers & Poll Clerks);•

The MNBC Administration (Keith Henry, Brittaney Katernick, and the MNBC Central • Registry staff led by Laurel Katernick);

The MNBC Communications Offi cer (Claire Spivey); •

The MNBC Solicitor (Joseph Gereluk); and•

The Whispering Winds Magazine Publishers (Diane & Noel Mineault).•

In closing, we appreciated the opportunity to work with the MNBC for this year’s election!

Merci and Meegwetch, Don Caverley & Dr. Natasha Caverley Chief Electoral Offi ce – 2008 MNBC General Election Turtle Island Consulting Services Inc.


...HOT OFF THE PRESSIt’s a Landslide Victory for the BC Team

Dumont & Hodgson!ruce Dumont reiterated his commitment to con-tinuing the level of excellence built at MNBC over the past few years, following his re-election as

president of Métis Nation British Columbia, Sept. 13. “I will ensure the MNBC fi ve year implementation plan will continue as we address the socio-economic is-sues of health, education, housing, and economic develop-ment,” he added. “I want to congratulate all successful candidates that were elected today,” he said. “Furthermore, I want to rec-ogize those candidates for stepping forward to build the Métis Nation British Columbia who, unfortunately, did not win. “Finally, I want to thank all Métis citizens who took the time to vote. I appreciate everyone who supported me and gave me a mandate to repre-sent MNBC provincially and feder-ally for the next four years. Unoffi cial results showed Du-mont won 75 per cent of the vote (662 votes), while challenger Earl Belcourt tallied 211 votes. Dumont was fi rst elected in Dec. 2005 when he won a large majority in the MNBC provin-cial byelection. Elected vice president was Dave Hodgson who previously served as regional director for the Thompson/Okanagan area for two terms (since 2001). “I believe that our work at MNBC has been tremen-dous for the last number of years,” he said. “We have come so far and not without challenges,” said Hodgson. He pledged his support to MNBC President Bruce Du-mont and the board of directors to move the Métis Nation ahead over the next four years. “I thank everyone for their support in this general elec-tion and especially my family who stood by me throughout the campaign.” Hodgson won 57 per cent of the vote (492 votes), win-ning over candidates Wayne Lucier (210 votes) and Ryan Bresser (161 votes). The inauguration of successful candidates takes place

at the beginning of the MNBC 11th annual general meeting in Kelowna on Sept. 26th. The MNBC general election, held Sept. 13th, provided a democratic process for Métis citizens to campaign and vote for any of the MNBC board of directors elected posi-tions. In addition, following electoral reform last year, Mé-tis Youth (British Columbia Métis Youth Circle) and Métis Women’s (Métis Women of British Columbia) committees were included in the general election for the fi rst time. The total number of MNBC general election positions

is 25 based on the following: MNBC President (provincial ballot), MNBC Vice President (provincial ballot), Pro-vincial Youth Chairperson (provincial youth ballot), Provincial Women’s Chairperson (provincial ballot), sev-en MNBC Regional Directors (seven regional ballots), seven Métis Youth Committee (seven regional ballots) and seven Métis Women’s Commit-tee (seven regional ballots). The election date was set last December by the leadership at the Métis Nation Governing Assembly (MNGA) which also approved con-tracting for the Chief Electoral Offi ce

which became operational in April. The Chief Electoral Offi cer notifi ed the Métis Nation that the offi cial campaign period began July 25th and nominations closed August 11. Candidates then attended forums to outline their positions in late August and early September. The Chief Electoral Offi ce was responsible to manage the democratic voting process utilizing two approaches, mail-in ballots and polling stations. Mail-in ballots had to be requested by Aug. 26 and returned by Sept. 10. There was in increase in the number of ballots requested and re-turned over the most recent MNBA by-election in 2005. Polling stations were open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 13 in 38 locations throughout British Columbia with two elec-tion offi cials (polling clerk and returning offi cer) per poll-ing station.

egional director for

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Message from President Bruce Dumont

Taanshi / Taanshi Kiya’wow Apeetha’kosianuk[Hello to all the Metis people]

The Metis Citizens of the Metis Nation BC have spoken! I appreciate all the Metis Citizens of the MNBC who took the time and made the effort to vote in an educated, informed matter. Thank you for having confi dence in me and giving me the mandate to speak on your behalf for the next four years. I will represent The Metis Citizens and Leadership of the MNBC /MNGA with integrity and professionalism..

It has been an honor and privilege to serve the last four years as the elected Vice President and President of the Metis Nation BC. In my heart I have served you well to the best of my ability. I commend the MNBC Staff and the Board of Directors and thank them for bringing this to reality. Many thanks to all!

I spent many hours campaigning throughout the Province with two fi ne individuals Vice President elect Dave Hodgson and acclaimed Provincial Youth Chair, Stephanie Albiston. The Provincial Youth Chair has been mentored by the past Chair Tresley Tourond working through the BC United Metis Youth Governance and was an excellent Choice to represent the Youth.

Vice President elect Dave Hodgson has all the credentials, experience and abilities to perform every duty and responsibility of this very important position for the MNBC.

I look forward to working with them on the Board of Directors.

I send my sincere congratulations to all the elected and acclaimed candidates. The incumbents elected ran a tremendous campaign to be re-elected, great work Metis Leaders.

MNBC Presidential Victory MessageSeptember 14, 2008

We have some new exciting, energetic individuals elected which will bring new ideas and skills to strengthen the Board of Directors and represent their respective Regional Constituents.

I look towards the new Board of Directors making strides to improve the lives and promote the culture and language of our Metis People.

Congratulations to all the candidates for stepping forward, believing in our Metis Nation and now preparing for the next MNBC election working at the Community and Regional levels of MNBC Self Governance.

Thanks so much to my Fiancée’ Joanne for believing in me and the never-ending support.

My family was so supportive, thank you and I love all of you.

To all my supporters I am honored and humbled once again by the confi dence shown in me by marking my ballot. So much thanks to all family and friends.

Hiy! Hiy! Ki’nass kou’mitinow! Marsay!

President Dumont


Message from Dave Hodgson, Vice President

I would like thank the Thompson/Okanagan Region 3 presidents and Métis citizens who supported me as Regional Director since 2000.

Being acclaimed in two past pro-vincial elections was extremely rewarding for my family and I. To me it represented trust and built my credibility as a leader of the Métis people. After two terms I approached the presidents seeking their approval to move forward and run for vice president so I could better support the province and nation. Now I look forward to working with the presi-dent and the board for the betterment of all Métis People.

I have worked hard in all of my roles within MNBC over the last seven years and have been totally commit-ted to all of the ministries that I have held. This transition is not diffi cult for me, as I believe in the Journey of the Métis People of Canada. I am proud to say the Hodgson family has served the Métis Nation in many capacities over a great number of years; we are proud to have a com-munity named after us. The Hodgson family has fought for the rights of all Métis people. My family is also very proud that they still hold the script land that was given to them in Hodgson, Manitoba.

I have journeyed down many paths in my short 66 years and am

an extremely proud Métis father, grandfather and family man who has dedicated his life to his family. I will continue to move the Métis Nation forward, working with the leadership that has been elected for a new four-year term.

In your life you have the opportunity to walk along-side great people; one of these people is our president, Bruce Dumont who has become a true friend and ally. I am proud to be part of his team. Together we will build the na-tion higher.

Our new board has a lot of work to do over the next four years and I look forward to working with all of them in every aspect. This position comes with rewards knowing that MNBC has put together a network of staff that has worked as hard or harder than we do. I have continually said we are who we are because of the hard work-ing people we have around us.

Dave Hodgson Victory Press Release

All of us faced negative attitudes and criticism during the election but we have stood up and faced it and will continue to because we believe in in-tegrity, transparency and honesty. We are looking forward to our coming AGM to showcase what MNBC has become and where we are going.

In closing I would like to say I was proud to be able to run in an elec-tion where other candidates had the opportunity to run. This gave me the opportunity to tell people what I am about and what I believe in. I honoured the challenge with a strong heart and great desire.

I would like to thank my voters for believing in me and taking the time to vote. I would also like to thank the voters who took the time to vote for the other candidates; by doing so you gave them justifi cation in their attempt at being successful.

To all of the board members who were acclaimed or elected I am proud to walk down the path with you for the next four years. To our acclaimed British Columbia United Métis Youth Circle candidate Stepha-nie Albiston, you have made me so proud to know you. I would like to say that being mentored by such a great person as Tresley Tourand I know that when leaders like myself move on MNBC will be held in great hands.


National President of MNC

Métis National Council (MNC) President Clément Chartier offered his congratulations to Bruce Dumont on his re-election as President of Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC), following the Sept. 13 election. “Bruce Dumont has been a tireless advocate for the Métis in Brit-ish Columbia,” said President Chartier. “Under his leadership I am confi dent the MNBC will continue to be a strong and effective voice for the Métis Nation.” President Chartier also extended congratulations to all the others elected to leadership roles in the organization. “The Métis people of B.C. have elected an impressive team to lead their fi ght for Métis rights in that province. I look forward to working with all of them in securing the Métis Nation’s place in British Columbia and Canada,” said Chartier.

Alberta President of MNC

Congratulations have been extended to Métis Nation British Colum-bia (MNBC) representatives on their elections by the neighbouring Métis Nation Alberta (MNA). “I sincerely congratulate President Bruce Dumont on his re-election and the board of directors and representatives for being elected,” said Audrey Poitras, President of Métis Nation of Alberta. “Bruce Dumont has certainly been a strong advocate for the Métis people of B.C. The MNA and MNBC have worked well together at both the MNC table and as neighbouring provinces in the past and we look forward to the future.” Poitras continued, “The former MNBC board of directors worked well together to create the strong Métis presence that is rapidly growing in B.C. by creating many partnerships including the 2010 Olympics, Encana and the B.C. provincial government. I hope to see the new board of directors continue this important work so not only Métis in B.C. fl ourish and prosper, but all Métis across the Homeland can build on the momentum B.C. creates.”



Rose Bortolon ProvincialWomen Representative

I would like to thank all the Métis Women in BC who voted. I am very honoured to be elect-ed Provincial Women’s Spokesper-son for the Métis Nation BC. I am a strong believer that by working together, preserving our heritage, keeping our languages and traditions alive and by sharing this information with our communities, we further en-rich our lives. My personal goal is to have self-care workshops for women in every region. To ensure that this happens I will need support from the women. The next four years will not only be challenging, exciting and by administering programs and services for the Métis Women BC, we will ce-ment our place in the future! I would like to Thank Peggy

Olanski for her years with MWS-BC. Congratulations to President Bruce and Vice-President Dave, I look forward to working with them. Congratulations to the women on our team, Annette Maurice, Lisa Smith and Stephanie Albiston. Good work ladies! Congrats to the regional directors Rene Therrien, Dan Pope, Henry Hall, Gerry Legare and Bob Trumbley. My warmest Congratulations to our ladies, acclaimed and elected, Lee Fraser, Deb Huber, Shaina McCallum and Susie Hooper. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but it will be fun too. Congratulations to our regional youth representatives, Bonnie Lapine, Laura Hooper, David Carlton, Dallas Favel, Laurie Brown and Jackie Laf-leur. A very special Thank You to my family, to my friends and my Elders who supported, loved and prayed for

me. Once again I Thank the Women of BC who exercised their right to vote!

Rose Bortolon

Chairperson of BC UnitedMetis Youth Circle

Hello, my name is Stephanie Albiston. I am 25 years old and I live in Vancouver. I am currently completing my third year of Law school at UBC. I have a Bache-lors degree in History and French, and I have been a member of the BCUMYC for 2 ½ years as the Lower Mainland Youth Representative. Throughout my educational ca-reer I worked as a Competitive Swim Coach for eight years. I was a basket-ball coach, a community centre camp leader, camp programmer, and fi t-ness instructor. Most Recently I was employed by the Aboriginal Sports hall of Fame traveling throughout

the Province in conjunction with the Cowichan 2008 Spirit Pole to collect aboriginal sports stories. I am interested in aboriginal law, advocacy and public interest law. My experiences in school and as a mem-ber of the BCUMYC have propelled that enthusiasm and cultivated an even stronger interest in serving the public and instilling pride in Métis youth. Thank you to all the youth who participated in and supported this election. Thank you to Bruce Dumont and Dave Hodgson who allowed me to travel and have an adventure with them this campaign period. And a special thank you to Tresley Tourond-Bouvier for inspiring and encourag-ing me throughout the BCUMYC.

2008 MNBC GENERAL ELECTIONS


UNOFFICIAL RESULTS FOR METIS NATION BRITISH COLUMBIA

Chairperson of the Métis Women’s Secretariat BC - Rose Bortolon 281, Peggy Olanski 176.Regional Director - Region 1 - Lissa Smith 91, Norm Doerksen 58.Regional Director - Region 2 - Henry Hall 74, Ken Fisher 61, Frazer MacDonald 46, Francis Fisher 14.Regional Director - Region 5 - Annette Maurice 76, Tony Goulet 57, Allan Howell 23.Regional Women’s Representative - Region 5 - Shaina McCallum 49, Melissa Swears Phung 32.Regional Director - Region 6 - Rene Therrien 77, Kim Hodgson 60.Regional Women’s Representative - Region 6 - Susie Hooper 42, Rosanne Pearce 20.Regional Director - Region 7 - Dan Pope 49, Earlene Bitterman 10.

Acclaimed to their positions were the following:

Chairperson of BC United Metis Youth Circle - Stephanie Albiston.Regional Director - Region 3 - Bob Trumbley.Regional Director - Region 4 - Gerry Legare.Regional Women’s Representatives: Region 2 - Lee Fraser. Region 3 - Debra Huber. There were no candidates in regions 1, 4 and 7.Youth Representatives: Region 1 - Bonnie Lepine. Region 2 - Laura Hooper. Region 3 - David Carlton. Region 4 - Dallas Favel. Region 5 - Laurie Brown. Region 7 - Jackalinn Lafl eur. There was no candidate in Region 6

Picture to come.



Vancouver Island Director

I am honored to have been elected Region 1 Vancouver Island, Powell River and Gulf Islands Director, I will continue to be an ethical and transpar-ent representative communicating the wishes and needs of all our communi-ties to MNBC. I have committed my life solely to this position and respon-sibilities and to the betterment of the lives of all communities and people in this Region. Thank you again for this honor.

