ISSUE NO. 69, WINTER 2012 MÉTISVOYAGEUR Métis Lawyer Jean Teillet, (second from left) answers media questions at the MÉTIS RIGHTS IN THE COURTS: Supreme Court of Canada. Voices of Ontario Métis heard at Supreme Court n December 13, 2011, the vested interest in the outcome of the More specifically, these constitu- Métis (s. 31). The MMF argues that land related commitments made to Supreme Court of Canada case and wishes to make its inter- tional promises were meant to the promises of sections 31 and 32 the Métis Nation. For example, in heard the voice of Ontario ests known to the Court by joining secure for the Manitoba Métis their were not achieved and, as a result, Ontario, Crown representatives Métis in the most important with either the plaintiff or the existing land base in the 1870s (s. the Manitoba Métis remain a land- made promises to the Métis in the case concerning Métis rights defendant. 32) as well as protect their future by less people in the province they historic treaty making process that since the historic Powley deci- This landmark MMF case has providing 1.4 million acres of lands helped create. The MMF’s goal with have never been fulfilled. In sion of 2003. The Métis taken over 20 years to reach the to the children of the Manitoba this litigation is to spur negotiations Alberta, the Crown’s legislative O MNO Nation of Ontario ( ) was an Supreme Court, and is based with Canada and Manitoba in promise of a Métis land base “Intervener” in the hearing of The on the claim of the Manitoba order to finally realize the through The Dominion Lands Act Manitoba Métis Federation v. Canada Métis Federation (MMF) that promise of sections 31 and was never achieved because the (the “MMF case”), which was heard Canada breached its fiduci- 32. Métis scrip system that was imple- by a full panel of the Supreme Court ary and constitutional obli- This landmark case has taken The MNO and MNA inter- mented, ultimately robbed prairie in Ottawa. gations owing to the Mani- over 20 years to reach the Supreme vened to offer their complete Métis of their homelands. The MNO along with the Métis toba Métis by failing to pro- Court, and is based on the claim support to the MMF and “This case provides the Supreme MNC because the case raises Court its first opportunity to build National Council ( ) and the vide the benefit they were of the Manitoba Métis Federation Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) had promised as aboriginal nego- important issues to the Métis on the historic Powley case,” Intervener status in this critical case tiating partners in Confeder- that Canada breached its fiduciary Nation overall as well as explained MNO President Gary as well as the opportunity to make ation. These promises are and constitutional obligations Ontario and Alberta Métis Lipinski, “this time, in relation to oral submissions before the judges. embedded within sections owing to the Manitoba Métis. specifically, since it is the first land related promises made to the Intervener status is granted to a 31 and 32 of The Manitoba case to reach the Supreme Métis people. Ontario Métis, like party that is not already involved in Act, 1870, which are part of Court to deal with the obli- the Manitoba Métis, never wanted an existing lawsuit but that has a Canada’s Constitution. gations of the Crown to fulfill continued on page 3 GENERAL MÉTIS MNO HEALING ASSEMBLY ‘12 YOUTH ELECTIONS WARRIORS Planning for the 2012 Métis youth make Details on the upcoming Métis helps soldiers AGA in Sault Ste. Marie their voices heard province-wide MNO cope with Post-traumatic are already under way. on Parliament Hill. elections. Stress Disorder. Page 23 Page 5 Page 22 & 24 Page 15 40025265 MÉTIS VOYAGEUR 2 Winter 2012, Issue no. 69 ANNOUNCEMENTS NEW ARRIVALS ANNOUNCEMENTS MÉTIS BABIES THE We are proud MÉTIS of you, Alex VOYAGEUR WINTER 2012, NO. 69 Congratulations to Alex Soucie on becoming an Ontario Provin- cial Police Officer on January editor 6th, 2012. Mom, Dad and the Linda Lord family are very proud of you. design Marc St.Germain Ethan contributors A Diamond Art Bennett On December 8, 2011, Cara and Art Henry Jason Wright welcomed their son, Anniversary Barbaranne Wright Ethan Wright, into the world. He Benny Michaud weighed 7 lbs 1 oz. Mom and baby Congratulations to Senator Chris Paci are healthy and doing well. Audrey Vallee and Georgian Danielle Deneau Bay Métis Council past-Presi- Deneige Taylor dent, Allan Vallee, who cele- Duane Hicks brated their 60th wedding Gary Lipinski anniversary on December 29, Jeanette Laurin 2011. Jessie Dolan Judith Baxter Joe Daze Congratulations times 3! Jasmin Katherine Stewart-McNeil Kelly Hornsberger Congratulations go out to Robert employed for 43 years. On Feb- & Justice McKinnon who turned 65 on ruary 19th, Robert and his wife Kirk Fourneir December 13th, 2011. On Janu- Carol celebrate their 40th Amanda