MARCH/APRIL 2007 ÉTIS OYAGEUR M THE PUBLICATION OFV THE MÉTIS NATION OF SINCE 1997 HEALTH CAREER SUPPORT PROGRAM BURSARY PRESENTATIONS IN MACTIER, ON - APRIL 15TH, 2007 (from left to right): Nancy Gonneau; the Honourable Tony Clement, Federal Minister of Health; France Picotte, MNO's Métis Health Provincial Secretary; Michele Parent; Carole Tessier; Leaa Sawyer and MNO President Tony Belcourt.

PHOTO: BONNY CANN MÉTIS HEALTH CAREERS MÉTIS BURSARY RECIPIENTS JIGGING President, Tony Belcourt and Federal Health Minister, JIGGING GROUP the Hon. Tony Clement, made presentations to Métis TEACHES THE Students who have been awarded bursaries through SOO SOME MNO's Health Careers Support Program NEW STEPS ...more on Page 5 ... PAGE 9 SPECIAL: MNO OFFERING HELP TO INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF GUATEMALA Nuestros amigos del sur

BY LINDA LORD school right here in your village. we start? If each of us donated crete blocks. Add some books You drag yourself out of bed; one day’s pay we could probably and a couple of teachers. Now eat some beans and rice and build a school. consider that according to a lowly you awaken. It is begin your 16-hour day for which When we think of building Guatemalan Government decree, A still dark, and your bam- you will be paid the equivalent of schools, we think of Canadian the minimum daily wage for agri- boo and thatch roofed $2.48, unless it is the half of the schools that cost millions of dol- cultural workers is the equivalent MATTAWA house is damp from the month for which you are paid lars. We also think of homes that of $2.48 or $74.62 per month. As if rains.S It’s about 4:00 A.M., nothing at all. cost thousands of dollars. Think that weren’t shocking enough, LEGACY time to go to work. What can we do? Where can of a two room school built of con- CONTINUED PAGE 11 Where are you? A primi- FOLLOW THE SAGA tive village in Africa or New PHOTO: TONY BELCOURT OF THE LORION’S Guinea? Maybe a First AND MACDONELL’S Nations’ settlement a couple AS THEY FORGE A hundred years ago? No, you are Q’eqchi; you live MATTAWA MÉTIS in Alta Verapaz Province in LEGACY ...PAGE 7 Guatemala, and the year is 2007. Typically, you are 37 years old and you share your house with four or five family members, probably your wife, your youngest chil- dren and perhaps your parents, or your wife’s parents, or a cousin or two. With the coffee harvest under- way you have been working longer hours, more than eight hours, and then there is the four to five hour walk each way-- morning and night. Too bad you don’t get paid for overtime. There is a government decree that says they have to pay you overtime, but it is written in Spanish and you cannot read it. Who wouldn’t buy embroidered napkins from this young child? Her eyes tell the story. She’s a beauty--an innocent You never had a chance to go to being simply wanting to sell something, anything, so that she and her mom and her siblings can buy some corn for school, but you are hoping that supper. That’s usually the bottom line for children who walk the streets of the towns in Guatemala to help their things will be better for your kids families make it through the day. Even at her young age, she is likely already learning the embroidery and the 1785370 because there is talk of building a painstaking back-strap weaving that results in the beautiful fabrics that could adorn any home.” – Tony Belcourt 2 MARCH/APRIL 2007 ∞ MÉTIS VOYAGEUR

Married 70 Years and Still Going Strong THE Congrats Kelly! MÉTIS Sault College student Kelly Nicole VOYAGEUR Reid scores a perfect 4.0 GPA

editor The Historic Sault Ste. Marie Even though graduation for the Linda Lord Métis Council and the Métis students in this program is not Nation of Ontario Region 4 until August, Kelly has already design & production Field Office’s Regional been recognised for her Marc St.Germain Employment and high course standing. After Training Co-ordinator, her first semester, she has contributors Tammy Webb, are obtained a 4.0 GPA. On Scott Carpenter pleased to announce Tuesday, March 20, 2007, at Bonny Cann the recent achieve- the Best Western, Kelly Karole Dumont-Beckett ment of Kelly Reid. was formally presented Bernard Leroux Kelly, the daughter of with the Sault College Aca- Arlene Lehto Judy and Steven Lef- demic Excellence Award. Ken Simard fler, is currently enrolled Once again, congratula- Pauline Saulnier in the esthetician pro- tions Kelly for your dedica- Reta Gordon gram at Sault College. tion and hard work. Lennete Harper Lenore Barron Gail LeBlanc Anne Trudel New Arrival A PLATINUM ANNIVERSARY Avery Hargreaves Congratulations to Rudy and Jessie Couture of as they cele- Senator Jacques Leroux is a great Ernie Matton grandfather! His granddaughter, brate their 70th wedding anniversary. They were married on June 19, 1937. Sara-Vi Leroux gave birth to 8.46 contact lb. Liam Leroux in North Bay Linda Lord, editor on January 30th. Another Métis RR1 Hartington, ON comes into the world! Isaac! K0H 1W0 Ph/Fx: 613-374-3430 Métis Nation of Ontario citi- [email protected] zen Stephanie Beckett and Christien Corbin proudly If undeliverable return to: announce the arrival of their Métis Nation of Ontario first child, Isaac Glen 500 Old St.Patrick Street Beckett-Corbin. Isaac was , ON K1N 9G4 born on 27 March, 2007, PH: 613-798-1488 and weighed a healthy 9 lbs. [email protected] 6 oz. He is the third grand- www.metisnation.org child of MNO Registrar/citizen Karole Dumont and her hus- band Glen Beckett, and first deadline: date of events: grandchild of Lory Rivard January 1st 15 Feb–15 Apr NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY | GREY-OWEN SOUND POTLUCK PICNIC and Denis Corbin. Proud March 1st 15 Apr–15 Jun The Grey-Owen Sound Métis Council is celebrating Aboriginal Day with great grandparents are Claire May 1st 15 Jun–15 Oct their Annual Potluck Picnic at Harrison Park Community Centre, Owen Dorion and Renald Dumont, September 1st 15 Oct–15 Dec Sound, on Sunday, June 24th, 2007, from 1- 4PM. Music, prizes, draws, Lucie Rivard, Georgette and November 1st 15 Dec–15 Feb activities for children and youth, visiting, good food, great company--invite Marcel Corbin. lots of relatives and make it a family reunion at the same time. ••• OBITUARIES:

A Letter to the Deceased your wish come true--your trip to Port Colborne Sharon, I'm so proud of you Florida and getting to swim in the Métis Citizen for taking the path of freedom, ocean--and more importantly you and coming out of your shell, to had your biggest dream come passes in her follow your dream, be and do the true. You never thought you things you wanted to do. "You would see, the precious grand- 81st year were one of a kind, playing to the daughter you left behind, beat of your drum, always trying Isabelle, the spitting image of to please everyone and in the you. Sharon, you were an earth g end pleasing yourself; for this we angel to everyone that knew you GRONDIN, ALICE MARIE admire you", excerpt from Deb. and now you will be able to watch (nee Mercier) You ventured out on your own to over us--the thing you do best--as see what life was like. You got to our guardian angel. I'll miss you After a long and courageous bat- know Melissa and Seth. You came little sister and it's our loss and tle with her sickness, Alice Marie g down just in time when Melissa heaven’s gain. Love you —J g Grondin passed away peacefully SHARON REGINA COMEAU needed you the most. She cher- JANINE MAE MARLENE ROCHELEAU with her family by her side at the ished the one on one time she Port Colborne General Hospital COMEAU, Sharon Regina (nee had with you. I don't imagine that Sincere sympathy to the family on March 1, 2007, in her 81st Schultz) passed away peacefully Seth, although young will forget g and friends of Janine Mae Mar- year. Alice Grondin was the on Friday, February 2, 2007, at you. He thought you were the HELMUT BRADLEY lene Rocheleau (nee Beatty) who beloved wife of the late Lorenzo home at the age of 50. Loving neatest auntie who had wrestling died suddenly and unexpectedly Grondin--1988; loving mother of wife of Marcel for 32 years; fights and sword fights with him. On March 20th, Helmut Bradley on the 20th of January, 2007. She John Grondin, Gary Grondin mother of Chad (Jessie) and How cool was that? passed away at the Penetan- was the beloved wife of Bradley; (Nan), the late Fred Grondin Brad; Kokoum to Isabelle; prede- In the few years that you spent guishene Hospital after a very daughter to Walter Beatty and (Chris), Clara Hearns (Bert), ceased by her parents Leo and with us you bonded with so many lengthy battle with cancer. The wife Catherine and mother Mar- Doug Grondin (Laurie), Jackie Doreena Schultz of and people and instantly they became funeral took place on March 22nd lene Beatty and partner Doug LaCroix (Dan), Donald Grondin brother Lloyd of Port Colborne. your friends. Sharon you will be and was followed by a luncheon Rocheleau; daughter-in-law to (Barb), Peter Grondin (Cindy) She is survived by her siblings so missed for all of the laughter at the Royal Canadian Legion. Grace Rocheleau (Patsy); cher- and Jeannette Grondin (James). Judi Trott (Ian), Richard (Laurie) you created and your sweet imp- It was Helmut’s wish that in ished sister to Leah and fiancé She is lovingly remembered by and Tiena Reeb (Lanny) and sis- ish ways. When you were up you lieu of flowers a donation be Mike Vigneux; beloved aunt of her many grandchildren and ter-in-law Debbie Chornobey. made everyone up. I'm so happy made to the Midland OSPCA. He Jasper; dear sister-in-law to Jeff great grandchildren. Sharon will also be missed by that I got to share tears of laugh- loved animals--tame or wild--and Rocheleau and wife Lisa. She is Dear sister of Jacqueline Melissa and Seth her roomies for ter with you--playing pranks on his favourite was his dog Cricket. survived by grandparents, aunts, Lafontaine, Alice was born on several years, many uncles, aunts, our neighbours. You were so bad. Some of you may not know that uncles, cousins, friends and March 29, 1926, in Maniwaki, nieces and nephews. Cremation I'll never be able to sit down on the Midland OSPCA burnt to the adored cats Tayles and Sassy. Quebec and has lived in Port Col- has taken place with a private the front step again without see- ground in September last year Janine was a member of the borne since 1946. memorial service to follow in the ing you sit beside me and laugh and many animals were burnt to Windsor/Essex/Kent community She was an avid member of spring at the Timmins cemetery. ‘til we cried, begging for each death. A new building is badly council, the niece of PCMNO the Port Colborne Ladies’ Shuffle- Sharon is the niece of Senator other to stop because it hurt too needed and they expect to start Councillor and Captain of the board League for over 25 years. Gilbert Gervais of Timmins and much. You achieved so many building a new one this spring. Hunt for Region 9, Eric Scofield, She will be missed by family sister of Judi Trott, MNO Region 9 things that you dreamed about. Helmut is survived by his wife and the granddaughter of Sena- and friends. ••• Office in Hamilton. ••• Thanks to Aunt Gail you had of 47 years, Helen Bradley. ••• tor Earl Scofield. ••• MÉTIS VOYAGEUR ∞ MARCH/APRIL 2007 3 IN THE REGIONS MÉTIS RIGHTS: Final arguments heard in Métis harvesting case

n February 16th, Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Oexecutive and Métis Nation citizens filled the Ontario Court of Justice in North Bay to hear legal council, Jean Teillet and Jason Madden, present final arguments in the latest Métis harvesting rights case, Govern- ment of Ontario v. Laurin, Lemieux and Lemieux. At issue is the obligation of the to uphold the MNO/Ministry of Nat- PHOTO BY ASHLEY SAULNIER ural Resources (MNR) Interim Harvesting Agreement, entered Georgian Bay Métis Council members enter float in Penetang’s “Winter-rama” into on July 7th, 2004, between the MNO and the Ontario MNR. This agreement was intended to respect and begin to implement the 2003 landmark decision of the Supreme Court of in The Métis in winter R. v. Powley. Contrary to the BY PAULINE SAULNIER native princess, a voyageur with Government of Ontario’s prom- furs, a log house and good Métis ise that MNO harvesters, who are music on her float. There is harvesting for food within their “” is an Ojibway nothing like good fiddling music traditional territories would not word for the “land of the white to make a Métis heart really get be subject to enforcement pro- rolling sand” but on February beating! cedures, charges have been laid 17th, 2007, the only white you Métis Youth helped by volun- against MNO harvesters in select could see was that of the white teering to hand out heart- Métis Nation traditional harvest- blustering snow. shaped suckers to the young ing territories in areas south of It was on this day that once children along the main street. Sudbury. again, Senator Dora MacInnis Special thanks go out to Leon