Lissa Smith


Okanagan Director

The Trumbley family has been in Ver-non since the early 1940’s when my father, Smokey Trumbley, was posted to Camp Vernon during the Second World War. He met my mother Flor-ence in Vernon, and they and many of their children, grand children and great grand children are still residents of Vernon. Charles Robert (Bob) Trumbley

Kootenay Director

A life in the business world and mu-nicipal politics has prepared Koo-tenay Director Gerry Legare for the challenges ahead, challenges he’s looking forward to meeting. He operated Legare’s Auto Sup-ply in Creston from 1970 to 1982 and then worked in sales for the GM deal-ership, managing four salespeople. His time in Creston also included two years as alderman, working with mu-nicipalities and the general public. Then he worked for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, as regional manger for all of Northern Alberta, Northeastern B.C. and the Northwest Territories. After moving to Cranbrook he was in partnership in a low-bed busi-ness for three years before selling and becoming manager of the John Deere dealership, retiring two years later. In 2004 he volunteered at the Mé-tis Nation in Cranbrook, as Central Community President, then Senator for MNBC. Throughout his career he’s attend-ed many seminars learning network-ing, negotiating, leadership, business ethics and management. “When I attended Managing in the Middle I learned to listen better, speak effectively, time manage, and be more assertive. My role as a direc-tor within MNBC will enable me to put some of my negotiating and me-diating skills to use for betterment of the Métis Nation.” “My personal goals have always been political and I like to deal with pol-itics at the provincial and federal level. I am really looking forward to the chal-

was born in Vernon and with my lov-ing wife of 41 years, Shirley, we have two children, Dean a Registered Pro-fessional Biologist, who lives in Arm-strong and April a Bachelor of Social Work in Alberta. Bob and Shirley have 5 wonderful grandchildren, who are a pride to the whole family. My work career began in 1970 with Consumers Glass, as a Customer Service Representatives and I worked my way up through the company un-til I left in 1993 from a head offi ce position in Toronto. I completed my career with Consumers Glass, man-aging 30 staff as the Assistant Sales Manager and Customer Service Man-ager for Ontario and the North East United States. I would like to congratulate all of the successful candidates in the MNBC election. I look forward to working with all of you and repre-senting the Thompson Okanagan Me-tis Communities as their Director.

Bob Trumbley


Northwest Region Director

I am honored that I have been given the mandate to once again represent the Mé-tis Citizens in our Northwest Region. I would like thank all the Northwest Region Voters that have taken the time

lenges of talking to different ministers,” he said. “I am really impressed with the Métis Employment and Training pro-gram, I am not only impressed by the amount of funded students in our region, but also the good results that the students and clients enjoy while furthering their careers to making themselves more self-suffi cient. The results are really positive because of the feedback from students and cli-ents and I’m also aware it is MNBC’s biggest agreement. It is such an op-portunity for the Métis Nation to have the ability to seek out choices for a career, to sustain stability in their life and their families.”

Gerry Legare

to participate and exercise their right to vote in the MNBC 2008 elections. I would also like to thank my wonderful support team of family and friends that worked so hard on my be-half to make this possible. My congratulations are also ex-tended to our Northwest Region Women’s Rep.; Susie Hooper. I would like to congratulate the new MNBC Board of Directors, acclaimed and elected, President; Bruce Dumont, Vice-President; David Hodgson, Chair-person of the Métis Women’s Secretariat BC; Rose Bortolon, Regional Directors; Lissa Smith, Henry Hall, Annette Mau-rice, Gerry Legare, Dan Pope and Bob Trumbley, and Chairperson of the Brit-ish Columbia United Métis Youth Circle (BCUMYC); Stephanie Albiston. I am looking forward to working with them to advance our Métis Nation BC. It is my goal to continue to work with the Northwest Communities and to bring forward any concerns and questions that you may have. Please do not hesitate to call or email me if I can be of assistance.

René Therrien


North Central Director

It is with great pleasure that I thank all of you who voted for me in the MNBC election “I feel so honoured. All I want to do is bring justice and fairness to our people. We have been a frustrated bunch. I pray for unity and to be able to reach one another.” exclaimed Annette when she found out she won her position as Regional Director for North Central. I wish to thank Tony Goulet and Allan Howell for putting their name forward. It was a great race. I look forward to meeting everyone at the AGM and I am so excited to be a part of the “Big Picture” where I can really help each one of our commu-nities in our journey. Feel free to call me anytime.

Annette Maurice


is filled with reconciling opposites that she has either over-come or absorbed into her creative spirit. She quotes an old Haida proverb: “The world is as sharp as a knife:” The prov-erb holds wisdom and a warning at the same time; it is about balance and discernment:

Life in the islands in the distant past, and indeed in this world…was like living on the edge of a knife. When you walk, watch your steps. You are surrounded by all manner of environmental dangers and you have to be very careful how you live your life, so as not to fall off that knife’s edge…. Inherent in the creation of my art is the suspense and aware-ness of that knife’s edge.

April’s life began on the islands of Haida Gwaii, “the islands of the people”. Daughter to a British-American mother and a Haida father, her earliest memories are of exploring and

The 35-year-old audiocassette crackled to life and April White’s soft teenaged voice could be heard boldly ques-tioning the astrologer who had read her stars. “What about artwork?” she asked, “I like doing artwork.” The person re-sponded, almost dismissively, as if the girl had defied even conventional logic: “You can’t earn a living doing art!”

April smiles as she relates the story, the nearly forgotten, ironic memory from childhood. Today, as a renowned wa-tercolourist and printmaker, recipient of international art awards, and owner of three successful art businesses, her life is testimony to the fact that indeed, one can earn a living doing art, and for that her many devoted collectors and ad-mirers are grateful.

Her journey to becoming a professional artist started long before she began putting pigments on paper. Her biography

by Carol Sheehan

SGAANA JAAD—KILLER WHALE WOMAN

18 Whispering Winds Autumn 2008 18 Whhisispepering Winndds Aututumnmnn 2 008

playing in Tlell and later in Queen Charlotte City where the family moved so the children could go to school.

Her mother left Haida Gwaii with the children in 1966, eventually settling in Powell River. At that time April became aware of her visual acuity, of “vivid feelings connected to visual im-ages of my surroundings.”

Returning frequently to visit family in Haida Gwaii, April had no misconcep-tions about her aboriginal and non-aboriginal roots, although, with her blond hair, others on both sides clearly did. As a youngster, April learned to reconcile two cultures and the idea of being both an insider and an outsider to both.

Mom used to tell me I reminded her of my Haida aunties—of my grandpar-ents Geoffrey and Daisy White’s sisters. From an early age I was told that I was the rebirth of Daisy and should have been named after her, but my parents couldn’t agree on any name except the month of my birth.

The Haida belief in reincarnation knits together a deep past and a rich pres-

ent in April’s world. “Being Haida was a fact of my growing up,” she declares confidently, “I’ve always known I was Haida.”

Similarly, April has always known she would be an artist. Being a successful business owner may have always been in her consciousness as well—while her great, great grandfather was the renowned artist Charles Edenshaw, her grandfather Geoffrey White was a “high-liner”, the builder and the skip-per of the Haida Warrior, one of the most successful seine boats on the Northwest Coast. Like her grandfa-ther, she handily merges creativity and commerce.

Becoming an artist, however, took a not entirely conventional route. April would once again reconcile seemingly opposite vocations—arts and sciences. At first, the sciences won. A good stu-dent, she was fascinated with the way things worked and passionate about learning. She graduated from UBC in Geology.

Landing a plum job as a geologist, she sought a way to occupy herself in the off-hours of camp life. Though she’d dabbled in the visual arts in high school, it wasn’t until then that she had given painting a second thought.

I began painting in watercolours, it was almost as if I knew what to do with them. I approached art from a microscopic level. There is an order to things—knowing how and when to lay-er colours, understanding the media’s drying properties. I loved working with technical constraints, pushing boundar-ies, meeting challenges, thinking about the media, and exploring new things.

In Raven Star (2005) April employs traditional formline design to illus-trate supernatural Raven disguised as a Sea Star. His bird form concealed within the marine ani-mal’s five radiating arms are far from static; the star is shown in motion, pro-pelling itself through the water toward the vora-cious bird’s next meal.

“BEING HAIDA WAS A FACT OF MY GROWING UP,” SHE DECLARES CONFIDENTLY,

“I’VE ALWAYS KNOWN I WAS HAIDA.”

April’s images of the misty rainforest (The Path, 2007) or a crashing surf (A Knotty View, 1988) tantalize viewers and make them feel as if they’d stepped into a Haida Gwaii landscape.

“Self-taught” is too ambiguous a term to describe April’s progression from painting as an evening diversion to creating major works of art. Never a student of other artists, April possess-es a complete visual catalogue of im-ages—mental snapshots that translate in great detail from her mind through her fingertips:

When I’m creating art I experience innate memories that deeply connect me to my cultural past. It’s as if not my eyes but only my brain is doing the see-ing. The feeling of this cerebral vision is supernatural…magical.

Consciousness of her “cerebral vision” became evident during a time when health problems began seriously af-fecting her eyesight. By 2000, bouts of intermittent blindness plagued her.

There was nothing I could do. Every-thing I tried had no effect. When my vision would go and then come back, it was always worse than before. My sight was like being inside a snow globe, only instead of snow, a fine fog seemed to settle over everything I looked at—like an opaque plastic. I realized that I was going blind.

Anxiously, she resolved to finish one last painting: an image of a young Eagle dancer. Her challenge was to finish the oversized piece for a jur-ied show in Portland. Miraculously, though she couldn’t see to read, she could see to paint. “I realized then that I could ‘see’ to do the painting because I was following what was in my brain,” she says. “It was bizarre. I knew then I was doing what I was supposed to do.”

The Haida world—people of the Raven and the Eagle clans—is brought into contemporary relevance as she directs the viewer’s gaze to details on ancient crest poles in Emerging Frog (1999) or to the contemporary dance of a primordial white Raven in the painting In the Beginning (2002).

Doctors never did find what had caused April’s eyes to deteriorate. Eventually she had lens replacement surgery on both eyes. Her sight was restored.

April has been coming back to the islands throughout her life, attend-ing ceremonial feasts and potlatches. Well connected to her Haida family, she received the name Sgaana Jaad, “Killer Whale Woman”. In 2003 she bought a house on Masset Inlet. Cur-rently, she divides her time between her Powell River Gallery and stu-dio, a home in the San Juan Islands with husband Farhad Ghatan, and her Masset home studio. In 2008 Maradadi Pacific published Sgaana Jaad—April White: Killer Whale Woman: The 25-Year Creative Jour-ney of a Haida Woman as Seen Through Her Art.


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ubstantial improvements in the lives of all Métis could result after the federal government and Métis National Council signed a signifi cant agreement.

The federal government signed a protocol with the Métis National Council (MNC) to begin discussions on a wide range of issues of interest to the Métis people repre-sented by the MNC, Sept. 5.

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NATIONAL EVENTS

Métis National Council and CanadaSign Métis Nation Protocol

“This agreement marks a signifi -cant turning point in Canada’s rela-tionship with Métis in Canada,” said the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minis-ter of Indian Affairs and Northern De-velopment and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. “It ushers in a new era of open dialogue between the federal government and the Métis National Council, one that I believe will lead to constructive change and improvement in the lives of all Métis.” “This protocol is the result of several months of productive discus-sions between the federal government and the Métis National Council,” said Métis National Council President Clément Chartier. “If we can keep this momentum going in the coming months, and years, it could lead to a real breakthrough with some substan-tial improvements to the lives of Mé-tis people in Canada.” ‘’I commend Minister Strahl for his commitment to build a positive and productive relationship with the Métis Nation. I also thank him for extending his hand in the spirit of partnership and mutual respect,’’ said MNC Vice-President David Char-


trand. ‘’We look forward to working with Minister Strahl and the Govern-ment of Canada to address outstand-ing issues including issues faced by our Métis Veterans, as well as mov-ing forward on Métis governance, economic development and other pri-orities important to the Métis Com-munity.’’ The range of issues expected to be covered under the protocol include Métis Aboriginal rights, economic de-velopment, roles and responsibilities, jurisdictional questions, and possible areas of federal-provincial-Métis co-operation on socio-economic and other Métis issues.

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Artist StatementI have long admired the colours and spectacular designs of Native American beadwork, but have had little opportunity to try it. The chance came when my family became involved with the Victoria area blackpowder club, which combines muzzleloader shooting competitions with fur-trade era costumes and camping. Designing our own costumes led to study of the Hudson Bay fur trade, voyageurs and to Métis beadwork.At last!Completely self-taught, initially by studying every book available, in the last ten years I have developed my own techniques and style of beading, based on the old Métisapplique beadwork. For the last few years I have been creating custom wool, velvet, and leather clothing incorporating bead designs that reflect the customer’s family background. (Métis floral beadwork, while purely decorative, shows very distinct historical and regional differences in colour and form). I have even created floral designs to depict the Canadian west coast plants and flowers, running outside with a vial of beads to match flower colours. Definitely not Métis designs!.

Each new commission brings a new challenge – to research the family history, then to study the beading typical of the areas so found. Then the fun part! Choosing the materials, designing the garment, the shapes and areas to be beaded, and the actual bead drawings and colours. I use both new and ‘old stock’ beads, although I try to maintain the traditional appearance (ie. no holographic or fluorescent beads!). Each finished piece is unique, as I never repeat designs. Smaller, framed pieces give me a chance to use special old beads, new colour combinations, and a variety of styles – fun for me, and something beautiful for my customers.One day I wish to do a series of framed designs that represent the evolution of Métis floral design as it was carried west, from the Great Lakes to the Red River valley, to the far north, to Alberta and even into the northwestern U.S. So many ideas, so many beads, so little time!

Artist ResuméAfter growing up in Pendleton, Oregon, attending university and living in Victoria, B.C., I’ve settled in the south Cariboo region of B.C., near Clinton. My studio windows overlook acres of wetlands, trees and mountains – great for inspiration!The studio houses numerous sewing machines and supplies for sewing, quilting, knitting and more, plus my business, Mousetrap Custom Clothiers.Many years of professional sewing led, 14 years ago, to the creation of a full-time business, making clothing for historical re-enactors (primarily the era 1750 to 1900).From buckskins to evening gowns, beading to painting on leather, my experience in a wide variety of textile arts is put to good use.Currently I am working mainly with fine leathers - deer and elk hides - oftencombined with extensive custom beadwork. Recently, I have also collaborated with Métis artists, bringing their ideas to elegant beaded jackets and vests.I also enjoy sharing my love of fabric, fibres and colour! I conduct classes in thread painting, embroidery, quilting, and different styles of beading. My classes are given through quilt shops, re-enactment gatherings, and through the regional Métis associations in B.C.

