VOTE FOR SHARON PASULA (LETENDRE)

Sharon Pasula (Letendre), Vice President, Region 4, Métis Nation of Alberta
Métis Nation of Alberta, 2008 Election

Sharon draws from a strong heritage grounded in Lac Ste Anne, Alberta. Childhood summers were often spent helping her granny and grandpa during the annual Ste. Anne pilgrimage. Archie and Caroline (Letendre) had a food stand ‘this side of the creek’ where meals and snacks could be purchased by pilgrims, friends and relatives alike. Archie’s stand was the only one for many years and helped meet a need for the people. Sharon’s family went out year after year to lend a hand. In the early years there was no electricity; this meant no refrigerator so pop was buried in ice in three large wash tubs. It felt good to keep the tubs filled, help scoop ice cream, or flip burgers so others could take a much needed rest. The rewards were ice cream and pop, every kid’s delight. And, despite being told not to, a chance to play on the bridge. Such is a kid’s life, a Métis kid’s life.

Sharon first attended an annual assembly with her Aunties and cousins in Lac La Biche. It was awesome and exciting. It was the first time she was inside a big tent, complete with sawdust on the floor. There were so many people there that the tent was noisy with laughter and conversation. Watching people jig and two-step was a real highlight.

A season of life passed. While in her third and final year as a mature undergraduate student at the University of Alberta, Sharon consciously re-engaged her culture. In 1990 she became a member of the Métis Society of Alberta (before it became the Métis Nation of Alberta) then located on St Albert Trail. Wanting to ignite interest and spur growth, she supported the community as a local president.

Sharon also served the Métis people in the capacity of literacy project coordinator. This was a new position and a new field, both of which captured her interest and energy. During this time, Sharon was also a founding member of the Métis Women of Alberta.

Opportunities presented themselves and Sharon went to Ottawa to serve Métis women as the first Executive Director for the Métis National Council of Women. From there it was on to Manitoba, where she was a card carrying member of the Manitoba Métis Federation. She was again embraced by the Métis community and became active. It was during this time that Sharon attended the Batoche celebration in Saskatchewan, another popular Métis place of gathering.

In 2003 Sharon returned to Edmonton from Manitoba where she earned her Master of Arts degree in adult education. She enjoys supporting her family relationships, rekindling old friendships and establishing new ones.

Professionally, Sharon has her own consulting business, with focuses on community and personal development and teaching. She is a proud member of the Aboriginal Women’s Professional Association. Music is a lifelong passion so she is also a member of the Alberta Association of Aboriginal Music (www.aaamsound.com).

The Nation has had a season of Métis specific programs. These have been life giving in assisting many in the community and should be maintained. It is time now to move ahead and focus on developing partnerships. The Métis are initiators and partners, not a people to demand their own, but a people who desire to live peacefully with neighbors and share resources (e.g. river lots – everyone shared a part of the river front). In light of the recent apology by the Prime Minister, this is a season for healing and rebuilding, to join hands and pool resources. Why should two Métis, neither of whom can afford to build a house, resign themselves to forever rent? With support the two (or more) can collaborate and build a small community (co-op, for seniors and also non - seniors) that together they can sustain at a fraction of the cost.

Establishing partnerships builds in accountability, partnerships increase human and financial resources, decrease individual risk, and help build stronger communities for a more secure and sustainable lifestyle.

Sharon has a heart to see reconciliation in the Métis Nation. Many people have gone their own way for countless valid reasons. Membership could be higher but many refuse to join and/or participate, therefore community development should be a priority.
The community can be re-energized by governing the Métis Nation like a nation, not like a corporation. Unlike a corporation, which is accountable to a board of directors, a nation is accountable to every member. This is the Métis way.

Sharon’s personal, professional and academic experiences and training have prepared her to meet the challenges faced by today’s Métis people head on. Together let us celebrate and build on Métis accomplishments to ensure a secure future for future generations.

PASULA, SHARON (Letendre)
Vice President, Region 4,
Métis Nation of Alberta
780-456-3774,
spasula@softhome.net