The court is scheduled to entered a float as she has in past Saulnier for the use of his flat PHOTOS: LEONARD DUSOME reconvene on June 12th, 2007 in years in the Penetanguishene bed truck and to all those who North Bay. Winterama Parade on behalf of contributed toward the creation the Georgian Bay Métis Council. of this float, especially Senator The theme of this year's float was Dora MacInnis. We won second MÉTIS YOUTH: “Young at Heart.” place! As she said: “to a Métis per- How better could we cele- son what can be closer to the brate being young at heart than heart than a nice walk down with this annual event that memory lane?” Therefore with brings together youth, elders the help of family and friends, and everyone in between? Senator Dora managed to put a teepee, voyageurs, dog sleds, Pauline Saulnier represents Young Métis role snow shoes, a canoe with a Region 7 on the PCMNO. Georgian Bay Métis Council’s Winter-rama float. model to appear Retiree on TVOntario finds new alton Mathias, son of Loma and Hank Rowlin- vocation Dson, has been selected as one of the ten interesting and in small inspiring children from Ontario Calling all young to be featured on TVOs annual Aboriginal writers! special called, "In a League of scale Their Own". The kids chosen are The 2007 Canadian Aboriginal role models because of their building Writing Challenge, a national healthful living and ability to storytelling initiative to edu- provide inspiration to others, BY LINDA LORD cate Canadians about the defin- such as anti-bullying. ing moments in history, is The program is a tribute to underway. Win cash prizes; see the International Year of the Over the years the Voyageur has your story published in The Child (2007). Other countries printed a variety of stories about Beaver Magazine, and meet are also recognising their special the creativity of our people. The the governor-general in Ottawa. kids and shows will be featured diversity seems endless, ranging If you are between the ages of throughout the year globally. from traditional crafts, such as 14 and 18 or 19 and 29, you The program that Dalton will be beading and birch bark canoe can showcase your creativity featured on is scheduled to air building to handmade walking and explore your heritage. on December 23, 2007. sticks, photography, painting, Emile Boulard with his handmade paddle wheel boat model. Deadline is June 29, 2007. On March 11, 2006, Dalton carving, music, and tattoo was awarded the 2006 Métis artistry. We are a creative people! boat that he had seen on TV. apart to reveal the interior www.our-story.ca Youth Role Model Award in the Recently, I received an email The model is built entirely detail. The first ‘floor’ comes off PH: Mamakwasesuk Category (ages and a bunch of pictures from from scratch and from mem- of the deck; the second floor 1-866-701-1867 10-14) in Saskatoon SK. (See Victor Boulard whose cousin, ory—no kit, no blue prints. comes off of the first floor. The Canadian Aboriginal Writing Chal- Métis Voyageur May/June, 2006). Emile Boulard, had recently Everything is handmade, even A retired carpenter or wood- lenge is an initiative of the Dominion Watch future issues of Métis retired. Emile found an interest- the wooden hinges, draw bolts, worker? No, a retired body man Institute and is made possible by a ded- icated group of individuals and organi- Voyageur for more on Dalton ing way to fill his spare time; he and planks. Forty-eight inches in who had never worked with zations. and the upcoming TVO special. built a model of a paddle wheel length, the model can be taken wood in his life! 4 MARCH/APRIL 2007 ∞ MÉTIS VOYAGEUR Mother of 9, grandmother of 21 celebrates 90 years

BY ALVINA CIMON move on when the jobs were on for a while and then came to the Dryden Paper Co., cutting completed. Three months later visit us, at which time he decided wood, and on construction, and we arrived in Quibell, Ontario, to move back to Manitoba.” during lay-offs he worked for lbertine was born in Ste. where Willie found work on the The family continued to grow. Ontario Hydro. In 1959, the fam- Amelie Manitoba, one of CNR,” Albertine recalls. “When Alphonse was born in 1944; ily bought a farm and moved to fourteen children born he got laid off, he got the job of Eugene in 1946, and Joseph in Eagle River (located between A to Joseph Marion and custodian at the Quibell school, 1949. Vermillion Bay and Dryden). In Marie Callewaert. In 1933 where we lived in the basement. However, in 1950 the family 1960, Lorraine, the youngest of she met her future husband Willie also drove the ‘school returned to Ontario where they Albertine’s children was born. Willie Roussin at a dance bus’, which was a horse and took up residence in Dryden. Eventually, Willie was employed and two years later, 6 caboose, for the next year.” This time, instead of a horse- full-time as a watchman at the November, 1935, they were (Quibell is located due north of drawn caravan, the move was paper mill where he worked married. Fort Frances and Vermilion Bay, accomplished with a pick-up until his retirement in 1969. In June of 1938, Albertine, Albertine Roussin not far from Red Lake.) truck and a gravel truck. “Our Willie died in 1984. Willie and their young daughter, In 1940, the Roussin family beds were set up for us to rest in Albertine is the mother of Alvina, (now Alvina Cimon, Presi- ter, Adele, her husband and fam- moved to their homestead in the gravel truck,” Albertine nine children; the grandmother dent of the Northwest Métis ily, and Adele’s married daughter Quibell and Willie worked at cut- remembers. of 21; the great grandmother of Nation of Ontario Council, in Marie, with her husband and ting wood for the railroad. “The In 1953, daughter Esther 21, and the great great grand- Dryden) set out in a caravan of family. following spring, I returned to came along, followed by Wilfred mother of three. To quote three horse-drawn covered wag- “We travelled until the men Ste. Amelie to await the arrival of Jr. in 1955 and Paul in 1958. daughter Alvina, “And she’s been ons. With them was Willie’s sis- found work and then would our son Rosaire. Willie worked In Dryden, Willie worked for knitting socks for all of them.” PLANNING HAS STARTED FOR SECOND ANNUAL SENATORS’ FORUM AT 2007 AGA an you believe that it's already spring? The long cold winter is a thing of SENATOR’S the past and we can see the beautiful summer SPOTLIGHT that Mother Earth has in BY RETA GORDON storeC for us. Before we know it PCMNO SENATOR we will be on our way to the wonderful city of open discussions. The Youth opened up and also for our Annual General Assem- Your thoughts and topics told stories of their own. This MÉTIS HERITAGE bly (AGA). How great it is to meet should be put in writing as soon year, although Kelly Omenye is and greet after a long year away as possible and sent to me or to no longer with the MNO, I would from one other! We will be able my assistant Laurie Fonjong at like to continue her dream of to gather together and share the [email protected]. having the Senators, Elders and CELEBRATION news of what has been happen- Please note that Laurie is working Youth gather and learn from each June 23rd, 2007 · , Ont. ing in our community councils on this project from home, so other. I encourage the UMAYC staff and in our personal lives, not to your emails will only be answered to contact me to help organise The Oshawa Métis Council invites you, your family and friends to attend our mention, we get to renew our in the evening. If you prefer to this important evening. I agree Métis Heritage Celebration 2007. There will be Métis games, displays and friendships during the time we send your suggestions by mail, with Kelly, "the Youth are the demonstrations of traditional beadwork, cuisine, and leather work, music, spend together throughout the send them to the MNO head office: future of the Métis Nation; we dance and a potluck dinner. This is going to be a fun event through which week. need to learn from our Senators we will be able to showcase our Métis culture and history for our families, Again this year I have obtained Métis Nation of Ontario and Elders before it's too late and friends and the general public. This event is being held at Brooklin Com- funding that will enable the Sena- Attention: Reta Gordon our wonderful culture is lost". munity Centre, 45 Cassels St. East, Brooklin, Ontario, from 2pm - 9pm. tors to hold their second "Sena- 500 Old St. Patrick St., Unit D We were planning to put tors Forum". It will begin on the Ottawa, ON together a video to be shot at the DIRECTIONS FROM HWY 12 & HWY 401 IN WHITBY: evening of Friday, July 6th, with K1N 9G4 AGA of our Elders telling stories, 1) Travel north through Whitby on Hwy 12 (Brock St.) day meetings on Saturday and but I do not foresee that happen- 2) Brock St. becomes Baldwin St at Taunton Rd. 3) Continue on Baldwin St past Winchester Dr. (Hwy 7) Sunday (July 7th and 8th). On It is very important that your ing as I have only received videos 4) Turn at first right onto Cassels St. E Sunday evening, each Senator voices are heard; remember, this of three Elders’ interviews. Per- 5) Cross over a small creek and a guest will be invited to is YOUR FORUM. At last year’s haps next year we will have 6) Brooklin Community Center on right (45 Cassels St. E - an old church) attend a beautiful banquet, the AGA the Timmins UMAYC Youth enough stories to complete a PARKING: turn right onto Church Street, parking is available behind Centre perfect way to end our forum as Worker, Kelly Omenye, invited video. Please don't let this dis- the AGA meetings start on Monday the Senators and Elders to gather courage you from sending me CONTACT: July 9th. So it's not too early to with the Youth at the Youth Vil- your videos. The more we col- Cecile Wagar at 905-668-1612 by email [email protected] at 905-725-1635 by email at [email protected] start making notes of the ideas lage by a camp fire and have the lect, the better it will be for the Rob Pilon Olive Tiedema at 905-579-5401 for Pot Luck information and suggestions you want to Senators share with our Métis Nation. We need to be heard and bring to the table during the Youth, our stories of long ago. our stories need to be told. ∞