Briony Goddard ❙ P.O.Box 417 ❙ 840 Meadow Lake Road ❙ Clinton ❙ BC ❙ V0K 1K0 ❙ [email protected]

he situation became different following the recognition of the Métis as one of Canada’s three Aboriginal peoples

(along with First Nations and Inuit) in section 35 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982. The Métis fi nally had an opportunity to gain rights similar to those of their First Nations and Inuit brethren. The word “Métis,” however, was included undefi ned in the con-stitution, a defi nition left to be determined by the govern-ment at a later date.

Identity Rights


Following its creation in 1983, the Métis National Council, despite only representing a specifi c subpopulation of the Métis people, has been the primary organization included by the Federal Government in discussions pertaining to Métis issues, and its infl uence on the government in attempting to defi ne exactly who the Métis are has been pervasive. A notable example is the Métis Nation Accord, a document included with the other proposed constitutional amendments of the Charlottetown Accord in 1992. According to its defi nition, only those descended from the Métis who were eligible to receive land grants or scrip from the government in the late nineteenth century could be considered legal Métis today. The referendum failed and the Métis Nation Accord did not become legally binding, but its narrow defi nition continued to be infl uential in the courts and other aspects of the Métis identity debate for more than a decade. I can see why the more exclusive Métis organizations may want to limit their self-defi nition to a smaller population. The legitimacy of possible rights for the Métis under the Charter, the extent of which would need to be determined by the judicial branch, has come under attack from a number of sources, most notably Thomas Flanagan, a political scientist at the University of Calgary and a close friend and advisor of Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Flanagan argues that the Métis did not constitute a distinct Aboriginal society, and that their recognition by the Canadian government in the 1870s should be discounted as a historical mistake. He reasons that emphasising that the Charter only acknowledges “existing aboriginal and treaty rights” is the best strategy for preventing the Métis from accessing them. Facing such challenges, it is easy to see why the Métis National Council may believe that a broader defi nition of the Métis people could make procuring rights for all of them more diffi cult. But to Thomas Flanagan’s dismay, and the relief of Métis people across the nation, in 2004 the Supreme Court of Canada made the fi rst steps towards putting supposed Métis rights into policy reality in its landmark R v Powley case. The court found that two Métis brothers

Part 2 Continued from Summer, 2008

Empowered by newly gained constitutional recognition, the Métis National Council was formed when it split from the Native Council of Canada (the precursor to the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples) in 1983. The message of the organizational transformation was clear: suddenly Métis leaders were no longer content to be grouped with non-status and off reserve Indians. To best articulate their community’s needs, the historic Métis people needed an organization that represented them exclusively.

from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario were within their rights under section 35 of the Charter to hunt anytime of the year. In order to help determine just exactly who had special hunting rights, the court also developed a working defi nition of who the Métis were in regards to section 35. While not a defi nition of the Métis people in general, the Supreme Court’s ruling is signifi cant because it allows people to claim Métis identity if they have a substantial connection to an historic Métis community anywhere

within Canada. By accommodating “other Métis” like the Métis Nation of Labrador, the Supreme Court has begun to defi ne the Métis people in more inclusive terms than the Métis National Council does, while still drawing the line at a point that excludes any Canadian with a mixed blood heritage. Much to the chagrin of my father, neither my mother nor I have yet to qualify for special hunting privileges.

A People In-between

The Supreme Court’s 2004 ruling was undoubtedly important to the identity debate, but the quagmire of Métis identity in Canada is far from being solved. The Métis are still without the substantial aboriginal rights guaranteed to them under the constitution, and the Métis National Council continues in its attempts to control who is and who is not able to call themselves Métis. Currently the Métis National Council is lobbying the federal and provincial governments for a Métis Registry, similar to the one that exists for status Indians. The provincial

The legitimacy of possible rights for the Métis under the Charter, the extent of which would need to be determined by the judicial branch, has come under attack from a number of sources, most notably Thomas Flanagan, a political scientist at the University of Calgary and a close friend and advisor of Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

organizations of the Métis National Council already assess eligibility for and distribute Métis citizenship cards. Deprived by the government of the opportunity to participate fully as Canadian citizens, these Métis are taking citizenship into their own hands. The creation of such a registry, and the decisions made about its membership, will likely have important consequences for many Métis once their Charter Rights are fi nalized. But even within the supposedly unifi ed alliance between the provincial organizations comprising the Métis National Council, divisions are beginning to become apparent. A quick visit to the website of the Métis Provincial Council of British Columbia, the organization that represents BC Métis in the Métis National Council, reveals a heated exchange between BC President Bruce Dumont and the Central leadership of the Métis National Council. Although the nature of the argument is primarily over budgetary and administrative matters, Henry Hall, who has served as a former BC Métis Provincial Council Director of Culture, Heritage, and Language, comments that there is some discussion of BC defederating from the

Métis National Council. The ramifi cations of such a split for the Métis of BC, or the Métis National Council are unclear, but Jenna Lafrance believes it would be not be a positive event: “for the Métis to best represent themselves it should be done at the Federal Level.” Lafrance values the capacity of Métis organizations to effectively defi ne their own identity in the face of sometimes alien governmental and bureaucratic structures. She remembers researching her family history in the Manitoba Archives, and being shocked to discover how her family was labelled in the government censuses. “Our family’s identity changed during each census. First we were Indian, then we were half-breed, then we were Métis and fi nally we became French.” Lafrance says that her family felt pressure to identify as French when it was “practically illegal” to be a Métis in Red River following Riel’s confl ict with the government.The fl uidity of their identity, at least in the eyes of outsiders, seems to be a common theme among the Métis. Métis historian Brenda MacDougall comments on the tendency of the Métis people to be viewed as a “people in-


between,” by both Europeans and First Nations peoples. It would be far more accurate to describe the Métis as a distinct Aboriginal people rather than a simple mish-mash of their parent cultures. Labelled in their in-between world, the Métis can often feel excluded from both white and First Nations institutions, and often have none of their own to replace them (although the efforts of Métis organizations to create a better infrastructure for their peoples is beginning to change this). Lafrance remembers the pain of feeling excluded by other Aboriginals, and her subsequent struggles to assert her identity. “I was in the Native Indian Teacher Education Program at UBC, and at that time the Métis were not being recognized as Aboriginal. Some people would say, ‘what is she doing here?’ And I asked myself, ‘What am I doing here?’ I am Cree-French Métis, and I’m very proud of that. I had to determine for myself if I belonged in that program, and I decided I did.” Lafrance’s words spoke to me. Is this what I have to do? Do I have to determine for myself that I belong?

Finding My Voice

It seems to me that the themes of self-identifi cation and self-determination are common ones in the Métis communities. If the Métis people are not vigilant in attempting to defi ne themselves on their own terms, outside institutions will do it for them to their own benefi t. But instead of banding together, the Métis have responded to the tantalizing promise of special rights by attempting to deny identity to some of their brothers and sisters. And without an identity, it’s hard to say what you are at all. I think there’s lot to take away from the Métis identity crisis that can be applied to a larger picture. The Métis hold a special place in Canada’s multicultural society. In some ways their experiences merging cultures have been astonishingly successful; they have reconciled aspects of extremely different societies to produce beautiful, distinct, and resilient communities. In other ways, the Métis peoples’ hard struggles to avoid losing themselves in the policy gaps between white and First Nations institutions have been a cautionary tale for marginalized peoples and their relationship with the state. As globalization causes the borders between nations and cultures to continue to blur and feed into each other, we may also begin to see more and more “métifi cation” of people as hybrid cultures evolve into distinct entities. Looking at the example of the Métis, we can determine the

importance of a defi nition in the formulation of identity. My explorations into Métis identify have also demonstrated the futility in many ways of trying to “sum up” or label a group of people. While the Métis people as a whole are particularly diffi cult to characterize, the same rule applies to any ethnicity. So much diversity exists among people, even those within the same group, that what may be true for one will not be true for another. Whether this means we need to re-evaluatehow we look at group politics, or even how we look at people I cannot say.

And as for my own questions of identity? I am happy to say I have learned much about the people of my heritage, and have more appreciation for where I’ve come from. But it seems that community is key for the Métis, whether it be the historic community of the Red River settlement, or a little town in the middle of Labrador, and currently I have no Métis community of my own. During my interview with Jenna Lafrance in the First Nations Student Centre, an acquaintance of mine popped in. “Oh, are you Métis, Justin?” he asked, clearly a little surprised to see me there. I hesitated. “... kind of,” I replied. “I’m getting there.” Later Lafrance looked long at me and said, “I can see it in you, Justin. You just need to fi nd your voice.” So while I may not be ready to join the “Métis People are Ridiculously Hot” group on Facebook quite yet, I think I’m going to keep on trying to talk. ∞

Justin Basinger is a student from Simon Fraser Univer-sity. Whispering Winds offers writers from all ages an opportunity to be heard. Our editors encourage young people to voice their views as we all learn from them.

And as for my own questions of identity? I am happy to say I have learned much about the people of my heritage, and have more appreciation for where I’ve come from.

TRIBALJOURNEYS

Métis Youth Paddle to Quw’utsun!

This July, Métis youth from the Waceya Métis Association and the Cowichan Valley Mé-tis Nation participated in the 2008 Tribal Journey, Paddle to Quw’utsun. The youth, sup-

ported by Elders and adult vol-unteers, pulled from Campbell River to Cowichan Bay. Along the route several First Nation communities hosted the canoes, providing a warm meal and a place for the weary participants to sleep. The youth faced long days and some very rough wa-

ters at times, but with hard work and determination, they ac-complished their goal and were greeted to a warm welcome from the Cowichan First Nation and 10,000 people cheering them on as they came ashore and asked for permission to land. The youth were then able to witness

Neil Trafford photo

Neil Trafford photo

Neil Trafford photo

TRIBALJOURNEYS

several days of protocol, where all of the Nations involved shared traditional dances, songs and giveaways. When it was their turn the Métis canoe team wore their sashes proudly and displayed their best jigging steps for the crowd. As an end-ing to the project, participat-

ing youth were able to march in the opening ceremonies of the North American Indigenous Games proudly carrying the Infinity Flag for the Métis Na-tion. These two youth projects were made possible with Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centre (UMAYC) funding from

the Department of Canadian Heritage and administered by the British Columbia United Métis Youth Circle. For inform-ation on UMAYC funding con-tact MNBC Director of Youth , Megan Brown at 1-800-940-1150.

Neil Trafford photo

Neil Trafford photo

Neil Trafford photo

LEADERSGATHERING

Métis Nation Leadership

Attends Cowichan 2008

Aboriginal Leaders

Gathering in Saanichton,

BC (Tsartlip)

For the first time in BC provin-cial history, 120 leaders represent-ing First Nations, Métis, elected officials, provincial Aboriginal organizations and provincial Ab-original Youth Councils gathered at the Cowichan 2008 Leaders Gathering to witness presentations that will impact Aboriginal sport, recreation, and physical activity going forward.

On the eve of 4500 athletes from all over North America gath-ering in Cowichan Valley for the 2008 North American Indigenous Games, BC Aboriginal leaders are calling on BC and Canada to provide funding support on an on-going basis for the First Nations and Métis communities in order to a lay a stronger foundation for Aboriginal Sport and recreation in British Columbia

Minister Michael de Jong from the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations & Reconciliation, Na-tional Chief Phil Fontaine of the Assembly of First Nations and the Leaders, both First Nations and Métis in attendance conducted a traditional commitment ceremony and signing Ceremonial Drum en-dorsing the pillars that will lead to the creation of a Provincial Strat-egy for Aboriginal Sport, Recreat-ing and Physical Activity.

Grand Chief Phil Fontaine encouraged all in attendance to get “actively engaged and to set an example to our youth.” He is-sued a challenge to all First Na-tions Chiefs and Métis leaders to set aside time for physical activity on a daily basis for 3 months, “The goal is to encourage all chiefs to

lead by example.” stated the Na-tional Chief Phil Fontaine from the Assembly of First Nations.

Over 25 MNBC delegates from across the province were on hand to witness our MNBC Youth Representative Tresley Tourond-Bouvier and Ken Watts the First Nations Youth representative read: The Provincial Youth Declaration on Aboriginal Sport and Recre-ation and The Five Pillars, which will form the basis for a Provincial Strategy on Aboriginal Sport, Rec-reation and Physical Activity.

MNBC CEO Keith Henry, on behalf of President Dumont, thanked the province for initiating the ActNow funding that really got this project going forward and the UNBC’s National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health for both including the Métis Nation in its rollout of Aboriginal ActNow, but more importantly for sup-porting the BCAAFC’s desire to initiate this sports, recreation and physical fitness project.

“I particularly want to com-mend the BCAAFC for being in-clusive and bringing us together in

what they called ‘family meetings’ that eventually led all of us here today.” stated MNBC CEO Keith Henry.

“The Métis Nation is proud to stand here in support of the Youth Declaration and efforts to raise the importance of sports, recre-ation, and physical activity. The Métis Nation leadership continues to address our five-year plan and the work towards the five pillars fit very well within the Métis Na-tion mandate. The Métis Nation mandate demonstrates the impor-tance of healthy choices supported by sport, recreation and physical activities and that these efforts need to be recognized as another important ingredient to supporting healthy Aboriginal communities and families throughout British Columbia.

I want to recognize the work-ing group partners and in particu-lar ASRA President Alex Nelson. MNBC has fully supported new efforts to address the proposed Five Pillars and Alex has consis-tently demonstrated the willing-ness to be inclusive and respectful

First Nations Summit political ex-ecutive. “We want this important leadership gathering to leave a last-ing and positive impact for First Nations, Métis and Inuit people in British Columbia. This gathering, where all Aboriginal leaders have committed to creating an Aborigi-nal sport, recreation and physical strategy, is a pivotal step towards achieving the social legacy that will lead to healthier conditions in our communities. The Métis com-munities across the province are encouraged to get involved and get your children involved in healthy lifestyle changes. It is time to take charge of the future.

The Leaders Gathering con-cluded with a feast and cultural sharing by John Elliott and Linda Underwood, Saanich singers, M’girl, and MNBC Jiggers accompanied by MNBC Minister of Culture and master fiddler, Rene Therrien, and Ry Moran on the guitar.

Many of the MNBC leaders were hand August 3 in the Cow-ichan Valley for the Opening Cer-emonies of North American Indig-enous Games.

to understanding the needs of the Métis Nation.

