Invitation to support the Minister for Seniors and Veterans Affairs, Métis Nation of Alberta

Invitation to support the Minister for Seniors and Veterans Affairs, Métis Nation of Alberta

This November a historic ceremony will take place in Juno Beach, France where a monument will be erected to celebrate Métis Nation citizens who fought there. A group from across the Métis homeland will be leaving from Winnipeg to support this. I feel compelled to be one of the numbers who will accompany the veterans, two of whom will be from Alberta and members of the Aboriginal Veterans Society of Alberta.

I do not have a budget for this portfolio and would like to extend an opportunity to community members to support me in this. Several people have expressed an interest to do this. I have booked my spot with the group using my own resources. I anticipate close to $3,000.00 to cover the trip (includes accommodation & bus tour with the group)

My information is that the Métis Nation head office will be sending our two veterans, two youth, and two staff from head office, a videographer and President Poitras.

Additional information is in a press release which cna be found on the Metis National Council website.

Place: Native Healing Centre, 11813-123 Street, Edmonton

Time: 7-8:30 pm

Date: Monday, November 2, 09

Door prizes, silent auction.

If you are unable to attend and want to participate please call me.

Special treat: My Alan Wolfleg, who was part of the group who went to Juno Beach and other places in France in 2005 for the Calling Home Ceremony, has kindly offered to make a presentation about that trip. At that time, Canadian Aboriginal people held a ceremony and an inukshuk was placed, with a window facing toward Canada. It was a very sacred ceremony and Alan has a very informative and educational presentation. So you will be able to actually see some of the places we will be attending.

It is worth coming out just to see the presentation even if you don’t have much or anything to contribute financially. Just your presence will be an encouragement to me. Feel free to bring friends and family. Please RRSP so I can prepare an appropriate amount of snacks. 780.717.8378.

Thank you for your consideration and prayers. Sorry about the short notice but I was late informed.


Monument to Métis Who Served in WWI and WWII Announced for Juno Beach Courseulles-sur-Mer, France --

A monument to Métis Nation citizens who fought during the two World Wars will be erected at Canada’s Juno Beach Centre in Normandy, France.

The Métis National Council’s Minister for Veterans Affairs, David Chartrand, made the announcement today while attending commemoration ceremonies marking the 65th anniversary of D-Day, the June 6, 1944 liberation of Europe by Allied Forces during World War II. “Thousands of Métis Nation citizens bravely and selflessly answered the call to serve during the World Wars,” said Chartrand. “This monument will stand in eternal remembrance to those Métis who fought, who were wounded, and who died defending their people, their country, and world freedom.”

The monument will consist of an exhibit highlighting the history of the Métis Nation in Canada and a Red River Cart, a widely recognized symbol of the Métis Nation currently being constructed in the Métis Nation homeland. The Red River Cart will be accompanied by Métis Nation veterans and youth to Juno Beach in November, where they will take part in its unveiling with a dedication ceremony during 2009 Remembrance Day events. “Métis soldiers, sailors, and aircrew made incredible sacrifices for Canada’s war efforts,” said Chartrand. “This monument is a long overdue acknowledgement to these brave Métis men and women.”

Minister Chartrand went on to thank Veterans Affairs Canada and the Office of the Federal Interlocutor for Métis for their assistance in making the monument possible and providing resources for Métis Nation veterans and youth to participate in its dedication ceremony.

For more information contact Greg Taylor, MNC Communications, at (613) 296-9263 or gregt@metisnation.ca.

The MNC represents the Métis Nation in Canada at the national and international level. The Métis Nation’s homeland includes the 3 Prairie Provinces and extends into Ontario, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and the northern United States. There are approximately 350,000 – 400,000 Métis Nation citizens in Canada, roughly a quarter of all Aboriginal peoples in the country.

Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Region IV

September 9, 2009

To: Members of the Métis Nation of Alberta Association who reside in region IV.

Dear Fellow Metis Sojourners,

Greetings!

I hope this finds you enjoying the still warm days of an Alberta fall. The holiday weekend has come and gone and that means one thing - time for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Region IV of the Métis Nation of Alberta Association. It has been just over a year since the last provincial election (September 2) and the beginning of my term as Vice-President of Region IV. The past year has been both challenging and rewarding.

The AGM date was decided at the last regional council meeting, August 14, 2009 (yes, the same time as the shareholder’s meeting). The shareholder’s meeting is more commonly known as the annual assembly. I received the official notification, Friday, September 4, 2009.

I invite and heartily encourage you to attend the AGM on Saturday, October 3, 2009, 9:00 am - 5:00 p.m. at the Wingate Inn, 18220-100 Avenue, Edmonton, and (a little west of what used to be known as ‘Jasper Place’. As usual, lunch and refreshments will be provided. Please come with friends and relatives. You must be a member to vote. Observers are welcome.

Please note: the old style membership cards expired on August 31, 2009. Please contact President Cecil Bellrose if you want to discuss whether or not you can vote at this AGM if you do not have the new card. If you have any questions about obtaining the ‘new’ card, feel free to call me at 780-717-8378. I can also be reached through email at: spasula@softhome.net. Information is also available from both the region IV office, 780.944.9288, 1.888.588.4088 and the head office on Kingsway (780-455.2200, 1.800.252.7553). The MNAA website has all the details as well, www.albertametis.org.

