Vice President Report, September 2, 2008 – March 21, 2009

Vice President Report, Sharon A Pasula, Presented at the Métis Regional Council IV, Drayton Valley, March 21, 2009

Executive Summary

The focus of my office during this period concentrated on six areas. First, participation in Métis specific activities either by invitation or acquiring knowledge of it; local meetings (executive, AGM, community consultation, etc - heretofore only the Gunn local has accessed my attention), regional council and related meetings (e.g. flag raising ceremony at City Hall), and all provincial council meetings (includes the strategic planning retreat, specially called events e.g. gathering at the steps of the legislature and attending court in Sherwood Park, duty to consult, etc.). Also, I believe that our history needs to be documented not only for posterity but for our own learning so I arranged a tour of the Métis Archival Project at the University of Alberta. My purpose for this was in large part to encourage community members to volunteer with the project. There is a massive amount of information that needs to be processed and few dollars to pay people to do it.

Secondly, to network and gather information as to available services not already provided by the Métis Nation of Alberta Association (MNAA) and affiliates that Métis people could access, and then to connect Métis people to these services. A line from my campaign literature, “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.” The community knows about these but possibly not those offered generally. One such opportunity is with Action For Healthy Communities. They provide small seed grants for community based initiatives of various kinds in order to foster intercultural and cross cultural relationship building.

Thirdly, to seek out areas of possible community involvement where the Métis voice could be heard. Not only should we have Metis specific programs but we also need to be out in the broader community educating and advocating on our own behalf. Being on boards, advisory committees, etc.of every kind will go far in the Métis being more visible and respected and at the same time less vulnerable and open to misinformation. From my campaign literature, “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.“ One important network I was able to facilitate was between Dr. Lafrance, PhD, Associate Director and Project Director and the MNA’s Health department. I met Dr. Lafrance at the Creating Hope Society, the sixties and seventies scoop: Aboriginal children in Care, 2nd annual conference. He was looking to partner with Aboriginal groups for a research project he is doing called, Knowledge Mobilization for Aboriginal Child Family and Community Wellness through the Alberta Centre for Child, Family and Community Research/University of Calgary.

Fourthly to discover opportunities in healing and reconciliation for our community. “Sharon has a heart to see reconciliation in the Métis Nation,” is another line from my campaign literature. Becoming aware of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is a huge step towards healing. King’s University College hosted a two-day public forum: Remembering the Children: an Aboriginal & Church Leaders’ Gathering in Support of Truth and Reconciliation with excellent speakers and opportunities to dialogue. Attendees became aware of the legacy of the residential schools for First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. When individual understanding not only of this issue but others is gained, the synergy of community healing is multiplied which can result in more positive relationships with others and healthier future generations. The event brought together people who would not otherwise have met.

Fifthly, individual advocacy work. This included issues ranging from membership to help pay a large heating oil bill for a rural community member.

Sixthly, being cognizant of current academic thought both Indigenous and non-Indigenous is critical in helping to advocate for our community on a level other than community development and program services. This is also a means of professional development. I have been blessed to access several public presentations and some conferences and workshops where I paid out of pocket. Most that I have attended have been in the greater Edmonton area – one was at the Blue Quills College close to St. Paul. This invitation came through Anna-Leah King: Co-Director, Aboriginal Teacher Education Program, University of Alberta: Faculty of Education.

Miscellaneous comments

Obviously all these activities cannot be done sitting at a desk in an office. Someone said, “The way to stay in office is to stay out of the office.” I usually spend some time of each day in the office doing administrative work so that it doesn’t get away from me. This doesn’t preclude working at home. Having a computer and internet access also facilitates doing administrative work both during usual office hours and otherwise. The contact information on my campaign literature is still current and community members access me through those ‘out of the office’ channels. Couple this with a windowless office hence no natural light (I have mild seasonal affective disorder) and no fresh air (I keep a fan plus a small electric water fountain to generate humidity) compels me to spend more time in the community.

Being a member of my community league, Spruce Avenue opened doors for me and that was the launching pad for networking in the community development and services area. Currently I participate in a few areas where I hope and work towards having another Métis person sit. Basically, I will sit at the table until someone from the community is willing and able to commit to it. Unfortunately most of these groups meet during usual office hours which prevent most from participating. One example is Voices of the Urban Indigenous People: a group of community agencies and members wanting to make significant contributions through community building initiatives that make a difference to Aboriginal peoples and creates awareness for non-Aboriginal peoples.

I am a strong advocate for environmental concerns and promote recycling. Currently my preferred filing method is not using file folders but to utilize binders. I acquire these from the Reuse Recycle Centre. Much of my office supplies come from there. Membership is $20.00 per year, a nominal cost to help reduce the landfills.

Additional activity details are available on request and may be posted on my blog in the future.

Sharon A Pasula

Report about Contemporary Metis barn raising

The weather was nasty and prevented almost everyone from attending unfortunately.

I arrived Saturday around noon. Shirley's son and wife were already there working. I did some painting and was hurried home before the storm hit. It was snowing in Lacome when I left. Nice weather until 40 km south of Edmonton where I counted 9 vehicles in the ditch. It was slow going after that but I got home without incident. One person who cancelled due to weather sent $50.00 to buy supplies. It was a worthwhile effort and everyone was encouraged.

There is still lots of work to do so don't be shy to call Shirley.403.786.9133 if you are close by or you can also call me. 780.456.3774

(by the way, her new address is #12 Heritage Drive, Lacombe.

I'll try arrange another 'barn raising' in the spring, but don't wait for me.

Sharon Golden Rule: "Do to others as you would have them to unto you."