The Métis Nation looks for-ward to working with all Aborigi-nal leaders on this exciting new journey.”

“Sport and recreation have deep roots within aboriginal cul-tures and traditions in BC. This was clearily demonstrated by the 1000+ participants and 109 canoes during the 2008 Tribal Journeys Canoe trek that landed in Cow-ichan on Monday,” said Grand Chief Doug Kelly of the First Na-tions Summit political executive. “The Cowichan 2008 Games will showcase elite Indigenous youth sport, but the Games are also about promoting a healthy, active lifestyle” said Dan Smith also of

LEADERSGATHERING


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An education can be more than just a dream.Vision. Dedication. Focus. With an education your dreams can become a reality and we are honoured to join in your journey.

EnCana is dedicated to supporting education, celebrating achievement, engaging with the community

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To fi nd out more about how EnCana is supporting Aboriginal education, visit our website at

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The deadline for submission is October 15, 2008

THE JOURNEYOF A GENERATION


The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres Hosts:

March 17-20, 2009 The Grand Okanagan Lakefront Resort and Conference Centre,

Kelowna, BC Aboriginal youth (14-24) are invited to take part in a dynamic conference on

Language, Culture and Employment with many workshops, an interactive Career and Education Fair & afternoon cultural and recreational activities!

EARLY REGISTRATION $100 UNTIL FEBRUARY 20th, 2009 For every registered group of 5 youth, the 6th registrant is FREE!

ACT FAST AS THIS INCENTIVE IS ONLY AVAILABLEFOR EARLY REGISTRATION

REGULAR REGISTRATION $150 FROM FEBRUARY 21ST TO EVENT

There must be one chaperone for every five participants ages 17 and under (Chaperones are required to pay registration fee as well)

For further information contact: Rosy Steinhauer, Youth Conference Coordinator

Email: [email protected] OR Phone: 1-800-990-2432/ (250) 388-5522 Information available at www.bcaafc.com

Fax completed registration to 250-388-5502Hosted By: BCAAFC & their Provincial Aboriginal Youth Council

Joe Gereluk, AttorneyLegal Counsel for

MNBC852 Fort Street

Victoria, BC V8W 1H8

Telephone: 250.380.1423


y name is Tanya Davoren and I am very pleased to be your new MNBC Director

of Health. I have volunteered at my com-munity level for many years as the Woman’s Representative and later as the MNBC appointed representa-tive for Interior Health’s Aboriginal Health and Wellness Advisory Com-mittee (AHWAC). I am a born nurturer and care-giver, and previously was employed as a Registered Nurse at Vernon Ju-bilee Hospital working as a Patient Care Coordinator. Prior to nursing, I served with the British Columbia Dragoons as an armoured soldier for seven years. I am completely dedicated to working for Métis Nation British Columbia and have addressed the

concerns expressed in the 2006 Pro-vincial Survey and incorporated them into our Health Ministry’s fi ve year Implementation Plan. I have been extremely busy since starting with MNBC in June 2008, and am very thankful for the support of the entire MNBC staff. My biggest cheerleaders are: my husband Rob, my three children; Shaughn, Ashleigh and Keighan and my nephew Jordan. I can’t thank all of them enough for their on-going patience and support. Combining the celebration of my Métis heritage and my passion for health has created an extremely sat-isfying career where I am given the opportunity to actively work towards better health and wellness for my fel-low Métis citizens. The long-term goal of the MN-BC’s Ministry of Health is to close

the gap between Métis citizens and other British Columbians in the areas of health and wellness. There are six enabling objectives that contribute to our Health Minis-try’s long term goal. They are: a Mé-tis Specifi c Healthcare Plan, a Métis Nation Health Database, increased capacity to expand our Métis Nation Health Ministry, increased Integra-tion into Existing Health Services and Programs, the ActNow Healthy Living Initiative and an Aboriginal Sport, Recreation, and Physical Fit-ness Strategy. MNBC Health Ministry’s focus is to nurture relationships with fed-eral and provincial partners to ensure that culturally appropriate health pro-grams and services are available to all Métis citizens within the Métis Chartered Communities.MNBC is currently pursuing the creation of a health database with provincial and federal stakeholders. The data col-lected through this process will be ac-cessed through different data sharing protocols with numerous stakeholders all contributing to an evidence based approach to MNBC Health Ministry’s future decision making. This will as-sist in identifying existing health pro-grams and services available to Métis citizens in British Columbia and those services that are required to close the health disparity gap for Métis citizens leading towards this Ministry’s goal of a Métis Specifi c Healthcare Plan for the province.

HEALTH

Tanya Davoren, New Directorfor MNBC Health Ministry

LIKE A LOT OF INTERESTING and first-rate things in this world, Zero Ceiling was conceived from a simple phone call one evening in December 1997. That call came from Alanna MacLenna. MacLenna, who worked for Dusk to Dawn, a street youth resource center located in Vancou-ver British Columbia, was on the phone with Chris Win-ter a resident of Whistler. The result of that call and with help coming from both residents and the business sector in Whistler – lift passes, equipment, and instructor’s were in place for the very first participants of the newly launched Zero Ceiling program. That winter seventy-five street youth came from downtown Vancouver to experience something that they probably thought would have never happened – snowboarding at Whistler Blackcomb.

Although the Zero Ceiling program is open to any disadvan-taged youth, a large percentage, approximately 40%, are ab-original.

So to say that a program such as Zero Ceiling is a hand up and out of the circle of life on the streets for aboriginal youth is to state the least. It takes people with vision to put in mo-tion the wheels that transform lives and the people within Zero Ceiling are changing lives!

Chris Winter is the visionary founder of Zero Ceiling and continues to steer his vision a decade later – only now it has grown to include helping street youth not only in Vancouver, but Montréal, Lauentions, and Mont Quebec to experience the thrilling and often life changing wonders of adventure-based learning. Whistler at this time remains the only place where the Snowboarding Instructor’s program is up and running. It was Bruce Irving from the Whistler Blackcomb Snowboard School in 2000, that sug-gested Zero Ceiling setup a Snowboarding Instructor’s Program. From that seed, and support coming from a variety of partnerships, the program continues to thrive and grow.

Throughout the winter Zero Ceiling hosts groups of dis-advantaged street youths for a day on the slopes. They are given equipment, lift pass, and a snowboard les-

Disadvantaged Aboriginal Youth Become Snowboard Instructors in WhistlerSUBMITTED BY: DAN LAFRANCE

son. It is during this time that they are introduced to the flagship Snowboarder Instructor’s program and the benefits they can expect to gain if they choose that path. If selected, the youth are given the opportunity to move to the resort com-munity, be supported, and after completing their train-ing and certification through the Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructor’s, work as fulltime Instructor’s for Whistler Blackcomb.

As an added bonus if the youth want to stay and work through the summer, they are connected to the bountiful jobs at the resort – ensuring year round employment and a rewarding lifestyle far away from the streets.

Chris Winter may be the founder and at the helm, but it takes more then one dedicated and capable person to guide a program of this nature. Marc Zurbuchen lives in Whistler and as the Program Manager it is his responsibility to insure all the needs, immediate goals and future endeavors of the Society are met. It is a post that he meets with the keenness expected of people that have a passion for helping others. As an experienced skier, mountain biker, and a graduate of Simon Fraser University in Psychology and Sustainable Community Development, Marc brings a certain rounded life style that street youth can look up to – and being in his mid twenties it is easy for these youth to relate to him.

“This program is awesome, it takes disadvantaged youth and gives them a chance to experience something that otherwise might never happen. It allows them to explore possibilities that may give them the opportunity to make changes in their life, changes that may perhaps continue for a lifetime. That is awesome.” said Marc.

To date the accomplishments are outstanding, with over 40 youth graduating from the Snowboard Instructor’s Program of which ten continue to remain and work in Whistler. Re-portedly the other graduates have moved on to other places in Canada to live productive and healthy lives.

The 2005 – 2006 ski and snowboard visits in Whis-tler saw 146 youth from twelve agencies during the season and Quebec hosted 37 youth from two agen-cies. The summer program in Whistler accommo-dated 37 youth for mountain biking and 8 tried out the Zip-trekking. In 2006/2007 there were 130 youth from 13 agencies that came to Whistler, 30

from two agencies in Que-bec and during the summer 28 youth and 5 counselors came from Mount Currie First Nations on mountain bike park trips. In 2007 -2008 – 140 youth from 14 agen-cies snowboarded at Whis-tler and 32 youth attended the summer mountain bike program. Remarkably, there was a 50% increase in the ab-original youth that attended these programs.

To further support its participants and their success in the Snowboard Instructor’s program, Zero Ceiling has added a Peer Mentorship program. Basically, the program pairs up individuals with graduates from the program that offer a sup-portive role in every aspect to help with the transition from an urban living environment to a resort community. These mentors are people that have been living within the commu-nity for some time and have gone though the program and know first hand the challenges and temptations facing new individuals coming from the city to live and work at a resort. It is this kind of ongoing support that ensures success. For many, entering the program can be a daunting and sometimes over-whelming task just to stay focused on what lays ahead – giving the milieu they have come from. It is these mentors that supply a supportive network, daily if needed, to lend a helping hand by being a role model and somebody to confide in and count on. In turn it is likely that the participants themselves may some-day become mentors for others. Indeed, it is this mentorship chain that may very well be the hallmark that this program is measured by.

For more information about the Zero Ceiling Society of Canada, they can be contacted at:PO Box 61Whistler, BC, CanadaV0N 1B0Phone: 604-935-8060Program Manager – Marc ZurbuchenCheck out the new website: www.zeroceiling.org


11THANNUALGENERALMEETING

METIS NATION BRITISH COLUMBIA

Building Our Legacy

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH TO SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH, 2008

Come and Celebrate the Official Inauguration of the MNBC Leadership

The Grand Okanagan Lakefront Resort and Conference Centre

1310 Water Street, Kelowna, BCwww.grandokanagan.com


MNBC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGBuilding Our Legacy

Friday8am to 3pmAnnual General Meeting Registration

• Please note that all voting Métis citizens must be registered by 3pm. Citizens registering after 3pm will not be eligible to vote.

9am to 11amCommittee Meetings

• BC Métis Assembly of Natural Resources• Registry• Provincial Employment and Training Committee• Senate• BC United Métis Youth Circle• Métis Women of BC• Adhoc Adoptions Committee• Métis Veterans Committee• Métis Elders Meeting

1pm to 5pm11th Annual General Meeting

• Official Grand Opening with Grand Entry and Opening Prayer• Inauguration Ceremony for MNBC Elected Leaders • Greeting and Welcoming Remarks• Greetings from Dignitaries• Honorary Mention Corporate Partners and Government Officials• Special Recognition of Corporate Sponsors

Saturday8:30am 11th Annual General Meeting reconvenes

• Appointment of Chair/Co Chair• Quorum is announced to AGM Delegates• Acceptance of AGM Agenda• Appointment of Resolutions Committee (if required)• Review and approve 2007 Annual General Meeting Minutes• Resolutions-to address second reading of resolutions that passed at the Métis Nation Governing

Assembly on December 15th and 16th 2007• MNBC General Election Interim Report• MNBC 2007-2008 Financial Audited Statements• MNBC 2007 –2008 Annual Reports and Updates for each MNBC Ministry

Sunday8:30am to 2:00pm11th Annual General Meeting reconvenes

• Métis Nation British Columbia Adhoc Adoptions Committee Update• Dissolve Resolutions Committee-if required• Date and Location for 2009 Annual General Meeting• Other Business• Closing Remarks

Meeting and Agenda


Workshops, Tradeshow and Social Events

Friday7:30am Breakfast9am to 5pm Trade Show12pm Lunch6pm to 9 pm Meet and Greet BBQ Dance and Jam Session

Saturday7:30am Breakfast9am to 5pm Trade Show12pm Lunch6pm Gala Dinner and Talent Show

Sunday7:30am Breakfast9am to 3pm Trade Show12pm Lunch

All event details are subject to change.Please visit our web site at www.mnbc.ca for continuous updates and news.

Please note that any Métis citizen who attends the AGM and seeks to register as a voting participant will also be required to provide the MNBC citizenship card.


GEORGE GOULET, B. A., LL.B,, LL.M, & TERRY GOULET, B.Sc.. (H.Ec.)

74 Artists View Drive, Calgary, Alberta, T3Z 3N4

Telephone: (403) 289-5846; Fax: (403) 287-3883

The Métis in British Columbia: From Fur Trade Outposts to Colony is a book that deals with the groundbreaking part that Métis people played in the history and development of early British Columbia. In the historical context of this book the Métis are the mixed-blood Children of the Fur Trade. Common factors that permeate this book are the Métis and the fur trade west of the Rocky Mountains in the Pacific Northwest.

It is a book co-written by a Métis to provide an accurate well-researched account of the Métis people in British Columbia and provides factual information on their pioneer role in the pre-colonial, colonial, and early provincial eras of British Columbia. Their notable contributions include participation in:

● westward exploration overland across the Rocky Mountains;

● expansion of the fur trade to the Pacific Ocean;

● establishment of fur trade forts, outposts, and settlements;

● the development of early commercial and economic enterprises;

● the first militia/police force, the Victoria Voltigeurs.

Notable Métis pioneers profiled in this book are Amelia Connolly Douglas, Joseph William McKay, Josette Legacé Work, Jean Baptiste Boucher (Waccan), Jane Klyne McDonald, and Captain John Swanson.

GEORGE AND TERRY GOULET collaborated on the best-selling book The Trial of Louis Riel: Justice and Mercy Denied and have co-authored a number of other works including the historical books The Metis: Memorable Events and Memorable Personalities (www.fabjob.com/metis.html) and Louis Hébert and Marie Rollet: Canada’s Premier Pioneers(www.fabjob.com/hebert.html). They have given innumerable presentations on the Métis people and Louis Riel all across Canada.

George Goulet was born at St. Boniface, Manitoba and is a registered Métis. George is a graduate in Arts and Law from the University of Manitoba and holds a Master of Laws degree from the University of Toronto. He practiced law for 35 years in Winnipeg, Vancouver and Calgary and is a retired member of the British Columbia Bar.

Terry Goulet was born in Calgary, Alberta and graduated from the University of Manitoba with a BSc (HEc). In addition to being an author and public speaker, Terry’s eclectic career has included that of librarian, editor, paralegal, freelance indexer, and businesswoman. She and George have been interviewed many times by the media.