Canadian Museum of Civilisation in Hull, QC IT’S FREE! Stephen Augustine, Aboriginal Curator at the Museum of Civilisation in Hull, has announced that ALL Aboriginal people are able to access the museum FREE of charge on a daily basis. Obviously, anyone wanting to visit the museum will have to prove their Aboriginal identity, so don't forget your cards. If you experience problems accessing the museum ask for Stephen Augustine. MÉTIS VOYAGEUR ∞ MARCH/APRIL 2007 5 MOON RIVER MÉTIS COUNCIL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING • APRIL 15TH, 2007 • MÉTIS HISTORY REPORT LAUNCH • HEALTH CAREER BURSARIES Origins and Evolution of Penetang Métis Community On April 15th, 2007, at the Moon River Métis Council's General Meeting and fish fry a report commissioned by the council went on sale. This report about the origins and evolution of the Penetanguishene area Métis community titled, “From the Straits of Mackinac to Georgian Bay: 300 years of Métis history”, is available from Louise Goulding for $25.00. You can reach Louise by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 705-746-4974. Moon River meeting inspires

PHOTOS: SCOTT CARPENTER Moon River Métis Council Senator, Ruth Wagner-Millington and Métis Pride Laurie Miller perform the Métis Paddling Song. An amazing day of “Métis history in the making”

BY LOUISE’S WALTZ PAULINE SAULNIER BY SENATOR RUTH WAGNER-MILLINGTON

am beginning to realise A quick explanation: Canoeists dent, the Captain of the Hunt that the Metis Nation of have to change sides paddling for Region 7, president and Ontario Region 7 councils, to prevent sore shoulders and operator of her own fishing are made up of some truly backs. Thus the rhythm of the business, and also a dancer at Icreative citizens and outstanding poem/song. the AGA! For that reason, the leaders. My wildest dreams The first line has 10 syllables, piece was a dance and a speedy could not compare to the the second line has 8 syllables, waltz rather than a slow one! It accomplishments of our Métis and paddles switch over to the is a standard waltz with four leaders. April 15, 2007, is a day other side, the third line has 10, bars per line. The second line to remember and a highlight in the fourth line 8 and switch, and and fourth line have only music, my memory book! on and on for each stanza. and no words for the last bar as Be it through the creation of The melody I also wrote and the canoeists would be switch- a Metis paddling song, “Louise called it "Louise's Waltz", in hon- ing sides then. Waltz”, that Senator Ruth Wagner our of the Moon River Métis I hope this explanation is a proudly shared with the Metis Council President, Louise help. When reading it with this citizens at the Moon River Metis Goulding. Her vision and drive “switch-over" in mind, one can Council General Assembly, or were what got the book started. get the paddling rhythm. the MNO proudly announcing our She is the Moon River Presi- ••• new Métis Health Careers Bur- sary and Scholarship Program jointly with the Hon. Tony Métis Paddling Song Clement, these are proud (Sung to Louise’s Waltz) moments. The crowd of 200 Words and music by Senator Ruth Wagner-Millington Métis people excitedly cheered April 15,2007 the announcement of $210,000 in bursaries and scholarships to We are the Métis, proud, strong and free, 30 Métis students in health pro- Wearing our sashes to show it. fessions--an amazing moment for And of our forebears we are very proud, me, both as the Region 7 repre- They make us all one big family. sentative and as a Metis. That we Métis folk all we’re brothers and sisters, had the time to introduce five of Bonded through blood and conditions. the 30 award recipients was Light hair and blue eyes, and dark hair and brown, exhilarating, but to have them (top) Daniel Marchand and Micheline Marchildon are the authors of Nous sommes “Les Vrai Canadiens!” be presented their cheques by “From the Straits of Mackinac to Georgian Bay” (bottom left) Moon the Federal Minister of Health, River Métis Council Secretary/Treasurer Lisa McCron (bottom right) Hundreds of years our ancestors lived here, Tony Clement, the President of Moon River Métis Council President Louise Goulding. Fishing, and hunting, and trapping. the MNO, Tony Belcourt, and the Thousands of miles our forefathers travelled, Co-chair of the PCMNO, France Paddling, and riding, and walking. Picotte leaves me speechless for her book, “The Historic Saugeen our unique culture. the proper way to express my and its Métis People”. Because the books cannot Three hundred years to this General Meeting, pride and excitement. To quote the President of the always be readily available to all Mackinac, Drummond, and St. Joe., In addition--also on April 15, Moon River Metis Council, Metis citizens, I feel it is vital that Georgian Bay Islands their maze Métis knew, 2007—I witnessed the launching Louise Goulding, “This is Métis all citizens and friends have All the way down to Moon River. of the book, “From the Straits of research being done by Métis access to this amazing research. More settlers came and Métis were frowned on, Mackinac to Georgian Bay - 300 People!” This is precisely why this reader This was a dark time in history. years of Metis History.” It is a I remember reading that in has donated a copy of each Métis were punished for speaking their language, concise documentation of the 1796, Thomas Jefferson sent a book, to every Métis Nation of Rights stripped, and schooled with oppression. history of our Metis ancestors in letter to Thomas Paine in which Ontario Council in Region 7 for the Georgian Bay region. It is he, wrote: "Go on doing with their libraries. Louis Riel our own prophet has said, the second research book writ- your pen what in other times During my tenure as PCMNO “We shall rise up in a century”. ten and helps send home the was done with the sword.” I feel Region 7 Councillor, I will always Lost legends surface, traditions come back, point, yet again, that we do have that ignorance and bigotry are look back on this amazing day We’re on the path to the future. Metis people south of Sudbury. illnesses that can be cured with with undiluted pride and pleas- Old Métis ways are new Métis culture… It also demonstrates that we information and education. ure. I witnessed Metis history in Sharing at rendezvous outings, Metis people, are very motivated These Metis books precisely the making. I wish to thank all Laughing, and crying, and singing, and jigging, to prove that we have a history convey to future generations the those who made this day such Keeping alive our traditions. and we are beginning to docu- history of our Nation. They will an amazing success! ment the several untold stories help to educate others about Way to go Region SEVEN! There are more Métis than we can imagine, that definitely need to be told. our individual needs and wants Spreading o’er all of our nation. Patsy McArthur began the as Metis citizens and are a sure Pauline Saulnier is the PCMNO Hopefully someday we’ll all stand together, process in 2005 by publishing way to identify the existence of Councillor for Region 7. Nous sommes “Les Vrai Canadiens”. 6 MARCH/APRIL 2007 ∞ MÉTIS VOYAGEUR MÉTIS LEARNING & LITERACY MNO partners with Frontier College for new program

he Métis Nation of Ontario is to eventually bring these serv- pleased to announce an ices and resources to every com- important new learning pro- munity across Ontario. T gram. With the goal of bring- For more information please ing Métis families and communi- contact Bonny Cann, Provincial ties together and in recognition Education Initiatives Co-ordina- of the importance of literacy and tor, at [email protected] in an effort to raise literacy lev- or call 1-888-466-6684 (in the els, “The Métis Families funding commitment. The MNO GTA call 416-977-9881). Learning Together Program” will be seeking interested fami- As well, please continue to will be launched in the coming lies, community volunteers and check the MNO’s web site months in two pilot areas, North youth interns to participate in (www.metisnation.org) for more Bay & Sudbury and & the literacy program and to con- details on the program, job post- Hamilton. tribute to its overall success. ings for two Community Literacy The MNO in partnership with Métis-specific resource materials Project Co-ordinators and to Frontier College (a national liter- will be developed and a training access the community volunteer acy organisation) submitted a program established to engage application form. proposal to the Ontario Trillium community volunteers, peer Foundation and recently tutors and families in literacy received approval for a two year focussed initiatives. The intent is SIERRA’S UNFORGETTABLE PERFORMANCE AT VIMY On April 9th fiddler Sierra Noble stood alone atop the Vimy memorial in France and played a haunting lament for the soldiers who died at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Sierra was invited to be a part of the re-dedication of the Vimy monument on the 90th anniversary of the devastating battle. You can see video of Sierra’s moving performance at her website: www.sierranoble.ca.

For news on the AGA watch upcoming issues of the Voyageur and the MNO website: www.metisnation.org News you may have missed News and events in and about the Aboriginal community courtesy of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (www.ccab.ca). FIRST NATION MOVES munity in Nunavik, which is what TOWARD CREATING A the Inuit call the northern por- RESERVE IN REGINA tion of Quebec. The 53-year-old REGINA, SK - A Regina-area activist has worked on a range of First Nation has signed an agree- social and environmental issues ment with the city that could be affecting the Inuit, and has most the first step toward establishing recently focussed on global cli- an urban reserve in the heart of a mate change. city neighbourhood. Piapot First Nation has bought property in the city's north-central area that it DEHCHO CALL FOR hopes could become home to a TAR SANDS MORATORIUM grocery, pharmacy, gas bar and FORT MCMURRAY, AB - After offices. Some members of the completing a tour of the Suncor First Nation, located about 50 oil sands facilities, Grand Chief kilometres north of the city, live Herb Norwegian of the Dehcho in Regina. , called on Canada and Alberta to support a morato- rium on further development of INUIT LEADER NOMINATED the massive oil producing FOR NOBEL Athabasca Tar Sands “until some TORONTO, ON - An environ- sanity can be brought into this mental activist in Nunavut has situation.” Norwegian led a dele- been nominated for the Nobel gation of chiefs and elders from Peace Prize along with former US the Dehcho to view Suncor oper- Vice-president Al Gore. Sheila ations, and to discuss what he Watt-Cloutier, who was chosen by called “the serious decline of the as a nation quantity and quality of water in builder last year, said that she was the Mackenzie River watershed.” told about her Nobel candidacy The Mackenzie River watershed by a reporter. Ms. Watt-Cloutier is flows through some 212,000 sq. formerly from Kuujjuaq, a com- km of Decho land. PHOTO COURTESY VETERANS’AFFAIRS CANADA

Hear these great artists and many more. Traditional and contemporary Métis music on-line 24/7 on Métis Radio. MÉTIS VOYAGEUR ∞ MARCH/APRIL 2007 7 ANCESTORS ONTARIO’S RICH MÉTIS HISTORY IS NOW WELL KNOWN BUT DOCUMENTATION CAN BE HARD TO FIND THE TRAGIC LIFE OF LOUIS LORION Of the twenty-nine children Louis Lorion fathered between 1773 and 1818 from two mar- riages, fourteen reached adult- hood and parenthood. Fifteen times, this man deposited a tiny casket into the arms of Mother Earth at Pointe- aux-Trembles, QC. Louis' first wife, Marie-Madeleine Forand, gave birth to 19 children, including three sets of twins in a mere 20 years. The first six children, includ- ing their first set of twin boys all died within sixth months of birth. The first child to survive and marry was Jacques-Louis, who had eight chil- dren, who all reached adulthood. The eighth child, Madeleine, died in her fourth month, but the next Madeleine survived and married. Only one of the twin girls who arrived next survived. This poor cou- ple's sorrows would reach unbear- able proportions with the death of the next three children, once again all taken away within months of birth. Then a fifteenth child, Marguerite- Catherine survived and married. The sixteenth child reached three years of

