Follow up to 'Edmonton Metis Council' Meeting & Christmas Party

December 6 "meeting".

First of all, it was held at the same time as the children's Christmas party at the Friendship centre. Organizer's knew this when they booked the meeting.

It was to start at 1 pm til 4 then a Christmas party to follow. I got there at 1:05 pm. Mr. Robert Lee was smoking outside. I went inside and into the gym. The kids party was just getting underway. There was no sign to indicate there was a meeting there.

I went downstairs and looked around - again no signs to indicate a meeting. I went upstairs again - no one else around for the meeting. I went back downstairs and asked a young woman with two children if there was to be a meeting in there. She said yes, her dad was part of it. I asked, "Who is your dad?" "Robert Lee". I went back upstairs and a man was looking lost so I asked him if he was there for a meeting, he said yes. His name was Wilf. He said he was going to wait around to see if anyone showed up.

I left at 1:20 pm. I was not prepared to wait around to see if anyone "showed up". In my experience, organizer's arrive at least half an hour before a meeting to set up and make sure everything is in working order. It was apparent that few people, if any, would brave the cold or cancel their children's or grand children's party in order to attend a hastily planned meeting.

A community member contacted me subsequently and asked what happened at the meeting . I recounted the above. The community member got there around 4 pm thinking that was when the meeting was to start. One community member was there, the rest were staff and their family members. The community member giving me the account, did not stay.

I asked one of the organizers about the meeting and was not given any significant information.

I am giving considerable thought whether or not I will participate in any further attempts at meetings organized by this particular committee. I have repeatedly stated that every Metis person in Edmonton should be advised about these meetings. This is obviously not the case, therefore I feel forced to retract any support I was originally prepared to give.

If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please contact me in whatever way is convenient for you.

Sincerely,

Sharon Pasula