The price for The Métis in British Columbia – From Fur Trade Outposts to Colony is $19.95 and the ISBN number is 978-1-897286-29-6. The web site for this book is www.fabjob.com/bcmetis.html. For further information on the authors follow the link to “About the Authors”.

Training for the Future

N.E.B.C.—ApprenticeBoard

Piping Industry Training Centre

7825 100th Avenue Fort St. John, BC V1J 1W1

Phone: 250-263-9595

P.I.A.B.—Apprentice Board Piping Industry Training

Centre101-1658 Foster’s Way

Annacis Island, Delta, BC V3M 6S6

Phone: 604-540-1945 Email: [email protected]

Business Manager/Financial Secretary:

Joe Shayler Assistant Business Manager:

Alex W. MacDonald Business Agents:

Albert Phillips, Bryan Stocking, Mark Glazier

HEAD OFFICE 201—1658 Foster’s Way

Annacis Island, Delta, BC V3M 6S6

PH: 604-526-0441 Toll Free: 1-888-223-7711

Website: www.ualocal170.com

Art U’ren , Jeannette Prevost and Davie

Hudson

MNBC Citizens~North Central Region

“We would say the first thing about being Métis is about the music and dance. When we started dancing at a very young age with our mother, Annie Versailles, there was something special about her music and dance that made us feel like we wanted to dance forever. Our mother always had fiddle music playing and she taught us to jig and have a love for music. Métis music and dance brings together all different communities and culture. We are proud of being Metis and sharing our culture and heritage with everyone.”

Alyshia Carlson

MNBC Citizen~Kootenay Region

“As a young child I had some idea that we had Aboriginal heritage. Without knowing what that meant I was always proud and remember making sure that all my friends knew. All of my show and tell days make me laugh because I was one of the only kids telling about hunting and fishing stories and about dressing animals, building fires and playing in the real wilderness.”

Clinton Gladu

MNBC Citizen~North Central Region

As a Métis youth, it has been uplifting

learning my Métis culture and being involved in heritage events. It has helped me feel confident as a person and given me a great sense of belonging. I am proud to be Métis and a citizen of Métis Nation BC.

Delbert Hearn


“As an elder, 78 years old, I am proud to say I am Metis and a citizen of Metis Nation BC. I look forward to my rights as a Metis for hunting and fishing.”

Douglas K. Belcourt


“The Metis People have always stuck up for themselves, they have always tried to resolve conflict between Whites and Aboriginals. They were always horse people and hunters in their own right. That’s why I am proud to be Metis.”

Rodney Prevost & son Brady

MNBC Citizens~North Central Region

Being Métis plays a very important role in my life and my child’s life. I find the culture, customs and traditions of Aboriginal people very interesting and deep rooted. Being Métis makes life more exciting through the unique culture and gives me a great sense of belonging. I am proud to be Métis!

The Métis Nation British Columbia Registry Staff have spoken to individuals throughout all regions of the province during the time the Central Registry has been in place, and have heard many unique and heartfelt reasons why each applicant has found it so important to them to hold an MNBC Citizenship card. Many people have shared their stories, family histories and photos with a sense of pride in knowing who they are as a collective group. For some it was a long journey of self-discovery leading them to an awareness of their heritage, other individuals have always been aware of their heritage and culture and grew up in proud Métis homes, and some are only recently re-connecting with their communities.Whatever your personal reasons are for being proud to be Métis, we thank you for sharing those reasons with us at the MNBC Central Registry and with other Métis Citizens in British Columbia.

MNBC Central Registry Staff

izens~North C

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Heather Smith

MNBC Citizen~Thompson/Okanagan

Region

“My father was very proud of his Blackfoot heritage. He often spoke about my great grandmother Sara Wolf Child (Pokoeme) and their life on the praire. After his death I wanted to ensure that our heritage as Métis is preserved. My brother and I have registered and now my daughter is obtaining citizenship.”

Hank Penner


I am Proud to be Metis with courage, strength and pride!Courage to stand up to call myself Metis.Strength to carry on the battle for Metis rights.Pride for believing in my ancestors beliefs, and Metis brothers and sisters of today.

Mary-Anne Comadina


“As more citizens are registered and the government becomes more aware of our numbers, we will have a stronger voice in government and the community. I believe our children and grandchildren will be the benefactors of work being done today by our local and provincial Metis governments in the areas of hunting and fishing rights, health care, education and training.”

Jim Savard

MNBC Citizen~Northwest Region

“Having a Metis Citizenship card keeps me in control of my life here. It should help in the long run for education. I was able to get my food safe level 1 and 2 as well as first aid through the Metis. I was also able to go to the Michif workshop. The Metis government really helps.”

Stella Johnson

MNBC Citizen~Vancouver Island Region

“ Identifies me as an Aboriginal person with Metis heritage. I now have privileges which was not available to me.”

Sandra Conlon

MNBC Citizen~North West Region

“Having my citizenship card is an official acknowledgment of my innate understanding of my family and my roots in the Métis culture. The citizen card is an instrument of unification for Métis people British Columbia.”

Ben Genaille


“Having a Metis Citizenship card means having a strong Metis population. The more counted, the stronger the Metis people will be. Stronger people, stronger say”.

Mary Hartford


Region

“It is very important to me that I have a MNBC Citizenship Card. The Citizenship card ensures that I have rights and a voice within the MNBC Governance structure. Provincial Citizenship strengthens the foundation of MNBC and encourages continued growth of our Nation.”

Dory Laboucane


Region

“My MNBC membership card is important to me because it represents my Métis heritage; for myself, children, and community. As a proud Métis woman, I think it is significant that we have a voice that is heard, thus current memberships are the tool that represents our voices. Our

“identities” are the core of our individuality and who and what we stand for in life’s journey.”

Caren Nagao


Like so many Metis citizens, my mother was not told she was Metis as she was growing up; association with the term so often resulted in descrimination and shame. Today, as I use my citizenship card for identification in any circumstance, the pride I feel each time is one more bandage contributing to the healing of my family and my ancestors. It also helps other along theirjourney of understanding; one would be amazed at how many Canadian citizens ask me what a Metis is.

Martha Gladue


“People should apply to show who they are as part of their identity as a Metis person”.

Gerald Bird


“I’m proud to be Metis because of our shared history and major influence the Metis has played in the growth and development of Canada. It is important to be an active participant in the development of MNBC and working on the important issues at Federal and Provincial levels. It is vital that we speak with one united voice!”

Denise Porter


“It means an opportunity to bring the pride to reign above the shame. It means an opportunity to give back to my people and it means an opportunity to learn more about my culture.”

Marie Caron

Metis Citizen~North Central Region

I am very excited to have my Metis Provincial Card because I feel that it is valid acknowledgement of my Metis Heritage in this country. I am a proud Metis Canadian citizen and this card is a tangible record of fact that my ancestors were among the first Canadians to inhabit this great country of ours. Heritage is a claim that our hearts can make that we belong to a place in the world it

marks our connection to our lineage of all those that came before us. It gives me a satisfied sense that we are acknowledged and history will be changed forever by our continued efforts to instill a proud Metis Heritage into our next generations”.

Shaina McCallum


Having my Metis Provincial Card means alot to me! My Metis card allows me to participate in the elections and also receive funding through the MHRDA program. I am very proud to hold this card, that represents who I am, and belong to MNBC.

Dixie Bedell

MNBC Citizen~Thompson/Okanagan Region

“I was so happy when my brothers began to explore our Métis heritage. The process opened up a whole new realm for my self-identity. Prior to this we knew nothing of our heritage other than my mother’s words “we are French”. I have missed out on so much but I do remember my mother and grandfather’s fiddle playing, jigs, songs and the word ‘michif’ although did not know what it meant. I also remember bannock as a regular food. I look forward to really digging in and exploring the Metis culture and traditions and to learning the songs, stories and language. I want to pass these onto my grandchildren.”

Sid Peltier


“Having a Metis Citizenship card gives me a sense of belonging. You know your history and you’re sharing it with people of the same cultural background. It confirms your Metis history”.


Q: How did you get involved in this project?

I became involved in this project by going to my char-tered community meeting and being invited to participate by the project organizers. Q: What did you enjoy most

about the journey and did you face any challenges?

The best part of my experi-ence was getting to meet new people and trying something new. The challenges I faced were going out everyday and canoeing my hardest even if my arm and butt were sore! I learned that, no matter the task at hand, I can do it with time and effort.

Q: Would you participate in another UMAYC project in the future?

I would love to do another youth project, if it did not in-terfere with school too much, and be more involved even more than as a participant. I would love to help organize one.

Project ParticipantMike Loew

INTERVIEW

It lies across my lap as I write. I stop to stroke the multi-coloured sash,

metaphor of the mixed race heritage but also my mixed feelings. My father would have been so proud.

July 13 I attended the Lower Mainland Métis Cultural Festival in Surrey on Senator St. Germaine’s property. It attracted about 455 people in two days. It was my first festival and for the first time I really felt Métis.

At the outset we saw two canvas tents displaying Louis Riel artifacts owned by Henry Hall, president of Fraser

My HeritagePhotos and story by Barb Rees

Valley Métis Association. Henry grew up in Petersville, Manitoba. Travelling with his artifacts educating people, he’s a man with big dreams. They’re planning a family day in August and will honour six newborn Métis children, then there’s the Harvest Dinner and Dance Nov.16, 17. Earlier Henry was flipping pancakes for breakfast. Lunch was buffalo burgers, smokies and bannock served up with a liberal dose of joking around and laughter.

I met Joelene Didora at a sales table. She said Métis men would double the sash around their waists to carry things in it.

The sash was strong enough to pull a cart out of the mud. Bruce Dumount, president of MNBC shared his knowledge with me as well. Families would be recognized by their colours. A hunter would leave it at the kill for identification. Joelene draped the red sash over my shoulder from left to right, knotted it at my hip and pinned it with a Canadian pin … I had arrived.

By the barns a swing made from wagon wheels is where Allan Lavale, president of Waceya Métis Society took a picture of Dave and I. He told me there was seven Métis societies represented here. In the corral, Eldon Clairmont, president of SAMA was giving rides in a Red River Cart built and brought from Salmon Arm.

I saw skin tones ranging from fairer than me to very dark. Outside of this gathering I get cynical comments about me being Métis. Here no one looked at me with a jaded eye. My mother’s English skin won out over my father’s Indian colouring. My father grew up in the 20’s in Alberta where his skin colour was cause to be taunted or beat up. He didn’t talk much about his background and his family was at odds with my mother. When I was 12 he died ending my contact with his family. I didn’t reconnect with the Todd’s until about seven years ago; then I learned I was Métis.

No gathering would be complete without jigging or some called it jiggling. Beverly Lambert had the “Shy Man’s Tent” and outside on stage she was teaching young and old. “Hop on the horse, hop on the donkey, jump on the bed” she said playfully. Joelene’s little granddaughter, Madison was playing the spoons. By then my cousins, Carol and Garry, also Métis, and their mates joined us.

Over at the art tent, kids were colouring Métis pictures; making paper teepees and finger weaving. Our family, even my husband Dave, all tried their fingers at finger weaving a wool bracelet under the patient tutelage of Stella Johnson. As we bent our heads in concentration, chatting among our selves, we were weaving more than wool.

When I left proudly wearing my sash, my head was full but my heart was hungry for more knowledge. If you’re Métis and have never been to a Métis gathering …go! It will enrich and deepen your roots.

Barb Rees lives in Powell River where she is a travel writer, speaker, and author of RV Canada On A Dime and A Dream. www.write2dream.com

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edited by Starleigh Grass

AboriginalStudentWrit ingAnthology


After the hard work and lobbying of the Métis Women of BC, the Métis Nation British Columbia received a pilot project grant for the Métis-specific violence

prevention program, “Sîhtoskâtowîn”. This pilot project was launched with the three-day Sîhtoskâtowîn Symposium held In July of 2008. After inviting participants from all 37 com-munities, we gathered together as 73 men and women, youth

and elders for a three day conference focused on exploring Métis-specific violence preven-tion frameworks. It was a very moving and productive three days that brought together Métis elders, academics, community members and Métis professionals working in the field of violence prevention. We chose the word “Sîh-toskâtowîn” as the theme of this conference, because it is a Michif word that means “sup-porting each other” and “coming together in unity”. Conference participants were encour-aged to learn how to say this word, and to hold the spirit of the word with them as they trav-eled back to their communities and back to their everyday lives.

Our conference started off on a very posi-tive note, with opening greetings from MNBC President Bruce Dumont who shared his per-spectives on violence prevention, and shared some of the writings of his sister, Métis poet, Marilyn Dumont. These poems brought confer-ence participants to remember their families, in particular, their Mothers and their Kokums, and the incredible strength of these women who endured many hardships, yet always had love to give all those children who needed their care and attention. President Dumont offered a very

“Sîhtoskâtowîn” Supporting each other for violence prevention: a three day journey of Métis culture, values, and healing

by Victoria Pruden, Director of Women Métis Nation British Columbia


special gift to Rose Bortolon, Maria Camp-bell, and Victoria Pruden, sweetgrass grown on his property in Errington. Youth represen-tative Stephanie Albiston and Victoria Pruden presented a traditional gift to the elders in at-tendance at the conference, a wrapped bundle with sacred items and tobacco inside. This gift was created in consultation with some of the elders who were to be providing healing and counseling at the conference, and really set a tone of respect and honoring for the three days.

This conference offered something for each participant, and one of the unanimous

highlights was the moving presentation given by our keynote speaker, Mé-tis Author and Playwright, Maria Campbell. She gave a presen-tation which focused on the history of the Métis, the vio-lence that we experienced as a people, and the impact of this violence and oppres-sion on our families and communities. Maria shared her perspective that loss of language and culture was a violence that has torn Métis families apart, the loss of land, safety and economic prosperity that some families experienced was another violence that has compounded these multigenerational effects as well. She shared with us many traditional teachings and stories in Michif and English, and interwove the stories of the fracturing of our families and presented possible reasons why many Métis families have experienced family and other types of violence. She taught the participants about the traditional world view that holds babies and children in the centre of our fami-lies, surrounded by the elders and grandparents as teachers and caregivers, with the women circling the elders and children helping to take care of their needs, with the men as the last ring of the circle, as protectors and providers. She discussed how the many historical events that the Métis experienced led to the fracturing of this way of life, and also about the hope that she holds that we can relearn and regain

this powerful traditional way of strengthening our families and communities. Feedback from confer-ence participants was overwhelmingly positive, and many expressed a hope that they could invite Maria to give this presentation to their communities.