PHOTO COURTESY: KAROLE DUMONT-BECKETT age before departing this world. He was soon followed by the last three Narcisse Dorion Junior (second from left) at a family gathering/evening of music. children born to this couple, two of which were twin boys. One can only imagine how this brave couple carried on with their lives. What hopes--and fears--each new pregnancy brought along. One can only imagine the pain this woman suffered as her babies were torn from A Mattawa Legacy the warmth of her bosom, the tears that accompanied the infants into ight years of lengthy and sometimes discouraging research, Lorion and of M-Catherine Chal- their tiny graves. How difficult it must ifoux, who is believed to have have been at meal times, gathered and the kindness of a perfect stranger led to the discovery of a been a Métis herself. Narcisse around a table that should have been rare document. Many genealogists and researchers know that had at least two brothers, surrounded by nineteen laughing chil- Bernard and Louis, who were dren. How cherished the four who mid-1800s documents confirming Métis ancestry are somewhat also voyageurs. The Lorion lived long enough to leave the nest E ancestors arrived at Pointes-aux- and start their own families. of a rarity in Ontario. How wonderful it was to be among those who Trembles in the mid 1600s. A Little did Louis know that shortly found such a pearl! I am of course talking about an 1837 marriage quick 411 Internet search after his twentieth wedding anniver- record in Ontario that actually contains the word “Métis”—in fact, it showed at least 57 Lorion fami- sary, his footsteps would once again lies still living in that area 350 bring him to his children's graves but this time, bringing their mother to is the French word “Métisse”. BY KAROLE DUMONT-BECKETT years later! Some of the senior them. Marie-Madeleine was 46 years Lorion voyageurs were among old in 1794 when her last babies, married to each other by ---- the fur traders at Michilimack- Father Charles de Bellefeuille, twin boys, were born. It is likely that a French Sulspician missionary (unclear) contract, we have, as inac who returned to Quebec she died with them or shortly there- kept a detailed account of the much as by need, legitimised after the war of 1812 rather than after. How heartbroken this man ceremonies he performed in the these two children, Marie, born settle on Drummond Island and must have been as he looked upon burgeoning mission of Mattawan The record states January 16, 1834 and Narcis, ultimately at Penatanguishene. the seventeen graves he had proba- in 1836. The priest travelled that Narcisse was aged 15 months, and this in Narcisse went to Assiniboine in bly dug himself. relentlessly between Fort Témis- presence of the aforementioned 1827, where he married Cecile Louis was entering his 54th year camingue and Fort Coulonge for an engagé of the witnesses.” “à la façon du pays”. They made in 1797 when he married Marguerite a number of years, “salvaging the Hudson’s Bay Company I always get a chuckle when I their epic canoe journey east- Chalifoux. We know very little about souls of his poor Indians and iso- at the Post of Mat- read such passages in old docu- ward with their two small chil- Marguerite, except that she may be a lated bush people”. In 1837, the tawan, and that Marie ments! dren. Narcisse was posted at Fort descendant of Paul-Charles Chalifoux Hudson’s Bay Company estab- Cecile was the daughter of Coulonge before being sent to and Jacquette Archambault. Mar- lished the Mattawa House post Cecile MacDonell, Chief Factor Allan MacDonell and the Mattawan Post where his guerite was likely closely related to at the confluence of the Mattawa dite Mawishk, was a either a country wife or his Métis contract finished in 1839. Marie-Catherine Chalifoux who mar- and Ottawa Rivers. Métisse also residing wife Margaret Ann Cameron The couple had at least six ried Bernard Lorion on January 1782, It was in June, 1837, that the at the said Post.” (daughter of Chief Factor Aeneas more children, all born in Mat- Pointe-aux-Trembles, QC. Fate finally priest performed a marriage cer- Cameron). Cecile Mawishk was tawa. Thus began their large smiled upon Louis as the ten children, emony for Pierre Narcisse Lorion born about 1809 in Rupert's Métis legacy in that very old set- all single births, born from this union (aka Dorion) and Marie Cecile were Timothé Réaume, Jean- Lands (or Red River, Manitoba) tlement as many of their chil- appear to have lived long enough to walk down the proverbial aisle. Mawishk MacDonell. The mar- Baptiste Sabourin, Alexis Benoit and died in 1875 in Mattawa. The dren and grandchildren took Of Louis’ fourteen surviving chil- riage was the sixth at that mis- and many others. Another inter- baptism record for her son states Métis spouses and settled there. dren, some married twice and had sion. The record states that Nar- esting part of this document is that Cecile was from “la Nation 1) Mary (b.1834) married many large families of their own, per- where the good priest addressed des Saulteux” (an Ojibwa) and a cisse was an engagé of the Hud- three times (Alexander Wilson, petuating the Lorion name in Pointe- son’s Bay Company at the Post of the urgency to legitimise the census record states that she was Jean-Baptiste Sauvé and John aux-Trembles and across the country. Mattawan, and that Marie Cecile couple’s children. (translated) born in Manitoba. McCracken). In all she had eight Thankfully, none of Louis' descen- MacDonell, dite Mawishk, was a “The said spouses having had, Narcisse was a voyageur, born children. dants experienced the tragic losses he Métisse also residing at the said prior to the present marriage, in 1807 at Pointe-aux-Trembles, 2) Narciss Jr. (b.1836) mar- suffered in his life. ••• Post. Witnesses to their marriage two children after having been QC, the son of voyageur Bernard CONTINUED PAGE 8 8 MARCH/APRIL 2007 ∞ MÉTIS VOYAGEUR NOTES FROM THE REGISTRY: Applying for Métis Citizenship Updates to MNO Citizenship Application checklist streamline process

BY KAROLE DUMONT-BECKETT normally attached to the applica- MNO REGISTRAR / DIRECTOR OF REGISTRY tion for citizenship with MNO. The new checklist is designed to help he number of new appli- our applicants ensure that they are cations received by the including all the required docu- registry increases daily! mentation to confirm Métis ances- T In order to process the try. Please help us avoid delays by escalating mail intake registry per- encouraging friends and family sonnel have revised the checklist members to use this new checklist.

How to get an Application package: The complete application package, including a revised genealogical chart can be downloaded from our web site at www.metisnation.org, or by calling our head office in Ottawa: 1-800-263-4889 or by emailing us: [email protected]. While on the web site check our brand new model genealogical chart to see how registry personnel assess every application crossing their desk.

MATTAWA LE PORTAGE MATTAWA | HBC and the History of the Fur Trade at Mattawa LEGACY

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 ried Elisabeth-Loysa Gleason and had four children. 3) Sophie (b.1838) married Antoine Colton and had three children. 4) Caroline Marianne (b.1845) married Joseph Lapensée-Lupon- sier and had seven children (m2. to Louis Sirois). 5) Daniel (b.1847) never mar- ried. He was a soldier and died in 1871.

6) Alexandre (b.1849) mar- PHOTOS COURTESY: VINTAGE POSTCARDS, WWW.VINTAGEPOSTCARDS.ORG ried Emilie (Nellie) Martel and (left) In 1926, the Mattawa voyageur route was designated as a site of national historic significance. In 1930, a bronze plaque was pre- had seven children. sented to Mattawa by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. The tablet reads: “Le Portage Mattawa, Main route to the 7) Julie (b. about 1853) mar- Great Lakes, Plains, Rockies and beyond, used by the Indians, Explorers, Traders and Missionaries, French and English. Upon its traffic was ried Moise Robert and had one founded the early commercial prosperity of Montreal.” The stone cairn now stands in front of the Mattawa post office, at the intersection daughter. of Main and Mattawan Streets. (right) Rare image shows HBC supply depot in 1950, photographed by an unknown engineer. The supply 8) Louise (b.1855) married depot was quite large, with a brick addition to the right added c. 1880 to 1908. Altogether, there were seven buldings at the outpost: a William Wright-Right, died within large store, two homes, two warehouses and two stables. The Hudson’s Bay location was so central to the Mattawa lifestyle, which still a year, possibly in child birth. revolved primarily around fur trapping, that the first post office was in the HBC building known as Mattawa House, from 1856 until 1858. Narcisse was 80 yrs old and George Hunter, who managed Mattawa House beginning in 1853, was the first postmaster. After the HBC closed its Mattawa location in living on today’s Dorion Street 1908, the building was used as the St. Anne’s parish hall until it burned in the late 1970s to early 1980s. — Karole Dumont-Beckett when he passed away in 1887. He had been living alone since 1875, (See page 7) few documents available for that some believe that it is the resting quick calculation of their descen- the year tragedy struck many Little documented informa- period shows that the name place of Narcisse and his wife dants reaches into the hundreds Métis families as a smallpox epi- tion is available about Narcisse Lorion became Dorion around Cecile. A possible fact since there in Mattawa alone. Some day, per- demic swept through the Mat- and Cecile’s life from 1850 to 1860, likely due to the flourish are no records of their graves in haps someone will pick up the tawa area. Narcisse buried his 1887, except for a few birth and penmanship of a priest whose “L” the town’s cemetery. It is also the calculator and start counting! wife Cecile, their daughter Julie marriage records for some of resembled “D” enough to cause resting place of some of the Meanwhile, their descendants (age 22), and her own daughter their children. Ste-Anne RC confusion--and a name change! ancestors of the Lapensee, are preparing a journey to the Louise (age 2) within a few church lost most of its pre-1870 We do know from oral history Dupuis, Gendron, Tremblay, Guil- ancient Métis settlement across months. Their daughter Louise records due to a canoe accident. that they, along with some of beault and so many other Métis the Ottawa River, a journey to died a few years later at the age of The priest was travelling on the their children, lived and farmed families who still reside in the reconnect the past to the pres- 22. The Lorions were no Ottawa River with the records in a fairly large Métis community Mattawa area, families who have ent, to seal their legacy in history. strangers to tragedy as Narcisse’s when he tipped over. He lost his across the Ottawa River in Mat- recorded their fifth and even uncle Louis buried 15 of his 29 life and all the church records of tawa. There is an unmarked sixth Mattawa-born Métis genera- NEXT ISSUE: The ghost Métis children almost a century earlier. that time. Research through the cemetery in that ghost village and tion from Narcisse and Cecile. A village across the Ottawa River. MÉTIS VOYAGEUR ∞ MARCH/APRIL 2007 9 MÉTIS ARTS Aboriginal radio hits the airwaves at Carleton University’s CKCU 93.1

une in to Carleton Univer- “Each week, volunteer discussion on issues important sity’s 93.1 FM on Sunday hosts will feature at to Aboriginal people. Regular T mornings at 9AM for a new least one Aboriginal features will include a commu- Aboriginal program called, “Abo- nity bulletin board, horoscope, riginal CKCU”. musician, also listen and helpful information. For Airing weekly beginning for lively discussion those unable to pick up CKCU at March 11, the program will pro- on issues important 93.1 FM, the show is also avail- vide listeners with a medley of to Aboriginal people” able world-wide on the web at music, issues, and information www.ckcufm.com or on Rogers about current and coming to make Carleton a little bit Cable 944. A show that is pro- events from an Aboriginal per- more Aboriginal-friendly.” duced by and for Aboriginal peo- spective. Raising the profile of Aborigi- ple–First Nations, Inuit and “Aboriginal students don’t nal music and musicians, and Métis--with a focus on Aboriginal really see anything of themselves putting a spotlight on issues to Canadian talent and issues. on campus,” said Irvin Hill, Abo- increase the listeners learning, riginal Cultural Liaison Officer appreciation and understanding with Carleton’s Centre for Abo- of Aboriginal people is part of CONTACT: ‘Jig on the Fly is an Ottawa-based jigging group. riginal Culture and Education, the show’s mission statement. MICHELE BOURQUE Equity Services. “A radio show Each week, volunteer hosts will 613-521-9100 written for the community, by feature at least one Aboriginal [email protected] Jigging group the community might just help musician, also listen for lively http://geocities.com/aboriginalckcu teaches the Soo MÉTIS ARTS a few new steps

