Elders inducted

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Members of the Metis Nation from across Alberta gathered to witness the induction of four Metis Elders to the Metis Hall of Honour and to honour the dedication and commitment of their Elders Senate.

Inductees to the Metis Hall of Honour were Bertha Clarke-Jones and Georgina Donald. Honoured posthumously were Ernest House and Felix Cariou.

Clarke-Jones was recognized for her life-long involvement in volunteer activities in Fort Chipewan, Fort McMurray, and Athabasca Metis local and the Friendship Centres, besides being a working mother of seven children.

"I found out yesterday at noon and was very surprised. There are a lot of others who have worked so hard. I guess you can call us the pathfinders...especially the women's group," she said. "Initially, we started locally, then provincially and finally nationally. We did programs for the families. It was good. Now I hope the young women will get in. I want to thank my family. My daughter and my son are here tonight and I want to thank them for being there for me," Clarke-Jones said.

Georgina Donald was acknowledged for retaining the Metis culture by teaching and working with the young people at the Canadian Native Friendship Centre for more than 29 years. She also taught them how to perform the dances of their nation and to re-create the costumes.

"I feel good. Oh, I didn't expect it (the award). I didn't even know about this. I am pleased," Donald said.

Master of ceremonies, Elders Senator Thelma Chalifoux spoke in memory of Felix Cariou.

"As one of the founding members of the Metis Nation organization 65 years ago, Felix Cariou was instrumental in beginning the struggle for the betterment of the Metis people in Alberta and across the whole nation. Thanks to Felix Cariou, Alberta Metis have land and no longer have to live on the outskirts of reserves," she said.

Ernest House served in the Canadian Armed Forces during the Second World War. After the war was over he came home and worked on the unity of the Metis movement.

"He was an influence on all who came in contact with him. If he was here today, he would say 'don't talk like that about me, I'm only doing my job', but it is because of him doing his job that we are better off today," said Chalifoux.

The occasion was celebrated at a Metis Senate Ball on Nov. 19 at the Canadian Native Friendship Centre.

The evening started with a banquet of roast buffalo, vegetables, bannock with homemade butter, assorted pastries, fruit and mint tea. Tables were set for 150 people but more than 225 attended.

Photographs and biographies of all recipients of the Metis Hall of Honour awards are being prepared and will be on display at the Metis Elders Senate office within a few months.