The conference was supported strongly by many of our community elders, including Phillip and Betty Gladue, who presented several times, and Betty of-fered a very powerful healing workshop to partici-pants, called “healing spoons”. We wish to extend our deepest thanks for their support of this project, and thanks to Senator Gladue for assisting us with the planning and delivery of the conference program.

Also in attendance was elder Tom McCal-lum, who gave a powerful presentation

on his family experience, historical teachings, and beliefs about the

resilency of the Métis people, or “Ahptikosan” in the tradi-tion of his community in Isle a la Crosse, Saskatchewan. Tom offered his traditional teachings in an evening cir-cle for participants, a pow-erful experience for those in attendance.

We had several very pow-erful women elders present at

our conference as well, including healer and elder Margaret Sloan

from Mid Island Métis Nation, elder Doreen Sinclair of the Vancouver Métis

Cultural Association, and elder Jackie Finnie from the Mi’kisiw Métis Association in the Comox Valley. These women shared with us the stories of their lives, and weaved in their perspectives on heal-ing and prevention of violence as mothers, women, and Métis. Our conference elders provided a gentle and safe place for conference participants to partici-pate in sharing circles, or one-on-one talks to those who wished to receive their counsel. A special thank you to “elder in training” Gail Rhodes from Prince George, for her support and participation alongside our conference elders. Our elders were supported by the many pro-fessional staff from Métis

She taught the participants about the

traditional world view that holds babies and children in the centre of our families, surrounded by the

elders and grandparents as teachers and caregivers, with the women circling the elders and children helping to take

care of their needs, with the men as the last ring of the circle, as

protectors and providers.


Organizations including the Okanagan Métis Family Services, and Kikino Métis Children and Family Services.

We wish to thank our professional present-ers who spoke about diverse issues facing communities, including; Métis youth and their challenges with gangs, substance misuse, and high risk behaviors, Métis families and their needs for violence prevention and healing, Métis women’s experience of violence, and also community agencies and partners who can provide assistance for Métis families in need of services. Our Sincere thanks to those professionals who came with their expertise

and willingness to share: Jackie Lee, Lynne Thanos, Janice Helsoe, Brian Mairs, Kelly Kubik, Melanie Omeniho, Crystal Bird, Carol Lust, Maria Laboucan, Darcy Kuhl, Laura Lynn Wilkens, Amy Nuttal, and Jenny Holder.

Participants in the conference worked hard and produced amazing results that will form much of the work to emerge from the pilot project. The par-ticipants created posters, slogans, songs and themes for violence prevention materials targeted at Métis people. They created five documents that answered the questions, “what is Métis-specific violence pre-vention?”, “how can we provide a Métis cultural per-spective for violence prevention?”, “how are Métis people resilient?”, “how can we transfer Métis values

into action for violence prevention?”,“what is your wish list for Métis violence prevention programs?” These brainstorming sessions have provided the Mé-tis Nation BC with very rich perspectives and valu-able data to move forward with.

As organizers of the event, we were very pleased with the feedback that we received, and also with the very positive results of making this event open to all Métis citizens, regardless of age or gender. Men and women were both equally participating and mak-ing the event a success, as were youth and elders together. We were blessed to have infants, youth, and children at this event all participating alongside their families. A special family time was the evening program organized by Bev Lambert, with special guests “Smokey Hontus”, “Aimee the Little Fid-dler”, and Métis dancers from the McCallum family. Noel Mineault of Kiwetin Publishing, delighted the crowd with his interactions with comedienne Kath-leen McGuire, “Smokey Hontus”. This evening was a joyful celebration of Métis spirit and families, it truly helped to put the work that we were doing on violence prevention into perspective.

The conference was facilitated with gentleness and skill by Monique Gray Smith of Little Drum Con-sulting, her techniques for grounding participants and keeping us on track were appreciated by all. Car-ly Cunningham, a Métis woman completing her Ab-original Youth Internship with the Métis Nation BC


was also an assistant conference organizer, and we wish to extend our thanks to her for her contributions.

The feedback received by conference partic-ipants is a great motivator for organizing fu-ture events. When asked “what was the most valuable part of the conference?” we received comments including; “The strength of the Mé-tis Nation and Maria Campbell’s presentation; doing the poster challenge and brainstorming cafes. Let us see our strengths and the impacts that violence has had on our nation.”, “Coming together as Métis people and feeling a sense of belonging.”, “Violence of all forms was talked

about by men and women. Solutions were brought to the table, the elders stories triggered memories of our own childhood. We all participated.” Some comment-ed that, “women should bring their husbands to these events, it was great.”, “An environment was created so that people could share without fear for a healing environment in the TRUE Métis way.”, “I now un-derstand the role of Métis culture and community in healing hurts from the past.”

A particular gift to us as organizers of the conference were the comments of our keynote speaker, Maria Campbell who stated, “I travel all the time and without a doubt this was/is one of the best gatherings I have ever attended and I will brag about you forever. You were kind, gentle and you

organized and created a gathering where we were all important and wise. That is what leadership is all about.” We hope to carry on this theme in the rest of our project activities, and will be proceeding this fall

with more activities and development of posters and educational materials inspired by our conference participants and their perspectives. Thank you to all of our supporters and participants, including the representatives of the Metis Women of BC. We look forward to reaching more Métis citizens with our

Sîhtoskâtowîn project in the upcoming year. In the spirit of Sîhtoskâtowîn, let us keep supporting each other in the Métis way and preventing violence together.


Bladerunners

Are you a youth from Prince George?Are you looking for new skills and opportunities?

If so this is the program for you.

• 24/7 Support for students• Safety tickets and training

• Essential Skills• Meals provided• Small class sizes

This program is a partnership of Ministry of Advanced Education andLabour Market Development, Métis Nation British Columbia and ACCESS.

Youth in need of a fresh start should contact our Job Coach, David Segerts, to inquire into how we can help.

Phone: 250-649-0579

www.mnbc.ca


CN Rail Intake suited and booted for on site tour

CN Class Photo with Staff

Congratulations to the CN Rail Essential Skills Graduates – On the Right Track

Through the early summer, students from all over BC took part in a unique experience at the Essential Skills for Aboriginal Futures lab. Fourteen students completed the course.

Our partner CN provided us with numerous authentic workplace documents and protocols that they use every day. This enabled the EASF staff to create a specific curriculum based on actual problems and situations that the potential employees would face on the job.

Stephanie Zimmer, Human Resource Manager and Fran Peshev, Recruit-ment and Selection, both of CN provided the EASF team and students with a wealth of experience of their organization. This helped prepare the students for their interviews. Stephanie and Fran were fantastic supporters of the pro-gram from day one.

Most of the students are now working or preparing to enter training with CN as positions are identified and locations of choice are selected.

On the Right Track


I’m finally finished, my finals are back and I can’t wait for summer, This last year has been amazing and I have learned so much. With the upgrading I did this year I have been officially accepted to the University of Victoria and I begin my Bachelors of Arts in the fall. I will be taking a double major of English and Biology, a strange combination but what I want to purse for sure. I have a glowing letter of reference from my English Professor. Dr. Kennedy as well as a letter of reference from the Aboriginal Access and Services Coordinator, Mr. Coble who has been my supervi-sor as I worked as a Peer Mentor in the Aboriginal Centre of Okanagan College. Both of these references will assist me in different ways as I go to university next year and apply for summer work.

Thank you so much MNBC. Without your support and funding I would not be go-ing to one of the best universities in Canada next fall ad I would not have had the amazing year that I have had. With your help I was able to meet other students from around the world, international students that came to study at Okanagan College, I was able to stay in the college residence which was a great experience for me and allowed me to inter-act more with other students, something I may not have done as much if left on my own, Thank you for your belief in me and all the many ways you helped me. I intend to succeed in my education with the skills I have learned this year, Once again thank you.

Keeta Gladue

Kendal Stace-Smith, Prince Rupert Completed Level 1 Electrical Apprenticeship through Northwest Community College – in Prince Rupert. I plan on attending Level 2 in March 2009.

I would like to thank the MHRDA Northwest Region for financial support and look forward to my future as an Electrician. I am now employed in Prince Rupert as an electrician.

Thank you for all your help!

Monique CourcellesHuman Service Worker Certificate

Prior to taking my Human Service Worker training at College of the Rockies in Cranbrook, I was living pay cheque to pay cheque trying to make ends meet. I went to the Metis Nation BC-Kootenay Region Office to access the services within MHRDA. I knew that I had very good interpersonal skills and was driven to help people and make a difference in people’s lives. I was then able apply for assistance so I could go to college and have supports in place. With the resources available I was able to meet my goals. Now I am able to assist those that require support and it is most rewarding as an individual because I can give back to clients. I was able to find employment before graduating the Human Service Worker program with three casual positions, one as a Residential Care Aide and the other two as a Human Service Worker.

Student Successes

Keeta Gladue


I would like to take this opportunity to thank the MNBC Northeast Region Employment & Training, Carol Paynter & Neil Smith for the for the funding that they have provided in order for me to take part in the CPWEP program.

For 3 months I was training in The Fort St John Métis Society office as on Office Administrator sitting in the receptionist’s position. Although I already had experience in the Office Manage-ment field I did benefit from the on-line courses that I was able to take. These courses included Basic Computer Knowledge, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and the last one being Grants & Proposal Writing. I have completed the first course finishing with 89%. I am two-thirds of the way through the second course and looking forward to enrolling in the last 2 courses in the near future. The Society also purchased the Mavis Beacon typing program which was installed on the computer I was using in order to help me learn to type properly and therefore available for my use at anytime, as well as being accessible for future CPWEP’s in that position. These courses not only gave me some knowledge that I was lacking and a better understanding of the topics, but helped fill in the missing education for my resume.

In a short period of time I did in fact learn “in’s and out’s” of a Non-Profit Society and the day to day dealings.

On January 7, 2008 I started with the MNBC Northeast Region office as the receptionist/Client Support Worker. I am looking forward to my new career.

Thank you so much for the help that I received; I am now a success!!Linda Dufresne

Tawnshi kiya,Dishinikawshon Robin Genthon, I am writing this letter to express my heartfelt gratitude to the MHRDA Employment and Training Program (Thompson Okanagan) for supporting my family as well as providing me with the opportunity to train to become a Certified Education Assistant (CEA). Being a single mom living far from her Manitoba homeland, I could not have managed the training without the support of your program and the Métis community here in BC.

Since graduating from the CEA training program, I have been employed with School District 22 in the Vernon area, as an Aboriginal Support Worker. Sharing teachings and support-ing young people in their learning lives is an honor for me. I especially love to do so using drumming, music, singing and story telling, with a focus on our connectedness to the Earth and to one another. This enhances their education in a balanced and holistic manner. It is a gentle way to teach and learn, having a positive impact mentally, physically, spiritually, emo-tionally and culturally. I am fortunate to be working in a school that supports this philosophy as well.

During the CEA training, I was able to assist in developing a workshop around music and its effect on brain development. This workshop is currently offered as a component to the CEA training programs curriculum. I also facilitate a drumming and rhythm circle for all ages called “Drumming for the Earth”I feel blessed to a Métis woman doing what I love and have a passion for. My own children will graduate soon and I look forward to and am grateful for the opportunities your program provides. Having the chance to further my own education certainly impacted my life in a positive and powerful way and I thank you so much for that.

All My Relations, Robin Genthon.

Student Successes

62 Whispering Winds Autumn 2008 4 Whispering Winds Summer 2008

The Vancouver Island Métis Employment & Training office has helped me successfully complete a Chair Massage Diploma program. I am also in the process of completing a Five Elements Acupressure Diploma through the Canadian Acupressure College. Being able to return to school and take these courses has given me the confidence that I needed to start my own small business. I now offer a mobile Chair Massage and Acupressure Service. This is a wonderful job that is giving me strength. Strength that comes from knowledge and security. I now can help people feel good and I am doing something enjoyable and positive in the world.

Julie Day

Hello, My name is Yolanda Whitford. I am here to tell you how attending the Veterinary Office Management Course changed the course of my life.

Within the time that I was attending school I was able to gain, confidence, higher self-esteem, and better work ethic. I also gained hope for the future that I will be able to excel in anything if I just put my heart, mind and soul into it.

The Metis Association not only gave me the educational skills that I needed too work within an industry that I will enjoy and try my hardest to always excel in, but they also gave me life skills, and support that I needed to become who I am today and who I will become tomorrow.

I want to take this time to thank all the staff at the Metis Association that helped me get the funding that I needed too help me work for a better tomorrow, and to also thank all the Elders that stood behind me in the Past, Present, and Future.

Sincerely: Yolanda Whitford

Student Success Stories

Essential Skills for Aboriginal Futures is pleased toannounce its second partnership

Through the ESAF/ Employer Partners Training & Employment Program, you’ll have an opportunity to obtain skills essential to success in the workplace, and get

on-the-job training that leads to gainful employment.

BC Housing program starts November 10th, 2008

Positions targeted through this partnership program:

BC Housing is training for: Janitorial and grounds keeping

For more information contact: Your MNBC Regional Program Coordinator orThe Essential Skills for Aboriginal Futures lab at

Phone: (604) 521-5929 Fax: (604) 521-5931

Excellent Opportunity with

2 Whispering Winds Summer 2008

In September staff received notification from Service Canada that the MHRDA contract due to expire in April 2009 has been extended until April 2010. This allows Service Canada, MNBC and the other Aboriginal group holders of this agreement and the government more time to work on the program successor post-2009 strategy.

Our staff would like to remind all potential clients that all training application need to be submitted 4 to 6 weeks in advance of their training start date. In addition, funding is based on availability and labour market factors, please contact the office in your region to apply. Funding for fiscal year 2009/ 2010 applications will be starting in February/ March of 2009.