BY ANNE TRUDEL Special, while Daryle Gardipy and FESTIVAL ‘07 Jaime Koebel demonstrated their jigging performance technique. Popular Festival back at Black Creek Pioneer ecently, Métis dance was Organization, nourishment, Village this summer • TORONTO, JULY 20 - 22, 2007 re-initiated into our com- and advertisement of the event Rmunity. Due to lack of pro- were made possible by generous fessional instruction, the National funding from the National Abo- Aboriginal Achievement Founda- riginal Achievement Foundation, tion grant enabled our commu- Métis Nation of Ontario, Aborigi- nity to employ “Jig on the Fly”. nal Homelessness Initiative, who On the weekend of January 19, let us use their space in the Métis 2007, the Historic Sault Ste. Marie Sault Centre, and the help of Métis community enjoyed learn- many local volunteers, especially ing jigs, quadrilles and squares. Carla and Christina Labbe, The reasoning behind the Métis Brenda Powley and Nancy Walsh. Dance Workshop was clearly sup- Five sessions of two hour ported by a poignant comment classes were offered to the age BY BERNARD LEROUX on one of the participants’ evalu- spectrum, with Saturday after- ation sheets. “Very helpful in noon specifically designated for touching on my children’s her- children, and Saturday evening he Métis Artists’ Collec- itage. I feel it is important for for an adult social. Much laughter tive is gearing up for them to know their culture and and artery pumping fun was Tanother fantastic year as being around people of the same enjoyed by all. Our ancestors def- plans for our 4th Annual Métis likeness is important.” initely knew the definition of Arts Festival get underway. This merriment. Jigging is Métis aero- year’s festival will be more excit- bics. Obviously, these same ing than ever as we present ancestors were very fit to be able some of the best Métis, First to dance the evening away. Nation and Inuit talent from Donna St.Jules, MNO Commu- across the country to the stages nity Wellness Worker’s media of Black Creek Pioneer Village work was much appreciated. Fea- this summer. This historic set- Kids Day, Friday, July 20, is Métis Roots” was a very popular tured in the Sault This Week ting in the north part of specially dedicated to children addition to our festival last year newspaper leading up to the Toronto is a wonderful place to of all ages as our team conducts and this year we hope to have event, was Jeri Powley, grand- bring your family. Come, enjoy, workshops, performances and MNO Registrar, Karole Dumont- daughter of Steve and Brenda learn and participate in a wide hands-on activities relating to all Beckett on hand to help you Powley, performing the broom range of contemporary and tra- sorts of traditional Métis crafts, with your genealogy inquiries. stick dance. Even though we had ditional Métis arts and cultural teachings and practices like fid- Vendors and volunteers who typical snowy weather, over 62 events. dling, jigging and storytelling. wish to be involved in this Eric Chamberlin is instructed individuals participated in the Last year we were pleased to This is an excellent activity for growing event are invited to by Jaime Koebel on the Métis dance sessions. have dignitaries such as the day camp participants. If you contact us. sash/belt dance. All participants were given the Honourable Caroline Di Cocco, are interested in booking a If you are interested in per- opportunity to complete a sur- Ontario Minister of Heritage, group, please see our web site forming or exhibiting at the Jig on the Fly is an Ottawa vey/evaluation of the workshop. Jane Pitfield and Mayor David for more details or contact Geri Métis Arts Festival for 2007 or based dance group made up of The surveys’ results confirmed a Miller of the City of Toronto and Smith at Black Creek Pioneer 2008 you can reach us through Pauline Huppie, Daryle Gardipy desire for a weekly Métis dance MNO President, Tony Belcourt, in Village, 1000 Murray Ross Park- our web site. and Jaime Koebel who provided club and an interest in develop- attendance to help kick off the way, Toronto, ON M3J 2P3. For further information and heart warming participatory ing a local dance troupe. My com- festivities and to share in our Phone: 416-736-1733. to see this year’s line-up of tal- learning. This weekend dancing pleted report on the workshop rich cultural heritage. The festi- Main Event days, Saturday ent, visit our web site and watch was not a spectator sport. Every- including the written proposal to val attracts thousands of visitors and Sunday, July 21 and 22, are for updates as we get closer to one was encouraged to polish the the National Aboriginal Achieve- locally and from around the chock full of performances, the festival: floor. Dances included the Belt ment Foundation, and the sur- globe. We hope to welcome workshops and activities for all Dance, the Broomstick Dance, vey/evaluation with results can be even more visitors this year, ages. We feature three stages of www.metisartsfestival.com the Heel Toe Polka, the Butterfly forwarded to interested commu- especially those from through- entertainment throughout the www.blackcreek.ca Dance, the Duck Dance, and the nities. You can contact me via out our various MNO communi- day, including, dance and music Drops of Brandy. Pauline Huppie email at [email protected] or ties! Get a bus! Bring your workshops, crafts, demonstra- Bernard Leroux is the Vice- being seven months pregnant through the Sault Métis Centre at friends and family! We’d love to tions, visual arts gallery, and film president of the Métis Artists' explained the Orange Blossom 705-254-1768. see you there! presentations. “Finding your Collective. 10 MARCH/APRIL 2007 ∞ MÉTIS VOYAGEUR MÉTIS YOUTH IS ONE IN A LONG LINE OF CONTRIBUTORS TO THE MÉTIS COMMUNITY Inheriting a Métis Legacy

BY LYNETTE HARPER & sary requirements to obtain her founded the first national Métis LENORE BARRON CA designation. The first of these “It’s easy to women’s organization (the Métis was the Entrance Certification see where National Council of Women). Exam (ECE) for the School of Great uncle Myllie (Emile) ongratulations Lana! We are Accounting, the School of she derives her Barron, who will be 97 in June, all very proud of you and Accounting Exam (SAE), and 2007, has won numerous fiddling you are a wonderful exam- finally, the Unified Final Exam perseverance championships and was the first ple for our Métis youth. (UFE), which is considered one and strength-- Canadian to win the National Fid- Your parents Mervyn and of the world’s toughest profes- dler’s Competition in Weiser, LCynette Harper, sister Leah of sional exams. Lana’s dream from maternal Idaho, USA, in the senior’s divi- Ottawa, your godmother Aunt became reality when the UFE sion in 1981 at the age of 71. He Lenore Barron of Victoria, BC and results were posted on their web and paternal still builds violins and still plays. all your numerous relatives across site November 26th, 2006. Recov- ancestors and Lana’s mother, Lynette Harper Canada and abroad wish you all ering from her success, Lana was (nee Barron), is carrying on the the very best in your life and further rewarded with the John family members.” tradition of playing, on a 160 year career. Cutler “Award of Excellence” by Lana Harper old violin made by her maternal Determination, tenacity and her firm, Collins Barrow, at their great great grandfather, James focus are just a few of the many annual Christmas dinner. and Assiniboine Rivers, he was England during WWII rebuilding Miller Adams (born in Madras, qualities Lana possesses that Recently, Lana accepted her des- wounded with others. He later bombed out bridges. Great India in 1822) who was a stringed enabled her to graduate with ignation and took her oath as a gave testimony in Toronto in 1818 grandfather, Olivier Barron, instrument builder in the mid honours from Canterbury High chartered accountant on Febru- at the Semple trial, which dealt fought at the Battle of Vimy Ridge 1800s in Toronto. School in 1998. Although she ary 24th, 2007, at a prestigious with the events that led up to the in WWI. Great uncles--David, Lana has inherited a strong received a diploma in Fine Arts in ceremony and gala ball at the Battle of Seven Oaks. Philip and Percy Barron--were cultural legacy from her parents. Dance from Canterbury, Lana Harbour Castle Hotel in Toronto. Lana’s great great grandfather, also in the Armed Forces in Her forebears have fought many decided to pursue a career in Lana is a fifth generation Charles Barron, fought in the Riel WWII, but great uncle Percy, a battles for the rights of human accounting. She attended York Métisse from the original Red Rebellion and as a result had to fighter pilot, was shot down respect and dignity. It’s easy to University, graduating with a BA River Settlement at St. François flee the Red River Settlement to somewhere over Holland and did see where she derives her perse- in administrative studies with Xavier (SFX), Manitoba. Her great Louis Riel’s place of exile in Mon- not survive. Great uncle Jack Hay verance and strength--from her honours in accounting. During great great grandfather, Charles tana. Due to his involvement in was a prisoner in the Korean War. maternal and paternal ancestors that time Lana also held a full- Ademar Barron, lived in SFX in the rebellion he was unable to Great uncle Dave helped start and family members who honour time job and volunteered with 1870 on lot 140, area 133 (Baie St. return to Canada and died in many Métis locals in BC in the her success. I hope that anyone the Toronto Métis outreach pro- Paul Parish) along the Assiniboine Montana in 1923. Family mem- 1980s and was Vice-president of who reads this article is inspired gram. Shortly after completing River. He received Scrip on Sep- bers have not been able to locate the Pacific Métis Federation (now to pursue their dreams because her studies, the interview process tember 17, 1875. Lana’s great his grave site. Such is the legacy known as the Métis Nation- Lana has proven that with strong began and Lana accepted a posi- great great great grandfather, Jean of many Métis families whose British Columbia); aunt Lenore family support, commitment and tion as a Certified Accountant Baptiste Branconnier, was born in children suffered abandonment Barron, founded the first Métis downright hard work, anyone (CA) student at the firm of 1791. He signed on with the and future breakup of the family Women’s organization in BC (BC can fulfill their dreams and create Collins Barrow in Ottawa. This North West Company as a continuity. Women’s Commission of the their future. brought her home with her fam- voyageur in 1804 at the age of 14. Lana’s grandfather, Alexander Pacific Métis Federation) which Written by Lenore Barron & ily where she began the lengthy On March 17, 1816, at Fort Gibral- Arthur Barron, was in the Royal later became the Pacific Métis Lynette Harper using the research process of achieving the neces- tar, located at the forks of the Red Canadian Engineers stationed in Federation of Women and co- of Lenore Barron (Victoria, BC). MÉTIS VOYAGEUR ∞ MARCH/APRIL 2007 11 SOUTH AMERICA: Better lives LIFE IN GUATEMALA Poverty and through literacy inequality mark lives of for Guatemala Guatemala’s FROM FRONT PAGE studies found that almost half of “EVEN NOW, land when the current the workers report not receiv- these people “landowners” of the indigenous ing the minimum wage. are little better region expropriated it How could they ever and then registered ore than half of the build even a two-room than slaves on themselves in the Nation population of school? their ancestral General Registry of Prop- M Guatemala is Maya or People who are erty as the owners. Mestizo and the vast majority of not fluent in the land with small In 1999, the Q’eqchi coffee workers are Maya or Mes- language of the hope of improv- of one isolated commu- tizo. However, the distribution of governing soci- ing their lives nity, Secanal II, negoti- income and wealth is highly ety are at a ated with the owners in skewed. The wealthiest 10% of great disadvan- or the lives of an effort to avoid being the population receives almost tage. Imagine their children.” put off of their ancestral one-half of all income; the top trying to lands entirely. Finally, 20% receives two-thirds of all complete your they reached an agreement to buy the land income. As a result, about 80% income tax forms if in exchange for agricultural labour. The of the population lives in poverty, they were in another natives would work without pay for 15 days and two-thirds of that number-- language. Most of a month. The money that they should have or 7.6 million people--live in us think they are in been paid was supposed to go toward pur- extreme poverty. Guatemala's another language, chasing the land. During the other 15 days of social development indicators, but suppose they the month the labourers tried to earn such as infant mortality and illiter- really were. What if enough money to feed their families and acy, are among the worst in the every contract were in take care of their homes. hemisphere with chronic malnu- another language? Unfortunately, this agreement was too trition among the rural poor. What if the company hard on the workers and it could not possi- you work for printed its bly be fulfilled. They could not earn 350 117 out of 174 on UN’s "policies and procedures” in Quetzales ($46.66), the minimum needed Human Development index Russian? How would you know to survive, in 15 days and the situation in your rights? the communities was so dire that children, The United Nations' Index for This lack of understanding is exactly women and elders suffered major health Human Development is a coeffi- what happened to our own ancestors. problems. Agriculture also suffered; chil- cient that combines indicators of This is how First Nations and Métis lost dren had intestinal parasites; breastfeeding income, life expectancy and edu- their land and so many of their rights. mothers were weak and sick. cation as a measure of human The Q’eqchi are another Indigenous Even now, these people are little better progress. In the 1999 UN report, group who are suffering at the hands of than slaves on their ancestral land with Guatemala ranked 117th out of the predominant culture. small hope of improving their lives or the 174 countries with an index of These Indigenous people lost their lives of their children. When every waking 0.624. For comparison Canada hour is a struggle for survival how can they occupied 1st place with an index (left) Wilber often comes into town with possibly build the schools that could bring of .932 and Sierra Leone was last his aunt to help her try to sell her goods education and a better life? with an index of .254. in the market. He wanted to sell me Let’s help them to maintain their own “kick balls” made of left over material culture and to become fluent and capable in High infant mortality and filled with beans. Who could resist? Spanish. Schools can bring literacy and liter- – Tony Belcourt acy can bring a better life. In Canada the life expectancy is 80.2 years; in Guatemala it is 69.06 years. In Canada, infant MNO President Tony Belcourt and MNC President Clèment mortality is 4.7 (that means that INTERNATIONAL Chartier pay a visit to our South American friends there are 4.7 deaths in every 1,000 births). In Guatemala infant PHOTOS COURTESY: TONY BELCOURT mortality is 35.93. Shorter life spans and more dead babies are the result of illiteracy, poverty, and poor health care.