Note: the Bylaws are posted on the website. I look forward to hearing from you!

P.S. The General Meeting of the Métis Regional Council – Zone IV will be held Friday, 9:30 am at the same place (this is somewhat like a regional business meeting). All members can attend but cannot vote; only the president of a local plus the 2 elected regional officials have a vote.

Sincerely,

Sharon Pasula

Vice-President, Region IV

Want to attend the Gathering for Success symposium.

I would very much like to attend the Gathering for Success symposium. Unfortunately, my travel budget is minuscule (at least I have one) and severely restricts my mobility and participation outside the greater Edmonton area.

I am a global person and would appreciate the rich wealth of talent and creativity that will be represented at the symposium.

As Vice President of Métis Regional Council IV, I would continue to share the knowledge I have with not only my own community but with anyone who has ears to hear.

Thank you for your consideration. Contact info: 780.456.3774
For more information about the symposium: http://www.gatheringforsuccess.ca/

From the website;
Who Should Attend:

· First Nation and Métis community and business leaders from Alberta and across North America
· Indigenous community and business leaders from around the globe
· Business and industry leaders
· Aboriginal and Indigenous youth leaders and entrepreneurs
· Federal, provincial and municipal government leaders, and policy and decision-makers
· Frontline economic development workers
· Government program officials
· Non-profit organizations with an interest in Aboriginal or Indigenous social and economic development
· Consultants working with Aboriginal or Indigenous communities
· Aboriginal and Indigenous media organizations

Why You Should Attend:

The Gathering for Success event is an unprecedented opportunity to learn about, and share, best practices relating to Aboriginal and Indigenous economic development across the globe. The Symposium's concurrent sessions include informative and thought-provoking presentations delivered by experts in the areas of:
· The Knowledge Economy and Sustainable Development
· Leadership
· Innovative Approaches
· Socio-Economic Community Development
The sharing of best practices with an international audience of community, government, and industry leaders passionate about Aboriginal and Indigenous economic development will create opportunities to develop dynamic alliances and partnerships leading to economic empowerment and success.
Event Dates and Location: The Symposium is being held June 28 to 30, 2009 at The Fairmont Banff Springs hotel conference centre.

Costs to Attend: The registration fee is just $575.00. Your registration fee is GST (Goods and Services Tax) exempt, and includes:» Admission to the opening and closing ceremonies, and networking receptions and events» All meals, including the Symposium banquet featuring a live performance by country music performer, Shane Yellowbird» Keynote speeches by:
· Roberta Jamieson
· Chief Willie Littlechild
· Chief Clarence Louie
· Wilma Mankiller
· Mike Tamaki
· David Baxter
· Ernesto Sirolli
» Concurrent sessions presenting best and promising Aboriginal and Indigenous practices in the areas of:
· The Knowledge Economy and Sustainable Partnerships
· Leadership
· Innovative Approaches
· Socio-Economic Community Development

Métis Nation of Alberta Ministries - Portfolios of Provincial Council members

Métis Nation of Alberta Ministries

Assigned by Provincial President Poitras, March 11, 2009, provincial council meeting.

Minister of Environment & Resource Development – Bill Loutitt, Pres Region 1

Minister of Justice & Culture – Brenda Bourque-Stratichuk, V.P. Region 1

Minister of Training & Economic Development – Karen Collins, Pres Region 2

Minister of Education & Early Childhood Development – Homer Poitras, V.P. Region 2

Minister of Housing and Community Support – Ephram Bouvier, Pres. Region 3
Minister of Children and Youth – Bev Weber, V.P Region 3

Minister of Métis Rights and Registry - Cecil Bellrose, Pres Region 4

Minister of Veterans and Seniors- Sharon Pasula, V.P. Region 4

Bev New, Pres Region 5 requested no portfolio.

Minister of Forestry – Elmer Gullion, V.P. Region 5

Minister of Health and Family Wellness – Brandy Mitchell, Pres Region 6

Minister of Traditional Métis Lands – Darlene Cardinal, V.P. Region 6

Provincial V.P. Muriel Stanley Venne will support any Minister requesting assistance and will support the Provincial President in continuing to design new Governance structure.

Women’s portfolio was not assigned- President Poitras indicated there are enough women on council that women’s issues should be addressed.

Veteran and seniors responsibilities:

Establish policies & guidelines for both veterans and seniors
Negotiations with federal and provincial governments on veterans & seniors initiatives
Support Aboriginal Veterans Society of Alberta
Support the Native Seniors Centre for events
Support the Métis Nation of Alberta Elders Council
Be representative on appropriate committees
Develop action plan within 90 days.

You fine people who support me, lend me your ear...whaaa whaaa

You are invited to a thank you Celebration!

Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Time: 5:00 – 8:00 PM: “Come & Go” with a short program between 6 & 7 pm.

Place: Old Timers Cabin, 99 street 94 Ave.

Who: My supporters, especially those who voted for me on September 2, 2008!

Why: To say thank you and have fun!

Host: Sharon A Pasula, family & friends
Vice President, Metis Regional Council IV

Light refreshments will be served.

Artisans will be present so bring $, lots of it :)

PLEASE RSVP to 780. 456.3774 or spasula@softhome.net

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."