Vancouver Island - Region 1 Lower Mainland - Region 2#156 D Government Street #201-10114 King George Hwy,Duncan B.C. V9L 1A2 Surrey, BC V3T 2W4Toll Free: 1-888- 632-9450 Phone: 604-582-4791Phone: 250-746-6271 Abbotsford office phone: 604-850-0849

Thompson/Okanagan - Region 3 Kootenay - Region 4#208-444 Victoria Street Suite 2 - 131 7th Avenue South,Kamloops BC V2C 2A7 Cranbrook, B.C., V1C 2J3Toll Free: 1-888-823-9263 Toll Free: 1-888-417-3306Phone: 250-851-9263 Phone: 250-417-3305

North Central B.C. - Region 5 Northwest B.C. - Region 6#201-513 Ahbau Street #304-4546 Park AvenuePrince George, V2M 3R8 Terrace BC V8G 1V4Toll Free: 1-877-561-2754 Toll Free: 1-877-638-4776Phone: 250-561-2754 Phone: 1-250-615-0035

Northeast B.C. - Region 7 Métis Skills Employment Centre10021 – 100 Street 2020 Abbotsford WayFort St John, BC V1J 3Y5 Abbotsford BC, V2S 6X8Toll Free: 1-888-700-1957 Toll Free: 1-888-850-0832Phone: 250-787-1957 Phone: 1-604-850-0832

MNBC Employment & Training


MNBC • Veterans CommitteeChairman’s Message

The latter part of July was a busy time for Mary and I. We took in the 2008 Métis Cultural Festival Lower Main-land, where I was honoured to be asked to offer the Métis Prayer during the opening ceremonies. It was a very enjoyable weekend with lots of mu-sic, jigging, good entertainment and excellent food. We met many new people. Senator and Mrs. St. Germain have a beautiful property for such an event and are gracious Host & Hostess. The Senator was presented with a sash for his Great grandson which he proceeded to place around his tiny waist. He was one proud little boy. The next event we took in was Back to Batoche Days. I was an honoured participant of the opening parade for Back to Ba-toche Days where I very proudly car-ried the BC Provincial Flag. There were Canadian Métis, WWII, Korean and Vietnam Veteran participants from both the Canadian Armed Forces as well as Canadian Métis who served in the U.S. Forces proudly marching and carrying colors with the Flag Party during the open-ing ceremonies. The facilities there were excellent for camping, a big grassy fi eld, food booths, showers, lots of picnic tables (new this year), a huge building with bleachers, a large stage with a dance platform, and also an area with fresh sod where you could bring your own chairs and watch the performers. Electrical hook-ups were available for a nominal fee, for those travel-lers requiring it. A $25.00 per person entry fee for the whole weekend was

the cost of admission. Free admission to the Batoche Museum and compli-mentary guided tour onboard a horse drawn wagon to view the historical sites of Batoche was available for all to enjoy. This year on Saturday & Sunday there was a small rodeo with mini Chariots and Chuck wagons, Bron-cos, Bull riders, Calf roping and Bar-

Greetings Fellow Veterans

L to R: MNBC outgoing President Bruce Dumont, Senator St. Germain

and MNBC-VC Chair Walter Koenders

Bev Lambert & Brittaney Katernick jigging for the crowds at the

Metis Cultural Festival

Preparing for the opening parade at Batoche

Bev Lambert & Brittaney Katernick

L to R: MNBC outgoing President

Preparing for the opening parade t B t h


All items will be available for purchase at the

AGM in Kelowna Sept 26-27 2008Contact Art Lefever 250.390.1245 or [email protected]

MNBC Crest$3

Coffee Mug$10

Hat Band$6

Name Tag$10

Baseball CapBlack $20

Baseball CapWhite $20

MNBC Tie$15

MNBC Dickie$10

Métis Shopping Bag$3

MNBC VC 2008 Catalogue

Veterans Committee Contact List Interim Executive Chairman Walter Koenders 250-248-2556 [email protected]

Vice Chairman Art Lefever 250-390-1245 [email protected]

Secretary Gail Parenteau 250-547-6525 [email protected]

Membership Art Lefever 250-390-1245 [email protected]

Women’s Rep Barbara Hulme 250-477-6982 [email protected]

INTERIM REGIONAL REPS.Region 1: Art Lefever 250-390-1245 [email protected]

Region 2 Ken Fisher 604-589-7879 [email protected]

Region 3: Ernest Parenteau 250-547-6525 [email protected]

Region 4: Gordon McGregor 250-354-4332 [email protected]

Region 5 Stan Dotchain 250-962-7856 -

Region 6 Arnold Anderson 250-624-2395 [email protected]

Region 7 VACANT - -

MNBC Minister responsible for Veterans-Region 3

Ernest Parenteau 250-547-6525 -

rel racing. Going on at the same time was fi ddle, dancing and singing com-petitions. I have nothing but praise for the Métis Local that ran the event this year. They had the water tested and found it was not drinkable, so the whole week-end they had water trucked in.

Special thanks must also go to the Central Urban Métis Federation Group, who fed the Elders breakfast and supper for 3 days. Most of these people were older than the Elders they were serving. One of the Ladies who had to be 80 plus years old; made and fried bannock, from 5:30 in the

morning till closing, sometimes run-ning out. We also had tacos in a bag, you should try it! I am so honoured to have been able to represent the MNBC Veter-ans at two Métis festivals, one here in Surrey BC and in Saskatchewan.



REGIONAL NEWS

REGIONAL DIRECTORS

MÉTIS NATION BRITISH COLUMBIA

Métis Nation British ColumbiaRegions & Métis Chartered Communities


REGIONAL NEWS Vancouver Island B.C.

I am a proud Métis born in 1963 in Victoria BC. My Grandparents, Bill and Sara Vowles, rest their souls, had seven boys and seven girls. My brother Kelly and I were born to Rudy and Carol Vowles. I was raised in Sooke, BC, a small town on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, in an established fish-ing family. I spent most of my younger years playing sports, and hanging out at the family business; a seafood company.

At around twelve years old, I developed a rare degenerative disease called Stargarts, which left me visually impaired. The dete-rioration of my eyesight was a slow process that went unnoticed until my coaches be-came aware that my skills were slipping. We then sought out optometrists and specialists who finally diagnosed me with this genetic disease. By this time the retinal damage was too far gone to repair. I struggled in school and outside activities. As a young teenage boy it was a very traumatic time for me.

I dropped out in the second year of grade nine because there was no help for me. A couple of years later, I received a piece of equipment called a Visual Tech. I then took correspondence and finished my grade nine and ten. I managed to work odd jobs with family and friends for several years. When I couldn’t find work, I collected Social Assistance. The Ministry sent me to a vocational rehabilitation centre. My options were very limited due to my disability. Through the ministry I met a woman who heard about my case and took it upon herself to act as my advocate. For the next twenty years, I survived on a disability pension and did menial labour whenever pos-sible. I then met a wonderful woman named Fern who be-came my partner and best friend. In the fall of 2007 I moved to the Cowichan Valley, and sought out the Métis Society in Duncan, BC. There I met Bill Delorme (President) and Trish Parent (Program Coor-dinator). I inquired about volunteer work at which time Bill mentioned they were starting a youth program, so I jumped aboard. We started building an authentic Red River Cart at the Maritime Museum in Cowichan Bay. Bill and I, along with Tim Shepherd (Vice President), Jim Dallin and some of our youth completed that wagon. It was an awesome experi-ence. I am also involved in our Métis Awareness program at the local schools, with respected Elder Stella Johnson and Judy Dallin, which is a total success.

The Cowichan Valley Métis have many ongoing activi-ties in the community. At one of their campouts, I was ap-proached by Jim and asked if I would like to be a part of the canoe family on the upcom-ing Tribal Journey. I replied that I was very honoured, but I would have to think about it; the apprehension only being due to my disability. By the end of the campout, my seat in the canoe was already picked out. Before I knew it, I found myself paddling in the Tribal Journeys with my new canoe family. I was touched by the camaraderie and hospitality of all the First Nation communities and the Metis along the way. It was a beautiful life-changing experience.

I had a couple of days of well deserved rest before volun-teering at the 2008 NAIG Games, where I met lots of First Nation, Métis and Inuit people from all over North America. It is a chapter in my life that I’ll never forget, with hopes of attending 2011 NAIG Games in Milwaukee.When things slowed down, I was approached and asked if I

My name is Steven Vowles but my family and friends call me Joe.


REGIONAL NEWS

would like to be trained and employed to work in the office. I replied absolutely, but was quietly concerned about my abil-ity to perform office duties. A meeting was set up with the community leaders and the MHRDA Program Coordinator to discuss the possibilities and the barriers. I am now proud to say that I am a new employee and learning a lot of valu-able skills. Staff of the Vancouver Island Métis Employment and Training office are continually searching for supports such as grants for visual enhanced software programs to en-

able me to overcome barriers in an office environment.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff at the Métis Employment and Training centre in Duncan and the overwhelming support I have received from community members. I say all this with a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. This is truly the best place on earth.

Thanks everyone.

When this issue gets out the election will be over and we can return to nor-malcy, if that is possible.

The MIKI’SIW Métis has been slowly growing over the past year; we now have 174 adults and 44 children regis-tered with us. There have been a lot of inquiries and applications given out to prospective citizens.

In November we had our annual Christ-mas dinner. There was a lot of confu-sion about the event as the Wachiay Friendship Center had been flooded with a heavy rain, however,

With a lot of hard work the Center was cleaned and dried up in time for our dinner. In spite of the confusion about 20 people enjoyed a fresh turkey and buffalo roast that was prepared by our omnipresent elders, Tom and Jackie Finnie.

Jackie Finnie conducted her annual Honor your health challenge program to quit smoking in February and March.

In April we signed the Enhancement agreement with School District 71.

May the Aboriginal Education Coun-cil held their annual Recognition Cer-emonies where all Aboriginal Students in School District 71 were honored for their achievements in the past school year. This year our Community hon-

ored 21 Métis graduating students with a sash. We have been honoring the Graduates for the last 12 years in this manner.

We also honored a graduating student from Powell River

We applied for a cultural grant from the MNBC for $500.00 to purchase 50 sashes for our Grads and we got it. We would like to acknowledge the MNBC and the Provincial government for pro-viding this grant. It will be greatly ap-preciated by our graduating students.

Our elections were held in June: Bryce Mercredi was reelected as President, Patti Vermette as Secretary and Barb Tonnellier as a Director.

In August we held a family gathering at the Puntledge Campground, about 45 people arrived to a feast of buffalo, caribou and other goodies. The rain held off until everyone had eaten and the site was cleaned up.

We contributed $500.00 to the Tribal Journeys celebrations that was held on the Comox Band beach. Thank-you to MNBC for their contribution of $350.00, which was to go to the Ab-original Days celebration.

We are currently ramping up for our Act Now Project which begins on Sep-tember 13 at the Wachiay Friendship

Center. Our project involves 2 com-ponents: Moccasin making and jig-ging. This will be held on consecutive Saturdays wrapping up on November 16 with a family gathering where the participants can show off their sewing and jigging prowess. Libby Lang is the coordinator for the program.

On September 9 at the Wachiay Friend-ship Center we are hosting an All Candidates Forum for the candidates seeking election to the MNBC Board. NIMA was invited to be a part of this forum if they so desired.

Thank you to Joel Lamoureux for be-ing the moderator of this Forum.

We had a banner made up and we used it at the Kidsfest held in Courtenay on September 6 at the Courtenay Rec. Center. Also our 10x12 tent was com-pleted. We now have 2 tents, the other one is a 4x6 tent that we can set up in schools when we give presentations in schools.

MIKI’SIW Métis NationGreetings from the MIKI’SIW Métis Nation in the beautiful Comox Valley, Vancouver Island.

Dear Auntie:Boy, did you miss a great party at the Armstrong Fairgrounds! On June 13, 14, and 15 we had a gathering to celebrate the fifth anniversary of a program called “A Child’s Roots are Forever”. This program ensures Aboriginal children in foster care are kept aware and informed of their cultural heritage. It was great to see my friends from the Ministry for Children and Families offices, from the Friendship Centres, from the local Bands, and of course the Métis Community Services, all volunteering to make the weekend special for the children. The activities included cooking bannock on a stick, face painting, and a duck pond with tons of prizes. There was a place to make dream catchers, to play stick games (I did not play, you know I always lose), story-telling and my personal favourite, working with modeling clay to build Inuksuit. It seemed to be one of the favourite activities for the children as we went through 20Kg of clay in five hours. I made an Inuksuk as a model for the children to follow, just like the one we built by the north end of the village, and we ended

Brian Mairs, BA (Soc), BSWFamily Services MentorHuman Resource SupportOkanagan Métis Community Services

up with hundreds of variations. Two drum groups kept feet hopping and when the Métis fiddlers took to the stage, few people stayed in their seats. Beverly Lambert and a foster Dad named Jules gave a demonstration of jigging as Vern Gervais tried to wear them out with his lightning-fast version of some old-time jigs. Children who had not jigged before soon grabbed their parents and foster parents out onto the grass to join in the fun. My friend Shaylene came up from the coast to help out as well. As a former child in care and one of the ‘Voices of Experience’ group, her presence is always welcome and inspirational. I met Diane and Noel for the first time – they publish the Whispering Winds magazine you like so much. I think you would like them. Terry made enough food to satisfy a small army, which was a good thing because there were about 400 people there. Nobody had any reason to go to bed hungry on Saturday night, and thanks to the Armstrong Lion’s Club, Father’s Day breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, and ham started the day off on a positive note. I guess I forgot to mention that lots of families took advantage of the GREAT weather and set up tents and brought campers to the Fairgrounds. It was almost like one of our family reunions back on the farm when everybody arrived and camped wherever we could find flat ground for the weekend. It seemed strange to some people that the celebration took place over Father’s Day weekend, but that was when we could get the Fairgrounds, and in retrospect it worked out well as we were able to honour the foster fathers as well as the biological fathers in a positive way.I will write again soon. I am looking forward to seeing you at the MNBC Annual General Meeting in September. Until then, stay well.Your loving nephew,Brian

“James was a very steady, plain blunt man, shrewd and sensible of correct conduct and good character, but who has gone through a vast deal of severe duty and is fit for any Service requiring physical strength firmness of mind and good management provided that he has no occasion to meddle with Pen and Ink in the use of which he is deficient his Education having been neglected. An excellent Trader, speaks several Indian language and is very regular and economical in all his arrangements, a good practical man, better adapted for the executive than the Legislative departments of the business. His blunt manner however cannot conceal a vast deal of the little highland pride, and his prejudices are exceedingly strong, but upon the whole he is among the most respectable of his class and a generally useful Man.”

These are the words written by his old friend Governor George Simpson in describing James McMillan. These words were written in 1832 – James had about thirty years in the fur trade.

James McMillan was born in Scotland and entered into the service of North West Company prior to 1804. With David Thompson he was one of the pioneers of the fur trade on the Columbia. Ross Cox met him on the Spokane River 1813. In 1821 he became a chief trader of the HBC and in 1827 he was promoted to the rank of Chief Factor.