Low literacy rates

If you begin to look at statistics you will discover that Guatemala claims to have a literacy rate of 70.6% and Canada claims 99%. We all know that Canada does not have a literacy rate of 99%, so take a guess at the true literacy rate in Guatemala. An independ- ent study revealed that 82% of the sampled population (coffee workers) reported no formal study or incomplete primary studies. Only 13% reported hav- ing completed their primary edu- cation. Article 61, Section J, of the Métis National Council President, Clement Chartier (left) and MNO President, Tony Belcourt (right), with the delegation of leaders from the commu- Guatemalan Labour Code nity of Secanal II who walked for hours down a mountainside to a road where they caught a bus into the central town of Coban where a meeting requires farm owners to provide took place to discuss their situation. Next to Tony Belcourt is Roderico Teni, Culture Bearer of the Q’eqchi Maya. Secanal II is one of hundreds of literacy training for workers, but small isolated communities of the Q’eqchi who are largely without any lands of their own and who are “squatters” tolerated by the landowners if the sampled population reported they give 15 consecutive days a month of labour to the landowner and they agree not to build permanent homes or schools. Secanal II broke out of that they knew of few farms that this mould a few years ago, only to find it now has problems of a different kind because their crops are not growing and they cannot produce provided this service. Whatever enough food to provide for themselves. The MNO is undertaking a plan to raise funds to help the community complete its school and continue to the actual literacy may be, it is hire a teacher, as well as provide some basic food for the children. – Tony Belcourt obviously too low. 12 MARCH/APRIL 2007 ∞ MÉTIS VOYAGEUR THE MÉTIS NATION OF ONTARIO AT THE FOREFRONT IN GUATEMALA

Children who are poor usually don’t know they are poor. They can be happy and play while their parents anguish, as is the case in Yepocapa, Guatemala, where these children were acting up for my camera between the rows of their small tents that are falling apart. These tents were provided by USAID after their homes were washed away during Hurricane Stan in November, 2005. Without permanent homes and an ability to grow gardens, the people are left destitute and poor health is setting in. – Tony Belcourt Campaña de Escuelas para Aldeas Aisladas: Schools for Isolated Villages generous gift from the MNO Registrar, Karole Dumont-Beckett, has Métis Citizens lend support to Guatemala spurred the idea of a fund-raising campaign to assist in building and

staffing schools in isolated Mayan communities in Guatemala. Karole today that Danielle is matching and her husband Glen have been contributing to international funds our pledge. I couldn't be hap- for children for years. Hearing of MNO President Tony Belcourt’s trip to pier! I really, really hope that we will reach 100 matched pledges GuatemalaA at the end of February, and knowing of the plight of children and the by the end of the year. The need for schools, she and her husband decided to pledge an annual donation of $300 Métis people are among the most generous people I know MNO per year for the next five years. When Senator Reta Gordon learned about this, and I know that we can reach she immediately offered to match the gift. Thus, this fund-raising campaign began. that goal. Canada is a land of riches Tony and his partner, and privileges, but we are noth- Danielle, have been making pri- ing as a people if we don't share vate visits annually to “The very least our knowledge and good for- Guatemala for years. They’ve we could do” tune with those who need us struck up a friendship with the most. The Indigenous peo- many people there and have BY KAROLE DUMONT-BECKETT ple we are trying to help are in been helping to fund a better the same situation our own education and family life for a Our sponsoring experi- ancestors were centuries ago. young girl and her mother. ences taught us that every- The lessons we've learned while They have also learned a great “thing one does is returned fighting for our rights mustn’t deal about the struggles of the tenfold. Glen and I are blessed go to waste. We must bring our people in the Alta Verapaz with beautiful grandchildren knowledge and support to Region where people are living who have everything they could other Indigenous people to in conditions identical to the possibly need. The photos Tony help them reach an acceptable feudal system of centuries ago. and Danielle brought back from quality of life. In our eyes, it's Many citizens of the Métis Guatemala last spring really hit the very least we can do. Nation have heard about these a raw nerve with me. One struggles over the years from photo in particular, of a young them and also from Roderico boy carrying a toddler on his More support for Teni, Culture Bearer of the Q’e- back offering a handful of knit- Guatemala schools qchi Maya, who has visited MNO ted dolls for sale, really broke AGA’s on a couple of occasions. my heart. There was such enator Reta Gordon was Métis people have responded haunting sadness in his eyes; I quick to add her support in the past to calls for assistance kept thinking that this child Sto the schools project. in the aftermath of Hurricane should be running, laughing Like Registrar Karole Dumont- Mitch and the mud slides fol- and playing with his friends Beckett, photos taken by Presi- lowing Hurricane Stan. after classes ... that this was dent Belcourt moved her to At the beginning of 2000, the much too much responsibility take action. year of the millennium, leaders for such a young boy. “Tony showed me pictures of from the community of I cannot stand the thought the people of Guatemala,” she Secanal, at great risk to them- that children are going to bed said, “their terrible inadequate selves, walked for hours from hungry at night, that children living conditions and the mud their village in the dead of night Roderico Teni is the Director of the Association for Educa- are going to work instead of slides that took away the scant to spend a day with Roderico, tional, Economic and Cultural Development in Guatemala. going to school. In Canada we earth where they had grown others from his organization, have food banks, shelters, and their vegetables....Their govern- Association for Educational, process of repaying that loan. and have even begun to build a breakfast programs for the des- ment provides them with little Economic and Cultural Devel- Now that the community has school, their financial resources titute. In Guatemala many of or nothing and foreign aid con- opment (ADEEC) and Tony to tell found a way to buy their land are marginal to say the least. these children have nothing. As sists of little more than plastic their story. Theirs is a tragic and they no longer need to live Their needs are great, but so far as Glen and I are concerned, sheets that they hang up as account of poor health, in fear, their story can finally be too, and perhaps even greater, there's always enough money to shelter--even though they have extreme poverty and a desolate told publicly. The meeting in are those of the other isolated sponsor a child, but this time temperatures of extreme cold future in conditions akin to 2000 was video and audio communities that have not yet we wanted to do something dif- and extreme heat. When Tony slavery. taped. The text of the interview been able to take the huge step ferent. The need is so great told me of the plans to help In 2003, after being swindled is now available on the web site; taken by Secanal II. Thousands there that we want to help build a school I thought, ‘they of hundreds of hours and years so too is a progress report of Q’eqchi remain as “squat- many children and so I asked are our Aboriginal brothers and of labour that they believed made some time ago by ters” on mountainsides at the Tony and Danielle to bring the sisters even though they live in were being credited to the pur- Roderico Teni. tolerance of landowners who children of Guatemala some- a far off land.’ It is a known fact chase of their land, their for- Even though the people of allow them to remain if they thing from us. The rest, as the that knowledge is power; they tunes changed and they were Secanal II are now in the work for free. (See page 11 popular saying goes, is history. must be educated so they can able to obtain a loan from a US process of buying their land, “Q’eqchi village struggles to Within days we had four more one day advance their nation.” benefactor. They are now in the building permanent dwellings teach children”) sponsors and I just learned ••• MÉTIS VOYAGEUR ∞ MARCH/APRIL 2007 13 LA NACIÓN MÉTIS DE ONTARIO ESTÁ A LA VANGUARDIA EN GUATEMALA

Everyone, including the children, took part in packing cement blocks for hours up steep paths to their community of Secanal II in order to build their school. Secanal II is in the “cloud forest” area of Guatemala. The communi- ties are isolated on lands high in the mountains. There are no roads, only narrow and dangerous paths, but these children are excited about the prospects of having a school, the first one ever in the area. – Tony Belcourt