Dale (Pimapitone Nibe Lance Holdforth ary 1st he retired from The Beer anniversary. Best Wishes on all Awayte Mino Asin / Running Loma Rowlison Store where he had been three events. Water Over Sacred Stone) and Mike Fedyk Hanna Lily Strength of Two Buffalo Dale are Natalie Noonan pleased to announce the arrival of Raymond Tremblay On December 12th, 2011, Jennifer their children Jasmin Miah Sam Baynham St. Germain and Carey Calder wel- Congratulations Konoronhkwa (Deep Caring) Shawna Snache comed a beautiful baby girl named Dale, born August 22, 2010, Stephen Quesnelle Hanna Lily into the world. She Métis Nation of weighing 7 lbs. 9oz., and Justice Tamara Sheppard weighed 8 lbs. 10 oz. Atathsennowanaht (Honour Ontario Citizens Oneself) Dale, born December 3, contact 2011, weighing 8lbs 7oz. Linda Lord, editor Over 1400 people responded to will help the MNO advocate for Both children are Métis / Six RR1 Hartington, ON the MNO Healing and Wellness better health services of Métis Nation Mohawk and to honour K0H 1W0 Branch health survey that people. our First Nations heritage we have [email protected] appeared in the previous edi- The survey is now complete ensured that they both have their Tel: 613-374-2305 tion of the Voyageur! and the Healing and Wellness Native names on the birth registra- The information from this Branch would like to thank tions. We are proud to honour all If undeliverable return to: survey will be compiled and everyone who participated! three cultures--Métis, European Métis Nation of Ontario and Mohawk! 500 Old St.Patrick St, Unit D Ottawa, ON, K1N 9G4 OBITUARY PH: 613-798-1488 [email protected] Drew David Fernand Lemieux www.metisnation.org 1919-2011 Ten little fingers, and a cute little The next nose, everything’s perfect from his ernand Lemieux passed away five grandchildren and eight great- Viateur Cemetery, Limoges, ON. Voyageur deadline: head to his toes! Tracy Bald (MNO peacefully at the Hospice Corn- grandchildren and is fondly remem- As expressions of sympathy, March 1st, 2012 Community Wellness Coordinator, Fwall on December 5, 2011. bered by many nieces and nephews. memorial donations payable to the Midland) and Brad Sinclair are Fernand Joseph Lemieux of Cornwall He was predeceased by his parents Hospice Cornwall, 1507 Second PUBLICATION #: excited to introduce their son, age 92 years was the beloved husband Raoul and Natalie (Mose) Lemieux; Street West, Cornwall K6J 1J5 or on- PM 40025265 Drew David Sinclair. Drew was of the late Berthe (Bourdeau) his sister Desneige Roy and four line at www.cornwallhospice.com born on September 4, 2011. Proud Lemieux; cherished father of Pierre brothers, Hilaire, Alcide, Conrad and would be appreciated by the family. grandparents are Yvonne and Lemieux (Nicole) of Gatineau, QC, Rhéal. Messages of condolence may be left at Andre Bald of Penetanguishene Claire Redmond (Shaun) of Cornwall Mass of Christian Burial was held www.lahaiesullivan.com and Dave and Betty Sinclair of and Gisele Lemieux (David Martin) of in Ste. Croix Church on December Mr. Lemieux was the father-in-law Copper Cliff. Newmarket. He was Grandfather of 10, 2011. Interment took place at St. of Métis veteran Shaun Redmond. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Opinions expressed in the following commentary are solely those with Attention Deficit Disorder Society (CAS) system. Many orphans of the writer and do not reflect the policies of the Métis Nation (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyper- are leaving the system addicted to of Ontario (MNO) or the viewpoints of MNO officials or staff. activity Disorder (ADHD). I realize medication. We, as citizens of Ontario, that for many children this is accept the words of “cop-out” that because the school system, another CAS uses by saying “orphans slipped Victims of Sixties Scoop private institution, convinces parents through the system.” that their children are too emotion- Why do we accept these words? seek redress in courts ally disturbed to learn in a school Children today have more rights environment and that medication than we did in my generation and am a claimant in the 60’s Scoop of our land and do not have a voice would calm them and increase their children of our land know it. Class Action Suit. The reason I of their own yet. I am concerned ability to learn. Many parents refuse Is it possible our aboriginal Ihave taken a stand is that abo- about what is happening to our abo- to accept this philosophy and refuse orphans recognize their rights and riginal children are still being riginal orphans with prescription to medicate their children. are now being abused by medication removed from their homes at a addictions. Many aboriginal orphans do not which is distorting their identity in higher rate than children of other We live in a day of medication have this consistent parental love and society? nations.