After the union of HBC and NWC he was one of the officers who met Governor Simpson at Boat Encampment in the autumn of 1824. He accompanied Simpson to Fort George and was there placed in command of the expedition sent to explore the shoreline of Puget Sound and the Fraser River. He explored the lower part of the Fraser River in 1824 and built Fort Langley at the mouth of the Fraser in 1827. He returned to Red River in 1829 where he was in charge of the experimental farm. He died in 1858.

In 1808, McMillan took a second country wife, Marie Letendre, daughter of Jean-Baptiste Letendre, a Canadian engage and an Indian woman.

Boat Encampment where James and Governor Simpson met in 1824.

Raphael Boyer and Elisee Tourond, Edmond and Alice

Jean Baptiste Boyer and Helene McMillan

Tracing Our Family from Red River to Fort Langley, B.C. and Back … James McMillan

Through this union they had four children, Helene, was the oldest. (1811-1876.)

Helene married Baptiste Boyer and had seven children. These children were Métis,

In 1821 McMillan “turned off ” his second wife and married Kilakotah and then later took a fourth country wife Eleanor McKinley.

Brenda Percell (nee Boyer) is a direct descendant of James McMillan. She now lives in Kamloops. In August 2008, Fort Langley held a “Children of Fort Langley Reunion” for many descendants of the early fur trade days.

Among the guests were Brenda Percell and her distant cousin, Hugh McMillan, both descendants of James McMillan.

Métis group at Batoche, NWT in 1878. Standing is Baptiste Boyer, son of Helene Boyer (nee McMillan)

Edmond Boyer and Berthe Laderoute Edmond and Estelle Boyer

Brenda Purcell, Hugh McMillan and Dave Percell at “Children of Fort Langley Descendants Reunion”

History captured – (Langley Advance) Local members of the Kwantlen First Nations celebrated with drums and music when carvings of Chief Wattlekainen and James McMillan were officially unveiled August 17, 2008. In attendance were Brenda Percell (Boyer) and Hugh McMillan.

Fort Langley Plague commemorating the founders, James McMillan

(Continued from Whispering Winds Summer 2008 Edition)

HEN WE REACH THE WEST COAST we drink in the smell of the ocean and listen to the seagulls scream. We see tall buildings, fancy cars, horses and buggies, well dressed folks and many poor folks like us. It soon becomes clear that this place, like all the

others we have migrated to, will give us no more or no less than we are prepared to fi ght for. We are all hard workers and set out to fulfi ll Papa Joes dream of opening a Petrol Station and Mechanical repair shop. I have begun to waitress where my sister Joan works. Sister Stella has gone up the coast to cook in a logging camp. Little Shirley and Delores live with Mama, my sisters Joan and Margaret and I in a rooming house. Papa Joe lives in the same rooming house he had lived in when we arrived. We are all saving money, but mostly Papa Joe is. He plans to buy a lot of land in Burnaby outside of Vancouver where the land is less expensive.

A Canadian Legend

Our fi rst years in Vancouver have been both interesting and diffi cult. The fi rst thing we had to do was to put away our moccasins, muffl ers, and woolen wear. For it is too wet for such things. We buy rubbered boots and rain slickers and prepare for the wet, heavy snow to fall. As well, the second of the world wide wars have begun and although Papa Joe (Arcand) is too old to go, my brother in law Ed Stevenson (my sister Margaret’s husband) has joined up. We are all worried, but proud. However, we had not expected my step-brother James, who is only sixteen and lied about his age, to join the Army. I am angry. The recruitment ads make it all sound adventurous and exciting to a young man. Jim plays the guitar, so I hope for his sake he doesn’t come home with less fi ngers than Papa Joe. We live on Cordova Street. Here the little girls, Shirley and Dolores, are thrilled to meet such a variety of people. There are Japanese people, some Italians, many white folks with strange accents. The smells and sounds are intoxicating and the generousity of our neighbours is wonderous. Particularly since no one has much of anything, yet they are so willing to share what they have. The constant winter rains are depressing, as is the

news from the front. These have become wild times, with swing music blaring all evening long. Folks seem to be behaving like there is no tomorrow, I suppose for some of us there may not be. I tag along with the other waitresses to the dancehalls where we hop about to the sounds of Glen Miller and The Andrew Sisters and dance slow, and not too close, to the melodies of Frankie Sinatra. The money for the property has been raised and the rest of the family sets up tents to live in while the garage and house are being built. Jim and Ed come

home on leave before going overseas and help Papa Joe with the building. I realize that I am no longer needed here. It is time for me to go out on my own; I am 24 years old after all. I read in the newspaper that they are looking for girls to work in a fi sh cannery on the west coast of Vancouver Island at a place called Port Albion.

The pay is fair and it will be a better place to be through the war instead of living here and cutting into the family food rations. On the prairie we were used to catching our own food, here we are at the mercy of the stores and the government rationing. Mind, Papa has taken to raising Rabbits and the family has planted a huge garden.

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Part 9, by Leanne Laberge

ACANADIAN LEGEND

Part 9 in a 12 part series

The War Years

The long trip on the Uchuck around the tip of the Island and down the other side is awful. I am green and sway on shaky legs when I climb the wharf to what will be my fi rst home on my own. I have arrived in Ucluelet on an unusually sunny day in May. I am picked up at the dock by another boat, along with many other new girls and taken across the bay to Port Albion, where we are shown to our quarters by the line superintendent and told the cannery rules. The rules are pretty much the same as my mamas, so I will have no trouble obeying them. We are ten beds along each wall and a wash up room, twenty girls to a shack. I make friends fast and enjoy the work. I write to mama and the girls every week and wait for the letters they send back, and laugh or cry at both the letters and the pictures the girls draw for me. My best friend is a Japanese girl named May Kiriama. She is fully of energy and always happy. She is also small and slim like I am and we trade clothes back and forth. In my spare time, I am teaching reading and writing to the Indian children in Port Albion. The cannery is located on their land, so I fi gure maybe I should do something for them. May comes with me sometime and although she can speak English as well as I can because she was born in Canada, she likes to join in with the kids; it’s a good way to get to know people she says. There is a big dance in Ucluelet tomorrow night. Ucluelet has the is most western Canadian Airforce base, Western Air Command, so we cannery girls know that there will be hundreds of Airmen there just itching to dance with us. We take the boat across the bay to the town hall and the music greets us half way across the waters. It is prohibition times right now, so the only booze around is homebrew and most of us are pretty reluctant to attempt that stuff. A tall, lanky, Airman approaches me and asks me to dance. I say yes, but wow is he ever a bad dancer, two left feet for sure. But there is something about him that has caught my fancy. We go for a walk down to the peer and I discover what it is. He is Metis. His family returned to the Ottawa valley from Red River Valley and that’s where he grew up- maybe that’s why he never learned to dance. His name is Harold James Lane and although he cannot dance, he can sing like an angel, and he loves to sing. For the rest of the summer Hal rows a small boat across the bay to pick me up, we row back to town, have a soda, and then on the return trip under the summer noon Hal’s fl awless tenor tones waft softly over my half reclining form. How could I not fall in love? We were married in August of 1941, a happy day for all with my friend May as bridesmaid and Hal’s buddy from the base as best man. His buddy calls him Tom, then explains to me that there are about a dozen Harold’s on the base, so they have all been given nicknames. I called him Tom from then on. Everything has begun to change here. A person doesn’t expect wartime to be

easy, you have to deal with food and gas rations….and we are learning to row, walk, or hitch a ride and how to stretch a very small amount of sugar, eggs, tea and coffee, and make all sorts of tasty dishes from Spam. It is the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty that is so worrisome. There are constant scares of Japanese invasions. When Tom is on duty he must remember ever changing passwords as must we or risk being pierced by the bayonet on the rifl e of some frightened Airman. Today the word reached us that all the Japanese people must pack one suitcase and leave their homes and businesses; the Canadian Government has deemed it so. My thoughts are immediately drawn back to the Metis experiences at both Red River Valley and Batoche. How can this be happening again, in 1941 has no one learned from history? And now May, my most beloved friend, must leave. How can it be so? May and her family are proud, hard working, Canadians. They are confused and heartsick at this betrayal by their beloved country. As Metis, Tom and I can only stand in compassion and understanding, we, and I am sure many other Canadians, despair at our inability to alter this tragic turn of events. I have received a letter from mama and the girls. Shirley is inconsolable having seen her Japanese neighbours being taken away in the back of a cattle truck; they have since learned that the people were kept in the Stables at Hastings St. Park. I am reminded that when the government took our children to residential schools, the main transportation was the back of open cattle trucks. After we were married Tom and I built and moved

in to a shack which we covered with a tent so that it wasn’t seen as a permanent residence. I was very involved in preparing my reading lessons when my latest attempt at an eggless, butterless, cake created a fl ame which caught the boards, and then the tent and I suddenly found myself outside wondering what had happened. May arrived the day of their departure. She said that she had intended to bring me all her clothing, but due to the fact that I set the house on fi re she decided to gift me with all of her furniture and household items. We laughed and said a long goodbye…I know that I will never see her again and my heart ached. I now

more clearly understand how our old ones must have felt having to leave the people and place that they loved. Tom and I hang on, losing family, friends and loved ones, and as the tension grows the airmen get more and more crazed. The other evening the Airforce Police arrived at our newly built shack and order Tom to go with them. I was terrifi ed. Four hours later Tom returned home

looking very sheepish as he confessed. Apparently the unidentifi ed airplane stopper plane pilot had gotten a ‘great’ idea. Tom and fi ve other airmen boarded his plane and they headed inland to Kennedy Lake. Once there they put down, it was a fl oat plane, and swan and sun bathed their entire shift. They were in serious trouble. Not only were they charged with neglecting their duties (which could have meant court-martials), but also were charged with destroying the Kings property because they had all gotten sunburns. Tom and the others took their dock in pay and thanked God that they hadn’t been court-martialed. As the waiting to be called overseas continues an armistice is declared

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A Canadian Legend Part 9, by Leanne Laberge

and the war, for us at least, is over. My brother James has returned and we go to Vancouver to visit him. He was at Dieppe and although he did not lose his fi ngers in the landing, he did lose his hearing…he also lost his joy. The happy 16 year old boy who left us four years ago had come home a bitter 20 year old man. Jim had been sending money home all throughout his time of service and between him, Papa Joe and the rest of the family they have managed to buy not one but two lots of land in Burnaby. Jim and his new (war) bride will live on one, while mama, Joe and the girls on the other. Margaret –who is not capable of raising Delores due to her disability- has gone to the prairies with her husband Ed and Stella is still working out of town in a logging camps. The girls, like Margaret and I, are safe and loved with their Kokum and Mushum. Many Metis people have moved west before, during, and after the war years. They have settled in places like Malardville near Burnaby and in Lake Cowichan and Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island. Groups of Japanese, Chinese, Italian, etc. seemed to immigrate, settle and somehow close in upon themselves. While, once we Metis began to disperse into B.C. we seemed to have become intermingled with all nationalities and to only mix with those Metis to whom we are related. Having somehow lost that sense of community, Tom and I have traveled back east to meet his family –who have insisted that I call him Hal- but we have failed to fi nd that sense of community here either. Pop (Alfred) Lane is an upholsterer by trade and Tom worked with him prior to the war. We have decided upon the Okanogan Valley in interior B.C. to open an upholstery shop In Kelowna we have use Tom’s Veterans loan to by a lot and Tom and Pop have built us a nice little house near the park. I have waited longer than most Metis women to have babies, but I wanted to have a stable home before I had babies. Leanne Marie was born in 1947 followed shortly by Marcus Clive. Two years later I delivered my Luke James. Tom has gone away hunting in the Cariboo Country,

The War Years (continued)

(To be continued in Whispering WindsWinter 2008 edition)

I suppose the Metis in him had to arise sometimes, and I have just discovered that we are to be blessed yet again in the spring. Somehow it seems that as soon as we are happy and content the good Lord must present us with another test of faith. Tom arrived home late Sunday evening and was overjoyed by the news of another life to be. However, by midday Monday we knew we were penniless.

Our accountant had taken a trip south of the border with all the company funds. As we had mortgaged the house to upgrade the business, we know that our house will be taken from us. I must say that my Tom is a fast thinker. By Monday night, the day we learned of our fate, he rented a truck and took every completed piece of furniture that we had in the shop and stored it in our friend’s basement. While hunting in the Cariboo country Tom had seen a sign on a deserted ranch: 340 acres for $3,000 “I think you’ll like it Lee,” he said, “It has a two story log house, an big old log barn, a root cellar and a river winds through the entire valley.” I am taken by the light in his eyes. I realize that Tom is a city boy. But I am a prairie farm girl, and a Metis one at that. “Come on Tommy. Let’s sell every scrap of that furniture, and everything else we can. I’ll get the kids ready to head north.”So here we are. It is 1954, I have a loving husband, three wonderful children and one on the way and I am ready….ready to start again.

Many Metis people have moved west before, during, and after the war years. They have settled in places like Malardville near Burnaby and in Lake Cowichan and Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island.

RECIPES FROM NOT-SO-LONG-AGO....THE WAR YEARS

Wartime Leftovers Soup

Prep: 20 min.

Ingredients:1 ½ tbsp. Flour3 tbsp. Fat or lard1 ½ tsp. Salt1/8 tsp. Pepper3 cups mixed powder milk1 cup fi nely chopped leftover vegetables, etc.

Blend all ingredients in a pot. Bring to a boil, turn down and simmer for 15 min.Serve with meat fi lled biscuits.

Spam Filled Biscuits

Prep: 25-30 min.Oven: 375 degrees

Ingredients:5 cups fl our3 tbsp. Baking Powder1 tsp. Salt½ tsp. pepper1/3 cup melted fat or lard½ tin of pre-boiled Spam, shredded½ cup fi nely chopped onions2/3 cup of water

Mix all ingredients in a big bowl. Turn out onto a 9”x12” pan. Do NOT grease pan. Cook until brown and enjoy.

*This also works with canned fi sh, just put lemon juice in the water.

Eggless Cake

Yield: 3 Servings

Ingredients:2 cup Sugar2 cup Water3 Tablespoon Lard1 pound Raisins

Boil these ingredients in a saucepan and then add:

1 teaspoon Baking Soda1 teaspoon Salt1 teaspoon Cloves1 teaspoon Nutmeg1 teaspoon Cinnamon3 cup Flour

Mix well and place in a well greased 9” x 9” pan. Bake 40 minutes at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until well done.

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Documents

Autumn 2008