Sunday, June 6, 2010

See Facebook. I don't know how/can't upload text. I don't have time to retype it. Sorry.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

If They Don’t Have Any Dirt, They’ll Make It Up

People speak their minds - good or bad. It is a 'free' country after all. When you are an elected official, some seem to think it is open season to exercise lateral violence.

I received a phone call one day from a community member. He began the conversation with the usual small talk then got to the point, "Do you know ___________?" I said I didn't recognize that name, I'm better with faces. He said, 'He's going around telling everyone that you're not Metis. I asked him if the person knew I was the Vice President. Yes. (Apparently in the past this was an issue). I assured the caller I was Metis - the bylaws state you must be Metis to run for office, and in fact he knows some of my relatives.

We talked a bit more and I thanked him for calling to confirm the facts instead of gossiping like his friend did. I encouraged him to talk to his friend about the matter.

If they don't have any dirt, they'll make it up.

Thanks for praying for me.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

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.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

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

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

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

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

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.