Q’EQCHI VILLAGE Acceso a Tecnologías Informáticas y de Comunicación STRUGGLES TO Access to information and communication technologies TEACH CHILDREN he Métis Nation of Telecommunications Union. BY LINDA LORD Ontario has long seen the Recently, an “Indigenous T value of accessing and Interim Commission for the using the most advanced of infor- Development of ICT’s in the fter several years of mation and communications Americas” was formed. Tony Bel- working for a land- technologies. The MNO makes court is the representative from A lord who supposedly maximum use of Internet tech- Canada and is on the three mem- was crediting fifteen days of nology through its web sites and ber planning committee. The their labour each month recently has begun to establish Interim Commission held its first toward buying back their tradi- video-conferencing facilities at its planning meeting in Antigua, tional land, the Q’eqchi of head office and its community Guatemala on March 6-8, 2007. Secanal discovered that they councils. This has led to the use MNC President Clem Chartier and had in fact been cheated and Children assemble outside of of this technology for training National Congress of American still did not own any land. their new school in Secanal II for and tele-health. The MNO is well his position as a member of the Indians (NCAI) President, Joe Gar- However, during the last four a special presentation. The advanced in a joint venture with Crossing Boundaries National cia, attended to pursue talks years the Q’eqchi, with the school now has three grades. the Anishinabek Nation in devel- Council and internationally in his begun by Tony Belcourt towards support of an American bene- However there are barely enough oping a virtual call centre that will role as Métis National Council establishing a “Nation to Nation” factor, have been able to buy funds to provide for the one see employment opportunities Minister for International Issues. relationship between the MNC and some land. It is not the best teacher who teaches all three brought to Métis and First The MNO and the MNC have been the NCAI. land, which is found in the val- levels. – Tony Belcourt Nations people no matter where active advocates for access to The potential for the Interim leys, but is rather on the side of they live. technology for indigenous peo- Commission is tremendous. a mountain. Nevertheless, it is learn, but often come to school This focus on the future has ples through the process leading Included on the MNO web site is a an improvement. So long as hungry. The teacher would like also led MNO President Tony Bel- up to and including the World report on the 1st Indigenous they were considered squatters to be able to provide milk for court to promote the develop- Summit on Information Soci- Workshop on ICT’s held in Mexico they could not even build a them. Meanwhile, the commu- ment of ICT’s nationally through eties hosted by the International City a year ago. ••• permanent structure to live in, nity struggles to pay the never mind a school. In addi- teacher, but is very aware that tion, during the time that the the children need to go to Mayan women of the Q’eqchi worked for “the land school and to learn Spanish in Guatemalan Province owner”, they lost the tradi- order to better their lives. of Solola gathered to tional farming knowledge that By our standards the situa- show their wares to had been possessed by their tion in Secanal is beyond imag- visitors. The distinctive ancestors. They are now being ining, but to neighbouring com- historic styles of this region can be seen in helped to regain this knowl- munities it is a model of success. the predominance of edge by ADEEC (Association for Consider then the situation in the blue colours in Educational, Economic and those other communities. their juipilies (blouses) Cultural Development). The fund started by Regis- and in the fashion of Three years ago the commu- trar Karole Dumont-Beckett their hair design. nity was able to build a school. and her husband Glen—a – Tony Belcourt This was accomplished by the pledge of $300 a year for the entire community—men, next five years—has been women and children—lugging matched by Senator Reta Gor- Compra de Textiles para Ayudar a las Mujeres Maya y sus Hijos concrete blocks up the moun- don and Senator Lois McCal- tain on their backs. They have lum. Others who have heard been able to hire a teacher who about the fund have also con- Buying textiles to help teaches grades one, two and tributed however they can. three, and soon grade four will To find out more or make a be added. The children wish to donation: Mayan women and children

ar too many children in hours to weave beautiful materi- would help Mayan families. On www.metisnation.org/international/Guatemala Guatemala are completely als that are sadly sold at bargain the web site you will find photos Send cheques made out to “Schools in Guatemala Fund” to: F dependent on the sale of basement prices. which show a variety of products Métis Nation of Ontario - Finance Department textiles and curios that their The products are striking and including tablecloths, place-mats, 500 Old St.Patrick Street, Unit D, Ottawa, ON, K1N 9G4 mothers sell on the sidewalks plentiful. Many Métis people napkins, blankets, wall hangings Share your thoughts and ideas by contacting Communications Assistant, and in the parks of Guatemala. would like to have them in their and other goods such as wood Avery Hargreaves by email: [email protected] Mayan women work untold homes, and these purchases carvings and curios. ••• 14 MARCH/APRIL 2007 ∞ MÉTIS VOYAGEUR MÉTIS VOYAGEUR ∞ MARCH/APRIL 2007 15 16 MARCH/APRIL 2007 ∞ MÉTIS VOYAGEUR MÉTIS VOYAGEUR ∞ MARCH/APRIL 2007 17 18 MARCH/APRIL 2007 ∞ MÉTIS VOYAGEUR

Métis Cooking Our Stories: by Gail LeBlanc

n memory of a very dear aunt who passed away last Novem- What Métis Iber: the following are two of her favourite recipes. She would PAMELA be happy to know that I have TREMBLAY shared them with all the Métis means to me Voyageur readers. Métis Holistic Health Facilitator was born and raised in Thunder Bay in the 1970’s and am the youngest of (RRPR,CIMI) Aunt Gert’s seven children. My dad was a Finn who died tragically when I was nine Sudbury, Ontario Hamburg Soup months old, the victim of a drunk driver. My mom is Métis and grew up Ph: 705-675-2103 just off the reserve. She never went to residential school but she experi- MASSAGE $49/hr 1 tbsp butter enced just as much abuse and racism from the Catholic nuns in her Full Body Aromatic • Stress 3 small onions chopped school. She was considered a ‘half breed’ and all the half breeds were seg- Relief • Relaxation Prenatal • 3 large carrots, sliced regated and not allowed to mix with the whites. BY ARLENE LEHTO Hot Stone Massage ($55) 3 celery stalks, diced IHer Métis grandfather was a because people talk and act in REFLEXOLOGY $49/hr 1 lb ground beef trapper and hunter who negative ways, doesn’t mean Feet Only $39/hr 1 – 16oz can diced tomatoes enjoyed playing the fiddle. I they are bad people. They Alzner-Ingham & Traditional Methods Foot/Hand/Ear with Stress 3 medium potatoes diced still see the excitement in her have stories as well and there Relief VedicCare Acupressure 1/3 cup macaroni eyes when she reminisces are reasons for everything. about the jigging parties and Mom was very active in the 6 cups of water I always thought ENERGY BASE THERAPIES fun times she had at her Indian movement back then Aromatherapy for relaxation • Salt & pepper to taste grandparents’ home. and did a lot of grassroots there was a chance Reiki • Soft Touch Therapy • Her grandfather also partic- work. Often times I would Therapeutic Touch • Sound Fre- Melt butter, add ground beef and ipated in various traditional accompany her to different that I might be quency • Healing with Tuning cook slightly. Add onions, toma- ceremonies. Mom was just a social events and powwows. As accepted and make Forks • Meditation for Stress & toes, salt, pepper and water. girl then and her job was to a child I was always excited to Pain Relief (Creative Visualiza- Bring to a boil, cover and simmer watch out for the RCMP with her go somewhere new and to some friends; that tion, Breath and Transcendent ) 1 hour. Add vegetables and sim- cousin. If she saw them com- meet new people. I always The above techniques are excellent mer 1 hour longer. Stir in maca- ing, she had to run and let the thought there was a chance rarely happened. for Chronic Pain i.e.: Fybromialgiea roni during the last 15 minutes. Elders know so they could hide that I might be accepted and The Native kids and and Tactile Sensitive Disorders their spiritual items and end make some friends; that rarely the ceremony. Back then tradi- happened. The Native kids even many of the INFANT & PRENATAL tional ceremonies were illegal and even many of the Anishin- MASSAGE $85 Certified to teach proper techniques in and anyone breaking that law abe adults did not like me. I Anishinabe adults baby relaxation massage (90 min.) could get thrown in jail. was white trash. did not like me. Certified to teach proper techniques in When I was five years old, I prenatal relaxation massage (90 min.) “Métis meant we did not fit went on the powwow trail with I was white trash.” in anywhere” mom. I went for a walk by myself to go to the outhouse Mom did get her status card and on my way back to my True Métis∞ Stories in the early 1990’s (Bill C 31); campsite some kids called to Yummy Brownies however, growing up she was me. “Hey, Little girl! Do you at first and I was often called a This little story was sent to us by Ken rarely accepted by her “status” want some candy?” Of course I “wannabe Indian.” I started Simard. It seems that MNO President, Tony cousins. Instead, she was wanted candy. Candy was like feeling ashamed for being Belcourt, was a special guest at an ele- 1-1/2 cups all purpose flour teased for being a half breed my best friend. So I happily white. I hated feeling ashamed mentary school. He talked to the children 1 tsp salt and at school she was tor- walked over to them and as I for being white because I was about the Métis and Métis traditions, 2 cups white sugar mented for being an ‘Indian’. got closer the kids started extremely close to my telling them that "there are no swear 1/2 cup cocoa When I was growing up, throwing banana peels and grandma on my dad’s side. words in the Métis language." Native peoples’ voices were apple cores at me yelling, She was white but she was the A boy raised his hand and asked, "But 2 tsp vanilla becoming stronger and our “white trash! What are you sweetest lady I had ever met. what if you’re hammering a nail and you 1 cup oil rights were very slowly coming doing here? You don’t belong So I pushed the feelings of smash your thumb?” 4 eggs back to us. For me it was a here!” shame aside and I persevered. "That," Tony answered," is a time cup cold water time when racism and hatred I ran back to my camp site, I continued to learn various when we use your language.” were still at the forefront. I am trying hard not to cry and be healing ways and I paid atten- It’s good to be multi-lingual. ••• cup chopped walnuts (optional) sure I am not alone when I say upset around mom. I didn’t tion to the teachings of our being Métis meant we did not want her to worry about me or Elders. I don’t agree with all Put all ingredients in large bowl fit in anywhere. I grew up in a feel sad so I stayed by mom’s the Elders, nor with all teach- and with hand mixer mix on low “white” neighbourhood and side for the rest of the trip. As ings. I do agree to disagree Captain’s speed until smooth. going to school each day was a long as I was with mom I felt and I will respect someone Butter a 13” x 9” x 2” pan. Pour living nightmare. With the safe and loved. else’s beliefs even if they go Corner batter into pan making sure the exception of a few good teach- against everything I believe in. by KEN SIMARD batter is even in the pan. ers, the majority was racist. “Dad’s side believed being There were times when I CAPTAIN OF THE HUNT, REG. 2 Bake at 350° F for 30 minutes Almost daily, I and my sib- Native meant being less” was rejected or humiliated just – no longer. lings were put in situations for being me, but I realise where we were belittled, I even had difficulty within those rejections and humilia- SOME TIPS intimidated, humiliated and my own family. My dad’s side tions did not come from the BEFORE YOU left out. Most parents did not always believed being Native “Anishinabek” or from the TORONTO allow their children to play meant being less. It was defi- “white.” They came from indi- GO BOATING with us and even encouraged nitely not something we felt viduals who have their own • Describe your boat: length, POLICE them to bully, tease and tor- we should be proud of. For the stories and carry their own name, licence number, engine OPEN HOUSE ment us. Sometimes there longest time, I was ashamed of pain. No matter what race we type, make and model; would be a whole gang of kids being Indian and I felt are or how we look, we are all • Provide your telephone num- Be sure to mark your calendar for wanting to beat me up. If my ashamed for feeling ashamed special people. We all have ber and how many persons the upcoming Toronto Police brothers were around they of being Indian. After all, mom unique gifts and we can all are on board; D22 Open House this Spring: would run to my rescue; tell is Indian and she was the most make a positive difference in • Inform someone of your point me to go home and then beat awesome and caring person in the life of another person. of departure, intended desti- Saturday, May 12th, 2007, from up the kids who tried beating the world. I do not feel proud of being nation, proposed route and 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. me up. I hated that because I Métis. To me, pride and ego estimated time of arrival, as 3699 Bloor St. West, Toronto never wanted anyone to get Called a ‘wannabe Indian’ are too closely intertwined. I well as a contact number for hurt, not even the kids who know I didn’t have a choice of your destination; There will be plenty of mascots hurt me. I would yell at my As I got older and started what I was born into, so • Leave a copy of a float plan at like Pat Troll roaming around to brothers: “Please don’t hurt my healing journey, I started instead, I feel very fortunate to the marina office, or with a entertain everyone, face painting, them. Let them go.” learning more about cere- be Métis. I have received so trusted neighbour or relative, police cars and lots of activities. Mom always comforted me monies and traditional ways of many teachings because of or contact the Canadian Coast Come and enjoy the great food, and made me feel better. She healing. I was very intrigued by who I am and I have gained Guard Service Centre by fun music, the many kiosks and always let me know how spe- this and had such a thirst to such a deep respect for all our phone before you leave; an opportunity to visit the sta- cial and important I was. She learn more. Many Anishnaw- relations. • If you change your plan make tion. Bring family and friends. See always let me know that just bek Elders did not accept me ∞ sure plan holders are notified. you then! –Gail LeBlanc MÉTIS VOYAGEUR ∞ MARCH/APRIL 2007 19 ABORIGINAL HEALTH BREAKING THE CYCLE Ontario launches program to reduce Aboriginal smoking inister of Health Promo- care system at this shared commitment by pro- tion, Jim Watson, recently least $1.7 billion annually; result viding us with a mandate to announced that the Gov- in more than $2.6 billion in pro- develop an Anishinabek Nation M ernment of Ontario is ductivity losses, and account for Smoke-Free Strategy to encour- launching, “What You Do Mat- at least 500,000 hospital days age and promote the use of ters”, a public awareness cam- each year. Anishinabek First Nation initia- paign aimed at encouraging Anishinabek Nation's Grand tives aimed at reducing non-tradi- members of the Aboriginal com- Council Chief, John Beaucage, tional tobacco use and creating munity to quit smok- smoke free environ- ing. ments within Anishin- “Smoking is the abek territory.” leading cause of pre- “We will continue to ventable death and work with the province we’re determined to where our Strategy and work with Aboriginal Anishinabek First communities to make a Nation initiatives share difference,” said Wat- common goals and son. “The What You Do objectives. This is an Matters campaign is a issue that affects the call to action for each health of children, and individual, family and healthy children are community to help our future." improve their health Minister Watson also environment and the announced that the quality of life for all Ontario Government Aboriginal peoples.” had provided $230,000 The campaign con- to sists of 30-second radio for organising an Abo- announcements; print riginal Tobacco Strategy ads in targeted publica- Youth Summit which tions; and posters dis- was held in March 2007. National Métis Youth Role tributed in band offices, The Summit was the Model, Doris Jones, wins gold friendship centres, first ever Aboriginal health centres and youth-specific smoke- at the 2007 Canada Games other gathering places. free event sponsored Pamphlets and fact by Ontario. The Manitoba Métis Federation "Doris Jones, a young Métis sheets are available to Aboriginal supports the public awareness This funding is part of an Board of Directors and its presi- woman, has set a fine example communities and the media. objective of the campaign. "The annual investment of $2 million dent, David Chartrand, congrat- of what our Métis Youth can Additional information is avail- Anishinabek Nation is committed under the Smoke-Free Ontario ulated World Champion Archer, accomplish through hard work, able at www.ontario.ca/Smoke- to reducing the non-traditional Strategy to help Aboriginal com- Doris Jones, for winning Mani- commitment and determination freeMatters. use of tobacco and the health munities break the cycle of smok- toba's first gold medal of the while working to achieve their The rate of smoking among burdens from the misuse of ing addiction. The Ontario Gov- 2007 Canada Games in White- goals," read the press release. Aboriginal peoples can be three tobacco amongst its citizens,” ernment also invests $8.8 million horse, YK on February 28, 2007. –Manitoba Métis Federation times the provincial average. says Chief Beaucage. “Our mem- in programs to prevent youth Tobacco-related diseases cost the ber communities have signalled from using tobacco products. PART ONE of a two part series on the dangers of crystal methamphetamine CRYSTAL METH: A speedy way to die

BY ERNEST MATTON unusual to lump together all after long-term use. police, which is even worse); can seem dull, indeed, to a sud- stimulants--controlled substances As if the physical hazards • Toxic psychosis after pro- denly-straight ex-speed freak. and everyday chemicals like caf- aren't bad enough, there are a longed, heavy use. For more information or to ell here we are once again, feine--under the general classifi- ton of mind and mood problems book an appointment please call and I am reminded how cation of "real" speed. that speed can bring on, or And that's still only part of the 705-533-1579 P.A.C.S. (Private truly precious life is. However, lets look at it this worsen. Examples: story, because amphetamines Affordable Counseling Service) WRecently, I was watching way: one basic property shared also cause a serious form of Up-coming articles will include, the news and bammm! they were by all stimulants--prescription • Anxiety, depression, and dependency, which means that How to Build and Maintain featuring a meth dump out west, diet pills, over-the-counter stay- chronic fatigue; giving up speed can be a difficult Healthy Relationships; Anger its dangers and the toxins associ- awake tablets, caffeinated colas • Delusions (Thinking you're process. One reason is that ex- Release; Signs of Addictions. ated with a meth lab. Let me start or overpriced triple mocha lattés being watched by enemies or users get depressed. Life without Ernest Matton (ICADC, EFAP)., by saying that sometimes what at the local espresso bar--is their police, for example--unless Mr. Crystal/Crank/Tweak/Go-Fast is an addiction behavioural spe- you don't know can hurt you. ability to rev up the action of neu- you are being watched by the goosing up the juice in the brain cialist and E.F.T. Practitioner. And that doubles when the drug rons in the central nervous sys- that you don't know about is tem. In fact, all do it in similar speed and doubles again, when ways. Stimulants differ only to BLADE • CRYSTAL • GLASS the speed you don't know about the degree that they act in the THE UGLY EFFECTS is "crystal meth". brain and to which they affect • HANYAK • HIROPON • Speed is a complex group of behaviour--increasing alertness chemicals with one thing in com- and confidence (or anxiety), OF CRYSTAL METH USE mon--they can cause all sorts of decreasing appetite and fatigue. HOBY LINDA TLORD • CrystalICE physical• problems.KAKSONJAE The drug can symptoms that persist for months or • problems for people who take While it's hard to find fault methamphetamine is a colourless, cause rapid heart rate, increased years after an individual has stopped them--and all kinds of people are with wanting to eat less and stay odourless form of d-methampheta- blood pressure, and damage to the using the drug. taking them these days. Not only awake more, wanting to do either mine,L.A. a powerful and highlyGLASS addictive small blood vessels • in the QUARTZbrain-- Crystal methamphetamine users• are more people using speed, behind a hit or two of prescrip- synthetic (man-made) stimulant. which can lead to stroke. Chronic who inject the drug expose them- they're also using crystal meth tion speed or crystal meth can be Crystal meth typicallySH resemblesABUuse of the drug •can resultSHARDS in inflam- selves to additional risks, including which is almost like a super- a bigger problem than being small fragments of glass or shiny mation of the heart lining. Overdoses contracting HIV (human immunodefi- charged form of speed. Most overweight or tired. Way bigger! blue-white "rocks" of various sizes. can cause hyperthermia (elevated ciency virus), hepatitis B and C, and interesting is the fact that individ- The long-term physical toll Like powderedST methamphetamineOVE bodyTOP temperature), convulsions, SUPER and other blood-borne viruses. Chronic• uals say they are running into can be massive, including any or (another form of d-methampheta- death. users who inject methamphetamine problems they never expected. all of the following: mine), crystal methamphetamine is Individuals who use crystal also risk scarred or collapsed veins, Before we say anything about • Vitamin/mineral deficiencies; ICEabused because of the• long-lastingTINAmethamphetamine • alsoVENTANA may have infections of the heart lining and • crystal and other forms of "real" • Lower resistance to disease; euphoric effects it produces. episodes of violent behaviour, para- valves, abscesses, pneumonia, tuber- speed, I think we should take a • Organ damage (particularly to Crystal methamphetamine use is noia,VIDRIO anxiety, confusion, and insom- culosis, and liver or kidney disease. little detour. It may seem a little the lungs, liver, and kidneys) associated with numerous serious nia. The drug can produce psychotic ••• MÉTIS NATION OF ONTARIO HEALTH CAREERS SUPPORT PROGRAM

Do you want to be a health professional? Have you wanted to go back to school but not had the opportunity? Are you currently pursuing a health career and having difficulty making ends meet?

If so, the Métis Nation of Ontario may be able to help you through a new funding program designed to assist Métis students from Ontario who are interested in becoming health professionals or who are currently involved in health career related programs.

This funding is available through the Métis Health Human Resources Initiative, a four year national pro- gram funded by Health Canada. The MNO strives to create a representative workforce with appropriate numbers of Métis physicians, nurses, dentists and other healthcare providers to be responsive to the unique needs of Métis people.

TRAINING & SUPPORT The Training & Support program assists and encour- ages Métis students to gain the necessary prerequi- sites to position themselves for ongoing education ultimately leading to a career in health.

SCHOLARSHIPS & BURSARIES The Bursary program helps Métis students who have demonstrated need for assistance to complete their program of study. Bursary amounts are based on financial need of the student and the availability of program funds.

CONTINUING EDUCATION The Continuing Education award helps Métis health professionals who provide services to Métis people in Ontario to enhance their education. CONTACT For further information or guidance in completing your application, please contact your local MNO Regional Employment and Training Co-ordinator as listed on our web site: www.metisnation.org Funding made available through the Métis Health Human Resources Initiative, a four year national program funded by Health Canada. Other inquiries can be directed to the Métis Health Human Resources Coordinator 500 Old St.Patrick Street, Unit D Ottawa, ON K1N 9G4 Ph: 613-798-1488 or 1-800-263-4889 BUILDING A MÉTIS HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE IN ONTARIO